Ricky-

I dont think the match against Haase was a wake up call for Rafa as he was expecting an extremely difficult match. He even expressed this on his Facebook page the day before, which he never usually does and a day later updated his status to say "I told you it would be a very difficult match".

Rafa didnt play at all bad against Hasse, as there is not much you can do when your opponents average serve is 200km/ph and not missing, other than be patient.
The two games Rafa did lose, Hasse must be credit for, in taking risks and attacking Rafa serve. It was a high risk, but it payed off, but just as easily could have gone the other way.

If Rafa had played poorly, yes the 5 setter would have been a surprise.

isabaeu,

I have watched Rafa's match a few times, even checking out the full replay on espn360. At least there I got to see the first set, which was not shown on espn2. That service break at 6-5 was unfortunate, given how focused Rafa was in a tight first set. He was up 30-0 and then double faulted to make it 30-15. Haase hit a great shot for a winner and then it was tied. A few more loose points and there went the set! I can see why Rafa did not look happy as he started the second set.

I checked out Rafa on Facebook and you are exactly right! He knew it would be tough! I cannot complain about Rafa's tennis in that match. He got broken twice and it cost him both sets. That's the way it is on grass. I expect Rafa was out practicing that serve in preparation for tomorrow's match.

I think these players are just going out there and taking it to the top guys, in an effort to get the upset. You have to play a high risk brand of tennis to take out Rafa. I think he can play even better. I really love how he took control in that fourth set. Rafa had such a look on his face, that it made me think Haase should watch out! I hope to see more of this from Rafa!

NNY- the Australian commentators also noticed that look on rafas face that you speak of.
This is what one of them said "rafa is angry young man, he looks like he wants to step on him" (him=haase)

Nwahahaha!!!! The manner in which he said it was hilarious!

I like the way he is back to prowling around the court - that was missing for a long time. Everything about his body language tells us that he is a man with a mission. And we know what happens when he is in that mode!!!!!!

Nadal is playing very well...no worries...he just gave NOTHING to haase exccept for a few cheap mistakes..really satisfied with his serving and groundstrokes...
petzchner is good on grass on he can hold on to his serve well and then take chances on rafa's serve... rafa bear him 6-2 6-3 in their last meeting in montreal...i expect rafa to take this one in 3 ! vamoss!!

^ ed..ITA. Great to see Rafa rise and shine to any challenge. Looking forward to this next round match and continuation of the mission! :)
I also liked reading and appreciated Philipp's respectful comments in his pre-match interview.

heeyyy where is CHR18 ???? hahahaah ...ever since rafa thrashed soderling he is nowhere to be seen...he used to write those poems to tease rafans ! lol... my guess is that he is waiting for that qtr final b/w rafa and soderling and then looking forward to a possible revenge :P

he must be in shock vamosrafa....or is too ashamed to show up here again.

Vamosrafa-
My guess is that CHR18 is using another username on here, after been made to eat clay.

Not only chr18 who is MIA but the biggest mouth of them all torres9, the one who was pronouncing loudly that comes June 18, 2010 there will be a new historic event that will unfold in tennis lolz lolz lolz. That maybe the reason why they are just contented gawking on us here at TT haha!!!

Also f4t and ATR are MIA on Rafans brigade.

i think i saw atr a while ago in another thread...as for the Fed loudmouths, you're right, they're nowhere to be found. maybe just waiting for their opening to attack again? of course malty/maxi is very much with us still. :-)

6-4,6-4,6-3 nadal

VAMOSSS!!!

3 aces by nadal in his first service game

I wonder how many times the commentators will use the phrase "wicked topspin" in this match.

He got the break and have it consolidated.

Just keep play better Rafa!

Vamos.

its nt torres9's fault that TT has banned the IP that he uses normally :P ;P IF U KNW WHAT i mean ;)

VAMOS RAFA!!!

anyway, rafa's serve is really impressing me...he really puts in a lot on that serve and its a weapon on grass. soderling beat belucci and we are heading towards a nadal-soderling tussle.

haha!! 6-4 1st set

VAMOSSS!!!

OMG wat a IO FH by rafa....AMazinggggggggg!!!

VAMOSSSSS!!!

Nadal serving very well todayyy!!!!
VAMOSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Is it my imagination or is rafa extra annoyed today?

Yes Rafa looks annoyed. I think it is because he can't make any inroad into Petz's serves. Rafa's ROS is not so good today, sometimes over hitting the return.

Yeh I think you are right. Rafa is frustrated and annoyed at his ROS.

I notice also that he is hitting his forehands to softly when he was hitting at his forehand side of the court. The ball just falls short of reaching over the net.

Bit of a sloppy game from Rafa ... and he loses the set.

lousy missed overhead from Nadal. Wow.

So sad, it seems that Rafa lost a bit of faith on his own serve. One falter is enough to cost him a set. It will be a long day at the office for Rafa. This Petz guy is even more difficult to handle than Haase, as Rafa can't even read his serves!

Smr- why is it that you only appear when rafa loses a set or a game??

Isabeau, what do you think? Nadal is making uncharacteristic mistakes! Do we have to worry here....

He seems mentally flat to me. That's my own concern with rafa. He needs pimp himself up and centre himself somehow

Pimp= pump hehe. Stupid iPhone predictive text.

"He needs pimp himself up".

not sure whether officials would allow that?

fan4, do you need help with the plumbing? :-)

This is the first time all tournament that I've felt Nadal is truly rattled. He was playing just fine, but now his fh is landing short - not a good sign for the Nadal camp.

Pimp= pump hehe. Stupid iPhone predictive text.

Rafa looks a bit discouraged at the moment. He seems to run out of idea on how to deal with this guy. I think just now he keeps hitting to Petz's backhand and has some success, he should do that more often. Good hold by Rafa here at 2-2 third set.

and yes Nadal looks very gloomy today...what happened him!

The commentators here are saying that the Williams sister serve faster than Nadal serve! Come on Nadal please ..pick your form and rhythm

who's going to serve first in the fourth set? rafa?

His frustrated by how the grass is playing and his rattled. He needs to slow down whatever is happening in his mind.

Poor Rafa, even if he survives today, there are still some more of this type of players waiting for him. He simply can't read Petz's serves. The only way now is to hold his serve and wait till the tie break and hope to beat Petz there. I wonder who else can read Petz's serves now? Murray? Fed? Ferrer?

Woo hoo love game from Rafa ....

he can't handle petz's serve bcause he is a bit frustrated today...

His frustrated by how the grass is playing and his rattled. He needs to slow down whatever is happening in his mind.

No its the other way round. He can't handle Petz's serves that's why he is frustrated. He needs to stay calm. His racket strings still need a bit of getting used to I think, over hitting and under hitting quite a few times.

There is something wrong with rafa!

Rafa has called for the trainer.

What happen to Nadal? the treatment? you think this is serious or?

I guess this explains why his serve has lost its sting.

Uncle Toni is looking glum.

The prospect of a shoot-out is a bit scary if he is in trouble with his arm.

How come the Rafa camp still look so calm? Rafa making so many errors during the return of serves. There are some doable returns yet Rafa failed to capitalize! What is Rafa doing? What's wrong with him today? He keeps hitting the ball back at Petz?

I am worried now.

I'm shutting my eyes till this is over.

Rafa panics when there is any sign that his body may be failing him! It get to his head. He was fine until the second set

Ed251137,

open your eyes, I think Nadal is having the mini-break.

Mini-break gone. Rafa might be in trouble here.

Mini-break gone!!!!! oh dear

Rafa rattled!

oh dear.....Nadal have a big task now. Oh my. I think I need some fresh air.

I will be very suprized if rafa comes back from this. This guys serve is ridiculous! Not to mention he is swinging like a mad man :( I'm so sad

OMG....Unbelivable.....:(:(:(:(:

Nadal's wimbledon campaign might be coming to a sad end

And it's shame because this won't be getting to no final. Sad really!

isabeau don`t lose your faith... rafa sometimes can do impossible things...
petz can get tired...

A very stiff drink is called for!

What Rafa needs is a little rain to slow up these courts a bit.

So sad, Rafa making mistakes that he normally won't make. I think he is not with calm now. Well whatever will be will be. It is really hard dealing with big servers like Petz, Sod another one. Rafa has to up his level by a few notch and be more positive and pump up. I hope he be more aggressive and out hit Petz from now on. He really need to learn to dominate and not allow Petz to out serve and out hit him!

Hey ... Rafa hasn't lost ... they are still playing.

wow. That play at net was fantastic from Petzschner

The possibilty he could win this might will get to Petz! But Rafa will need to be Houdini again to dig himself out.

and that defense was awesome from Rafa.

Petzschner is a grass-court wizard

even if nadal gets through,soderling is going to take notice. And petzchner is a good grass court player.

THis guy's serve and forehand doing all the damage:(:(

This is really an enjoyable match. Good on these guys for playing well.

That's it Rafa ... break him down.

Nadal is getting a dose of his own medicine at the moment. Petz was awesome to hold onto that last game.

it seems to me that the germans are at their best on the grass.

tj, you're quite right. This isn't Nadal playing poorly (though he certainly isn't playing inspired tennis either), but Petz is quite simply on fire.

Great court conditions with the speed and heat for the german right now.

He seems to be getting tired and starting to crack, so rafa may just have a chance

nadal sucks.
he is back to being a clay court specialist.
he can only win on clay now.
when was his last non-clay title?

getting thrashed by petzschner is a joke for a so called world number 1.

Now let's get started RAFA! VAMOS!!!

uh oh. Knee problem for Rafa. Hope he doesn't retire - that would be a disaster for the tournament.

This is quite funny!!
a nameless nobody is giving a royal thrashing to the matador!!
grass is for cows, and germans are pretty good cows..
but then rafa is the matador, the man who tames bulls!!
he should take care of this cow!!

P.S. if he doesn't do that, well he has had a bad day..
that's all!!

Knee problems again with rafa...
Again call a trainer...
SHITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!

Please people!! Give me something to hope for! I'm reading your comments to follow the game! And with Wimbie slam tracker.. Is there any hope?

"a nameless nobody"

clayking, I thought you were a tennis fan. Guessed wrong!

all the excuses comes when he starts losing.
he is building a reputation for it.

A bit much calling Petzschner a cow.. give him some credit, he's been playing well

clayking, so you think Rafa will always win on grass? Now I'm not even sure to say that about Fed, more so about Rafa who has an absence of two years from grass! Take it easy, if Rafa can't do it, so be it. I hope his knee is OK.

Soekie: Never give up hope until the final bell. This is Rafa dont forget.

is the entire fourth round on Monday?

face it nadal was always a clay court speacialist except for a couple of flukes.

Soekie ... Rafa has 2 break points.

VAMOS! VAMOS!! VAMOS!!!

Awsummmmmmmmmmmmmm RAFA IS BACKKKKKKKKKKK!!!! PlayinGG better!!! WAT A POINT VAMOSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Have to agree with Ricky. Petzschner is a good tennis player and actually QUITE good on grass. The German did well in Halle too.

Come on Nadal!! A BREAK !!!!!!!!!!!

go philip kick that moonballers butt and make him retire.

My livestream has died on me. What's happening people?

if i were petzchner,i would give up this set,and go all out in the fifth.

based on his career results, PP is about to go down the toilet

is the entire fourth round on Monday?

ATR,

whats wrong with you? that comment is uncalled for.

Break Nadal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Break!!
It is terrible not being able to watch!!
smr... I'm a firm believer in the Rafa..

YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!! Just what we needed!

Ricky - I *think* only the ladies play on Monday, but you may be right.

it went from all over for Rafa to all over for Petz in 5 minutes

OMG!!! Wat a monster passing shott from nadal....
shottt of the tournament so farr
VAMOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Retired????
Really????

Yes!!! I'm back!

Soekie - No. Comment deleted.

looks like Rafa got a warning for getting coaching information on court. for a guy with knee problems he was moving quite well there in the last two games ;)

"What Rafa needs is a little rain to slow up these courts a bit."

if rain won't help, medical timeout will for sure.

Petz is definitely tiring.

Ricky, you're right. Everyone plays on Monday - then the women play on Tuesday and the men on Wednesday.

Just ignore atr. atr is doing his anti-jinxing or whatever work for Rafa. I hope Rafa come through this match and his knee and elbow is OK.

OMG what a comment to make.. seems we are almost back on track..
Come on Rafa!!

go philip show nadal how to play proper grass court tennis.

Ahh Ricky..
you are misunderstanding..
"nameless nobody" is a phrase i use very often..
i'm surprised u saw it just today..
actually its a nice alliteration and gives a nice ring to the sentence..
I have always used it, and I do not mean any offence to petzschner..
In fact i have used it on this very site for a host of players like de bakker, giraldo, montanes etc..
believe me, i do not mean any offence!!

luckystar..
did i sound like an overly concerned fan??
hell no!!
of course rafa won't always win on grass..
in fact, among us rafans, i think i was the one who said rodddick will beat him, while you opposed..
so, of course rafa cannot always win on grass, and i'm aware of that..

Oh wouldn't you know, the cockroaches are coming out of the woodwork.

rfzr - I wasn't talking during THIS match - I sort of meant for the rest of the tournament - assuming there IS a rest of the tournament. LOL.

ed251137, you were calling out Novak for medical timeouts so may times, so please behave.

john mcenroe having a poke at tony nadal for coaching from the box.

nadal will win in 5, it's obvious.

clayking - gotcha, thanks for clarification

but let's not belittle Petz. He is absolute force on grass and indoor hard (when he wants to be).

Soekie ... Rafa looking ravenous now.

Rafa has a sarcastic streak. LOL.

So Rafa cannot take medical time out but others can? You can tell now that he is not moving well, see he just lose a point by not getting to Petz's return.

claykiing, the way you sounded is as if Rafa can't lose to Petz just because he is a nobody. Hello, Petz reached the semi of Halle and break Fed's serves there, not bad given Fed was able to hold his serve until then. Rafa is having problem with Petz because Rafa himself is not at his best today plus Petz is serving and hitting like a mad man. I'm having problem seeing anyone can break his serves if he continues to serve like he did in the first three sets!

Ricky,
I was by no means belittling him..
i called him cow in good humor..
my apologies to anyone who feels i was belittling him by saying that!!

Fantastic news!!! Thanks!

rafa is for sure faking the injury, how can you have a medical timeout and then win the second set with 6-2!!! Petschner is taken out of his game!

thanks rfzr, it looks like one should not even state a fact here - that rafa did indeed get a warning. I am in no way rooting for Rafa to loose, but let's play fair here. :)

sarcastic streak? what that mean?

Nadal serve 1st in 5th set..
YUPPPPPPPPPP!!!

Phoenix,

ur streaming working ?

Nadal took the fourth set 6-2!! Now Nadal is going to serve

uups looks like i spoke to soon :) another timeout, this time for PP. hahaha

rfzr: you have a good memory - you are right, I did but that was back in 2008. Do you know for a fact that exchange was coaching. I think it is more likely they were discussing the leg problem.

Rafa faking injury?? Really?? I cannot believ anyone can say that! This is tennis we are talking about.. Not football!

This is quite hilarious. I feel a blog coming........

Ed,
i second the comment you made on 6/26/10 6:58 PM

luckystar,
i meant it in good humour..
of course i know petz's records..
him and becker are two guys who specifically do well on grass and can trouble the best..
but at the end of the day, they are the underdogs, and I just implied that!!

"... I am in no way rooting for Rafa to loose, but let's play fair here. :)"

Sanela, totally agree, same here. Let's be fair and impartial.

ed251137, you are welcome to join.

Oh goody. Cant wait for that Cheryl.

comical stuff now

either way, Soderling (as I predicted) will win the quarter of this draw and Murray will reach the final.

rfzr and taxon - now Petz is having medical time out too, so is he faking it?? So both of you are so smart, can tell while sitting in front of you tv set or your pc that a player is faking it??

Rafa did call the trainer out the second time during the break to give a rub on his knee, no medical time out this time so it was OK.

this nadal must be fined for abusing the rules.
taking too much time.
coaching.
fake medical timeouts.
etc etc etc.


a very poor sportsman.

go philip thrash him.

I wondered how long it would be before someone would come on here and accuse Rafa of faking an injury! So I see it has started already! We also have some of the usual suspects back to spew out their venom.

Lucky!!!

So rfzr and taxon can't answer my question? Petz seems alright to me too, so is he faking it?

was that a twist of fate for petz at net, when he messed up the net play??

ah Ricky..
please do not say that!!!!! you are giving me a heart attack already

Petz looking a bit fresher after his time-out.

so u think he all of a sudden he gets injured when he is losing but runs around like a rabbit the very next point?

gimme a break.

nadal abuses the rules of the sport. everyone knows it, they are scared to say it in the open.

He's really angry with himself his first serve is off and he hasnt made an ace since the 3rd set.

If rafa faked then petzchner did. Same same!

"So rfzr and taxon can't answer my question? Petz seems alright to me too, so is he faking it?"

well if you already insist, he might be trying rafa's tactics and see how it goes.

i think Ricky is right, Rafa will not get thru beyond the quarters max. Infact there is a 50% chance that he might lose today itself

Oh puleez!!!! Rafa WILL do it!! And I say, hell nooo to Sod winning!!

exactly right native. the usual tards at their best!

rfzr - if you are so blind and can't see that Rafa is not moving as well as before and insist to be so bias, so be it. People like you, anti-rafa brigade, will always accuse him like this. I won't want to argue with you, save myself some breath!

go philip beat the faker

I second that comment luckystar.. No room here.. move along..

homos,

Nice to see you here! My nerves are shot. I know Rafa doesn't fake injuries, so something isn't right with him.

This is hard to watch!

"exactly right native. the usual tards at their best!"

i see that you unleashed your barking dog, homos. who is next?

Good serves from Phillip. 2-2

Can someone please tell me if Rafa is fighting this? Is he determined?

philip is thrashing nadal.
a pants down hiding like tsonga gave

Oh Soekie ... he is pretty mad right now. He just got called out for coaching from Toni.
You do not want to get Rafa mad (or maybe ...).

Ricky- yes the match is now officially comical!

Oh am worried for Nadals knees! The trainer called again

rfzr,

I do NOT like to be referred to as a barking dog! Please try to leave those kind of disgusting comments out of here!

You are a disgrace!

native, just don't worry about the tards. they're not going to change. take lucky's cue and just ignore them. they're just haters, nothing more, and a lot less.

thanx smr!! As long as he use the anger right! It is a tough game it seems.. But he's come back from worse!!
Vamos Rafa!!
Just do it!!

What grounds did the umpire have for giving that warning? Surely they have to have proof and publish what they heard.

Nadal knees is not looking good!!!! :(:(:(

rfzr, who let you out of your kennel?

Longchar- it's not his knee. It's his upper right thigh

Cedric out of line. Get Carillio out of the booth and bring in Patrick. Get Cedric out of the chair and bring in Mohamed.

Rafa returning well.

Nadal breaks!!!

Rafa breaks!!
... Put Ricky in the booth.

VAMOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSs
RAFA serving for the matchhhh!!!
Yupppppppppppp!!!

Rafa might well say, as Federer said after his 1st round match: 'That was a match I should have lost'.

RAFA did it !!!

Congratzzz RAFANS,,
RAFA won...he is a fighterrr..A true kinggg!!!
VAMOSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

jean, i knew you were "the next".

What was said Ricky? My stream was commentated Boris Becker and some British commentator

Everything seems to be against Rafa today. Didn't Rafa get a warning for time and also for coaching.

homos,

Thanks for the support! If it happens again, I am gone. It's hard enough watching Rafa in this battle and obviously hurting.

Isabeau, yes his upper right tight but I think they are worried of his knees too, thats what the commentators are saying!

Ho ..hum another boring match from Nadal. :)

I don't know what to say about this match other than rafa was lucky that pez tired a little which lead to his serve dropping off!

what did carillo say?

YES!!!! We love you Rafa! You are the biggest fighter ever, real warrior! This is why we simply adore Rafa! He will beat them all! Philip is real grass courter and he plays really well on grass, dont blame it on Nadal that this match went to five sets. I could see it coming but Rafa proved once again that he is hard to beat! The outcome of the match is what matters. I think it will be easier for Rafa with the Frenchmen...

VAMOS DEAREST RAFA!!!!

Petz really serve well and match Nadal, did not dropped his play. If he was not playing Nadal I would go for him. But am a total NADAL

So Rafa finally comes through. So happy for him! He is certainly not in top form today, making some uncharacteristic errors, and his ROS has to improve in order for him to go further in this tournament. This Wimbledon reminds me of that 2007 one, where he had to go through two five sets matches - against Youzhny and Sod.

I hope his elbow and knee is OK. Well if he happens to reach the QF and lost there, so be it. At least he has gained some points here. The most important thing is he is healthy and no more injury please.

clayking and imjimmy, tj - what do you think about Petz's serves vs Sod's? Whose is more scary?

The reason why I do think it's the thigh rather than the knee was because he was stretching his quads out while waiting to receive serve. I'd it was his knee he would have been putting pressure on it and pressing his foot into the ground.
The Australian commentators couldn't decide whether it was a thigh problem or whether he was faking. Idiots! Rafa is the last person who will fake an injury after all his been through.

oh Isabeau,

we Rafans are simply crazy!!! you following football also?

Longchar- I have been getting no sleep! Waiting for the USA V GHANA match!
Vamos USA!!!!! if Australia can't be there then you do it for us!!!!

I think players like Petz depend heavily on their serves and if they are forced to go the distance and get tired out, their serves will be the first to go. We see Petz certainly not doing as well in the fourth set when he was beginning to have problems with his serves.

I think both Fed and Rafa are champions because whether they are playing well or not, and whether their opponents are playing like a 'mad man' or not, they'll find a way to win, may be sometimes hang in there and out last their opponents.

As I mentioned before, this year the grass is dry and the court plays more like a hard court now. It favors those big hitters who also serve bombs; no wonder we see Sod beating everyone in straight sets and has not even lost his serve!! Incredible Sod!!

RickyDimon , 6/26/10 7:39 PM,

YAY!!! You said what I was thinking! I had to hit the mute button when Mary Carillo was talking. I just cannot stand to listen to another word out of that woman's mouth.

Rafa got it from all sides today. He was hurting, had a coaching warning, a time warning, just a total nightmare!

Rafa is Houdini! Somehow he escaped again! All I hope is that whatever bothered him isn't too serious. I would think that if it was the knees, he would not have been able to continue playing.

isabeau,

I think you are right that it is the thigh, however I did see the trainer massaging the area around his knee, too. Even though he won, there are a lot of questions. I know there will be a lot of trash talk about Rafa faking an injury, but his fans know that he is simple incapable of doing anything like that.

I am proud of Rafa for fighting through everything. He is in the round of sixteen! We will get to see him play another match. I can only hope that he has an easier time with Mathieu. I don't think any of us could sit through another five setter.

Are you getting any vibes or feelings about Rafa? If Sod gets through and meets Rafa, then Ricky's prediction is looking more likely, although I always have hope.

luckystar, i play tennis to, if somebody takes a medical timeout and you are in a zone you momentum can go away. It's the same when you are tired if you keep going on you do feel less tired, but if you are tired and you gonna slow it down you gonna feel more tired. I think he faked the injury, if you arm or leg hurts, how is it possible to run around like ammaniac in that fourth set??? Petschner took the time out because Nadal had to serve first so he thinks to me he did the same to me kwon i will get him back, and look what happend he had a breakpoint in that first game of the first set!

"what did carillo say?"

it is an ongoing discussion on espn (mcenroe, crillo ....) whether nadal is being coached by uncle tony from the box during wimby matches. they would even show split screen with one camera on rafa and the other one on uncle tony and hold it for at least 10 sec.

not a rafa hater just an avid fair play proponent. it has been fun watching and learning patterns of the rafatard hierarchy at TT.

taxon, rfzr, not worth it. all you get is name-calling in return :)

Too much sporting event and am tired...
but waiting for the kick between USA and Ghana. If USA was playing anyone other than Argentina, am all for USA but then Ghana is the only African country.....

Luckystar- and this is why rafa has such a hArd draw. Massive servers trouble everybody and they are the most frustrating type of player, as there is nothing worse than feeling helpless on court.

taxon, rfzr, not worth it. all you get is name-calling in return :)

And what about that coaching, the Nadal fans here think thats 'fair??

Anyone know what are the strengths of Paul-Henri Mathieu ?

I just hope Rafa is not seriously injured...he did have problems today but I just hope he will be fine...if he is healthy he can deal with Mathieu and then he and his team will think of some good tactics against Sod...I know Sod is playing extremely well but he really had nobody to challenge him: Ginepri, Granollers are no threat on grass, as well as Belluci (who needed four sets to beat someone called Fischer?! c'mon) Nishikori, Haase and Petz make much tougher draw and Rafa successfully handled them...

It was rather interesting how Rafa got mad at the umpire and ended up playing much better from then on...:))

PHM mathieu gave nadal hell in the 2006 french open.
he rips his 2 bh cc to nadals fh

taxon, rafa was warned by umpire for asking tony whether he should've challenged the call or not. it was so flagrant!

""--what do you think about Petz's serves vs Sod's? Whose is more scary? ""
_______________

luckystar: Is that a trick question? Sod's serve is way bigger than Petz's serve, Both first and second (by a good 5-10 mph on the average); and especially the 2nd serve which is way bigger. Soderling is also a MUCH bigger off both wings in rallies.

Regd today's match, I think Rafa played ok. He admitted that he made the adjustment to return serve from a little back in the court during the 4th set. I thought that he should have stepped back sooner. He's trying to be more aggressive with his returns which is GREAT, but it's impossible to get a good chunk of returns back (from his forehand) given his huge backswing and extreme grip.

In the first 3 sets, Petz has zillions of service winners because Rafa couldn't put the ball back in play. So no wonder Rafa went down 2 sets to 1.
The physical problems again puts a small cloud on Rafa's victory today. Towards the end his backhand had gone off, as he stopped bending and taking the ball on the up, and the forward-backward movement was a little suspect too. I hope he can get through the next match to at least make the QF.

And as you alluded in your post, QF would still be a good result for Rafa. I think he needs to play ONLY 2 clay court masters next year( especially if he wins both). Clearly, the long season is taking it's toll.

I know I'm looking ahead, but it seems to me that we're heading for a Murray-Soderling SF, where I don't think Murray has enough weapons to even take a set off Soderling, much less beat him.

sanela, you just keep saying bullshit, now fure sure that you even can hold a racket!!

I know that you are a Nadal fan but you can be a little bit more objective.

Its ok Sanela, I'm one that won't be bothered by taxon or rfzr. Whoever is/are their favorite players, they'll also have hard time in future to defend them. I guess many negative thinking people are like that, just have to ignore them.

isa - Fortunately, Rafa does not feel helpless today. He has not given up hope (like some of us, shameful!) and I think deep down, he knows that Petz can't serve like that forever, and his chance will come for him to break Petz's serves. I'm glad Rafa hang in there and wait for his chances. I'm so happy now, whatever happen in future, win or lose, I just hope that there is nothing wrong with him and he remains injury free.

well, taxon if you would read more carefully, you'd see that i was agreeing with you. I said to you and rfzr that it is not worth trying to state something here, because you get comments like you are a 'tard or cochroach in return. see my previous posts here.

"Its ok Sanela, I'm one that won't be bothered by taxon or rfzr. Whoever is/are their favorite players, they'll also have hard time in future to defend them ..."

my favorite tennis player is the honest tennis player.

BTW gotta say the umpire is nuts. On court coaching? BAH.. That was pathetic officiating.

It's not a baby we're talking about. It's a 7 time grandslam champ. He doesn't need to ask Uncle Toni how to win matches!

I've also gotta say that I'm a little disappointed (perhaps not surprised) by the resurfacing of Rafa's knee problems. Seems like the trainer was massaging the exact same area that he was in AO 2010. Rafa should just skip practice and play matches from now on. But he's gotta look into abbreviating his schedule even further from the next year.

I agree rfzr :)

natashao-
In rafas post match interview he said he didnt think it was anything too serious. So thats good. Although I do think its the thigh as he was also squeezing it. Its better that the quads are tight or slightly strained then the knee or hamstring, as it heels quickly.

NNY-
My God, I said this years Wimbledon would be an absolute shambles and boy has it lived up to my prediction, from the 5 setters galore, to the Marathon match, to the Hanescu incident and the other female player who also has been reprimanded for refusing to shake her opponents hand, to the 4 people arrested by police, and its ONLY WEEK 1!

As for my vibes about Rafa v Soderling (if they get there), I dont know as I am so tired to pick up anything at the moment, but all I know from watching Soderling is that he hasnt played anyone to challenge him, so we dont truly know how his form is. In saying this Rafa has just played two 'Soderlings' in a row and won this match in particular when he wasnt playing all that well.

Im sticking with Rafa, if his injury free! I will let you know if my thoughts change when I get some rest as I am super tired!
Anyone tired yet? Im exhausted

Is that the same player who takes timely toilet visits then sits down to change his t-shirt while waiting for the sun to move? And then lie to the interviwer that he need to go to the toilet? The same one that takes swipes at players who get the better of him like "it's not always the better player wins, it's all about momentum" meaning he's not the better player a lot of times I guess.

RFZR, you are nothing but a little insecure Nadal hater and you're peeved that your man has a losing H2H with Nadal and you can't stomach it. Be honest and admit it. Pathetic retard!!

i was a bit worried but i never doubted that rafa will win this match. i hope he's healthy for his next match.

jean i'm not rf fan, you've got it wrong, sorry.

yeah he Petz get a breakpoint at 5th set but the question is did he get the break? No that's why he injury time out is not a fake same thing with Rafa. And why people keep questioning things that are bound within the rule?

About that illegal couching warning, tham ampire just wants to anger Rafa to play better hehehe.

Rafa is thru to round 16, and he will just getting stronger more as the match progresses. He needs this kind of practice (with the bombers) so he will be much prepared when he faces Soderling.

Vamos!!!!

***yeah Petz got a breakpoint
***that ampire
***stronger more as the tournament progresses.

Hello Senela,

Sorry i had not read one of your posts! I thougt you didn't agree.

SOrry!!

Mathieu will be as difficult an opponent as Clement was for Roger. Rafa gets a breather of the rest day and an easy match day. Soderling is scary. He has all the attributes of Haase and Petz except silky movement. Return of service is not Rafa's strong point, but he will have to return damn well against Sod. But that strategy analysis has to wait for one more round.

atr, Matheu needed four sets to beat Gicquel, five sets to beat Youzny and four sets to beat De Bakker: he is certainly not in his best form on grass. Again, IMO if healthy Rafa will beat him...for Sod, however, he will need more, but again his memories are fresh from FO and he should be able to find the way to deal with him...if he still end up losing, well, at least Ricky will get the credit for his perfect predictions...

I am knackered...off to sleep. Rest tomorrow, no tennis. Best of all NDAL get rest too. Then, come monday!

rfzr - well good for you. I happen to think that Rafa is an honest player too! If he is not, then I'm afraid I'll think Fed is also not one (the match against Davy this AO suggest that he was trying some tricks to delay time). Sorry to the genuine Fed fans, no intention to offend you all, just quoting some examples to let some here know that we can be objective or subjective depending on what we wish to see. I choose to see things/people in a more positive way, so what Fed/Rafa do, I take it at face value and trust that they are within the rules.

Agree with you imjimmy about the coaching part. The commentators here also mentioned something similar to what you said. A seven time slam champion needs coaching on court? What is it that Rafa does not know out there and still needs coaching? That's why Rafa gets so mad and I understand it, never feel good for being accused of doing something you did not do!!

Thanks imjimmy for your opinion on Sod's serves vs Petz's. Sod is a more established player than Petz and he is certainly more experienced in slams than Petz. I can imagine how difficult it is to play against him here this year. The conditions here favors him. May be after his RG's disappointment, it is his time now to win a slam! In your opinion, if Rafa can't deal with Sod, who else left in the draw now can deal with him (from both halves of the draw)?

I agree about the point that Rafa should have adjusted his position to take on the second serves much sooner than he did after losing the third set. Its unfortunate that he lost his serve just once in the second set to lose the set. (same scenario as in the first set during the Haase match). He certainly had chances to break Petz's serves but missed them till the fourth set. In my opinion, Rafa raised his level in the fourth and five sets and Petz's level gone down as well.

I wonder whether Rafa stands any chance at all against Sod if he gets past Matthieu in the fourth round, assuming his thigh/knee/elbow are all OK.

jean


You are saying such dumb stupid things! I also like Nadal i think he is a great player ( iam a federer fan ), i just think that if he is behind he is taking a medical timeout ( not all the time ). What has this to do wit the head to head??

If you are a fan you can't be a little bit objective about that person?

But the Rafa fans ( 99% is a rafa fan on this site ) are always thinking that they are right, they are convinced there man has already won the tournament.

Mark my words, he is not gonna win, iam not saying Federer will win but it wont be Nadal!

Taxon, don't be stupid. I never said MTO is related to H2H so STFU. I was writing to the official TT retard.

RFZR = a retard as well as a liar. I've seen a lot of your posts always defending RF and attacking Rafa fans so don't pretend. You're not honest at all. Fair? Don't make me laugh.

some Rafafans lost the credibility to talk about Fed, so please keep quiet.
rfzr , 1/18/10 6:20 PM

My point was that some Rafa fans have dual standards when attacking/defending Fed according to the context, but you figured that out by yourself already, right? Thanks.
rfzr , 1/19/10 12:09 AM

Always defending RF and attaccking Rafa and his fans = not a Roger fan? Go back to your kennel.

Hey you guys!!

I have to say that I think Rafa needs to be extremely more aggressive, staying within the realms of smart play. However, although Sod is a big server, I think Rafa will be able to get through becos Rafa KNOWS Sod's game as he has played him before, at Wimby too. Petz play was frustrating for Rafa bcos Rafa has never play him on grass so i think he was able to put Rafa off. But with Sod, Rafa knows exactly what to expect and Rafa WILL be prepared, win or lose!!!!

Remember @ RG, you guys were nervous the same way............and look what happened!!! Rafa played sensational tennis, Sod never even won a set having not dropped a set ALL tourmement long!!!!

I still say Rafa/Roddick in the final! Not sure who ill give the edg though......ill wait and see them both play in the qrts!!

As for Rafa getting a medical time out..................i think it was all in his head...............when ure under mental strain it tends to manifest itself physically.............not worried!!!!

VAMOS!!!!!!

isabeau,

I hear you! Honestly, I am too tired to think straight myself. Now that the match is over, I will say one thing - last night before I went to sleep suddenly, I had a really bad feeling about this match. This doesn't happen very often to me, so I was nervous. It's like a premonition. I am not a psychic, but sometimes these things happen and it's for a reason.

Now I know why I had that feeling! Once I woke up and saw the score, 6-4, 4-6, 3-3, I thought - oh no! I am absolutely drained right now. I don't even want to think about Rafa's next match at the moment. I am hoping that he has it easy against Mathieu. He really needs a straight set match this time.

I am wondering if Rafa's problem is that tweak he had at Queens. I don't know if it was a buttock muscle or hamstring or what. The only thing I can say right now is that Rafa seems to a bit used up and tired. All that tennis is catching up with him. He is facing the toughest opponents for him early in his draw.

The most important thing is that he's healthy and okay to play. I really have to take this one match at a time and see how Rafa looks on Monday. Whatever happens, it will be okay as long as he is healthy.

luckystar: Thanks for the post. I think it was apparent from today's match that the taxing clay season has taken it's toll on Rafa. It's not the physical exhaustion alone (although that is a large part of it), but also the fact that the surface change is tricky. Not least because on grass you have to use several different muscles in bending, stretching and reaching to low balls so there's a risk of pulling something as Nadal did with his hamstring in Queens.

Obviously there was some concern about Nadal's physical condition in today's match. On more than one occasion Rafa motioned to Uncle Toni to be quiet and stop talking, before the warning from the umpire. I think it's unfortunate that the umpire mistook this for on court coaching. And maybe Toni should've just kept quiet.

Finally, Rafa had just won his serve and Petzshner was obviously dragging when Nadal called for the prolonged meeting with the trainer. Subsequently it was very clear that Rafa was NOT putting weight on that right leg whenever it could be avoided - noted by JMac and other commentators. The backhand was also off which is the first sign of problems with Rafa's knees. If Rafa had no physical problems he would NEVER have called the trainer at that time, as Petz was really struggling and the last thing Nadal wanted was to give him a breather.

That said you gotta love Nadal as a competitor. He did NOT get rattled by the empire and his physical problems, and continued pummeling his forehand to get the win!

Regarding Soderling: As I mentioned before, I think he's playing some really great tennis. I don't agree with Ricky, that Soderling will beat Murray. Not for a second. Murray has no weapons to trouble Soderling, and the Swede will feast on the Scott's putrid second serve. Murray will be hit off the court as he has in several of the last few grand slams.

As for who can beat Soderling? The answer is obvious.. Roger Federer. If it's Fed vs Soderling in the final, there's no way Rog is loosing that match. That said if Fed gets upset (by some miracle) before the final, Sod's in a great chance to win the whole thing. The only question is that does he really believe he can do so? Certainly he is playing like a man whose time has come..

"Always defending RF and attaccking Rafa and his fans = not a Roger fan? Go back to your kennel."

ask your first secretary i called roger out for that toilet stunt, don't be a mad retard please, even tho that justifies your top ranking in the rafatard hierarchy.

56 winners...12 aces... 18 unforced errors for nadal in 5 sets ! impressive eh?i cudnt watch the entire match unlikily, i am nt worried TBH...wimb 07 rafa played 2 5 setters in first week and then ppl were saying berdych (who had a winning record) would beat rafa ...raf abeat him in strait...also remember that week 2 grass suits nadal more ! i wil watch the repeat broadcast to get better awareness but i am nt too much worried...those who think soderling will beat him for sure are making a silly decision...jsut look at nadal's 5 set record...almost perfect at wimbledon ! lets see how soderling deals wid ferrer's return but he is gona have to need more than big serving to beat ferrer.

Could you guys refrain from comments like "Go back to your kennel."

Its not nice..........really!! We all adore our fav tennis players.............so lets agree to disagree on certain points, but quit with the name calling!!!

Looking forward to a great Wimby final.........(Rafa/Rodddick.........lol!!!)

Oh mine. That Querry vs Malisse match is also going the distance! There is something extraordinary about this Wimbledon, why so many 5 sets matches? Even the top two guys have to go through some!

That Simon vs Murray match seems to have rallies that can go on forever. Murray is playing his usual 'return every ball' game and wait for Simon to make mistakes. Simon here becomes the 'attacking' player, taking his chances as I think he knows that he can't out rally Murray.

I agree Monalysa (although I cheer for Fed) because it feels like bullying people.

Live Tweets from Nadal's press conference :
_____________

"Nadal said he had a knee problems since the match vs Roddick/Miami & even at Monte Carlo. He knows knees are NOT 100% recovered He will have his right knee treated after Wimby, will miss Davis cup. For now he will give his best for Wimbledon. Wants to be in perfect condition for the UsOpen"

' Rafael Nadal: If I called the physio is means my knee was hurting a LOT. The Quad also tight. Will speak to supervisor about coaching. Will get treatment for the knee after Wimbledon. "
_________________

SO SO SORRY for those who're wishing Rafa to lose! It's NOT quite the time!.... Pray more to whoever you're praying to cos RAFA will just disappoint you!.... The SURE thing is,,, he's gaining points and will still be # 1....NUMERO UNO... even after Wimbledon.... MORE SORRIES for you!!!....... A WIN is a WIN,,, even if it takes him to 100 sets!..... VAMOS RAFA!!!... You make this years Wimbly a lot more exciting than last year's boring tourny cos of your absence!!!
VIVA RAFA!!!

Monalysa , 6/26/10 9:25 PM,

Let's not be selective about calling people out, shall we? The reason that comment was made is because that person referred to me as "a barking dog"! If you are going to insult someone, then expect to get called out for it. That was all there was to this comment.

I would appreciate it if people would be consistent and not pick and choose the comments that they find offensive.

Just watched this presser imjimmy ... thanks for posting the tweets.
Rafa would NOT call the trainer unless he was hurting.

Thanks imjimmy for the info. Rafa's knees will always give him problem if he is not careful. I'm glad that he is willing to skip Davis Cup as I think most likely it will be on indoor hard court, which means a change of surface for the players involved. I hope his fellow team mates can do a good job at the Davis Cup.

I'm aware of his knee problem at Miami this year, so that's why he seemed unwilling to go all out to win the points at Rome and Madrid. Like what I'd mentioned before, he was trying to conserve his energy for the French Open. I really hope his knees can hold up, and I still hope to see him get past Sod and whoever to win the tournament here. I think what he needs after Wimbledon is a prolonged rest, so four or five weeks should be good for him, at least better than nothing. Maybe if need be, he should skip one of the masters before the USO.

"Let's not be selective about calling people out, shall we? The reason that comment was made is because that person referred to me as "a barking dog"! If you are going to insult someone, then expect to get called out for it. That was all there was to this comment.

I would appreciate it if people would be consistent and not pick and choose the comments that they find offensive."

that is what i call the book example of ultimate hypocrisy; who started with name calling?

and btw, it wasn't directed towards you.

@Native.............my post was directed at you..........but I realised rfzr had highlighted it in his post and I thought it was a bit harsh!! Never even knew it was related to you!!

Anyway, over on the Wimby website...............Rafa is getting so much slack for cheating by posters!!! Its just so bizarre!!!............a lot of people are terrified of Rafa reaching the finals bcos people are soooooooooooooo afraid of Rafa beating Federer again!! This is like a witch hunt!!!!...........unbelievable!!!

rfzr,

First of all, I wasn't addressing my comment to you, so butt out! If you would keep your nasty mouth shut in the first place, then this could be avoided!

read this thread, http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=335323 even Naadal fans say he is a cheater!

Even Becker and Mcenroe said on the BBc that it was a tactical thing. I dont understand that such agreat player like Nadal want's to win in this way?

Nativenewyorker, this is the public forum ... read carefully the posts and see the sequence of the events and name callings ... barking dog wasn't directed towards you but to your friend homos ... barking dog attribute describes the pattern of the tone of his posts when someone questions your boy. simple as that.

Monalysa,

It's all good! You are not the problem, it's people who come on here to start trouble, start calling names and then lie about it!

exactly right native. the usual tards at their best!
homos, 6/26/10 7:22 PM

"exactly right native. the usual tards at their best!"

i see that you unleashed your barking dog, homos. who is next?
rfzr, 6/26/10 7:25 PM

who is lying?

You are! You come on here to start trouble. How come you didn't answer me the very first time I called you out about the "barking dog" comment? Homos was answering me, so you responded to him and basically trashed both of us.

You have one purpose here and that is to instigate, insult and create chaos! Do us all a favor and get lost if you can't behave! You act like a spoiled child!

It doesn't matter what Becker or what McEnroe says because they are not Rafa. Neither are we here or those fans at tennis forums, so can we drop this subject, wait for Rafa's presser and see what he says about his knee/thigh. And why don't we wait and see how he plays in his next match to judge the condition of his knee/thigh?

Why all the arguments here? Even if majority of the people said so (that Rafa fake the injury), or even 'that' Becker or 'that' McEnroe said so, that does not make it true!! Why raise all these names just to support an argument, as if they can feel how Rafa feels? Strange argument this one!

a few fries short of a happy meal.

Luckystar,

What i dont like about Nadal fans like you is that Nadal is god and does nothing wrong!!

He got a warning for coaching, the guy does everything to win. When does Federer takes medical timeouts, ZERO!

Hello taxon, are you in for a quarrel or what? What I don't like is people like you!! You are one of those that never give Rafa a chance and jump into conclusion straight away. It shows your bias against Rafa! Where did I say that Rafa did no wrong? Can you read or not?? I said we do not know how Rafa feel, so let's hear his presser first and see what he had to say, and watch his next match to judge how his knee/thigh was doing?? Anything wrong with that? Or are you just bias and refused all reasons and straight away give out your judgement? You proved exactly my point - you are one of those people that I mentioned in my post!!

taxon, no one can possibily think that Nadal is perfect ... but neither does he have a history of faking it or telling lies.
He does however have a history of injuries. For a player (and in this particular match - players) to have a medical TO in a five setter is certainly not unusual. For Becker and Mac to actually say this on air is very unprofessional. I think it was a very hard fought match by both players ... and we don't really need to start calling anyone a cheater.

imjimmy: I don't know if Andy will get to the final or not but if he does I'm hoping Ricky is wrong and he doesn't face Fed. Not another drubbing please, just when it looks as if the game is coming together and his confidence is coming back!

It must be sad, being the fan of a player like Nadal. No matter how many Grand Slam wins, no matter the king of clay accolades, other players are not stupid. How many times has he been behind and ask for a medical timeout? How many warnings for coaching? Why is it his knees never need attention when he is a set ahead - only when he is two behind? Why is it the prevailing view in the ATP locker room is that players don't respect him? They admire his tenacity, and his power, but not his tactics. Why isn't he close to anyone but a few Spanish players? Are all the referees, opponents who have complained of the on court coaching, opponents who complain of the gamesmanship, TV commentators, stupid? Its asinine, to ignore the obvious. He cheats when necessary. Normally it is not, but when he needs to, he does. And I'd be sad to have to root for such a player.

It must be sad when you choose to voice out about one player's cheating and look past another's when he even admitted to the world world from AO's centre court that he took a tactical toilet break. But according to some, admiting to it finally makes it ok. I would hate to root for a player who is arrogant enough to admit to gamesmanship because he is above everything and everyone.

Actually it's a great privilege and joy to be a fan of Rafa. Too bad you don't really know anything about him. You throw around words like cheating as though you know who he is. Where did you get this propaganda about him only taking medical timeouts when he is losing! Is your memory fried or something? How come he didn't take one just yesterday when he was losing two sets to one to Hasse? Did I miss something?

You speak in generalities without providing either fact or substance. Rafa hardly ever calls for the trainer. You must be a rabid Fed fan who is just mad that he won and is still in the tournament! Or you are an obsessive Rafa hater who just throws around wild, unsubstantiated charges.

The lies and the crazies just keep on coming! My goodness, they are all out in force today!

I predict it will get worse if Rafa wins his next match. The deeper he goes into the tournament, the more the lunatics and despairing Fed fans will come out.

nadal will be crushed by soderling if by chance he reaches dere
he escaped in 5 sets

Rafans,

I am sure all of us are happy with this another tight win of Rafa and at the same time I am happy to know that evidently, it caused great disperation to the oppositions ... EAT YOU HEART OUT har har har.

RAFA BLOG DAY 7:

"Anyway let?s talk about tennis because as I say I am here to play tennis and to play at Wimbledon. Got some questions today after my practice about my knee. It?s feeling better and I expect to be ready to play tomorrow.

I have always been a very fair player and yesterday when I called the trainer I really needed him since I was in pain. I know there has been some controversy because of that but I don?t think it is fair. Like it was not fair the way the umpire gave me a warning for coaching. Toni was only saying to me to be positive and I don?t think that?s giving me any advice. So there you go. I am normally not commenting these things but I feel it was important to tell you about it.

Many thanks and I expect to answer your questions tomorrow."