Monte Carlo Masters thread

by It Must Be Love Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:16 pm

http://www.montecarlorolexmasters.mc

All the top players are playing, with the exception of Andy Murray, who's busy getting married.

Beautiful tournament, love scenery, and a nice start to the European Clay Court season.

Monte Carlo Masters thread Mc71-112

by temporary21 Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:25 pm

So Roger does play Monte Carlo this year I suppose. I cant find the draw, it must be out by now

by It Must Be Love Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:28 pm

temporary21 wrote:So Roger does play Monte Carlo this year I suppose. I cant find the draw, it must be out by now

Draw is out tomorrow I believe.

by Silver Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:29 pm

Look at that view! Gorgeous Smile

I'd love to attend, but to afford it I'd have to sell my house. And possibly my family.

by It Must Be Love Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:30 pm

Silver wrote:Look at that view! Gorgeous

I'd love to attend, but to afford it I'd have to sell my house. And possibly my family.

Maybe I'm biased because Nadal's won it 2 trillion times, but I always have a feel it's a majestic event, one of my favourite on the tennis calendar.

by temporary21 Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:33 pm

It is an absolute beauty of an event. It's. Good clay court too it's not a hc but it's not mud either

by Haddie-nuff Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:45 pm

A Rafa fan friend of mine went a couple of years back..apart from the tennis she said it was such a beautiful setting.. it was a joy.Had a fantastic time both watching the matches and not

by **laverfan** Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:58 am

Silver wrote:Look at that view! Gorgeous

I'd love to attend, but to afford it I'd have to sell my house. And possibly my family.

Get SoCal/HMM to petition Djokovic to make you a guest in his box. Wink

by summerblues Sat Apr 11, 2015 1:16 am

This is where the real tennis season starts for me.

by Silver Sat Apr 11, 2015 1:23 am

laverfan wrote:
Silver wrote:Look at that view! Gorgeous

I'd love to attend, but to afford it I'd have to sell my house. And possibly my family.

Get SoCal/HMM to petition Djokovic to make you a guest in his box.

If this ever happened, I'd have to start worshipping at the Church of Novak. At least - following in the spirit of the one true God - they'd have excellent baked goods on Sundays Wink

by **laverfan** Sat Apr 11, 2015 3:18 am

Silver wrote:If this ever happened, I'd have to start worshipping at the Church of Novak. At least - following in the spirit of the one true God - they'd have excellent baked goods on Sundays

BS mentioned that Federer handed 16 bagels in 2006 (6 till the end of Miami), while ATP data shows 19.

Djokovic has already delivered 8, so far. He can deliver more than Federer 2006 at this rate. Come prepared with a good appetite!

by HM Murdock Sat Apr 11, 2015 8:04 am

I agree about Monte Carlo. Fabulous tournament.

Perhaps the only tournament where I'd be more happy with a seat up in the heavens than a seat courtside!

I agree with temp21's comments about the surface too. Even when Nadal was winning all those times in a row, I didn't think it was especially tailored to his game (ignoring the fact that all clay except blue is good for Nadal!). It's a surface that would allow different styles to play well.

I really have no idea who I think will win this year. I suppose Nadal has to start as the favourite but probably not an overwhelming one.

by Jahu Sat Apr 11, 2015 10:45 am

DJoko will be at his home tournament, but tired, maybe Stan can fire again.

A good place to see top players how are they gearing for clay season.

by Matchpoint Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:29 pm

Will Nadal be seeded 5th? That doesn't seem right....

by temporary21 Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:39 pm

Won't he be at least 4th with Andy out?

by Calder106 Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:42 pm

Draw is now on ATP site. Nadal seeded 3 as Murray and Nishikori not playing. Nadal and Djokovic in same half of draw. So potential S/F meeting.

by Matchpoint Sat Apr 11, 2015 12:49 pm

Yeah, my bad. Still doesn't seem right at 4th, esp. if he's the favourite.
____________________________________________
On a totally separate note t21 (and anyone who can please help), I wish to change my username but don't see how I can do this on my profile page. Is it not possible for an existing user to change his/her name? If you feel this is better discussed by pm, could you do so? Thanks in advance.

by HM Murdock Sat Apr 11, 2015 1:10 pm

Calder106 wrote:Draw is now on ATP site. Nadal seeded 3 as Murray and Nishikori not playing. Nadal and Djokovic in same half of draw. So potential S/F meeting.

Should Novak meet Rafa in the SF, that will be the 8th time on clay in the last 13 meetings.

by temporary21 Sat Apr 11, 2015 2:12 pm

Blue Moon wrote:Yeah, my bad. Still doesn't seem right at 4th, esp. if he's the favourite.
____________________________________________
On a totally separate note t21 (and anyone who can please help), I wish to change my username but don't see how I can do this on my profile page. Is it not possible for an existing user to change his/her name? If you feel this is better discussed by pm, could you do so? Thanks in advance.

You need an admin to do that for you. Get in contact with one in the front page or pm

by kingraf Sat Apr 11, 2015 2:16 pm

Think you've got to get an administrator to change your name. Just message AdamD. Also ask him to get me a new badge

by Matchpoint Sat Apr 11, 2015 2:53 pm

IMBL, what do you think of the draw? Any update on Rafa's current form?

by Matchpoint Sat Apr 11, 2015 2:55 pm

Jahu wrote:DJoko will be at his home tournament, but tired, maybe Stan can fire again.

A good place to see top players how are they gearing for clay season.

Who do you see winning it?

by Matchpoint Sat Apr 11, 2015 3:01 pm

kingraf wrote:Think you've got to get an administrator to change your name. Just message AdamD. Also ask him to get me a new badge

I hate bothering people for that. Wish there's a way I can do it myself. Sounds funny, but what new badge?

by It Must Be Love Sat Apr 11, 2015 3:07 pm

Blue Moon wrote:IMBL, what do you think of the draw? Any update on Rafa's current form?

Really annoyed with the draw, but if he can reach the semis then atleast he can be ahead of Nishikori in the rankings.
Will have a re-match against Ferrer in the QF, which is a very tough one, Ferrer beat him at this stage last year.

by kingraf Sat Apr 11, 2015 3:27 pm

If you look at everyone's profile, most don't have anything on. But T21's says Moderator, while Julius' says "Sanity Clause", Adam thought it funny to have mine say "SpringCok".

by Jahu Sat Apr 11, 2015 4:02 pm

Blue Moon wrote:
Jahu wrote:DJoko will be at his home tournament, but tired, maybe Stan can fire again.

A good place to see top players how are they gearing for clay season.
Who do you see winning it?

Anyone but Djoko, please God almighty, I know nobody recognizes or cares for Djoko in MC, but he will fight hard.

Would love Fed to take it.

If not, Stan or a non top 4, Raonic/Dimi/Doglo go go go!!!

I want Nadal to beat DJoko in the SF laughing

More of a wish list I guess, first tourney on Clay, got to see them in action a few days.

by Jahu Sat Apr 11, 2015 4:03 pm

kingraf wrote:If you look at everyone's profile, most don't have anything on. But T21's says Moderator, while Julius' says "Sanity Clause", Adam thought it funny to have mine say "SpringCok".

What is a SpringCok? Like Spring Rooster or a Spring mating organ?

by TRuffin Sat Apr 11, 2015 4:40 pm

One of the more balanced draws I've seen in awhile. Fed/Stan will be a really tough quarter. Nadal/Djoko in the semis... good stuff.

by It Must Be Love Sat Apr 11, 2015 4:49 pm

TRuffin wrote:One of the more balanced draws I've seen in awhile.

Not really...

by kingraf Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:00 pm

The name of the national rugby team is the Springboks (Spring bucks in English). SpringCok is supposedly a clever play on words

by temporary21 Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:05 pm

So Nadal and Novak on one half and fed stan in one quarter. In that case there's a hole somewhere for a big player to take advantage of

by TRuffin Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:08 pm

It Must Be Love wrote:
TRuffin wrote:One of the more balanced draws I've seen in awhile.
Not really...

They can't be all handpicked fluffs for your guy... What would you have been more to your liking if you were in charge of the draw?

by It Must Be Love Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:11 pm

TRuffin wrote:
It Must Be Love wrote:
TRuffin wrote:One of the more balanced draws I've seen in awhile.
Not really...

They can't be all handpicked fluffs for your guy... What would you have been more to your liking if you were in charge of the draw?

What's to my liking is irrelevant, but it's one of the most unbalanced draws I've seen.
You have to two bookies favourites in one half of the draw. The in the other half of the draw you have 3rd and 4th bookies favourites in the same quarter, with one comparatively weak quarter of Berdych vs Raonic.

by TRuffin Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:13 pm

I think the Berdych/Raonic Quarter has the easiest path. Fed and Nadal will be facing guys in the quarters that have beaten them here before. I think the only two wins Stan has ever had vs Federer have been in Monte Carlo.

Nadal has Djokovic a step further though Djoko has to be worn out at this point. Djoko has a decent path as well to the semis unless Cilic finds his top form suddenly.

by TRuffin Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:17 pm

It Must Be Love wrote:
TRuffin wrote:
It Must Be Love wrote:
TRuffin wrote:One of the more balanced draws I've seen in awhile.
Not really...

They can't be all handpicked fluffs for your guy... What would you have been more to your liking if you were in charge of the draw?
What's to my liking is irrelevant, but it's one of the most unbalanced draws I've seen.
You have to two bookies favourites in one half of the draw. The in the other half of the draw you have 3rd and 4th bookies favourites in the same quarter, with one comparatively weak quarter of Berdych vs Raonic.

you've seen? wow... guess you haven't seen nearly every draw in the past year.

You do realize it's based on seeds/ranking and not bookies favorites right?

Of course, you'd rather have Nadal in Federers half but we've seen that tournament after tournament so it's about time they were in separate halves.

by It Must Be Love Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:31 pm

TRuffin wrote:
You do realize it's based on seeds/ranking and not bookies favorites right?

Yes, I know that, I'm not suggesting the tournament's made a mistake with their draw in terms of seeding, I just don't think it's a very balanced draw.

by temporary21 Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:37 pm

Nadal not being one of the top 2 seeds always risks lop siding one side of the draw. Stand minor drop adds to the risk. It could have been Rafa stan and Novak on one side

by temporary21 Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:37 pm

Lop siding the draw on a clay court of course

by Jahu Sat Apr 11, 2015 6:00 pm

kingraf, nice & thx thumbsup

by Silver Sat Apr 11, 2015 6:04 pm

Indeed. It's just the way it falls sometimes; the same thing could well happen at RG, with the clear #1/2 on clay being on the same side of the draw.

Ferrer is a very strong clay player too, further lopsiding things! Not as bad as it could've been though as temp said.

Going to be a fascinating tournament, especially the Nadalovic / Swiss matches - if they come to pass.

by yloponom68 Sat Apr 11, 2015 11:19 pm

Djokovic - don't see anyone who would raise any flags whatsoever through to and including his 1/4 final. He's got all the tools to handle any opponent that makes it through in 1st few rounds. Of course anything CAN happen, but think he's a "write in" for the 1/2's

Nadal - hmmm, still worried about his "nerves," playing Isner should he make it could be problematic if Isner hits a huge 1st serve ratio, but one hopes Rafa could at least tire him out a bit. Ferrer doesn't worry me even though he beat him last year in straights, think if Rafa is there, the he'll "do the business" and put that right, with a win. Then, it would be Djokovic in the semis - that's the one most people would be very curious about. How Rafa will manage that, if he can raise his game - he hits short when he's not feeling confident and "match tough." If he does that with Djokovic, not going to end well, or take three long sets either. Think that's the match of the tournament for me.

Federer - he'll be just fine through to the 1/4's. Well rested, fresh and won't have any issues before that stage. And of course Stan has got to make it to 1/4's to play Federer, that's the "weak" link for that 1/4. Just doesn't seem to be handling things well, of late. Think if they do get there, Federer "makes it right" again this time around.

3rd 1/4 the one I see as being most open - Berydch, Raonic - will be interested whether it's a dry, sunny week - or if it is an overcast, damp week - because that makes a big difference with both of these guys. Would actually like to see them play on the clay to get an idea if Raonic can translate his recent improvements, onto the clay courts - and Berdych is a good opponent against who, to do that. Will give an indication of how his CC season, might progress from MC onwards.

However it goes, excited to be at the beginning of the Clay court season, and see how things unfold. The march to Roland Garros and possibly Djokovic completing his Personal Slam; Rafa making double digits at his favourite slam; Roger being rejuvenated, healthy and possibly having less pressure on him than for a while, "his" is already in the bag, anything else is gravy - that might just free him up a little. Stan desperately needs some good results in big tournaments for his confidence, not to mention his ranking, as Defending Champ! Onwards and upwards....

by socal1976 Sun Apr 12, 2015 5:13 pm

yloponom68 wrote:Djokovic - don't see anyone who would raise any flags whatsoever through to and including his 1/4 final. He's got all the tools to handle any opponent that makes it through in 1st few rounds. Of course anything CAN happen, but think he's a "write in" for the 1/2's

Nadal - hmmm, still worried about his "nerves," playing Isner should he make it could be problematic if Isner hits a huge 1st serve ratio, but one hopes Rafa could at least tire him out a bit. Ferrer doesn't worry me even though he beat him last year in straights, think if Rafa is there, the he'll "do the business" and put that right, with a win. Then, it would be Djokovic in the semis - that's the one most people would be very curious about. How Rafa will manage that, if he can raise his game - he hits short when he's not feeling confident and "match tough." If he does that with Djokovic, not going to end well, or take three long sets either. Think that's the match of the tournament for me.

Federer - he'll be just fine through to the 1/4's. Well rested, fresh and won't have any issues before that stage. And of course Stan has got to make it to 1/4's to play Federer, that's the "weak" link for that 1/4. Just doesn't seem to be handling things well, of late. Think if they do get there, Federer "makes it right" again this time around.

3rd 1/4 the one I see as being most open - Berydch, Raonic - will be interested whether it's a dry, sunny week - or if it is an overcast, damp week - because that makes a big difference with both of these guys. Would actually like to see them play on the clay to get an idea if Raonic can translate his recent improvements, onto the clay courts - and Berdych is a good opponent against who, to do that. Will give an indication of how his CC season, might progress from MC onwards.

However it goes, excited to be at the beginning of the Clay court season, and see how things unfold. The march to Roland Garros and possibly Djokovic completing his Personal Slam; Rafa making double digits at his favourite slam; Roger being rejuvenated, healthy and possibly having less pressure on him than for a while, "his" is already in the bag, anything else is gravy - that might just free him up a little. Stan desperately needs some good results in big tournaments for his confidence, not to mention his ranking, as Defending Champ! Onwards and upwards....

I personally think Nadal will up his level on clay, the forehand will start jumping again for him his movement becomes so natural and so lethal on clay. But it remains to be seen if he ups his level enough to take Novak out in the semis. I think he needs time to build his confidence back up after the most trying few months on the tour. Amazingly, he has won 1 tournament in south America since winning the FO last year. I think if he is playing well physically that he will be formidable come the FO. This is his backyard and it will certainly give his level of play a big shot in the arm. Novak in my mind has got to be a bit tired mentally coming into this tournament. And for Federer the relatively easy draw and playing Stan who he has owned over his career and who also is in a bit of tailspin presents a big opportunity to win this thing. Especially, if Nadal and Djoko have a three set war in the semi and the next day Fed is waiting there well rested.

by socal1976 Sun Apr 12, 2015 5:14 pm

It Must Be Love wrote:
TRuffin wrote:
It Must Be Love wrote:
TRuffin wrote:One of the more balanced draws I've seen in awhile.
Not really...

They can't be all handpicked fluffs for your guy... What would you have been more to your liking if you were in charge of the draw?
What's to my liking is irrelevant, but it's one of the most unbalanced draws I've seen.
You have to two bookies favourites in one half of the draw. The in the other half of the draw you have 3rd and 4th bookies favourites in the same quarter, with one comparatively weak quarter of Berdych vs Raonic.

Fed got a gooey cupcake draw, everyone who can analyze impartially can see that.

by It Must Be Love Sun Apr 12, 2015 6:00 pm

socal1976 wrote:
yloponom68 wrote:Djokovic - don't see anyone who would raise any flags whatsoever through to and including his 1/4 final. He's got all the tools to handle any opponent that makes it through in 1st few rounds. Of course anything CAN happen, but think he's a "write in" for the 1/2's

Nadal - hmmm, still worried about his "nerves," playing Isner should he make it could be problematic if Isner hits a huge 1st serve ratio, but one hopes Rafa could at least tire him out a bit. Ferrer doesn't worry me even though he beat him last year in straights, think if Rafa is there, the he'll "do the business" and put that right, with a win. Then, it would be Djokovic in the semis - that's the one most people would be very curious about. How Rafa will manage that, if he can raise his game - he hits short when he's not feeling confident and "match tough." If he does that with Djokovic, not going to end well, or take three long sets either. Think that's the match of the tournament for me.

Federer - he'll be just fine through to the 1/4's. Well rested, fresh and won't have any issues before that stage. And of course Stan has got to make it to 1/4's to play Federer, that's the "weak" link for that 1/4. Just doesn't seem to be handling things well, of late. Think if they do get there, Federer "makes it right" again this time around.

3rd 1/4 the one I see as being most open - Berydch, Raonic - will be interested whether it's a dry, sunny week - or if it is an overcast, damp week - because that makes a big difference with both of these guys. Would actually like to see them play on the clay to get an idea if Raonic can translate his recent improvements, onto the clay courts - and Berdych is a good opponent against who, to do that. Will give an indication of how his CC season, might progress from MC onwards.

However it goes, excited to be at the beginning of the Clay court season, and see how things unfold. The march to Roland Garros and possibly Djokovic completing his Personal Slam; Rafa making double digits at his favourite slam; Roger being rejuvenated, healthy and possibly having less pressure on him than for a while, "his" is already in the bag, anything else is gravy - that might just free him up a little. Stan desperately needs some good results in big tournaments for his confidence, not to mention his ranking, as Defending Champ! Onwards and upwards....

I personally think Nadal will up his level on clay, the forehand will start jumping again for him his movement becomes so natural and so lethal on clay. But it remains to be seen if he ups his level enough to take Novak out in the semis. I think he needs time to build his confidence back up after the most trying few months on the tour. Amazingly, he has won 1 tournament in south America since winning the FO last year. I think if he is playing well physically that he will be formidable come the FO. This is his backyard and it will certainly give his level of play a big shot in the arm. Novak in my mind has got to be a bit tired mentally coming into this tournament. And for Federer the relatively easy draw and playing Stan who he has owned over his career and who also is in a bit of tailspin presents a big opportunity to win this thing. Especially, if Nadal and Djoko have a three set war in the semi and the next day Fed is waiting there well rested.

Socal, good to see you're back

It's crucial he reaches the semis, so he gets past Nishikori in the rankings. If he puts up a decent fight against Djokovic, I'd be happy with his week.

by Josiah Maiestas Sun Apr 12, 2015 6:45 pm

Nadal is at the age now where slams become rare to claim now and 1 year older than Novak. Novak has no excuses to get humiliated for a FOURTH year in a row by the same stalwart on the real clay, not these Mickey Mouse masters!

by Haddie-nuff Sun Apr 12, 2015 6:49 pm

Josiah Maiestas wrote:Nadal is at the age now where slams become rare to claim now and 1 year older than Novak. Novak has no excuses to get humiliated for a FOURTH year in a row by the same stalwart on the real clay, not these Mickey Mouse masters!

Is there one player you can name that does not want to win one of these "Mickey Mouse Masters" ? Rolling Eyes

by Josiah Maiestas Sun Apr 12, 2015 6:58 pm

Haddie-nuff wrote:
Josiah Maiestas wrote:Nadal is at the age now where slams become rare to claim now and 1 year older than Novak. Novak has no excuses to get humiliated for a FOURTH year in a row by the same stalwart on the real clay, not these Mickey Mouse masters!

Is there one player you can name that does not want to win one of these "Mickey Mouse Masters" ?

Novak plays at 100% for the Masters and suffers when the slams come around so plays at 80%. He will never win the French with this attitude.

by Haddie-nuff Sun Apr 12, 2015 7:29 pm

That's not what I asked

by socal1976 Sun Apr 12, 2015 8:50 pm

Thanks IMBL, I mean I have no doubt that if nadal is reasonably healthy he will be a formidable obstacle by the time of RG. But I think he will build his level up for that tournament. I think for Novak to win the French he will have to play much better than he has up till now. He will be pushed and tested by nadal if they meet much more than he has been.

by Haddie-nuff Sun Apr 12, 2015 8:59 pm

No disrespects socal for me I would like Novak to play as he is (agreed he is not at his best) for Rafa to raise his game a notch or two.. then if they meet in the semis.. ??????? I would like to see Rafa get a tournament under his belt some time soon Rolling Eyes

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