View Full Version : INDIAN WELLS (Masters 1000) - 8-18 Mar 2012: Main thread/Info. * *DRAW* * in first post.
on to a 3rd , yes Linda , best one ive watched this week
Phew, Rafa takes the 2nd set and we get a quick shot of some of the VBers there. Don't know what's up with Rafa tonight - he never normally makes all these UEs. Hope he can cut them out and take the third!
Good match. Hope Rafa can pull it out. Nalby playing very well and he is looking lean and fit. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
Yes, Dave looking positively Skinny!
JAMES4578
17-03-2012, 00:15
Certainly good match and Rafa breaks again, don't see this being as competitive now. Nadal hung in there took his chance but feel Nalby tightened up at a crucial time, of course he hadn't played as well as this for a while.
yep , really impressive from Dave in the first 2 sets
It was so good to see Nalby playing so well in the first two sets - when he's playing well his tennis is wonderful to watch. This is a great match, definitely the best QF of the week.
Nalby clinging on, back to 4-5 in the third from 2 breaks down, just missed a point for 5-5...
edit, match point Rafa...
And he takes it.
JAMES4578
17-03-2012, 00:56
Nalby nearly came right back into it but dropper wasn't a % shot and Rafa goes through to face Fed.
DaveArneRiise
17-03-2012, 00:56
Great match, credit to Dave. Great to see him on top form. Kudos to Rafa for winning that match.
Phew! Rafa finally won :clap: :clap: :clap:
Great match - well done Rafa. :swingin: :swingin: :swingin: :pirate:
Good to see Nalby back playing well. :clap: :clap: :clap:
RoastLamb
17-03-2012, 01:05
Nalby really pushed Rafa tonite. Wow!!! The only time I saw Nalby play was back in 2010 in Toronto when Andy beat him easily in the quarters. The real Nalby turned up tonite. But Rafa will have to play much better to beat Fed.
Wonder if Rafa is in danger of playing too much tennis in this tournament.
Well, I've just read that since the 2007 season, this is the 23rd time that Nole, Rafa and Rog have all reached the semi final of an ATP tournament.
I wonder how many times it's been Nole Rafa, Rog and Andy all in the semis? Must be a fair few times now.
Wonder if Rafa is in danger of playing too much tennis in this tournament.
He could be. He was lucky to get through against Nalby but as Fiona has written he will have to be at his very best to beat the resurgent and rampant Fed. :grrr:
Having said that Fed doesn't look too great and maybe he hasn't fully recovered from the stuff that's going round. He's won easily against opponents who you'd expect him to beat.
Well, I've just read that since the 2007 season, this is the 23rd time that Nole, Rafa and Rog have all reached the semi final of an ATP tournament.
I wonder how many times it's been Nole Rafa, Rog and Andy all in the semis? Must be a fair few times now.
I've just had a quick look back as far as 2009, and can only see Cinci 09, Canada 10, WTF 10 and RG 11.
I've just had a quick look back as far as 2009, and can only see Cinci 09, Canada 10, WTF 10 and RG 11.
Thanks Linda!
That's quite a surprising stat - I thought that it might be more, with the fact that there are only 5 players who have reached the semis of all 4 slams in a season - and 4 of those 5 are Andy, Rafa, Rog and Nole (The other is Agassi, I think)
Nole serving for the first set but Isner breaks back! The crowd are going wild!
Nole serving for the first set but Isner breaks back! The crowd are going wild!
Weird break-back point, wasn't it - Nole losing it by an incorrect challenge during a rally..
Yes, it was very strange! But Isner very happy to take it anyway! Nole now serving to stay in the set.
DaveArneRiise
17-03-2012, 19:08
Wow Isner takes the tie breaker!
Well, well!
First set to Isner on tie-break.
I'm thinking about that recent DC win for Isner against Federer. Nole with some work to do.
Isner takes the first set! :cheer: :cheer:
(I know I have Nole winning this in the bracket, but who cares about that)
patmoren
17-03-2012, 19:11
Poor Nole having a tough time, must be so disheartening to keep watching the serve go by. Never enjoy matches that are dominated by the serve
Isner takes the first set! :cheer: :cheer:
(I know I have Nole winning this in the bracket, but who cares about that)
Exactly and as I said somewhere else I'd like to see the ranking points more spread out among the top 3 so Andy has a chance to catch up especially after the disastrous match in this tournie!
Poor Nole having a tough time, must be so disheartening to keep watching the serve go by.
:red devil::red devil::red devil:
JAMES4578
17-03-2012, 19:12
Some turnaround and Isner on fire right now! Nole wasn't too smart with that challenge! Still a bit to go though!
Isner wins! :cheer: :cheer:
DaveArneRiise
17-03-2012, 20:53
The big man's done it!
traveller7
17-03-2012, 20:54
Wow shock for Nole
patmoren
17-03-2012, 20:56
Oh dear, Nole beaten again, plaudits galore from the American commentators of course. Don't envy either Rafa or Fed tomorrow. Without his serve Isner still hasn't a good overall game.
Isner showed today that the win against Fed in Switzerland was not in a flash in the pan.
Another player for our Andy to be concerned about. :rolleyes:
Fantastic win for John! :cheer: I'd love him to win his first Masters title tomorrow :)
Nole could have/ should have won this in straight sets. He served for the first set.
Maybe at the moment he doesn't quite have the 'X' factor that he had last year. Not too surprising if that is the case. He is the one being hunted down now.
Still early days though.
JAMES4578
17-03-2012, 21:04
Yes definitely think Nole feels a bit of pressure, but it was pretty awesome from Isner in the end. Nole will feel he let the first slip away though which could have given him the momentum. Certainly Isner can well be a threat on his day, but it will be tougher for him in the slams.
scrapaddict
17-03-2012, 21:20
Shock to see this result but as said above Isner is now someone to watch out for
Bound to be a dent in Nole's confidence going into Miami so go for it Andy - its all to play for !
Is there a livestream for these matches ? anyone please. Don't have Sky Sports
Is there a livestream for these matches ? anyone please. Don't have Sky Sports
http://www.sportlemon.tv/
There must be, as it's on tennistv.
Its raining in IW. Does anyone know if there has been an announcement as to when the rain may stop?
Darren Cahill tweeted that there might be play at 5pm (midnight here).
Great result for Isner. Nole not at his best but I think he would still have won it over 5 sets.
DaveArneRiise
17-03-2012, 23:49
When will Fed Nadal start? Been on LS for ages
Madeline
17-03-2012, 23:50
See the post 2 above yours.
supergran
18-03-2012, 00:10
Supposed to be on very soon.
supergran
18-03-2012, 00:49
!Vamos Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VAMOS RAFA!!! :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
supergran
18-03-2012, 01:07
Off to bed to watch this match. Go Rafa!!
I'm off to bed - no wish to see a demolition job on Rafa. :grrr:
Wish Fed would retire and give the younger players a chance.
Wish Fed would retire and give the younger players a chance.
It is a shame that you felt the inclination to add that to your post. Not nice thing to say.
And without any merit either. Who on earth should 'give younger players a chance'? This is not a team sport.
JAMES4578
18-03-2012, 01:42
Well I suppose some folk tire of players when they've been dominant for so long and many folk on here aren't that keen on Fed's personality. However, he obviously has his fans and has certainly played the better match here thus far and coped with the conditions better. Rafa's though anyway has never needed much help and he's beaten Fed countless times, particulary in the big matches,just might not be his day this time. Fed had double break at 5-2 but has just failed to serve it out, still tough to see Nadal coming back now.
Suspended for rain at match point!
But soon resumed and Fed won :crying: :crying: :crying:
JAMES4578
18-03-2012, 02:06
Yes unbelievable, and technical fault with picture on sky just before then. oh Fed takes it with an ace!
Good quality match. One of the better matches that they have had recently. Often one of them doesn't play so well in their recent matchups..
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 02:11
Good quality match. One of the better matches that they have had recently. Often one of them doesn't play so well in their recent matchups..
It's not "good" if Rafa lost. :lol:
JAMES4578
18-03-2012, 02:12
Yes for the most part a high standard and Fed deserved the win today, though Rafa was close to possibly staging a comeback.
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 02:17
I hope Isner beats him like he was able to do in Suisse at Davis Cup. This is his best surface as well.
It's not "good" if Rafa lost. :lol:
Oh, all right then!
Usually the prospect of their matches can be better than the actual match itself - whereas this one lived up more to its billing.
Rafa's got doubles now, hasn't he...
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 02:18
I did not actually see this match as I.m at a family party right now and now I don't think I want to. :sad:
I hope Isner beats him like he was able to do in Suisse at Davis Cup. This is his best surface as well.
Isner is a danger to all of the top 4. He's like the Terminator 2 - an upgraded version of the likes of Berdbrain, Sod and Potty.
The doubles final has been moved to tomorrow.
Rafa didn't play nearly as well tonight as he had been doing all week. :sad: Hope that he and Marc win the dubs.
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 02:23
Isner is a danger to all of the top 4. He's like the Terminator 2 - an upgraded version of the likes of Berdbrain, Sod and Potty.
Isner is playing better than I.ve ever seen him. He's really improved. I hope Milos follows the same path.
Isner is playing better than I.ve ever seen him. He's really improved. I hope Milos follows the same path.
I thought of Milos as the next progression from Isner - he has the potential, for sure.
patmoren
18-03-2012, 07:35
The problem with Isner is that if his serve isn't working he won't win the match. He hasn't got an good enough all over game.
Although I'm not his greatest fan - I'm really hoping against hope that Isner can pull it out of the bag today. I just can't stand the thought of Fed winning yet another trophy this early in the season - the resultant eulogising from the commentators will reach epic proportions and be absolutely unbearable.
Really surprised to see that Federer won! Not something I was expecting when I checked the results this morning. From what I've read it seems that it was windy and Federer coped better with the conditions - this also surprises me as Rafa usually plays great in the wind (e.g. IW 2009). Looking forward to watching my recording of the match.
Federer deserves a lot of credit for the way he's been playing over the last few months. His wins over Andy and now Rafa show that he's improved his level of play over what it was in early 2011. Him getting another win over Rafa has added more interest to their matchup again - it was becoming so predictable Federer always winning indoors and Rafa always winning outdoors.
I'd like Isner to win tonight as it's always good to see players win their first Masters title. He's improved a lot - no longer just a big serve.
Isner is a danger to all of the top 4. He's like the Terminator 2 - an upgraded version of the likes of Berdbrain, Sod and Potty.hope they upgraded his CPU too, his processing power has always been his downfall and his power pack could use boosting to. a smart player like Andy (John Conner) has had no real problem chopping out his batteries in previous encounters and i suspect fed (sarah conner) to melt isner tonight
I'm hoping for a Isner win, can't take any more of the other guy.
I agree with you Katie that Isner is more then a serve, he had to be to get this far!
Good for the USA too as Roddick is slowly fading away and Fish has forgotten how to play.
Well I've just watched a recording of the match and much as I dislike him and it grieves me to say it, Federer was amazing. I was rooting for Rafa but to be honest it was same old same old. Until he realises that you can't beat an on form Fed by hitting high loopy balls to his forehand, he's not going to win again on a hard court with Fed in this form. I do feel Rafa lacks strategy. I also think that Fed is improving because a) he wants #1 back and b) he's playing more tournies and so regaining all his experience and getting more practice. Must admit I sat there and thought is Fed going to have a Nole year and also, unless Andy can improve his serve and cut out falling at the first hurdle in tournies then he's going to need to target remaining #4 never mind getting a GS or rising up the rankings. Sorry - feeling a bit pessimistic this morning. There was superhuman tennis being played out there last night. Mind you Andy has the strategic mind to beat anyone but only if his own shots are finding the mark AND (increasingly against someone like Isner) he can hold serve. If Nole couldn't break Isner more than once what chance does everyone else stand? Please don't let that someone else be Roger!!
OK moan over........off to wash my mouth out with soap after saying nice things about the GOAT.
david1610
18-03-2012, 12:56
There is no doubt that Federer is really focused and as a result has got back to playing better more consistently.
IMHO the last two years were one more year, then yet another year in his career, with no special reason to differentiate them, but this year is Olympic year which provides a good reason to focus, get into the form to win a couple more GSs and a Gold Medal, then reconsider how long he wants to continue playing. Not saying I wish for this - of course I am rooting for Andy - but I think a likely explanation for Roger's increased form is the extra focus an Olympic year provides.
And, whether we like this or not, we have to separate what Federer says in front of a microphone and what he actually does on a tennis court.
I have to agree with you David. At the end of last season I consoled myself with the knowledge that the run of wins Fed had were down to the others either not playing or being exhausted and/or injured. With the start Fed's had to this season, though, I have to admit that he's focused and playing well - damn it! Still, I have faith in Andy - this will be his year!!!!
JAMES4578
18-03-2012, 17:44
Certainly Fed has really upped his game since the Us Open really, didn't really expect him to keep the momentum going at the start of the year. I think though it's more difficult for him in the slams, though of course he has a shot there too! However, whilst Andy needs to improve further I am confident he can step up and suppose we can take some comfort in the fact that Nole doesn't seem quite so invincible now so perhaps it will be a more open year.
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 17:57
Tennistv is showing the doubles final. :yahoo:
Are they? I think the listing is just left over from yesterday. It's not mentioned on their preview, only the singles. I've emailed them to ask but not had any reply. Unless you have more recent information?
anyone watching the womens final ?
JAMES4578
18-03-2012, 19:11
Yes, straightforward for Azarenka now as I expected really- now a set and double break up. Maria's movement is being exposed and she's making way too many errors. Very similar to Australia really, was hoping it would be more competitive.
poor maria cant do anything right today
disappointing but I figured this is how it would go .
It's so one-sided - Vika is playing great whilst Maria is making tons of errors.
JAMES4578
18-03-2012, 19:22
Would like to see Vika against Kvitova again, in form she would certainly provide more of a challenge.
She is playing great - it'll be interesting to see how long her unbeaten run will last. So far she's looking very much like how Nole did last year - really impressive.
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 19:27
Are they? I think the listing is just left over from yesterday. It's not mentioned on their preview, only the singles. I've emailed them to ask but not had any reply. Unless you have more recent information?
It's showing on their schedule today as Nadal/Lopez vs Isner/Querrey.
Am so bored with this women's final. My least fave players. YAWN!!!!
anyone watching the womens final ?
No - tennistv can't show the WTA matches in the UK, we can only see the ATP matches.
well that was a predictable bore wasnt it !!
Hope the mens final is a bit more interesting tho I have my doubts. Im not gonna see it either ... bummer :(
Vamos Isner!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Smileys/whackaswiss.gifhttp://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Smileys/whackaswiss.gifhttp://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Smileys/whackaswiss.gifhttp://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Smileys/whackaswiss.gifhttp://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Smileys/whackaswiss.gif
The dubs final disappeared from tennistv's schedule - but is now back - so hopefully they will show it after all! *fingerscrossed*
Isner has improved so much, he's far more than just a big serve now! Vamos!
TennisTV.com @TennisTV
TennisTV is scheduled to show the men's doubles final later today but this is dependent on the weather in Indian Wells.
Sallydaisy
18-03-2012, 21:15
First set to Roger 7'6(7). Will Big John fade away now? Or can he fight back. Nothing to lose has he?
JAMES4578
18-03-2012, 21:15
Close set and bit of a topsey turvey breaker, but Fed takes it 9-7 and Isner will have to hang tough.
John played a really good first set - he's still in this match so hope he keeps believing. :)
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 21:24
Too bad John lost that first set. ARGH!!! But he should be proud of himself nevertheless.
JAMES4578
18-03-2012, 21:42
Once Fed broke in the 2nd there was no way back for Isner and he took the last 3 games for a 7-6, 6-3 win, match went much as I expected really.
Sallydaisy
18-03-2012, 21:43
Darn.
:sad:
fed won, surprised he made such heavy weather of first set
You could have put good money on a 7-6, 6-3 outcome.
Federer actually out-aced Isner - 7 to 4, I think.
Federer also hit 29 winners to Isner's 15.
Well done to Roger. And well done to John too. Both had a great week.
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 21:50
Too bad he didn't win 7-6 6-4 coz one of my teamies had that as her FTM. Poo!
fed won, surprised he made such heavy weather of first set
I don't know - I suspect that Isner had a bit of momentum, both from his win over Djokovic, as well as his recent win over Federer. Plus, when he plays well, he is likely to be a handful for anyone.
Fed played well in the first set, and weathered the storm. That tie break was nip and tuck, and Fed dodn't get a look in on any of Isner's service games in that set.
DaveArneRiise
18-03-2012, 22:05
fed won, surprised he made such heavy weather of first set
Impressive win none the less and Isner beat the best player in the world the other day so credit where credits due. Great tournament for Federer hats off to him. And hats off to James for getting a perfect score!
Well done to Federer, he's playing great tennis right now. Good to see him playing so well at age 30, very impressive.
Well done to John too, he's had a really successful tournament and beating Nole must feel great for him. He did well today, kept competing throughout the match. I'm hoping Andy doesn't get drawn against him in Miami though!
Well done to Federer, he's playing great tennis right now. Good to see him playing so well at age 30, very impressive.
Well done to John too, he's had a really successful tournament and beating Nole must feel great for him. He did well today, kept competing throughout the match. I'm hoping Andy doesn't get drawn against him in Miami though!
No-one wants to be drawn against Isner..
I read somewhere that the top 4 players combined had lost only 4 matches to players outside the top 4 so far this year.
And in beating Fed at DC and Nole at IW, Isner can lay claim to 2 of those 4 matches.
RoastLamb
18-03-2012, 23:37
Excellent doubles final. Some amazing gets. Rafa and Marc won the first set 6-2. On serve in the second.
And they win 7-6 in the second. What a truly great enjoyable match!!! :yahoo:
Congratulations Marc and Rafa. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :trophy:
traveller7
19-03-2012, 00:54
Well done Isner for a great tournament, definite one to watch this season.
JAMES4578
19-03-2012, 07:09
Well done Marc and Rafa, that's a few titles now!
Marc and Rafa do seem to be a great doubles team! Shame they're not playing together in Miami - Rafa's playing with Granollers and Marc's playing with Lopez there.
RoastLamb
19-03-2012, 12:47
I wonder if Marc has ever won any titles without Rafa? I know he plays with many of the Spanish players. He really is a fabulous player and the commies voted him MVP.
Not sure if Fed is focussed because it's the Olympics. Think his coach has been encouraging him to play more aggressively for the last couple of years and whilst we've seen that put into practice for parts of matches, I've never seen it so consistently carried out as this and last week. I really think it's his age and the desire for one last pitch at #1 that's doing it, plus having 2 very young children must have had some impact on his energy over the last couple of years. Still if Fed can up the anti at 30, it should give us hope for Andy at 24 - see.........I can be positive! ;) Wasn't sure if I wanted Isner to beat Fed and put him in his place or Fed to beat Isner to satisfy me Isner is not too much of a force to be reckoned with. Think I'm reasonably happy with the outcome as it stands.
i wonder if marc has ever won any titles without rafa? I know he plays with many of the spanish players. He really is a fabulous player and the commies voted him mvp.
mvp????
mvp Most Valuable Player ie man of the match
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