Australian Open 2014 Men's Final

First topic message reminder :

We seem to have overlooked this. It's tomorrow apparently. Or today in Australia. The bad news is it that rain is forecast - no, not for Oz, for my doubles match at midday 

This is far from Stantastic at the moment, but a good hold nonetheless.

crucial hold

ChequeredJersey wrote:Hmmm, tad dodgy if Rafa wins this and I am a Rafa fan

I'm almost thinking this too but then if you look at the actual play - Rafa's serve is still down, he's still not moving well and is just smacking balls at every opportunity - any loss for Stan will be self-inflicted imo, he's gifting Rafa games with erratic play.

We need a break now and a service hold.

Stan went walkabout. Signs are that his serve is back, but he needs to stop playing Nadal's serve as if he'll get more chances. He may not.

Nadal is clearly NOT at his best, but he's getting into it. Stan has to make his serve a castle and play it tighter on Nadal's serve.

Nadal sliding on the hardcourt at full stretch. He's back!

Poor.

Nadal far from his best, you guys having a laugh?
You're just looking for any sign to justify your thoughts on MTOs & cheating.

Stan looks so peed off

Mid 180's serves now. He's getting close now.

Too sad to be true. Stan is giving this set away.

Keep your serve Stan

barrystar wrote:Stan went walkabout. Signs are that his serve is back, but he needs to stop playing Nadal's serve as if he'll get more chances. He may not.

Nadal is clearly at his best, but he's getting into it. Stan has to make his serve a castle and play it tighter on Nadal's serve.

Clearly injured you mean? Stan chucking away more break points. The more he lets Rafa hang in there the more anxious he will become. A couple of serves at 180kmh in that game.

lydian wrote:Nadal far from his best, you guys having a laugh?
You're just looking for any sign to justify your thoughts on MTOs & cheating.

FWIW, Rafa's injury is obviously genuine. Anyone suggesting otherwise is being ridiculous

However, it is a testament to his talent that he can play through pain. Stan is still in hot water.

Better from the Stanimal. That forehand volley was exceptional!!

Missing not there!

Stan more focused now, not same as first set, keep it up

Born Slippy wrote:

barrystar wrote:Stan went walkabout. Signs are that his serve is back, but he needs to stop playing Nadal's serve as if he'll get more chances. He may not.

Nadal is clearly at his best, but he's getting into it. Stan has to make his serve a castle and play it tighter on Nadal's serve.

Clearly injured you mean? Stan chucking away more break points. The more he lets Rafa hang in there the more anxious he will become. A couple of serves at 180kmh in that game.

I meant clearly NOT at his best!

Still can't see how Nadal can win this, ok the back spasm/whatever may ease but its still hampering him, partic. on low BHs. Stan should be giving him loads of slices to the BH wing and then drop shotting him.

I really hope Stan wins this. He was playing well enough to win and was then thrown the biggest curveball ever.

I can't remember anyone having to deal with this situation in a slam final. And let's remember this is his first final and could even be his last. Must be so tough mentally for him.

Drink one shot very time the commentators use the term "clearly injured"

lydian wrote:Still can't see how Nadal can win this, ok the back spasm/whatever may ease but its still hampering him, partic. on low BHs. Stan should be giving him loads of slices to the BH wing and then drop shotting him.

Don't underestimate the benefit of Rafa's experience playing in slam finals and Wawrinka's inexperience at the big stage.

He does not seem to know how to cope.

lydian wrote:Still can't see how Nadal can win this, ok the back spasm/whatever may ease but its still hampering him, partic. on low BHs. Stan should be giving him loads of slices to the BH wing and then drop shotting him.

Quite agree. Stan is going through a bit of a brain fart right now. He is playing like it will fall in his lap, but he's still got to get out there and win it.

Good hold. Allez Stan.
"don't stop believing!"

Stan break him now, do you hear me?

That was terrible

Is he injured now? I can't tell.

Nadal can't long ralley...the match is done.

He heard me, I swear

Well broken Stan

ALLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!

Stan finally holds his nerve and breaks.

Yes Stan!

Oh mommy

Rafa still looks in discomfort

Broken to love

So he's not injured now? ( You know I'm jesting)

Seriously mental midget stuff from Stan there.

WTF...and I don't mean World Tour Final!

Oh, Stan....

Can't say that I did not see this coming though...

Stan choked there

bogbrush wrote:Seriously mental midget stuff from Stan there.

There is a reason why this is his first slam final.

He is still in deep trouble.

Nobody really thought the match was over.

Stan cannot serve when the PRESSURe is on.

A lot of housewives will be crying tonight.

Yesssss

2 bp's.

SERVE IT STAN PLEASE!!!

Stanimal!! On you go!! I think lydian called it a while ago, Stan has to go low with his shots because Nadal struggled with that volley.

5-3 stan. The pressure is on again. Must be ready

COME ON STAN!