Rafa's previous match was a battle between two pretty lefty Spaniards, his next match is too. I hope, the winner of both battles is also the same - Rafa the Brave Warrior in the Tennis-battlefield. Fight, Rafa, fight! Vamos!

I think Verdasco has some firepower to hurt Nadal. Everybody thought Nadal would beat Verdasco in straight sets in the Aussie 09 SF...we all know what happened
It will be Nadal in 4 or 5 sets

This will not be a repeat of OZ 09.


VAMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Well Verdasco is playing well and with a lot of confidence like he did in A/0 09 and will prove a handful for Rafa in the quarters, I have yet to see Rafas A game, in some rallies he has been sublime and he has held serve well (albeit courtesy of Felis errors Tues), but I am not convinced yet, he is running around his b/h too much! in A/0 09 his b/h was a weapon at what helped him win that tournament, he is n't as confident on it now.. I hope this isn't a slug fest as this is the last thing that Rafa needs right now, the knees? will suffer and if he wins which is a big if, he still has the semis to get through! *fingers crossed*

afrodite,

Rafa's cup is half empty - again.

Nando beat Ferrer in a marathon match, and that's as far as I'll go - epic? No.

nadline, I really think you're in for a treat tonight - it's gonna be hard to leave the champagne untouched before Sunday, because every display to date has been sparkling!

VAMOSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People say Verdasco is out of steam but you have to understand that opportunities like this for him doesn't come around much and he will give it his all. On top of that, these guys are fit athletes and know how to recharge. Having said that, Nadal is in top form, best he's been on hard courts, and more energy saved.

If anyone saw the Verdasco-Ferrer match, Verdasco has all kinds of blisters and wraps around his left leg/foot. I don't think he can run around any more than he wants!

You are right gorafago, Rafa has already given us cause for champagne, but let's start with a stiff sangria, and save the best for last.


VAMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Is it too early to start getting excited for this match?

Rafa in 4 is my pick.

Verdy will loose knowingly to give his compatriot a chance..... lol

how is Verdasco going to win a set?

I do not agree with afrodite that it's a big IF for Rafa to win against Verdasco. As far as the 2009 AO, I know that this is what the Fed fans are praying for, but Rafa is a much better hardcourt player than he was at that time. His backhand won him that match and maybe we haven't seen him fire it as consistently yet here, but his serve is miles better than it was then and his net game is far superior. He is a much more aggressive player than he was in the 2009 AO.

I still have that match on my dvr and love to watch it when I need inspiration. It was one of the most courageous, gutsiest wins I have seen from a tennis player. However, seeing Rafa in those long, endless rallies from the baseline reminded me of the toll that style of play took on Rafa's knees. It's hard to watch it at times, knowing what was to come at RG.

Rafa became too predictable on hardcourt. The tall players with the big serves and the booming forehands figured out how to beat Rafa. He wasn't able to be as competitive on hardcourt. This new game featuring a much more aggressive Rafa who is now willing to move into the court to close out the points quickly, is what will keep him playing tennis longer. It will save his precious knees.

I expect a tough match from Verdasco. He doesn't give anything away and will want desperately to get his first win against Rafa on the big stage at a slam. However, I also expect to see Rafa go to another gear in this match. This is the time when you want to peak and be in your best form. Even Rafa has said that he hasn't yet played his best tennis. There is no better time than now for him to bring it against Verdasco.

While Verdasco may take a set, I expect Rafa to win this one.

To be honest, OZ 09 was a one off between these 2. Verdasco had never played like that before, and hasn't played like that since, against anyone.

nadline,

I think you are right about the 2009 AO. I can't believe that Verdasco is capable of pushing Rafa like that again.

I hope Ricky is right when he asks how can Verdasco win a set! I don't want to see a long five setter, especially with this being the last quarterfinal at night!

Stupid football.

Verdasco copies Rafa to a tee. He did the water bottles and the Rafa shuffle, he even did the sock fixing just before coming on court.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

yikes.

3-1....VERDASCO!

I have a bad feeling that this will be a a long match

i knew you'd jinx it ricky :P

Nadal will lose tonight...or maybe win in 5

dasco will choke, no worries.

Thank goodness Rafa breaks back.

Unbelievable, dasco double faults twice to hand the break back.

Classic Fer double fault

I don't believe for a second that any of us (thousands, hundreds of thousands) have any influence on the outcome: no jinxing possible.

Having said that, I think that this match will be over in 3 sets. Or maybe, less likely, 4.

And the dream final will still be alive.

nadal isnt even playing with half the aggression he has been playing at the open thus far , i know one reason is that holding sometimes is part of rafa's strategy against nando to draw errors...the reason i guess is the wind , thank God it has slowed down somewhat now..

oh great, atlast some impressive serving...rafa is not hitting his serve hard due the wind i guess...5-4 lead atlast :)

i wouldnt say "nadal breaks back"

i would say "verdasco hands the break back in a gift-wrapped package"

Now that's a break.

yes!!! Vamos Rafa!

Nadal takes the first set - 7.5



VAMOS!

Nadal wins first set. oh I am so relieved...was really worried at 1-3

What was all that about with the umpire. Anyone speaks spanish?

oh what a forehand down the line to close the match , SCORCHER!!

Nadal's backhand cross court not working today. hasent really worked effectively all tournament

@nadline ... problem with hawk eye?

Thanks, smr.

Rafa now 5.2 up in the 2nd set.

atul,
hard to pronounce on that cross court BH, due to the insane wind.

its all over

I don't think that Nando is going to break Nadal one more time.

2 sets to love.



VAMOS!

Bravo Rafa! Vamos!

Rafa breaks in the opening game.



VAMOS!

I am still depressed after that loss of serve in first set.

Vamos!

rafa is playing great now, tactically perfect..nice aggression, variety of shots and he has hit some REMARKABLE volleys...surely he now has one of the best net games on the tour..

@ricky/chery/kelli this match is done and dusted, better start preparing the match report :P

Raindrops, it was bound to happen and better it was broken than by Federer if they meet in the final.

apparently the phonecall was because there was an announcement over a loud speaker during play, so the umpire made a phonecall to tell them not to do it again

thanks sib

Wot a point!!!!!

Done. 7.5 6.3 6.4



VAMOS!

The "TOPS" Man who can turn 360 degrees without losing his balance.

Good job!

Vamos Rafa!

The wind was responsible for why Rafa got broken in the first set...overall he adjusted to the windy conditions very well and was very convincing in the whole match. Nando only had that one break point which he was able to convert early in the set, but other than that Rafa did not allow him to get any break points...great match for Rafa considering those tough conditions...Rafa will be hard to beat with this game and high level of confidence!

Go Rafa all the way to the end and bite the trophy! This was for sure some great tennis tonight!

I can go to sleep now :)

VAMOS RAFA!!!

Only Federer standing between Nadal and his 1st US Open.

I can't remember at which tournament it was, but Nadal did another one of those 360's at the net a few months ago.

Chlorostoma, Raindrops-
Can someone explain the 360's degree turn...I was at a wedding and unable to watch it Pretty please...:)

isabeau77 - it was nothing special. Gilbert overreacted.

Federer has really not been tested so far. Soderling might have a fearsome reputation but he wasn't in- form. So let's watch the Nole -Federer match .

The ball comes at Nadal fast and very close to his left side, so he starts spinning his body while returning it in a quick reflex... then as the ball starts to travel back over the net his body continues to turn around all aroung (360 degrees). As soon as he's facing towards the net again he immediately takes whatever steps to take to be in position to return the ball again... (except that his trick return was a winner already).

@Ricky - yes it was nothing special. The commentators overreacted IMO

Chlorostoma- Thanks...:)

Cant wait to see the replay!

I hope you had a beautiful time at the wedding.

It was an exciting match. Both players hit brilliant shots and both moved well. But, Rafa was better hitter and better mover. Vamos, Rafa!

Chlorostoma-
Strange day to have a wedding, but what can you do. It was killing me though. I was checking the scores on my phone and having heart attacks in the first set not knowing what was going on, with the brake. It was torture I tell you not being able to watch it.

Rafa's 360 deg turn was far more impressive than Roger's tweeny.

Isabeau, I know how you feel. Everytime I receive an invitation that clashes with tennis especially if Rafa is playing, I think how inconsiderate of them to hold a function on that day. I've got something on Sunday, but luckily it will be all over before the men's final starts. My husband wants to take me out to dinner on Sat which is my birthday, and I put him off, pointing out that no restaurant can cook better than me, and he agreed. That's absolutely true though.

@nadline...how???

id rather complete my question..

how was rafa's turn better than the tweener??

nadline, 9/10/10 9:49 AM I will let Rafa know it's your birthday tomorrow and tell him to deliver a late birthday present on Sunday in the form of a gift wrapped trophy for you.

btw: what time will Rafa's SF be played? If it's an afternoon one I'm going to miss it. A close friend has very inconsiderately organised a major birthday party for Saturday evening!

Rafa's 360 isn't impressive at all... and he pulled it off by accident... although it's the second time he's done it. It's all about momentum and getting "back on your feet" quicker. It is now a Rafa?.

TRADEMARK shot I meant to say...

ed: just wanted 2 thank u 4 the links to live streaming. The hunter site was no good, kept freezing, but the ATHDE

ed:.... oops, pressed wrong button....! that's ATDHE, of course, is excellent. Ta.

I disagree completely............the 360 degree turn was indeed special.....................EVERYONE does a tweener but ONLY Rafa has pulled this one off!!!!......well for now!

I hope Rafa can beat Youhzny in 3.....................felt Stan should have won it though!

VAMOS!!!!!!

Brad Gilbert called the 360 deg turn the matador spin. It's got a ring to it. Was it Youzhny who did the tweener yesterday?


VAMOS!

id rather complete my question..

how was rafa's turn better than the tweener??

vrael , 9/10/10 10:26 AM




isabeau77 - it was nothing special. Gilbert overreacted.

RickyDimon , 9/10/10 5:19 AM




vrael, this is only in response to Ricky saying it was nothing special.

ed, Rafa says he'll do his best to deliver the trophy for my belated birthday present.

SKY said the Ladies' final is in the afternoon, and the men's SF starts at 9pm BST.

nadline: expletive deleted :) Just my luck. Enjoy your birthday but dont spend too much time in the kitchen.