French Open 2015 - Day 7

by **laverfan** Fri 29 May 2015, 10:29 pm

First topic message reminder :

Philippe-Chatrier Court 11:00 AM

WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Petra Kvitova (CZE) [4] vs. Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) [30]

MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS)

MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Richard Gasquet (FRA) [20] vs. Kevin Anderson (RSA) [15]

WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Serena Williams (USA) [1] vs. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) [27]

Suzanne-Lenglen Court 11:00 AM

MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Andy Murray (GBR) [3] vs. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) [29]

WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) vs. Kristina Mladenovic (FRA)

MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP) [6]

WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) vs. Sloane Stephens (USA)

Court 1 11:00 AM

Women's Singles - Round 3
Andrea Petkovic (GER) [10] vs. Sara Errani (ITA) [17]

Men's Singles - Round 3
David Goffin (BEL) [17] vs. Jeremy Chardy (FRA)

Men's Singles - Round 3
Simone Bolelli (ITA) vs. David Ferrer (ESP) [7]

Mixed Doubles - Round 2
Martina Hingis (SUI) [8]
Leander Paes (IND) [8]
vs.
Katarina Srebotnik (SLO)
Horia Tecau (ROU)

Court 2 11:00 AM

Women's Singles - Round 3
Andreea Mitu (ROU) vs. Francesca Schiavone (ITA)

Women's Singles - Round 3
Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) [23] vs. Madison Keys (USA) [16]

Men's Singles - Round 3
Jack Sock (USA) vs. Borna Coric (CRO)

Women's Doubles - Round 2
Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)
Samantha Stosur (AUS)
vs.
Timea Babos (HUN) [3]
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) [3]

Court 7 11:00 AM

Men's Singles - Round 3
Marin Cilic (CRO) [9] vs. Leonardo Mayer (ARG) [23]

Women's Singles - Round 3
Irina Falconi (USA) vs. Julia Goerges (GER)

Men's Doubles - Round 2
Carlos Berlocq (ARG)
Leonardo Mayer (ARG)
vs.
Pablo Cuevas (URU) [12]
David Marrero (ESP) [12]

Mixed Doubles - Round 2
Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER)
Jean-Julien Rojer (NED)
vs.
Yung-Jan Chan (TPE)
John Peers (AUS)

Read more at http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/index.html#R6HDfVxGGIbZQXD7.99

by bogbrush Sat 30 May 2015, 6:17 pm

Murray needs to hope Rafa gets through to that quarter unscathed. He's going to get one of them and the last thing he needs is Novak arriving in the semi dropping no sets and luxuriating in confidence.

by TRuffin Sat 30 May 2015, 6:31 pm

bogbrush wrote:
It Must Be Love wrote:OH MY GOD.
What a volley from Nadal to win that set. It's often been said by commentators such as myself that Nadal is one of the best volleyers in the game, and that volley was further proof of that. Nadal 2 sets up.
It was a half-volley.

lol

by Silver Sat 30 May 2015, 7:26 pm

Good comeback from Ferrer, and a creditable win for Gasquet rounds out the day. No surprises, but the real meat starts tomorrow.

bogbrush wrote:Murray needs to hope Rafa gets through to that quarter unscathed. He's going to get one of them and the last thing he needs is Novak arriving in the semi dropping no sets and luxuriating in confidence.

Yes, this is his best chance. I do think he could win the whole thing, but he still needs a few puzzle pieces to fall into place. If he can get through an in-form Chardy and Ferrer without dropping more than a set, then he's looking very good indeed. Doubly so if Novak and Rafa go to war.

As unthinkable as it sounds, would he rather play the King than the Prince? Maybe.

There's surely little threat coming from the weaker half of the draw, particularly looking at the odds posted.

by banbrotam Sat 30 May 2015, 8:39 pm

It'd be a scream if Roger and Andy had their first clay court meeting here

by bogbrush Sat 30 May 2015, 8:46 pm

I think he'd rather play Nadal. He looked vulnerable to the type of hitting Murray was knocking out today.

Yeah, Andy v Roger would be fun though Fed would be well hacked off to lose another RG final! Can't see him making it that far though, I will be pleasantly surprised if he got past Monfils, though if he does I expect him to win the quarter.

by Jermaine2015 Sat 30 May 2015, 9:05 pm

Murray's not a threat to Djokovic on any surface. In Melbourne Djokovic was there for the taking and Murray choked. Should they meet in the SF Djokovic will embarrass Murray.

by Haddie-nuff Sat 30 May 2015, 9:16 pm

Looking at the h 2 h on the ATP site I would hardly think he is jumping up and down with glee to meet either Rafa or Novak.

by Jermaine2015 Sat 30 May 2015, 9:20 pm

Haddie-nuff wrote:Looking at the h 2 h on the ATP site I would hardly think he is jumping up and down with glee to meet either Rafa or Novak.

Spot on

by temporary21 Sat 30 May 2015, 9:29 pm

Probably would have to meet one of them though. Nafal he has recent over at leasy

by bogbrush Sat 30 May 2015, 9:32 pm

Murray isn't playing like he was even a few months ago, he's much more positive. That's why I give him chances and why old records aren't as relevant.

I've moaned about Murray being passive for YEARS so I am delighted to see him taking the rallies on so much.

I make him 2nd favourite.

by Jermaine2015 Sat 30 May 2015, 9:36 pm

bogbrush wrote:Murray isn't playing like he was even a few months ago, he's much more positive. That's why I give him chances and why old records aren't as relevant.

I've moaned about Murray being passive for YEARS so I am delighted to see him taking the rallies on so much.

I make him 2nd favourite.

second favourite in a two horse race is normally the first loser...

by Haddie-nuff Sat 30 May 2015, 9:50 pm

Jermaine2015 wrote:
bogbrush wrote:Murray isn't playing like he was even a few months ago, he's much more positive. That's why I give him chances and why old records aren't as relevant.

I've moaned about Murray being passive for YEARS so I am delighted to see him taking the rallies on so much.

I make him 2nd favourite.
second favourite in a two horse race is normally the first loser...

I wouldn't put any more money on it than Novak. One of the two horses is pulling a bandswaggon

by bogbrush Sat 30 May 2015, 9:53 pm

Jermaine2015 wrote:
bogbrush wrote:Murray isn't playing like he was even a few months ago, he's much more positive. That's why I give him chances and why old records aren't as relevant.

I've moaned about Murray being passive for YEARS so I am delighted to see him taking the rallies on so much.

I make him 2nd favourite.
second favourite in a two horse race is normally the first loser...

Well... yes. Not sure what point you're making.

by Born Slippy Sat 30 May 2015, 10:02 pm

bogbrush wrote:
Jermaine2015 wrote:
bogbrush wrote:Murray isn't playing like he was even a few months ago, he's much more positive. That's why I give him chances and why old records aren't as relevant.

I've moaned about Murray being passive for YEARS so I am delighted to see him taking the rallies on so much.

I make him 2nd favourite.
second favourite in a two horse race is normally the first loser...
Well... yes. Not sure what point you're making.

He seems to be saying only Novak and Murray can possibly win the event? I would be delighted if he makes the SF and pushes Djoko/Nadal. Whilst Im sure he aims to win the whole thing, realistically this is mainly about being in shape for a charge at a second Wimbledon. He looks in good shape for that.

If Novak and Andy do reach the SF, we will have the slightly odd position of two players unbeaten on clay this year facing off for a place in the final.

by Haddie-nuff Sat 30 May 2015, 10:10 pm

Im not sure he is.. the bookies are not making it a two horse race..
Somehow I think that is a point being overlooked
In case Im mistaken Headscratch

by Born Slippy Sat 30 May 2015, 10:14 pm

It would be a major shock if one of Novak or Rafa don't win. Personally, I think Novak may win without dropping a set. He was scary good today and no-one is beating him if he gets 80% first serves in court. I think the rest have to hope he gets a bit nervous with a first RG title in sight.

by bogbrush Sat 30 May 2015, 10:14 pm

The bookies don't have an opinion about who'll win, they just reflect betting patterns. All it means is most money is on Djokovic, 2nd on Nadal and three others next. But people are often out of date - making Fed 3rd favourite, for instance, is just nostalgia.

I definitely see that semi-final coming to pass. Djokovic is favourite for that, I'm not saying Murray is favoured to beat him.

by Jermaine2015 Sat 30 May 2015, 10:22 pm

Djokovic will not beat Nadal in straight sets. Even back in 2011 when he was a relentless machine he dropped sets at Wimbledon and New York. And Nadal could take Djokovic to 5 sets, as if they do meet in the 1/4 final Nadal will be 70-1

by Haddie-nuff Sat 30 May 2015, 10:25 pm

Jermaine2015 wrote:Djokovic will not beat Nadal in straight sets. Even back in 2011 when he was a relentless machine he dropped sets at Wimbledon and New York. And Nadal could take Djokovic to 5 sets, as if they do meet in the 1/4 final Nadal will be 70-1

Your dead right.. even Novak is showing Nadal more respect than that.. he knows as does Federer that Rafa becomes a different animal on RG clay.. he is not counting any chickens of that Im sure.
Saying that, I would be delighted if Rafa can win .. but Im not holding my breath this is the most contested FO in recent years and nothing is certain by any means.
But count Nadal out at your peril !!!

by Born Slippy Sat 30 May 2015, 10:30 pm

Jermaine2015 wrote:Djokovic will not beat Nadal in straight sets. Even back in 2011 when he was a relentless machine he dropped sets at Wimbledon and New York. And Nadal could take Djokovic to 5 sets, as if they do meet in the 1/4 final Nadal will be 70-1

Novak's a level up from 2011 in my view. He's a lot more in control now. Rafa is also clearly nowhere near the same shape. I wouldn't put it past Rafa to push him - he's an incredible competitor. However, everything that's happened this year indicates a Novak easy win.

by Haddie-nuff Sat 30 May 2015, 10:33 pm

Win maybe.. easy Erm

don't bank on it

by Jermaine2015 Sat 30 May 2015, 10:36 pm

Born Slippy wrote:
Jermaine2015 wrote:Djokovic will not beat Nadal in straight sets. Even back in 2011 when he was a relentless machine he dropped sets at Wimbledon and New York. And Nadal could take Djokovic to 5 sets, as if they do meet in the 1/4 final Nadal will be 70-1

Novak's a level up from 2011 in my view. He's a lot more in control now. Rafa is also clearly nowhere near the same shape. I wouldn't put it past Rafa to push him - he's an incredible competitor. However, everything that's happened this year indicates a Novak easy win.

I'm not sure Djokovic is actually better than 2011.

He should've lost final in Australia. And was touch and go with Roger in Indian Wells.

Factor in Djokovic has the pressure to win Roland Garros, even if Nadal loses he's still the greatest ever on clay. Plus Djokovic hasn't beaten Nadal 3/5 sets since 2012. These are factors.

by Haddie-nuff Sat 30 May 2015, 10:56 pm

Whatever the outcome.. Novak will not be handed it without a fight.
Novak looks better, because he hasn't had strong enough opposition
Murray off form, Nadal injured and off form, and an aging Federer below par.
Yep he pretty much looks like he has it sewn up. Then Murray has got his act together, Rafa has improved match by match at RG, Federer Erm

I honestly don't think is a contestant.. but... he has proven everyone wrong in the past.. its not beyond the bounds of possibility.
Lets see how he does tomorrow.. cant write him out of the script either.
We have had no upsets in week 1.. There is not a player left who can afford to be complacent.
Sock is looking dangerous, he could be Rafa's downfall yet Whistle

by Aut0Gr4ph Sat 30 May 2015, 11:14 pm

Interesting question about who Andy would prefer to meet in the semis. Tough one to call, but, possibly slightly counterintuitively, I think he'd be marginally better off with Novak. My logic is thus. On current form, Rafa will have to up his level significantly to beat Novak. Thus, if Rafa gets through Novak, he's pretty much guaranteed to be in top form. I don't think Andy has any realistic prospect against an in form Rafa on clay. Also, if Novak was to defeat Rafa, there's an outside chance of a shock Novak meltdown as the Holy Grail of tennis hoves into view. Either way, I think Andy would be the rank outsider, unless the other two engage in a protracted bloodbath, while Andy cruises his match with Daveed. Obviously shouldn't take the Daveed match-up for granted, but am reasonably confident about that one. Not entirely sure why.

by kingraf Sat 30 May 2015, 11:33 pm

Intrigued at Monfils-Federer. Monfils has won five straight sets against Roger on clay, and should have put him away in four in New York. But he isn't the fittest, and is coming off back to back wars. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing for a guy like Monfils. I mean, the first one wasn't too draining I'd think, and the mental confidence gained from emerging with your hand raised in successive fivers might override the fatigue which pertains to such endeavours. Might even watch.

by lags72 Sun 31 May 2015, 12:02 am

kingraf wrote:Intrigued at Monfils-Federer..............................

............................................................................

Might even watch.

Gee, that's good of you.

I'm sure both players will be thrilled that you're thinking of giving up your time Wink

As for the more substantive part of the post, I'm broadly in line with your assessment. My own money is very much on Monfils. Recent match-ups have given him a new-found confidence v Federer that was totally lacking in years past ; and of course Fed is way more vulnerable than in his pomp.

by Aut0Gr4ph Sun 31 May 2015, 12:02 am

Jermaine2015 wrote:
Born Slippy wrote:
Jermaine2015 wrote:Djokovic will not beat Nadal in straight sets. Even back in 2011 when he was a relentless machine he dropped sets at Wimbledon and New York. And Nadal could take Djokovic to 5 sets, as if they do meet in the 1/4 final Nadal will be 70-1

Novak's a level up from 2011 in my view. He's a lot more in control now. Rafa is also clearly nowhere near the same shape. I wouldn't put it past Rafa to push him - he's an incredible competitor. However, everything that's happened this year indicates a Novak easy win.
I'm not sure Djokovic is actually better than 2011.

He should've lost final in Australia. And was touch and go with Roger in Indian Wells.

Factor in Djokovic has the pressure to win Roland Garros, even if Nadal loses he's still the greatest ever on clay. Plus Djokovic hasn't beaten Nadal 3/5 sets since 2012. These are factors.

Maybe Novak isn't better than his 2011 version, but surely you'd have to agree that Rafa is quite a bit worse. Of course his RG record is immense, but I think his decidedly wobbly clay form this year is a more relevant factor.

by kingraf Sun 31 May 2015, 12:21 am

lags72 wrote:
kingraf wrote:Intrigued at Monfils-Federer..............................

............................................................................

Might even watch.

Gee, that's good of you.

I'm sure both players will be thrilled that you're thinking of giving up your time

As for the more substantive part of the post, I'm broadly in line with your assessment. My own money is very much on Monfils. Recent match-ups have given him a new-found confidence v Federer that was totally lacking in years past ; and of course Fed is way more vulnerable than in his pomp.

My dissertation for my honours is taking an incredible amount of time mate. I haven't even watched TV in two weeks. They better well be honoured!

by TRuffin Sun 31 May 2015, 12:48 am

kingraf wrote:Intrigued at Monfils-Federer. Monfils has won five straight sets against Roger on clay, and should have put him away in four in New York. But he isn't the fittest, and is coming off back to back wars. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing for a guy like Monfils. I mean, the first one wasn't too draining I'd think, and the mental confidence gained from emerging with your hand raised in successive fivers might override the fatigue which pertains to such endeavours. Might even watch.

Reports from some fans today that fed cut his practice short and looked like he tweaked something. Spent some time talking to physio and looked peed, then headed out without his usual autograph session.

Saw one report from a journalist that he stopped the practice about 20 minutes in and nobody know why.....so things could be looking not so great for fed tomorrow against Mongols. Fingers crossed it's nothing though and we see a hell of a match

by Silver Sun 31 May 2015, 1:35 am

If Fed's injured his back again, then he is screwed. He did look hacked off at the end of his 3R match, but probably unrelated. He has been in tetchy old man mode so far this week.

Hopefully he's fine though and we see a good match. Monfils also has strapping on so let's hope he's okay too.

by Matchpoint Sun 31 May 2015, 7:06 am

Between 2 wounded warriors? The home crowd will decide, like they did vs Cuevas. Advantage to Monfils.

by bogbrush Sun 31 May 2015, 7:07 am

If it's the back then this could be more than the end of Roland Garros.

At his age and after such effort to sort that, why bother?

by Matchpoint Sun 31 May 2015, 7:08 am

temporary21 wrote:Probably would have to meet one of them though. Nafal he has recent over at leasy

?

by Belovedluckyboy Sun 31 May 2015, 8:07 am

Murray has to get past Ferrer first most probably, why are we talking as if he's already in the SF?

Someone who says that an in form Rafa (after beating Novak) will be tough for Murray in the SF and I agree. Even a top form Novak has/had problems with an in form Rafa, Murray is certainly not better than a top form Novak on clay! I do think Murray will have better chances if it's Novak instead of Rafa in the SF, imo.

Rafa is a good returner of serves on clay, so he'll deal with Novak's serves better than Kokkin did. If Rafa can reach the QF to meet Novak, I won't be surprised that he may beat Novak there.

by Matchpoint Sun 31 May 2015, 9:07 am

bogbrush wrote:If it's the back then this could be more than the end of Roland Garros.

At his age and after such effort to sort that, why bother?

I could be way off base, but I think Federer is a savvy guy with a broad vision. It's still important for him to honour his ATP responsibilities. He knows that regardless, if a top player doesn't show up for a slam, God-knows-what negative press will ensue. He'd worked too hard to put a blotch now in an otherwise unblemished legacy thus far. Even if he has all the legit excuses to withdraw given his age, I think he'd rather lose with dignity than to be perceived as ducking a challenge he cannot surmount.

So why bother? Because he's a professional. This RG is between Djokovic and Nadal. Federer et al are an afterthought. Nothing wrong with losing.

by socal1976 Sun 31 May 2015, 9:27 am

Well I have to say young Nick is quite a revelation, I waited a while but I think if he gets his work ethic right and some luck with injuries he has slams and the number 1 ranking in his future. Of course a lot depends on his heart and his body because he has incredible power, hands, and athleticism.

Jack Sock is another very good prospect at just 22. I think he will challenge Nadal in the next round. I am not saying he will beat Nadal but he will be a challenge as opposed to the guys in the earlier rounds. Sock is easily the best American in a while if he can stay healthy which has been a problem for him. He easily is much better than Roddick, Fish, Ginepri, Isner, Querrey in terms of athletic and tennis ability. But he has had some injury issues. To me if he fulfills his potential he can be among the best players in the next few years. His forehand is absolutely frightening almost as heavy as Nadal's with more pace and penetration. Serve is huge but the rest of his game is pretty good as well.

by socal1976 Sun 31 May 2015, 9:33 am

I am not sold on Kokkanakis, I don't think Novak played particularly well in beating him. It was an average Novak overwhelming the kid. I think at his height he is going to have problems. He doesn't move like a Berdych or Del Po at his height. And his return is really poor. I mean Novak served well but to not even getting to deuce in 15 service games shows that his return kind of stinks. His movement is below average. I mean if you don't move well at 19 it is unlikely that at 25 you are going to move any better.

Nadal was a bit flattered by the scoreline. He wasn't as good as his scoreline. This was the easiest of the third round matchups for any of the top guys and Kuznetsov played at a lower level than even expected. Nadal played much better against Almagro. I think Sock will be a significant step up in competition and will tell us more about what level Nadal is hitting. Still favor Nadal to win that match.

by bogbrush Sun 31 May 2015, 9:34 am

Matchpoint wrote:
bogbrush wrote:If it's the back then this could be more than the end of Roland Garros.

At his age and after such effort to sort that, why bother?
I could be way off base, but I think Federer is a savvy guy with a broad vision. It's still important for him to honour his ATP responsibilities. He knows that regardless, if a top player doesn't show up for a slam, God-knows-what negative press will ensue. He'd worked too hard to put a blotch now in an otherwise unblemished legacy thus far. Even if he has all the legit excuses to withdraw given his age, I think he'd rather lose with dignity than to be perceived as ducking a challenge he cannot surmount.

So why bother? Because he's a professional. This RG is between Djokovic and Nadal. Federer et al are an afterthought. Nothing wrong with losing.

No, no. I don't mean scratch. I mean decide to run the obligations out & retire, subject to actually being able to play.

This back thing has been there through his whole career and it's obviously a fundamental condition. There must come a point where it wins for good.

by Matchpoint Sun 31 May 2015, 9:48 am

Ok, got it.

His "last wish" may well be 2016 Olympic Gold but the back issues could only get worse bet now and then.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 31 May 2015, 2:12 pm

I would be in two minds if I was Federer. If there is an issue with his back that is going to impede him or get worse without rest then he'd be better pulling out of the Monfils match and resting up for the grass court season where he is more of a threat in any case. I have had a quick hunt around and none of the sports sites have picked up on any problems for Federer so we shall see.

by Aut0Gr4ph Sun 31 May 2015, 2:12 pm

Belovedluckyboy wrote:Murray has to get past Ferrer first most probably, why are we talking as if he's already in the SF?

Someone who says that an in form Rafa (after beating Novak) will be tough for Murray in the SF and I agree. Even a top form Novak has/had problems with an in form Rafa, Murray is certainly not better than a top form Novak on clay! I do think Murray will have better chances if it's Novak instead of Rafa in the SF, imo.

Rafa is a good returner of serves on clay, so he'll deal with Novak's serves better than Kokkin did. If Rafa can reach the QF to meet Novak, I won't be surprised that he may beat Novak there.

Don't think anyone is taking the Ferrer match for granted. It's just fun to speculate about potential blockbuster matches in the latter stages and rather tedious to have to caveat every previous round. By the way, you forgot to mention that Murray needs to earn the right to play Ferrer by beating Chardy.....

by Aut0Gr4ph Sun 31 May 2015, 2:18 pm

socal1976 wrote:Well I have to say young Nick is quite a revelation, I waited a while but I think if he gets his work ethic right and some luck with injuries he has slams and the number 1 ranking in his future. Of course a lot depends on his heart and his body because he has incredible power, hands, and athleticism.

Jack Sock is another very good prospect at just 22. I think he will challenge Nadal in the next round. I am not saying he will beat Nadal but he will be a challenge as opposed to the guys in the earlier rounds. Sock is easily the best American in a while if he can stay healthy which has been a problem for him. He easily is much better than Roddick, Fish, Ginepri, Isner, Querrey in terms of athletic and tennis ability. But he has had some injury issues. To me if he fulfills his potential he can be among the best players in the next few years. His forehand is absolutely frightening almost as heavy as Nadal's with more pace and penetration. Serve is huge but the rest of his game is pretty good as well.

And let's not forget he's also called Jack Sock. Exciting times for us pun lovers. Here's hoping that Sock and Kokk end up vying for the number one spot.

by summerblues Sun 31 May 2015, 4:54 pm

Regarding whether Andy would prefer to play Rafa or Novak. I definitely think Novak.

If Rafa beats Novak, then it means it is the top form Rafa and there is no way Andy wants to play that.

Andy would also likely lose to Nole, but I think he would have better chance than against well playing Rafa.

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