Did u write this b4 the match, perchance ;)

Congrats to Rafa, for his 500th match win! Not of master class play today but done enough to win comfortably despite his opponent trying very hard to stay with him throughout the whole match. I'm sure Rafa will move up a few gears tomorrow when facing Ferrer in the final. Ferrer knows Rafa's game too well, so Rafa has to play aggressively like the way he did against Monfils, dictate play as far as possible and don't allow Ferrer to drag it into another attritional style match. Vamos Rafa!

Rafa will probably win the final but I want Ferrer to at least get a set.
I don't think Ferrer plays atrritional style tennis on clay, not at all, he's quite aggressive; if you don't believe it tell this to Melzer or Raonic :)

I want Rafa to crush Ferrer to intimidate all others! Especially Djokovic!

Ferrer plays attritional style only when his opponent(s) are able to blow him off court, like what Almagro is capable of doing today. Against those opponents who aren't well versed on clay, like Tsonga and Murray last year, and Raonic and Troicki this year, he was able to come to the net at well as he moves better than them on clay. Against Rafa, he finds it hard to win points as Rafa moves better than him on clay, and both Rafa and Almagro can dictate points using their big forehands, putting Ferrer on the defence and he has to chase shots after shots. Just look at the long rallies he has to make just to win points against Rafa and Almagro; Ferrer doesnt have a killer shot or a big weapon, so other than relying on his retrieving skills, he has added in his volleying skills and net plays into his game and upgraded his game to another level, if not I don't think he can reach where he is now in the rankings.

Highlights of the match Rafa vs Dodig:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6eZuzXszmM&feature=player_em bedded

Congratulations to Rafa on his 500th win! What a milestone. I have the sense that Rafa did enough to win and will come out with his best tennis in the final against Ferrer. I want Rafa to win in straight sets, if possible!

No matter how what Rafa's record is against Ferrer, Rafa has to play consistently. Although Rafa didn't play well in the MC final neither did Ferrer, both made a lot of unforced errors and didn't serve well.

I think the most important factor in tomorrows match will be how Rafa serves. Ferrer has been serving pretty well this week and we know that Ferrer will be looking to attack Rafa's serve every chance he gets. Rafa will have chances against Ferrer, it's important he take them and not surrender his serve immediately afterwards.

Nadal Barcelona 2011 Saturday Interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7j6ue20Avg&feature=player_embedded

Celebration of the 500th win (at 0:11- 0:15 and 1:12 -1:19):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7wd1pfQe84

I want Rafa to crush Ferrer to intimidate all others! Especially Djokovic!
holdserve
, 4/23/11 7:38 PM

So some Rafans are worried about Nole on clay? After the Murray match I think many guys think they have a chance. Ferrer won't be a threat in Paris in any case. Nole probably will be the major threat.

Dodig did all he could and yet was by no means a threat to Rafa...he won those games playing really well, and Rafa made more UEs than usual, yet Rafa had full control of the match...Rafa was just learning about Dodig and his game, and Dodig being flat hitter managed to surprise Rafa at times...however, that is nothing to worry about and I think Rafa was playing even more relaxed than usual simply knowing he is to win...I find it useful for Rafa to have played with Dodig as Croat hits flat with little top spin which is a nice practice for Rafa...anyway, great to see Rafa in the finals although one did not have to be a prophet to see it coming...and this fellow Albanese, well, he was not even being funny with his fake predictions...I kind of felt sorry for him...

VAMOS RAFA!!!

Not to worry about Nole or Murray on clay. The way Rafa can up his level at will during matches and during tournaments tells me that he can beat anyone on clay. Yes Murray did play with inflamed elbow but Rafa with full fitness and playing aggressive tennis won't let Murray dictate play, his third set and his match against Monfils tell me so. In fact I did mention that playing against Murray is good preparation for Rafa against Nole in future, as Murray's DHBH both CC or DTL is comparable to Nole's. Playing against Dodig and Giraldo helps Rafa to prepare against flat hitters like Delpo and Sod. Overall I'm happy with how Rafa thinks of ways to beat his opponents despite not playing well at times.

Hey numero, I wasn't speaking for "many Rafans" only for myself. I know Djoko is good on clay but he wasn't a match for Rafa earlier. The new Djoko is intimidating and if Rafa too seems intimidating, then Rafa's chances of sweeping the clay season are brighter.

@holdserve

Why did you quote me as saying "many Rafans" when I said "some Rafans"? Read it again.

I agree with natashao's thoughts on Rafa's match with Dodig. Now that I had a chance to see it for myself on the tennis channel, I can say that I thought Rafa did enough to get the win. Dodig was never going to beat him. He threw everything but the kitchen sink at Rafa and ended losing 3 and 2. He did play well and hit some great shots to get the break back at the beginning of the second set. He was going for his shots, kept on fighting hard and gave Rafa a nice workout. I don't think Rafa ever felt really threatened and was able to raise his game when it was necessary. I thought Rafa was aggressive, served well enough and was hitting his forehand with depth, precision and accuracy. I also think the flat shots of Dodig and Giraldo are a very good preparation for guys like Delpo and Sod.

I wasn't comfortable after I saw Rafa's match with Giraldo. I didn't see enough energy and aggression. I decided that Rafa was holding back and doing just enough to get the win. When I saw how he came out against Monfils, I sensed that I was right. He was much more aggressive, his movement was amazing all over the court and his groundstrokes were powerful and brilliantly placed. It was his best match in this tournament.

I expect Rafa to come out strong in the final against Ferrer. If Rafa is conserving energy and doing what he has to against lesser players, then that's fine with me. He is still getting a good workout in these matches and can use them to fine tune his game.

I am not worried about Rafa at all. He is getting better and better and looking much more like his old self. I like his chances against all comers.