Djoko in 5.
I have a feeling Ferrer will put a heck of a fight in this match.

don't think Djokovic will be thinking about the WTF loss during this one

want ferru to win...but my mind says it will be over in 3 tough sets...djokovic winning ofcourse.

I think Ferrer could make it a decent match. You really never know for sure. It could be over in three sets or be unexpectedly difficult.

I was so sure that Tsonga would beat Nishikori, so I am not going to say that anything is certain at this point. However, I would definitely be very surprised if Nole doesn't get through!

I will leave it at that.

Djokovic will surely win...dont know how many sets. I guess it could be 3 or 4 sets, dont see it going to 5 sets though.

Massacre.
Ferrer will find it tough to get even 9 games.

he's already got 4 games, and it's the first set. And also, djokovic's game is really really really boring. i mean really boring. Boring as in, b-o-r-i-n-g. And boring. And Ferrer can trouble djokovic's game today i can feel that, mostly because djokovic's game is really boring.

first set a massacre indeed. of tennis.

eduard..guess you really bored ;-)

Hope Djoko goes through, want to see the Djoko Murray dream semi :-)

Go and watch ballet valalex....
First one dawn.... two to go:)))
AJDE NOLEEEEEE!!!!

How is Djokovic playing today?

"Sublime"...:)

deuce.... c'mon Nole... break him quick!!!

They are both going to kill each other today. Its a brusing match.

brusing? u mean long long slugging physical match?

Well both are attrition players who slog at the baseline

YEEEEEES..... nole breaks!!
But...OMG... David is goooood!
Make it three sets Novak... Andy is waiting :(

@zare first one dawn, second one sunrise.

hope so^^^
...but David IS dangerous...

Nole moving like a spider, he looks like he has eight legs, moving so quickly! The first set is really bruising tennis, at one point Nole was left panting for breath. There are so many long gruelling rallies, many more than 20 shots. Nole won the first set 6-4 but not without a serious bruising fight from Ferrer. Some of Nole's gets and in particular his sharp angled CC laser like flat backhand are insane! It's a miracle that Ferrer can keep up with him for so long during the first set. I think Nole should win this, whether in three or in four, but both players may be seriously depleted physically after this match and Murray may be the one laughing after this match.

I have deep respect for Ferrer, he just keeps fighting. What he lacks is really a killer shot, when at some points during some rallies, the other top four guys would have hit a hard forehand and finish the point when Nole is out of position but Ferrer simply can't do it. Let's see how long more this gruelling tennis can carry on.

zare, is it my fevered imagination but is Nole looking a wee bit less good than last year...just a wee...and Andy a wee bit better...just a wee...
just asking....;)

^^^yes... :(

Ahhhh... doesn't look good...
I got to take my son to swimming lessons... :(
I hope it will be over 'till I am back...

BOOM!! Ferrer breaking the Tall Screech from Saved by The Bell With the Ugliest Game of Tennis Ever.

If it's so boring, why the hell are you watching?! You're such a troll.

Im watching because I like ferrer's tennis.

i dont mean to be spamming, but by the looks of it, if ferrer doesn't beat djokovic today, murray will take care of him.

Ferrer always comes short on BIG points

zare, that's why I love you! Such an honest fan! No nonsense!

eduardvalalex be quiet or Nole will eat you for brekfeast.

Breakfeast BWHAHAHAAAHAHHA if you can't spell, don't spell at all..

Actually Djokovic is showing so much negative body language right now,and he looks like 2010 AO Djokovic,deff not 2011.
eduardvalaalex - Djoko's and Ferrer's games are very similar so stop talking nonsense about Novak's game .But I agree with you that if not Ferrer Murray will certainly stop him.

Vamos David our warrior supreme - hope you can make a good match of it. My heart wants you to win but I know it is a very tall order.

Ferrer gave Andy a heck of a match last year. No surprise he's giving Nole trouble. What a little fighter he is!

if ferrer can capitalize on his momentum... it's going to be very interesting. Nole keeps winning his games after deuces, ferrer wins them in like a minute.

nearly 2 hours and not even 2 sets yet..well but berdy rafa first 2 sets took 2.5 hrs too ..

but im sure berdy rafa was not gruelling like this as berdy is not an attrition baseline slogger

haha eduard..u just said Noles services go to deuce after deuce and he served it ot to Love

Looks like he decided he had enough and has to wrap it fast :-)

Im pretty sure Ferrer winning second set means winning the match.

But Ferrer is not winning the second set and even if he wins Djoker will still go thru ; Dont go by Djoker's looks ; his can be deceiving.

Ah, Nole showing brilliance when it matters. Must've been playing possum!

Djokovic will win this

I don't question Djokovic's fitness. If he wins, he'll be ready to face Murray. He proved it last year multiple times.

ferrer is a perenial mental midget. no way he can beat any of the big 4 in a slam! poor guy

I like how RickyDimon thinks of him as the king/god of tennis knowledge and intuition. Admirable

TB

TB with a MB for DF

eduardvalalex,

Nole 6 - Rafa 0 is quite painful, isn't it?

2 MBs back

What's happening? Is djokovic playing badly? His 1st serve percentage is low.

never in doubt

bleck, he's playing middling and serve poor......except when he needs to then he plays brilliantly!

Nole!!!!!!!!!!!!

2-0

djoker will win this in 3 and put to rest any doubts about his fitness by beating AndyM as well in semis.

Do you think he can win against murray playing like he is today?

well hes playing well in the big points, thats what matters.

being 4-5 down in 2nd set tiebreak, he won it 7-4

Yes , in 4 sets at max.

fedexal, don't write Andy off with so much certainty I personally think this underdog has a chance.

Not just Murray, even other two guys as well.

eduardvalalex try to learn serbian language

Ko te BRE jebe mamlaze ruzni lol

sabs, Fed and Rafa "underdogs" lol. Dogs of war more like!

deuce , 1/25/12 12:05 PM

No Deuce, comment was against
bleck , 1/25/12 11:59 AM

eduardvalex, for goodness sake chill. We get you don't like Nole, we really do! No need to keep swearing!

deuce, I am sorry but this is what is going to happen if you play Nole from baseline . Only Fed can defeat Djoker because of his variety. We all know what Fed can do. slice, volley, sudden drop shots . You just cant break him from baseline.

Rafans, please educate your mate about what is not acceptable in TT

^^ i was about to say that. Thank you sabs.

I have some new found respect for David Ferrer. What a match he's playing.

I thought Ferrer can only get 9 games?

I seriously have doubt over Nole's fitness level, he looks almost half dead after two hours of play. Ferrer is actually playing to the strength of Nole by going CC all the time. It's a shame that Ferrer couldn't take the second set despite his efforts. If it's Murray on the other side of the court, it would be one set all now.

Well, at least Ferrer gets more than 9 games now, and may be doing Murray a big favor here if he keeps on fighting.

I'm really sorry for my language. Not sorry for the fact that sabs is mentally handicapped... why should I be? It's not my fault.

fedexal, Beg to differ, Andy can do that too.
OK sabs
Nole on a roll now. Ferrer done.

But Nole is back in the third with an early break.

OK, sorry again. Crossed a line. I promise to behave.

mriiidula, Ferrer always plays like this, no big weapons but leaves his heart on the tennis court.

eduard..I dont know, I didnt see any message from you swearing..maybe was deleted by moderator..but why you so anti Nole? Are you a Rafa fan and you think Nole has Rafas number? Or are you a Fed fan who thinks Nole may get better of Fed?

Its okay..just a tennis game..they'll keep beating each other in turns, thats what ideally should happen..we should have no clear domination..anyone should be able to beat anyone amongst top 4

LS,

lol, You know it was a pre-match prediction :-).
Even hoped for a bagel in the third, when Nole was up 15-30 in the 4th game.

Nole playing really well now. IMO, he did the whole match other than his serve.

For me the take-out from this match is Nole's accuracy..................That's what sets him apart from other players...........................even under pressure, he has the "calm" to place his shots.

Serving for the match now.

sanju... yes... rafa fan. I don't think Nole has Rafa's number, I know it, it's pretty obvious. but today - irrelevant because even if nole doesn't get to the finals that means nole won't get to play federer. so tough luck for rafa fans. myself included.

I think Murray has all the weapons like Fed too. If it's not a slam final, I expect Murray to do well against Nole, maybe take him to five sets. Ferrer simply has not the weapon to deal with Nole, just the running and the never say die attitude. The other three top four guys all have the weapons to deal with Nole, it's a matter of belief and confidence. Ferrer simply doesn't have the belief when it matters, when it comes to closing out a set against Nole, not beating Nole but just getting a set.

Well done to Nole, for hanging in there in the second set to win all the crucial points where they matter most.

The way Djoker has closed this match, those are bad signs for everybody left. Don't go by his looks . He is supremely fit . My prediction : Djoker will win the finals until and unless Fed has something up his sleeve and surprise him.

Rafa only 1 who lost a set in qtrs and went on for 4.5 hours (:-

It can mean one of the 2 - he got tested and will be match tough or he will be tired n not play to his fullest potential tomorrow

Well congrats to Nole, played well enough to beat Ferrer. I feel a bit sorry for Ferrer, so
much effort and came so close to get a set and yet!

Come to think of it, I have to respect Rusty even more, for he's able to push Nole so hard and get a set out of him, despite Rusty having so much problems with injuries.

^^^^not true, Murray lost a set in the 1st round match against Harrison. Sanju, please stop being so negative.............

fedexal , 1/25/12 12:28 PM,

Yes, agree Nole will take this AO.
But final would be (Most probably) Nole-RAFA.

Congrats to Nole :) Let battle commence!

Sanju ; Rafa will not lose tomorrow because of fatigue or the 4 hour QF. If Berdych can compete with Rafa after a 4 hour encounter , sure Rafa can stay with Roger .

Rafa's matches are anyway usually long. In fact today's match looked more taxing than Berdych - Nadal match.

RITB.. I said in the qtrs..not till the qtrs..

I just put facts..its a fact that the other 3 didn't lose a set in the qtrs..its also a fact taht Berdy played his heart out in the qtrs and really took it to Rafa..Its also a fact that Ferrer took it to Nole in first 2 sets but Nole closed the door on him.

Not being negative, BTW didnt you predict a Fed wn in semi? :-)

Arggh, missed the match because of work, they were doing the on court interview when I got home. Hopefully will catch some highlights. The semi will be a cracker, may the best man win - I truly feel Nole can up the ante when he needs it. Will ultimately depend on how well he serves I guess. Anyway, got the next four days off - I took leave early in anticipation of exactly this and it paid off :P Not like watching it up close but nevertheless...

Deuce... tnx for compliment... :) When I am afraid... a will tell that...
Vavafafafavava...lex... what is your problem... you have mixed your medicaments again?
Way to go Nole...
Send them all behind sopha!!!!
NEW STREAK HAS BEGAN !!!!

To add.. I am mentally prepared for Rafa to lose to Nole if both reach the final..as I dont think anyone would expect that Rafa would turn it around so quickly at the start of the year itself. He himself said that hes aiming March onwards - July end.
Infact I wont even be nervous a bit in case its a Rafa - Nole final.

I will really be disappointed though if Rafa loses to Fed tomm (I hope he doesn't) . Am already nervous regarding that good 20 hours in advance (:-

How I hope Rafa reaches his 13-14 slam mark soon so that can then watch tennis without feeling any strain of nervousness . I'll be completely happy with 13-14 slams , no aspirations or desires to see him touch 16 etc (wouldnt mind if he does though).

You can't compare it like that. Each had a different opponent. Just because Rafa lost a set to Berdy doen't mean he'll lose to Fed. And they each have a day rest, so fatigue shouldn't be an issue. Nole over Andy in 4, and Rafa over Federer in 3.That's my prediction.

Yep today's match looks more taxing physically than Rafa/Berdych match yesterday. Rafa looked fresh after that four hour match and in fact played better and ran faster as the match progressed into the final two sets.

So each of the semifinalists, except Fed, has lost a set en route to the semi. Let's see how many sets each will lose from now on and who's the last man standing. Well, the top four are really the top four, they make it to the semis again after the USO last year.

Lucly..if you take into account last 5 slams..out of the 20 positions for final 4, the top 4 have been there 18 out of the 20 positions, thats really good.

Rafa didnt make it AO 2011 and Fed didnt make it Wimby 2011.

And gotta hand it to Andy, 5 semis in a row..great consistency (he wasnt known for that for sure).

sanju
, 1/25/12 12:39 PM

I don't think the fact that Rafa is the only one of the semi-finalists who lost a set matters. (a) only 2 players will emerge from the semis, so if one of the losers is Rafa, so will one who did not lose a set at the quarters! (b) I think Novak looked more drained than Rafa post quarters match, don't you think, even if he did not drop a set? Either way, it means nothing imho. All four guys will be "fresh" come the semis trust me, they all want to win that bad.

Yes, I did predict a Fed win over Rafa in the semis....................I hope I'm wrong, but that's the way it is. That's not being negative. Being negative is drawing inferences on "facts" which have no correlation whatsoever. i.e. Rafa is the only one who lost a set in the quarters therefore he will be more tired than the rest.

Gimme a break!

RITB.. Stop twisting my words, I said based on current form and the fact that Rafa played a longer match may give Fed the 55:45 advantage..I never categorically said in BOLD /BLACK AND WHITE ever that Fed will win it like you said. I just said advantage Fed.

And neither did I make a ludicrous inference that Rafa will lose just coz he played an additonal set..its you who misconstrued it wrongly

read below comment on a site.. I didnt see Djoko match, Nole injured his hamstring?

Champions have a way of finding a way and that's what Djokovic showed us today inspite of being hampered by his hamstring. Great though test for Novak and great win. My only worry is his hamstring. We know he got hurt, the question is how much? How big of an impact will it have on him?Hope he gets fit by the SF against Murray.

Rafa playing a longer QF will have no bearing on the Semis

Advantage Fed because Rafa played a 4 hour match in QF . That is the most stupid comment that I've ever heard on TT. Advantage Fed if he is playing well still made more sense to me . Its a tennis match not a marathon..for god sake ...

"embarrassing yourself".... talking with you Fafatralalalalex?
Man... I wish I have your brain for day or two... so I can get some real rest.
Good for you... just keep up trolling... maybe you will hide your pathetic hate...
Poor guy :(

Longtime lurker here. Not really impressed with Djokovic's fitness today. What's the matter with him? He dipped in the Hewitt match and here again there was a stage when he was resting his hands on his knees every other point. He played some brilliant points true but also made alot of uncharacteristic errors. I know everyone thinks Djoker is some sort of a demi-tennisgod at this point but I'm starting to wonder if the wane hasn't already begun. It's going to be very tight with this new (and improved) Andy. Dare I say Andy might sneak it in 5 sets? I'm going against the grain. We'll see.

Was something wrong with Ferrer ? I really thought he would take at least a set.

Anyway, looks like we have another Nole-Rafa final here. And it will be pretty much the same as the Wimby/USO final.

sanju, 1/25/12 1:04 PM

yea he seemed to pull something in that second set, he was wincing quite a bit after a particular stretch, he didnt even bother to see whether the shot he hit had gone in or not, he just clutched the back of his thigh. don't know the seriousness of it, guess we'll have to wait for the interview.

I think based on what we've seen today, it'll be andy in 5 in the semis on friday. andy always plays better in a semi than a final plus nole didn't look too great after the first set. what a brutal match this was, i must admit my heart broke for ferrer by the end of it.

The only one that can stop this red-hot Djokovic is Federer. He already proved that. The thing is, we all know he won't pass the Rafa test.

The only one that can stop this red-hot Djokovic is Federer. He already proved that. The thing is, we all know he won't pass the Rafa test.

A hamstring pull could explain the problem on his serves. But no excuses, I really think the problem cant be too great based on the third set score, and I'm sure he can break Murray's will somehow.

Nole's presser:

Q. You clutched your hamstring and seemed to be in real pain for a moment. Was it a pulled hamstring? What was the problem?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, luckily for me it wasn't something that stayed there for long time. It was just a, you know, sudden pain.
...
Q. Do you have any physical issues that are worrying you ahead of the next match? The breathing seemed to be a bit of a problem.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, I don't have any physical issues. I feel very fit and I feel mentally, as well, very fresh.

It's just today I found it very difficult after a long time to breathe because I felt the whole day my nose was closed a little bit. I just wasn't able to get enough oxygen.

I needed more time, which I didn't have. But, look, you know, in these conditions, at this stage of the tournament, when you're playing somebody like David, somebody that has great shots from both sides from the baseline, makes you always play over five to ten shots in the rally, your physical strength and endurance comes into question.

I think actually I'm not concerned about that at all. I'm really fit and I have no concerns of recovering for the next match. It's just a matter of breathing better through the nose.


So I guess it was just a result of the hard-hitting points they were playing and nothing else.

The formula is simple, Nole needs to serve well. If he serves well, the rest just clicks. For some reason, I don't expect Murray to have a bad day at the office. I do think the experience of 2011 will help Nole though. But for now, tomorrow's match is what I'll be focusing on.

So looking forward to the Nole/Muzza semi....................interesting to see which Muzza turns up. I still havev a sneaky feeling Muzza will shade it (maybe my heart trumping my head!), but I just have this feelin'.......................

I do not think Nole's "problems" today were fake, I think they are real and he would have been made to pay if he'd played any of the other top 4 guys today. However, I expect him to work hard at recovering in time for the Muzza match. Question is, can Muzza exploit any lingering "issues"?

The other semi? If the Rafa who turned up in the 4th set of the quarters match turns up from the get-go in the semis, Fed will be overpowered. As the commentators said, Rafa's default game is defense, it will take sometime to have the offense game as his default game. When this happens, he won't need prodding by Uncle T during matches to move closer to the baseline, he will just do it, to devastating effect.

Fed? He clearly is a man on a mission. Looks flawless so far, but then, he hasn't played Rafa! Which Fed will turn up is anybody's guess. Having said that, he has impressed me mightily so far and he really seems pumped up on the prospect of playing Rafa.

I hope I get to say, "mea culpa" after the match..............

Vamos Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sorry Nole fans, congrats for the win today, but I have to take up some space in your thread to respond to some Rafans over here...
Well, the only thing I will say is that this "Nole syndrome", (i.e., Rafa's multiple loses to Nole) has had a tremendous impact on Rafans to lower their expectations to zero even when Rafa is facing opponents other than Nole...Rafa IMO is playing much better than in 2011 but, poor Rafa, it is his fans of all who are letting him down...these depressing and pessimistic predictions just make me sad...I would never write Rafa off, but that's me and you may call me idealistic, blind, fanatical, etc. but that is just the way it is...If I had a million dollars I would willingly put it on Rafa tomorrow (maybe it's good that I don't :-))...I do respect other Rafans opinion on this and you guys may end up to be the objective ones but I simply refuse to believe that Rafa would lose tomorrow, not until the last minute of the match is over proving otherwise...

So, I am one of the rare who is supporting Rafa for the win! He sure has it in himself! Rafa is our warrior, our fighter and I believe in him wining tomorrow...it is not over yet! You never know what can happen...only a week ago Fed was in question of whether he would be playing at this AO due to his back injury...now judging by the comments here he turned out to be the fittest on tour...unbelievable...

Rafa has fought so hard against brilliant Berdy! I give all the credits to Berdy for such a great match he played. Losing a tiebreaker to him playing that good is nothing to be ashamed off...and Rafa's fighting spirit was simply amazing!

So, what makes you think Rafa will give up easily against a 30 year old veteran even if that person is Fed? I can't believe you guys...it is a GS we are talking about here...

I just want to see some optimism here...:-)

Vamos Rafa!!!

I agree with you. Rafa has played really well the entire tournament, I don't get the pessimism.

And this is coming from a Djoker fan. Believe in your guy. ;)

NatashaO,
very nicely put. I totally agree with you and you can be sure you'll have another one cheering for Rafa against Rog in me ;).

As for Nole/Andy semis, I voiced my pessimism a few days ago concerning Djoko. Everyone seems to see Nole in the final, but I say it will be darn tough. Andy plays great and to be honest, I give him an edge over Nole :(.

danica, I tend to agree with Nole stating in his interview today that he does not really see much difference in Andy's current game except that he has Lendl by his side...we don't really know if Andy is playing that great because he met with the opponents who are far beyond his level...Nole is his first actual test...and I do not think Nole will let it go easily either...if Nole is fit, as he says he is, then it is up to Murray to make a match of it and to offer resistance, which I am sure he intends on doing...Nole and Murray know each other very well and it all comes to the mental strength...Andy is well rested but his confidence is yet to be seen...if he still has the last year's AO final in his head, believe me, he stands no chance with Nole...

@ NatashaO,

And a lot were not even expecting Rafa to make it to or even past the quarters!!! This is Rafa we are talking about, the same Rafa who made it to 3 finals in 2011 even if he lost two to Novak. Then there is the talk about WTF last year............i could cleary see that Rafa's heart was not in that tourney as he realised he was not quite ready!!! Rafa has had issues with his confidence but he is still RAFA! There is no way I will EVER put my money on Fed when he is playing Rafa, NEVER!!

I think at this point if neither of the top four play their best it will be a tough day at the office for them. All four have shown a few kinks in their armour during the two weeks. I am expecting a Rafa/Nole final but no one has a crystal ball so we will just have to wait and see!!

VAMOS RAFA!!

Natashao@5.29pm - you are right.

The Rafa I saw in the 4th set against Berdych was truly amazing - it is there inside him always, and in this match I think he just got totally fed up of being pummelled by Birdy's big shots that he just said to himself enough is enough - and bang the rest is history. I think the other "episodes" fired him up as well.

I hope he brings a little bit of that attitude into his match with Federer.

I shall be sending my positive thoughts his way tomorrow morning - Vamos our Rafa. Hope he plays inspired tennis.

Well, I have to join my Nole fans... For me there is no doubt in Fed Rafa matches... my heart says RAFA and this time my brain also.
I only wish that I can be so sure about Novak Andy match... If he goes in finale I'll be happy.
Ofc I would like Nole to raise 5. Trophy... But in a bigger pic, I will be happy with more than 1200 safe points... So...
VAMOS RAFA!
AJDE NOLE!
...
Btw... Sorry deuce and alex :)...

ok guys adje means Come on? In Serbian lnguage?

Yes, "(h)ajde" and "(h)ajmo" can be translated as "come on".

I have major respect for Ferrer. Not only for his tennis game, but as a man as well. I just read his post match comments and interview, pure class. Really hard not to like the guy. I wish him all the best.

zare, no need to apologise :) however, COME ON ANDY!
BTW Ivan was spotted watching your boy's match very closely....now that'd make me verrrry nervous ;)

Deuce, in case you didn't know, people are always scouting matches. I've seen Vajda scouting matches before. It's their job to do it and I bet the LTA pays a huge price for Ivan. Don't you think it's odd how your boy copies Novak regarding gluten diets and hiring Czechoslovakian coaches? I suppose imitation IS the sincerest form of flattery. ROFLMAO

painster, you're just plain nasty, man. And btw Ivan is NOT paid for by the LTA. If you must rubbish Andy, and it's obviously your mission in life to rubbish Andy, how very sad, get your facts right.

There will be no gloom and doom from this Rafa fan. I am a believe after what I saw in his match with Berdy. He just went to a whole other level and it was like vintage Rafa.

I think the Nole/Murray semi is really hard to call. It should be easier for me, because neither one is my favorite but it's not. I have been going back and forth as to who will win this.

I think it's up to Murray to show that he has the mental strength to overcome Nole. I didn't think Nole looked all that great against Ferrer, especially in the first two sets. However, he did step it up and take control in that third set. That is the kind of confidence and mental toughness he has these days.

It will be a huge battle and most likely a four or five setter.

Nole has beaten Federer + Annacone a few times. Lendled Murray is impressive, but he's still Murray.

Pennster hates Andy because Andy got the better of TMF while Andy was still a young and inexperienced up-and-comer. Hard to swallow! Same reason Fed fanatics (like Bleck, Solitudine) despise Nadal.

Like Nativenewyorker, there is no gloom and doom from this Rafa fan................because I know whatever happens, Rafa will give 100% and fight to the bitter end. And Roger ALWAYS brings out the best in Rafa.

My apologies to Rafans if my "low expectations" regarding Rafa's chances rub you the wrong way. In spite of my expectations for THIS match, I am happy with Rafa's performamce to date and I have considtently said so.

So, I am in this curious position where I expect Fed to shade it but at the same time am very positive about Rafa's game and prospects going forward. I think Rafa himself has said as much.

Of course, I HOPE I am proved wrong and Rafa wins..............that will be the proverbial cherry on the cake.

Vamos Champ!!!!!!!!!!!! With you no matter what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ritb,

It's all good. You are just giving your honest thoughts. It's not sacrilege to entertain the possibility of Fed winning.

I think you are a great Rafa fan. It's normal to have some concerns and it doesn't take away from how much we all love Rafa.

I just hope that he plays his best.

Vamos, Rafa!

Ricky,

I know you will. You have a way of coming up with these one-liners that are great!

I don't know if I will be commenting. But I will sure be reading!

It depends on how nervous I am.

Sorry everyone. My last comment to Ricky was meant for another topic thread.

Goodness, the match hasn't even started yet and I am already mixed up!