US OPEN (Grand Slam), 26/8 - 9/9 2013. Main thread - information.

[Sallydaisy]

Tommy Robredo leads Roger Federer 7'6, 6'3 ... note of caution though.

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes) 14s (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes/status/374672406859616256) Don't forget that Robredo led @Evo151216 (https://twitter.com/Evo151216) by two sets to love and was taken to brink of a fifth.
And The Fed is, um, a little better than Evo

[Sallydaisy]

Ferrer in a spot of bother against Tispy 1 set a piece and 1-3 down in 3rd
The little beast is back on terms and serving at 3-3.

[traveller7]

It would be seeing as I believe Andy beat Tommy relatively easily at Wimby yet Fed cant break him interesting.....
:doh:

[Jane]

Tommy Robredo - fabulous:clap::clap::clap:

[Sallydaisy]

Federer has a 10-0 H2H over Trob; will that have any bearing as this match progresses?

[traveller7]

Federer has a 10-0 H2H over Trob; will that have any bearing as this match progresses?
:facepalm:

[Sallydaisy]

Tipsy serving for a 2 sets to 1 lead over Ferrer but is being taken to Ad and there ya go, the little beast breaks back. The Serb must be kicking himself - could cost him the match.

Federer is after a break over Trob and has 3 chances at 40-0* against the server.

[traveller7]

Saving 5bps Tommy holds
Vamos Tommy!

[Linda]

Vamos Tommy! Also, Vamos Rafa! Vamos Ferru! Allez Gasquet! So many good matches all on at the same time!

[traveller7]

And Ferrer gets the 3rd set 7-5 very tense and tight matches going on here

[Sallydaisy]

Ferrer breaks Tipsy again to take the 3rd set 7'5. Tide may have turned in this match ...

[Sallydaisy]

Trob breaks Fedex and is serving at *4-3 in the 3rd set.

[traveller7]

My blooming stream and livescore froze again at a big point
Yayyy come on Tommy!!!!

[traveller7]

Tommy holding to love Fed looking tired
3-5

[Linda]

Absolutely brilliant point by Kohlschreiber there. Difficult to know which match to watch at the moment!

[Linda]

Well done Tommy! :clap: :clap: :yahoo:

[Jane]

Well done Tommy:boogie::boogie::boogie::dance::dance::dance: :clap::clap::clap:

[DaveArneRiise]

Robredo has beaten Federer in straight sets. Unbelievable.

[Sallydaisy]

:boogie:
Nobody beats Tommy Robredo 11 times in a row .....
;)

I'm offski ... should have been in bed 2hrs ago!

[lynne]

Well Done Tommy!!!!:thumbup:

[traveller7]

Great win well done Tommy after beating our Dan glad that he has gone on to consolidate his form, though feelings are that he wont progress any further with a possible Nadal match!

[DaveArneRiise]

2002 was the last year Federer failed to reach a final in any of the Slams.

[traveller7]

The tide is turning and there are new top dogs in town!

[DaveArneRiise]

Kohli is playing some good tennis here, saved 3 sets point and took it into a tie breaker.

[karanga]

Well done Tommy. :boogie: :boogie: :boogie: :bravo:

[supergran]

Just thought I'd pop in after watching Tommy and Fed to say:yahoo::dance::clap::cheer:and well done Tommy!The tide is turning, his days are numbered and I'm not one to gloat but I will!:boogie::yahoo::dance:

[DaveArneRiise]

Kohli has gone and taken the first set against Rafa!

[traveller7]

Ermmm Nadal just lost first set in tiebreak

[supergran]

Interesting, isn't it?

[traveller7]

Interesting, isn't it?

Mad though I cant see it going the same way as Feds match

[DaveArneRiise]

Cmon Kohli keep on keeping on! Would be amazing for Andy both Nadal and Federer going out on the same night. Imagine waking up to that news!

[traveller7]

Cmon Kohli keep on keeping on! Would be amazing for Andy both Nadal and Federer going out on the same night. Imagine waking up to that news!
Dream scenario but very unlikely

[supergran]

I must go to bed, Chap coming at 8 tomorrow to install new alarm. Don't think I'll be greeting him. I'm dreaming now of what news will I hear....You never know folks. Another challenge and it's in. 3-2 for Kohli.. Goodnight all.

[DaveArneRiise]

Dream scenario but very unlikely

If he takes this 2nd set it's more than a possibility.

[traveller7]

It is but I'm being pessimistic which might counteract a jinx if i'm too optimistic hahah

[traveller7]

And Ferrer has just won in 4 sets taking it to a tiebreak

[DaveArneRiise]

Kohli really gifted that break to Nadal there, turning point perhaps?

[traveller7]

Gasquet and Raonic is in a 4th set now
Maybe they should put the doubles on Grandstand now the Tipsy match is over?!

[Helen40]

Woohoo Robby, beaten Fed in 3!!!

[traveller7]

Nadal taken the 2nd set 6-4 but with just one break its very tight

[RoastLamb]

I'm watching Milos on tv. He's playing very, very well - so far!

Saw Tommy take the first set tiebreak tho'. So happy he won! In straights!

Now I'm watching Rafa on internet. Vamos!!! :cheer:

[traveller7]

17mins opening game of 3rd set Kohl manages to fend off tonnes of bps

[ljs]

Quite a night

I almost feel sorry for Fed .... ALMOST :big grin:

Milos & Richard putting on a good show

[traveller7]

Nadal just won 3rd set 6-3 shame Kohl was holding serve strongly up to that last game

[ljs]

Nadal just won 3rd set 6-3 shame Kohl was holding serve strongly up to that last game

Kinda figured that would happen :rolleyes:

Milos and Richard into a 5th set , uggggg

[traveller7]

Nadal now at 3-0 full steam ahead

[traveller7]

And Nadal wins in 4 6-1 in the fourth set

Vamos the Brits!

[lynne]

Richie beats Milos...6-7, 7-6, 2-6, 7-6, 7-5!!!!



My sleep pattern is totally all to pot:sleepy:

[traveller7]

What a final set been glued a shame for Raosnic but Gasquet so deserves it first QF at the US well done to him!

[RoastLamb]

Too bad for Milos. He had plenty of chances. Kudos to Ritchie tho'. Would love to see him beat Ferru now. But tbh I feel like Rafa has an excellent chance to reach the final again now. (Fingers crossed.)

[JAMES4578]

Certainly a lot of drama tonight! Surprised Tommy beat Fed in straights having never beaten him before but Roger not quite the same force these days. It means though Rafa likely to have easier route to the final than either Andy or Nole,though looks like Kohli tested him for a little while. Tight with Milos and Gasquet,well done Richie!

[patmoren]

Maybe "they" will now accept that Federer is past it and stop giving him the prime schedule slots to the detriment of Andy. Federer is saving himself for the slams and not even making those.

[LC the fan]

As I said a while ago, I'm almost beginning to feel sorry for him. It cant be easy but he is doing it to himself so...I suppose that is his choice

[harriet]

may be a bit soon for tommy to beat rafa, there is only a 6-0 history between them. mind you, last time they met, paris 2009, tommy won a set, did he say "I'm getting closer" I wonder?

[Reef]

Tommy's win puts Evo's exploits into perspective - he at least managed to bag a set and almost more....

Can't help wondering how he would have fared against Fed though.

[harriet]

the guardian (http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/sep/03/roger-federer-tommy-robredo-us-open) hoists the possibility that fedX may not make it to the WTF, ie the London jamboree for the top 8.
"It is absurd to think we have seen the last of Federer at this level. He played superbly in the first three matches. But we might not see the Roger adored by millions again. We might not even see this version of him in the ATP World Tour Finals in London in November, if he slips outside the top eight in the world. As Louis Armstrong said, that's life."

[harriet]

sky showing highlights at noon for an hour

[supergran]

"I self-destructed. I beat myself." Well, no Roger.....Tommy beat you!:tennis::raspberry:

[RoastLamb]

Tommy's win puts Evo's exploits into perspective - he at least managed to bag a set and almost more....

Can't help wondering how he would have fared against Fed though.

That's what I thought too. We'll never know.

[Caro]

Didn't stay up late last night as had to be up at 05.45 this morning. In later tomorrow so am planning to get up to watch Andy. Really shocked to see Tommy had beaten Fed and the first thing I thought was that Evo had taken a set where Fed was unable to!

[pabbers]

This could now very well be a Djoko v Rafa final - they both have had fairly jammy routes. Andy (assuming he gets past Istomin :cauldron:) would face Berdy/Wawrinka, then potentially Rafa, then Nole. If by some miracle (or Murraycle) he were to get to the final I defy anyone to say he wouldn't have beaten Rafa fair and square for once - no knees excuse pllllllease. Still, that scenario is a long way off.

[Madeline]

If he gets past Berdy/Wawa, it would be probably Nole THEN Rafa.

I just have this horrible feeling that if Andy and Nole play the semifinal, they will knock 7 bells out of each other and the winner be left too exhausted to beat Rafa. I do think it will be Rafa coming through in that half (but then I didn't expect Robredo to beat Fed. . .)

[pabbers]

Oops - still whichever order, it's a tall ask!

[Mickey]

All is possible, tennis doesn't follow the script.;)

[LC the fan]

I have a distinct feeling that - if Andy can get himself past the Birdman - he'll beat Novak and get to the final.


Then its anyone's guess but again....just a feeling but.......well, we'll see. Birdie first

[Reef]

I have a distinct feeling that - if Andy can get himself past the Birdman - he'll beat Novak and get to the final.


Then its anyone's guess but again....just a feeling but.......well, we'll see. Birdie first

That's if it IS Berdy - but then Stan's hardly an easy opponent either!

[Linda]

Berdy and Stan are both tough opponents - but then again, so is Robredo. You never know, it could be Robredo in the final.

Fed might do better if he concentrated on his tennis instead of his "style" and "glamour".

[traveller7]

Hewitt and Youzhny are battling it out 1 set a piece at the moment

[banskogirl]

come on Lleyton!!

[Linda]

Blimey! It's looking like Lleyton will win this. The oldies are doing well here (well, except Roger, that is).

[JAMES4578]

Lleyton really in commanding form right now as he's turned the tables on Youzhny,great stuff!

[pabbers]

Blimey! It's looking like Lleyton will win this. The oldies are doing well here (well, except Roger, that is).
Mind you Youzhny's only a year younger - or were you meaning more generally, rather than this match?

[Linda]

I meant generally. Robredo is 31.

[traveller7]

Into a 5th set hewitt and youzhny go

[JAMES4578]

Spoke too soon, all to play for in the decider!

[traveller7]

5-5 fifth set
Isnt it odd to see players struggling against someone that Andy dispatches in three sets - Robredo and Youzhny for example!

Nole is out on court now.

[traveller7]

And Youzhny takes the win 7-5 in the fifth set well done him but a shame for rusty.

[Linda]

^ Don't understand your post. Robredo is a fine player - he has beaten Andy three times!

Ah well, Youzhny takes it in the end.

[traveller7]

^ Don't understand your post. Robredo is a fine player - he has beaten Andy three times!


Ah well, Youzhny takes it in the end.

Yes both good players I meant that its heartening for us as Andy fans to see him dispatch them so quickly these days as the champ he is. It took Youzhny five sets to win today Andy beat him in three sets at Wimby.

[Linda]

Ah right, with you now. :thumbup:

[harriet]

lleyton must be kicking himself, served for 2 sets, third and fifth - missed both times, won on tb in third but youzny too strong in fifth

[RoastLamb]

Djokovic is steamrolling over Granola bar. :rolleyes:

[traveller7]

Woh Nole is on fire 6-0 second set

[Bardot]

Djokovic's draw is a djoke! Granoller's already played three 5 set matches and Novak gets another 5 set survivor in the quarter-final.

An aside but good to hear Martina Navratilova and Nick Bollettieri on BBC 5Live both point out how fortunate Federer was to win the bulk of his slams in a period (2003-2006) when there wasn't the challenge there is today. GOAT....what GOAT? (they didn't say that ;))

[traveller7]

63 60 60 and Nole is through to qf's

[RoastLamb]

I think Djoko's 1/4 final will be a cinch too. Blimey! Easy peasy.

[ljs]

Well that was a demolition wasnt it :rolleyes:

[ljs]

Djokovic's draw is a djoke! Granoller's already played three 5 set matches and Novak gets another 5 set survivor in the quarter-final.

An aside but good to hear Martina Navratilova and Nick Bollettieri on BBC 5Live both point out how fortunate Federer was to win the bulk of his slams in a period (2003-2006) when there wasn't the challenge there is today. GOAT....what GOAT? (they didn't say that ;))

Too bad they didnt say it :laugh:

[traveller7]

Berdy took the first set 6-3 and now Stany is 5-1 up and serving for the second
think that match is going to go the distance

[Hawkeye]

Stan serving for a 2-1 lead.

[Hawkeye]

Berdych breaks and it's 5-5.

[Hawkeye]

Another break and Stan will serve for the set again!

[Sallydaisy]

But Stan broke back and will serve for the 3rd set at *6-5 ..... c'mon Stanford!

[Hawkeye]

3 breaks in a row and a tie break will decide the third set.

[Sallydaisy]

Oh Stan ... 1-4 in the 3rd set TB
:facepalm:

[Hawkeye]

From a mini-break down, Stan takes the 3rd set!

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo:
Stan wins the 2nd set 7'6(6).

[Hawkeye]

Stan now up a break in the 4th set.

[traveller7]

Berdy down 2-5 serving to stay in match!

[Hawkeye]

Wawrinka wins!

[Sallydaisy]

Stan the Man!!!
Good win over Berdych 3'6, 6'1, 7'6, 6'2

Why do some players really have the measure of Berdy? Andy needs to have a good long chat with his mate Stan before he plays Berdy next time. But that won't be at this USO thankfully!

[Sallydaisy]

US OPEN QUARTER-FINALS

[1] Djokovic v [21] Youzhny
[3] Murray v [9] Wawrinka
[8] Gasquet v [4] Ferrer
[19] Robredo v [2] Nadal

[RoastLamb]

:yahoo: No Berdy!

[Jan62]

So its Stan the Man instead of The Berd Man next. Don't know whether to be relieved or more worried! Stan has been playing great lately - will he be the Swiss No.1 soon????

Nadal v. TRob looks like it could be a tasty match :) Should we be hoping for TRob to come through?? Doubtful, but you never know.

[Linda]

Actually, I do think there's a possibility of Tommy coming through. The humid conditions don't suit Rafa's game at all - it makes the balls heavy and resistant to spin. That's why he's never won Cinci before as it's normally very humid there, although unusually it wasn't this year.

I'm expecting Andy to get the better of Stan, although it seems from what I've read (I was too tired to stay up) that Andy was short of his best against Istomin.

The player who is looking most likely to win the title at the moment is Djoko, who is storming through all his matches dishing out bagels all over the place :sofa:

[RoastLamb]

I think Andy was half asleep in that first set because he woke up with a bang come the second.

I don't think Rafa will lose. I mean, he could but I don't think he will. I must admit, on a shallow note, that Tommy Robredo is by far the most handsome of all the Spanish players. :fanning:

And as for Djokovic, he has not been tested as yet and I think he'll get a shock come the semi. I hope so.

[cazza99]

oop for today - http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/index.html?promo=subnav

[traveller7]

All seeded players in qfs but not all who I was expecting for sure. I hope tommy gives Nadal hell even if he doesn't win a tough match for him would be good and Novak. I believe Novak was looking pretty scarily good in Wimby but a certain Brit took him down so lets hope Nole gets a tough gruelling five setter and Andy gets an easy three setter
:cauldron:

[Golden Lady]

All seeded players in qfs but not all who I was expecting for sure. I hope tommy gives Nadal hell even if he doesn't win a tough match for him would be good and Novak. I believe Novak was looking pretty scarily good in Wimby but a certain Brit took him down so lets hope Nole gets a tough gruelling five setter and Andy gets an easy three setter
:cauldron:

This is just what I was thinking today traveller but about last year's US Open. Andy had some tough matches last year, whilst Nole was pretty much breezing through and the commies all had Nole winning the title throughout! I too hope that Tommy pushes Nadal tonight and that Youhzny can do the same to Nole tomorrow. It would be good to see them both really tested at this stage.

[traveller7]

Great minds Golden Lady ;)

[RoastLamb]

All seeded players in qfs but not all who I was expecting for sure. I hope tommy gives Nadal hell even if he doesn't win a tough match for him would be good and Novak. I believe Novak was looking pretty scarily good in Wimby but a certain Brit took him down so lets hope Nole gets a tough gruelling five setter and Andy gets an easy three setter
:cauldron:

Yes but a certain Argentine wore a certain Serb down in the semi. Sadly, he won't have this at the USO.

Federer played badly t'other day which is why he lost. Credit to Robredo but I think Fed helped him out.

And Brad Gilbert said today there is little humidity now so that won't be a factor for Rafa tonite.

[supergran]

My thoughts exactly GL. They need to be taken to five sets!:cauldron::lol:

[patmoren]

Gasquet/Ferrer The matador and the Bull

[traveller7]

I can see this going to 5 sets Gasquet with an early break 4-2

[DaveArneRiise]

Awesome first set from Gasquet, takes it 6-3. Be great to see him in a semi final of a grand slam. Such a joy to watch when he's on form.

[RoastLamb]

Awesome first set from Gasquet, takes it 6-3. Be great to see him in a semi final of a grand slam. Such a joy to watch when he's on form.

Agree!

[Linda]

Gasquet is playing very well!

[DaveArneRiise]

This is sublime from Gasquet and Ferrer has no answer right now.

Takes the 2nd set 6-1.

[traveller7]

Wow

[Hawkeye]

Daveeeeed wakes up, breaks straight away in the third.

[JAMES4578]

Has been amazing tennis from Gasquet,Ferrer though has gone up 2-0 in the 3rd.

[RoastLamb]

Really hope Ritchie doesn't do a 2 sets up and lose that's he's so good at.

[Linda]

I think this year he's been much better in that respect, has won matches where previously he would have choked.

[Linda]

I have Ferru beating Gasquet in the pick'em but Gasquet is in my Dream Team and Ferru isn't - not sure who I want to win!

[lynne]

@NeilHarmanTimes......



Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes 27m
Murray v Wawrinka NB 1.30 local on Ashe tomorrow




Think that is 6.30pm for us.....think!:wave:

[traveller7]

So Ferrer won the 3rd set and is up a break in 4th as expected all going pear shaped for Gasquet!

[Linda]

How many deuces is that in this game? 8? What a terrific match this has turned into!

[traveller7]

Ferrer serving for the 4th set at 5-2 up!

[traveller7]

And into a fifth set we go!

[RoastLamb]

Dearie me. Deja vu.

[JAMES4578]

Certainly great match but that game at 3-2 could well have swung things Ferrer's way, I think it will be difficult for Gasquet to mount another sustained challenge.

[ljs]

really good match , hoping Gasquet can pull this off , I wanna be able to say Milos was beaten by the semifinalist hehe

[Sallydaisy]

Gasquet breaks Ferrer in the 6th game to go 4-2 up, now serving for 5-2.

[Linda]

5-2 it is.

[Reef]

Goodness me - has Gasquet been seeing a sports psych? Never seen him play with this much conviction and determination....OR Ferrer looking so jaded.

[supergran]

This is amazing from Gasquet...have really enjoyed this match. So different when one is basically neutral though I do love Ferru.

[Linda]

Yes, I've been saying this all year - Gasquet is completely changed mentally.

[JAMES4578]

Possibly David has let it slip slightly but some magic from Gasquet, come on! Of course match not over yet!

[Linda]

And Richie wins! Amazing match!

[traveller7]

Gasquet serving for the match and a place in the SF
15-0
30-0
30-15
30-30
40-30

GSM Gasquet!
:yahoo:

Really pleased for him he deserved that win nothing against ferrer

On a selfish note this means that Ferrer cant overtake Andy in the rankings now even if Andy loses tomorrow am I right?!

[DaveArneRiise]

Gasquet has done it! :yahoo:

[ljs]

incredible stuff from Gasquet !!!!!

[RoastLamb]

So glad Ritchie won!!!

[Jan]

only caught the last few games of the match, but it looks as though it was brilliant!

[Reef]

Good for Richie!! Who knows where he could go from here...?? Sorry for Daveed though.

[supergran]

Well done Richie!! What a match and what a surprise.

[jaysee]

Not good for my pickem, as this was the only real swing match of the QFs, but well done Richie!

[Madeline]

On a selfish note this means that Ferrer cant overtake Andy in the rankings now even if Andy loses tomorrow am I right?!

Yes - I just posted that on the rankings thread :dance:

[Madeline]

Hmm, how will Richard's one-handed backhand stand up against Rafa?

[traveller7]

Apparently the head to head between Gasquet and Nadal is 10-0 in Nadals favour :facepalm:

[ljs]

The head to head between Federer and Robredo was 10 to 0 for Federer , so you never know

[traveller7]

Hmm not feeling tired to stay up and watch Nadal or not decisions decisions:hmm:

[traveller7]

azarenka through in two sets so Nadal up next!

[traveller7]

Well this is going to be a one sided match ten minutes and Nadal is 3-0 up :sleepy:

[Linda]

Vamos Rafa! :swingin:

[david1610]

Rafa and Nole both imperious so far. Wish they were going to knock seven bells out of each other in the SF .......

[traveller7]

6-0 boring

[ljs]

soo boring :facepalm:

Ive got it streaming but im not really watching it , im on a furniture site LOLOL

[Linda]

If you can't enjoy the tennis, just enjoy the scenery (two good looking Spaniards on court at the same time ;) )

[ljs]

Robredo has gorgeous eyes !!!!!

[Linda]

He does, doesn't he! He's famous for his lovely blue eyes.

[ljs]

wow , Nadal playing so well

[traveller7]

Not my cup of tea either of them im afraid so what with the boring tennis and nadal taking a year to serve as usual (his inbetween serve antics all together probably take longer than the match lol) im finding it tedious
saying that if andy had a match like this tomorrow I would be happy:laugh:

Come on Tommy at least get a game please

[Linda]

Rafa isn't hanging around at all. He's playing really quickly.

Tommy seems to be playing a bit better this set.

. . . and Tommy gets on the board.

[traveller7]

:yahoo: Tommy gets on the board!

[traveller7]

Second set 6-2

[Linda]

Vamos!

They are saying that Hingis is dating Tommy. Lucky girl.

[traveller7]

Vamos!

They are saying that Hingis is dating Tommy. Lucky girl.
She dates most people judging by her previous ;)
vamos tommy at least get a set off him!

[traveller7]

Scary thing is that Nadal was only serving about 47% first serves in the first set yet he still won it 6-0!!!! That is amazing!

[Linda]

I wonder what Rafa would have done to Federer? :red devil:

[traveller7]

Hmm I wonder
Well Nadal will serve for the match which no doubt he will do to love! Shame Tommy couldnt find the form he had against Fed such a disappointment.

[traveller7]

60 62 62 for Nadal

Worryingly good

[Linda]

Well done Rafa! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[RoastLamb]

The head to head between Federer and Robredo was 10 to 0 for Federer , so you never know

I think we know now. Rafa was simply sublime tonite. Awesome!!! :cheer: :clap: :cheer:

Rafa said some really nice things about Gasquet in his on court interview with Brad.

[JAMES4578]

Looks like Rafa was in commanding form but such a pity Tommy couldn't get something going,had it been Fed surely it would have been a bit more competitive.

[Reef]

Recorded match but as soon as I knew the score I deleted it without watching......can't see beyond Rafa for the title this year. Saw Djoko's interview on Sky yesterday and have the sense that he is seriously worried too! He said he has deliberately spent as little time on court as possible so far. Of course he will be remembering last year's final with Andy when he was physically depleted after a long semi but Rafa is SO dominant this season. If Richie's head was in the right place, judging by yesterday's play he could give him a run for his money BUT - and it's a big but (in a manner of speaking!)...

[pabbers]

I think Richie's legs will need to be in the right place too against Rafa!

[Jan]

Rafa certainly seems as though he is a man on a mission at the moment.

[supergran]

Didn't say awake to watch it and so glad I didn't. Sorry but this is boring tennis for me. Can anyone tell me if Tommy was absolutely hopeless or was Rafa just fantastic?

[david1610]

I saw a bit but it was so one sided that I was mostly working.
What I did see, well - imagine Rafa as the player who gets everything back. Imagine one of the Birdy/del Potro/Soderling power players sending unreturnable winners over the net.
Put the two together and that seems to be Rafa at the moment. I read that he shortens points now to conserve energy (and, by extension, the career life of his bodies).
I think the really frightening thing is there does not seem to be anywhere you can put the ball where he cannot do one of the above two things to it. Just perhaps Nole or Andy will work something out but it was "double plus" scarily awesome!

I think the worrying thing for Andy is that if Nole and Rafa are ranked one and two they can avoid each other until the final and Andy is going to probably come through both of them to get another slam :(

[traveller7]

I hope Gasquet gives him a bit more of a match it was so boring to watch nothing fun about it at all. He is playing very very well but I also think Tommy wasnt playing as well as he had against Fed so if Gasquet can fight it out at least give Nadal a 4 setter or something!

[super8]

Rafa was top drawer. Played some of his best tennis.

He's held all 67 of his service games so far in the tournament and has more FH winners - 97 - than anyone else.

He is looking ominously good.

imo he's the biggest threat to Andy in a slam. Although Andy beat him at USO in 2008 and Aus Open in 2010, I think that he's ran into a wall when playing Rafa in more recent slams.

Rafa's early exit at Wimbledon and him missing USO last year were a huge bonus for Andy.

It will be a major challenge for him to defend his title. Wishful thinking would be a wee helping hand in Gasquet playing a blinder - or Mischa Youzhny. But Stan (fresh from beating Berdy), then Djokovic, then Nadal in the final? A huge ask*.









*But doable, of course.

[RoastLamb]

I didn't find it boring at all. I was in awe! I've watched nearly every Rafa match every played and this was something else!

[pabbers]

I think the worrying thing for Andy is that if Nole and Rafa are ranked one and two they can avoid each other until the final and Andy is going to probably come through both of them to get another slam :(

But equally Nole has to worry about Rafa and Andy and Rafa has to worry about Nole and Andy.........so it's not a piece of cake for any of them.

[super8]

But equally Nole has to worry about Rafa and Andy and Rafa has to worry about Nole and Andy.........so it's not a piece of cake for any of them.




Rafa has to worry about Andy OR Novak.

That is a notable difference.

Or put it another way - all of then would rather play Gasquet than each other in the semi finals.

Agreed - Novak's path is similarly tough - though would rather play Youzhny than Stan, I suspect.

[ljs]

I didn't find it boring at all. I was in awe! I've watched nearly every Rafa match every played and this was something else!

Roastie , thats because you love Rafa :lol:

For those of us who arent such great fans , it was boring !!! ( altho if it had been Andy demolishing an opponent like that , I wouldnt have minded )

[traveller7]

I used to love watching Rafa play and still do to an extent but his ridiculous butt plucking, nose wiping stuff puts me off and he totally flouts the time allowance for serving it elongates the match and I would hate that from any player not just him. He never used to do it so I dont believe that he suffers from OCD suddenly its just irritating!
I wouldnt mind Andy having a similar scoreline later but would still find myself getting distracted by things and not concentrating its just not a fair match and enjoyable game in my humble opinion.

[RoastLamb]

Roastie , thats because you love Rafa :lol:

For those of us who arent such great fans , it was boring !!! ( altho if it had been Andy demolishing an opponent like that , I wouldnt have minded )

Yes I agree. I am bored silly watching Djoko's easy matches. :lol:

I do think that Rafa is playing quicker now. Hard to believe but he really is.

[supergran]

Wishing you all the luck in the world Andy!:thumbup::GBflag:

[Linda]

Rafa used to have a lot more tics than he does now! For instance, he always had to pull up his socks too. He's cut a lot of it out and is playing much faster these days than he used to. And it's wonderful to see him playing so well after all the injury problems he's had.

[RoastLamb]

Rafa used to have a lot more tics than he does now! For instance, he always had to pull up his socks too. He's cut a lot of it out and is playing much faster these days than he used to. And it's wonderful to see him playing so well after all the injury problems he's had.

Totally agree. I honestly never thought in a million years he'd have such an amazing year following his 7-month layoff. We are so lucky to have him back in full force.

[Reef]

I have always liked Rafa and he's a delight when interviewed but I have to agree with those who find his tics irritating. For some reason I find them more noticeable than before but maybe that's just me.

[RoastLamb]

They are irritating but they're here to stay. Can't see him ever changing.

[RoastLamb]

I wouldn't care but last night Youzhny played so well yet still lost. But at least he took a set off Djoko.

[Sallydaisy]

OOP for Saturday (Mens Semi-Finals) ... per tweet from Neil Harman!


Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes) 57s (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes/status/376045963225624576) Another case of putting players interests last.
Men's sf tomorrow - Djokovic /Wawrinka at noon f/b Nadal/Gasquet.
How can that be right?


and this is why he thinks it can't be right:

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes) 2m (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes/status/376049332987764737) Rafa and Richard played on Wednesday, Stan on Thursday afternoon and Nole at night. Surely, for fairness, Rafa v Richard should be first

[Linda]

Just saw the OOP. I agree. Also, the likelihood is that the Nole/Stan match will be longer so another reason why it should be second.

[RoastLamb]

Can't say I care tbh.

[Linda]

Really? I will be glued to both matches, but I think Nole/Stan could go on for a long time so should be scheduled last.

[RoastLamb]

I'd care if they had to come back the next day to play the final but they don't so I don't think it makes much difference when they play tomorrow.

[traveller7]

Dream scenario would be Stan v Gasquet just for fun but if it is Nole v Nadal I will be watching and hope for a classic 5 setter!

[ljs]

Id LOVE it to be Stan vs Richard but think its unlikely

[Linda]

Just want Rafa to win now :love:

[pabbers]

Surely if Stan/Nole match is likely to be a long one, then that should be first so they get time to recover? That seems fair to me.

[Linda]

No, because the players waiting to go on don't know how many hours they may have to wait for. The crowd may well have left before they even take to the court.

[RoastLamb]

Id LOVE it to be Stan vs Richard but think its unlikely

Stan vs Rafa for me.

[david1610]

Serena Williams has dropped 16 games in 6 matches this US OPen!!

[pabbers]

No, because the players waiting to go on don't know how many hours they may have to wait for. The crowd may well have left before they even take to the court.

So why is that unfair? It applies to whoever goes on first surely? For me it's always been about recovery time.

[Linda]

Well, I remember one time at the Australian Open the women were kept waiting till about 1am until they got on court. Their match was then completed quite quickly. Everyone said then that it would have been better to put the women on first. Of course recovery time is of paramount importance but they do get a day off in between now as the final isn't played until Monday (when it was Sunday, it was totally unfair to the player who had been on last on the Saturday).

[harriet]

the second game will start 'not before 2.50' so they won't be on tenterhooks for too long.
I agree it would be better if the games were reversed, so that stan v djo is the later one

[traveller7]

I am going to be watchings the nole match later hope its a good un

[Reef]

Personally I would love to see Richie come through - he's never had it easy.

[Linda]

Here we go! Allez Stan! :swingin:

[Linda]

Stan gets an early break! :cheer:

[ljs]

interesting start !!!!!

cmon Stan !!

[traveller7]

Stan is 3-1 up just shows how on form he is and has two break points to go up another break

[ljs]

:clap: 4-1 now

[Linda]

Make that a double break!!!!!

[harriet]

5live are providing commentary

[banskogirl]

Hmmm Andy's loss looking better by the minute!

[Linda]

Yes indeed. Stan is looking so confident.

[traveller7]

Nole getting onto Stans serve now BP

[Linda]

I was just thinking that this might not turn out to be the long, hard-fought match I expected, when Nole got one of the breaks back. Come on Stan!

[banskogirl]

Might even see another broken racket?!

[traveller7]

5-2 good service game.

[Jane]

Stan playing a blinder - just like he did on Thursday. Hope he can keep it up

[banskogirl]

Yes and what will people say then :) more eaten words!

[Jane]

Woo - hoo Stan gets the first set 6-2:boogie::boogie:

[Linda]

Stan takes the first set 6-2! Allez!

[banskogirl]

Go Stan!!! the man!

[ljs]

:surprised: :clap::clap:

[JAMES4578]

Certainly Stan got off to a flyer but poor from Nole really, you'd imagine he's bound to step it up before too long.

[banskogirl]

Stats on serve don't look that way for first set? Look like Nole was as shocked as Andy?

[traveller7]

Stan is looking good making Nole look distinctly average!

[banskogirl]

Come on Stan keep it up!

[banskogirl]

Starting to look a bit harder for Stan?

[Linda]

Nole has stepped it up but so has Stan! Exciting stuff!

[Linda]

Stan breaks! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[traveller7]

Stan gets the break!

[hfwardhouse]

What a performance from Stan so far.

[traveller7]

4-2 and Nole got a warning for coaching he is rattled!

[Jane]

Loving this

[banskogirl]

I think Nole is always rattled when not winning........we just don't see him not winning very often ;)

[Linda]

Not Roger Federer ‏@PseudoFed 3m
One person you could never accuse of coaching is the animated Mr. Lentils pic.twitter.com/qkmCyLCqZY.

[traveller7]

Nole broken back and serving well -fight back?!

[banskogirl]

uh oh break for Nole....

[Linda]

Eek! Come on Stan! :sofa:

[DaveArneRiise]

Nole first serve % this set in the 90's pretty impressive. Shows how well Stan is playing with a much lower first serve % to still be leading. Big game here at 4-5. What a stunning rally that was, deuce.

Stan produces two great points to level it at 5-5. Compelling viewing this. Great tennis.

[Linda]

Really must bring the washing in, but it will have to wait till the end of the set. Can't tear myself away from this.

[DaveArneRiise]

Cmon Stan force the breaker. Never know what can happen in a breaker!

Great hold TB here we go.....

[banskogirl]

Really must bring the washing in, but it will have to wait till the end of the set. Can't tear myself away from this.

Your weather must be a lot better than mine!

Come on Stan!!