AUS open semi-final 1 - match comment thread

[Guest]

First topic message reminder :

OK people there have been a plethora of Fedal articles but I decided to make this one just so we can all post on the same thread during the match itself.



emancipator - may the serve be with you

[Henman Bill]

Both playing average for me, neither best nor worst from either.

[Tenez]

That's what I have been talking about. Beginning of set, Fed can time the ball beautifully. After a set, even a few games, and the timing goes off and misses 2 easy FHs. Even if rallies are shot Nadal makes sure Federer runs fast right and left. And pulling a well timed shot after a 50m race is not the same as when you haven't yet.

[Henman Bill]

These Eurosport commentators are saying some interesting things but seem to be placing too much in the balls, saying that FEderer had to get the break there to have a chance more or less. Still surely he's in with a chance even with slower balls.

[legendkillar]

That was just ridiculous! Match turner that shot.

[break_in_the_fifth]

How much slower do they want the courts...

[barrystar]

Nightmare

[Simple_Analyst]

Nadal is a living legend. Federer is getting taught a lesson in passing shots. He is clueless and rushes to the net.

[Henman Bill]

Great quality game and brilliant break from Nadal!

[LuvSports!]

Nadal is a living legend. Federer is getting taught a lesson in passing shots. He is clueless and rushes to the net.

hellllllo again buzzkillllington why are you here?

[legendkillar]

Nadal starting to get a foot hold in this match now. Federer dropping off.

[Jeremy_Kyle]

It's just always the same story......

[Tenez]

I find those points where Fed execute a tough BH smash with Nadal getting to the ball and looping it back an injustice to the game. It just shows that there is no point taking risk. This why Djoko and Nadal prefer to battle it out without trying to pull too many winners.

[Henman Bill]

Nadal got a break through his own winners and great play, rather than sitting and waiting for Federer errors.

Can't understand the commentators saying that 4-2 is the match for Nadal, with Federer a set up! Long way to go yet!

[Henman Bill]

I find those points where Fed execute a tough BH smash with Nadal getting to the ball and looping it back an injustice to the game. It just shows that there is no point taking risk. This why Djoko and Nadal prefer to battle it out without trying to pull too many winners.

Meh, it was a great point! Great smash and a fun next shot. I think Federer maybe off balance expectinng down the line.

FEderer has had plenty of nice winners to be fair, especially at the start.

[break_in_the_fifth]

I find those points where Fed execute a tough BH smash with Nadal getting to the ball and looping it back an injustice to the game. It just shows that there is no point taking risk. This why Djoko and Nadal prefer to battle it out without trying to pull too many winners.

Yeah totally agree, its just like whats the point. Just stand 5m behind the baseline and chase everything down on any court.

[Henman Bill]

Some of you more diehard Federer fans struggling to enjoy this! Long way to go yet. Even if he loses console yourself with the 16 slams!

[Henman Bill]

It is the slower surface as well. I like the mix of speeds but agree with you more on US and Wimbledon, or are you talking more about balls and fitness than court.

[break_in_the_fifth]

Nice Fireworks.

[Tenez]

Nadal got a break through his own winners and great play, rather than sitting and waiting for Federer errors.

What you call winners are in fact Fed's winners which on those slow surfaces turned against him. The dynamics are completely different from how we have known tennis since we strated watching.

Can't understand the commentators saying that 4-2 is the match for Nadal, with Federer a set up! Long way to go yet!

Of course it's over. Can't you see the physical gap is too huge? At best Federer can make the score decent from now.

[Tenez]

Some of you more diehard Federer fans struggling to enjoy this! Long way to go yet. Even if he loses console yourself with the 16 slams!

Well as said a few times, Fed's sharpest blade is useless to knock down the tree that Rafa is. He needs an axe, not a Gilette blade.

Murray and Djoko have the axe.

[Guest]

Hello



Oh minions do not despair!

I am preparing the ancient stop The Nadull dance. I have not used it since Wimby '07.

All is not lost



emancipator

[break_in_the_fifth]

Hopefully Fed can regroup for the next set.

[Simple_Analyst]

My word Federer is a truely average volleyer. I thought he improved.

[Henman Bill]

Last 2 sets Federer got the early break...

What this time? Nadal looks more likely this time.

[Henman Bill]

Betfair still shows even odds or extremely close, 1.98 and 2. If you're so sure Tenez get on there!

[Guest]

I think you are wumming SA. We know your views but each comment is intended to wind others up rather than to offer insight in the match.

Hopefully others realise this and can just ignore it - knowing that you are just having your "fun".

[Simple_Analyst]

The line judges have been poor.

[Jeremy_Kyle]

Fed's playing with fear, this is not going to help him.....

[Simple_Analyst]

So Nore Staats you think Federer is a great volleyer?

[break_in_the_fifth]

Feds forehand is missing all the time. That's basically the story of the match.

[legendkillar]

Federer completely un-ravelling. Not a pretty sight.

[Henman Bill]

Yeah agree with Nore Staat. I think Federer only played freely until 4-1 or so in the first set. Since then it's a case of a mental battle and Nadal winning it.

[break_in_the_fifth]

I don't think he cares anymore.

[Guest]

ok this match is officially over

[LuvSports!]

yessss fedssss comeee on show the emotionnnn

[Jahu]

Vamos Feddddd

[Simple_Analyst]

At least he is getting lucky

[LuvSports!]

great hold phew

[break_in_the_fifth]

about time.

[legendkillar]

Nadal's dad looks like a cross between Tom Wilkinson and Paul McCartney

[Henman Bill]

how close was that drop shot!
Stil not playing at his best but gutsy hold after the double faults

That shows the mental issue against Nadal - Federer probably hasn't hit 2 DFs in a row all tourny

[mthierry]

Lol at these Fed fanboys displaying all the traits of "fanboyism" with their bitterness. There's a long way to go yet so maybe you should enjoy the match in the spirit of the game rather than inundating this board with your endless moaning.

Goodness me!

[break_in_the_fifth]

As if Fed is better than ever. Spraying shots all over the place. Random dropshots. He's nothing compared to his former self this match.

[HM Murdock]

Yeah agree with Nore Staat. I think Federer only played freely until 4-1 or so in the first set. Since then it's a case of a mental battle and Nadal winning it.

This is what is so frustrating. Nadal is so much in Fed's head that Fed's form beforehand is virtually irrelevant. He is seized with fear that he just doesn't get with other players.

If Nadal gets to the final, it becomes very predictable. If he meets Murray, Nadal wins. If he meets Djokovic, Nadal loses.

[break_in_the_fifth]

Shouldn't you be enjoying the intelligent tennis yourself instead of handing out the labels?

[legendkillar]

There is still something in the match for Federer. Just got to up his performance.

[Henman Bill]

Federer played better in last year's semi against Djoko when he didn't get a set. Matchup issues and mental I guess.

Federer has shown some good mental strength at times today. And Nadal has shown some tightness. But overall, the trend is one way.

[Henman Bill]

Don't like predictability that's why I want to Fed beat Nadal, Nadal beat Djokovic and Murray beat any of them!

[legendkillar]

Mats calling Federer FH a choke?

[break_in_the_fifth]

Maybe, its nothing like the other matches. The shots he'd routinely hit are going out. Be interesting to see if he'll change it round.

[Sponsored content]