Never Ending Tennis Thread [Roland Garros, French Open 2017]

[Dalyn]

Really happy to see him rebounding. I know there isn't long for him at the top, but I think he has at least one more great year in him. So fun to watch.

[The Chosen One]

Hmm how did I miss this.

Yeah he's rebounding, he was hurt all of last year with a bad back... the last time he had a major injury was 2008 with back and mononucleosis.

Was really pulling for him to beat Djokovic but he fell short.

His wife is expecting twins AGAIN.

I hope he at least wins one more slam before he retires, there's simply nobody else on tour that plays like him except Baby Fed aka Grigor Dimitrov. I get bored watching Nadal and Djokovic because neither will rush the net unless their opponent is literally out of the picture.

[Julio3000]

Always loved his game. Always rooted for him. Glad to see it.

[gilesfan]

Loved seeing him get knocked out early. Great match from Gulbis

[The Chosen One]

Loved seeing him get knocked out early. Great match from Gulbis

:confused:

Firstly, aren't you one who doesn't like tennis and thinks it's for sissys? Second, why the hell would anyone say it's nice to see him get knocked out early unless you're a hardcore Gulbis fan?

[gilesfan]

Ive always disliked/rooted against Federer.

Cmon Rafa!

[The Chosen One]

Ive always disliked/rooted against Federer.

Cmon Rafa!

I've always respected Rafa, never really liked or rooted for him because of some of his gamesmanship tactics.

Gotta say, both guys were hurt today, and Rafa pulled it out of the hat.

1. Federer - 17
2. Sampras - 14
3. Nadal - 14

While I don't think Nadal will win another major this year, he will definitely pass Sampras next year and be #2 in sole place...

What's amazing is the more Rafa wins, the more it adds to Federer's legacy as well for both of them... The Greatest Clay Courter of All Time, his biggest rival was undoubtedly the Greatest All-Around Player of all time. Nadal broke Federer's record streak on grass that amassed over 5 years, Federer broke Nadal's record on clay that he amassed over 3 years, and then again. And then broke Djokovic's 44 match winning streak at 30 years old.

Props to Rafa for pulling it out today.

Rafa, 9 French Opens, 1 Australian, 2 USO, 2 Wimbledons
Federer, 7 Wimbledons, 5 USO, 4 Australians, 1 French Open.

How great is it that Federer is the only person in the last decade to win the French except Nadal.

[NinersSBChamps]

Sharapova>

[Heyward]

I've always respected Rafa, never really liked or rooted for him because of some of his gamesmanship tactics.

Gotta say, both guys were hurt today, and Rafa pulled it out of the hat.

1. Federer - 17
2. Sampras - 14
3. Nadal - 14

While I don't think Nadal will win another major this year, he will definitely pass Sampras next year and be #2 in sole place...

What's amazing is the more Rafa wins, the more it adds to Federer's legacy as well for both of them... The Greatest Clay Courter of All Time, his biggest rival was undoubtedly the Greatest All-Around Player of all time. Nadal broke Federer's record streak on grass that amassed over 5 years, Federer broke Nadal's record on clay that he amassed over 3 years, and then again. And then broke Djokovic's 44 match winning streak at 30 years old.

Props to Rafa for pulling it out today.

Rafa, 9 French Opens, 1 Australian, 2 USO, 2 Wimbledons
Federer, 7 Wimbledons, 5 USO, 4 Australians, 1 French Open.

How great is it that Federer is the only person in the last decade to win the French except Nadal.

He won it because Nadal lost to Soderling, Joker might have to need a similar situation to win it.

[The Chosen One]

He won it because Nadal lost to Soderling, Joker might have to need a similar situation to win it.
Federer has played Nadal 5 times at the French.

05 - Semis
06-08,11 - Final

Djokovic has played Nadal twice in the final, 12 & 14.

The year Nadal lost to Soderling, Djokovic got knocked out early by Kohlschreiber, and Federer was down match point to Tommy Haas in the 4th in the Quarters and came back to win in 5th set. He was then down to Del Potro two sets to love, then came back and won in 5 to play Soderling in the final.

Still amazing to know that:

05 - Nadal
06 - Nadal
07 - Nadal
08 - Nadal
09 - Federer
10 - Nadal
11 - Nadal
12 - Nadal
13 - Nadal
14 - Nadal

Djokovic may end up winning it next year or in a few years, but the fact Federer is the only guy to sandwich a win in between Nadal's dominance at Roland Garros is amazing in itself.

[thethe]

So who wins in their prime? Sampras or Federer?

[The Chosen One]

So who wins in their prime? Sampras or Federer?

Depends on surface.

Clay - Federer
Slow Hard Court - Federer
Fast Hard Court - Federer
Grass - 50/50
Indoor/Carpet - Federer

Federer holds nearly every single record that Nadal doesn't own (which are all mainly clay records).

Technically, 21 year old Roger Federer beat Sampras defending his Wimbledon Title in 2001, the only time they've ever played.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0UZ-3W-bgs

[thethe]

I really stopped watching tennis after Sampras. I jsut remember him absolutely dominating all the time where it almost demoralized the opponent. What made Federer so great?

[NinersSBChamps]

Chang was the best.

[Runnin]

Serena looked completely sloshed for her doubles match today and had to forfeit after 3 games. I'm surprised she made it that long. In the warmup she was stumbling and couldn't catch a ball tossed underhanded to her from the ball girl. Her face and hair were uncharacteristically unkempt and she just looked . . . well, wasted.

[Runnin]

Neither Evert nor Shriver would come right out and say the word "drunk" on air, but they did a fine job with the euphemisms - wobbly, dizzy, disoriented, etc.

"It's almost as if she has taken something..." Duh. And the real clincher: "This is not an illness."

I'm sure they were both disgusted with Serena and at the same obliged to protect the image of the sport. I mean, can you really say, "The number one player in the world has shown up drunk as a skunk to play her doubles match."

Too bad McEnroe wasn't in the booth. Btw, wasn't it about a week or two ago when Serena crashed a complete stranger's wedding to pose for pics in her swimsuit?

[The Chosen One]

Wimbledon officially says she has had an illness and was on some medication.

[Krgrecw]

Any of you two lose any respect or love for tennis when it became public that some tennis matches were rigged?

I lost some respect for it. Still makes me wonder to this day.

[The Chosen One]

No.

The best players are trying to become even better and greater. They aren't throwing away matches or rigging them that's for sure.

[Runnin]

Any of you two lose any respect or love for tennis when it became public that some tennis matches were rigged?

I lost some respect for it. Still makes me wonder to this day.
Never heard of this. I agree the best players want fame and glory and don't play for money.

[The Chosen One]

Just incase anybody is awake, tune in to watch Murray vs. Dimitrov Quarterfinal.

Dimitrov has been called Baby Federer for years since playing juniors, never living up to the hype until this year where he's made a push into the Top 15 and soon Top 10. Game is just as beautiful as Federer, the footwork not quite there but almost everything else is.

When Federer retires, hopefully Dimitrov can be the next guard to the throne because watching Murray, Djokovic, and Nadal are like watching carbon copies.

[The Chosen One]

Dimitrov up 2 sets to 0 on Murray!

Hopefully Cilic upsets Djokovic, so we can have a Federer-Baby Federer final!

[thethe]

So is this kid that beat Nadal the next big thing?

Was he thought to be that before beating Nadal?

[gilesfan]

Come On BIG STAN!

[The Chosen One]

So is this kid that beat Nadal the next big thing?

Was he thought to be that before beating Nadal?

Thought to be one of the best Aussie's coming out, which they need as they've been irrelevant in tennis for over a decade.

Rafa has struggled the last 3 years at Wimbledon. 2nd round, 1st round, 4th round.

I don't see Kyrgios doing anything too special in his career.

[Dalyn]

Dimitrov up 2 sets to 0 on Murray!

Hopefully Cilic upsets Djokovic, so we can have a Federer-Baby Federer final!

Murray is toast.

[The Chosen One]

Murray is toast.

That was just a dominant performance by Dimitrov. Took a page out of Federer's book literally on how to play Djokovic and Murray on grass. Slice slice slice, then power.

[Dalyn]

That was just a dominant performance by Dimitrov. Took a page out of Federer's book literally on how to play Djokovic and Murray on grass. Slice slice slice, then power.

Wasn't even really close. He destroyed him.

[Dalyn]

Djokovic has another spill in a crucial game. Could cost him.

[Dalyn]

And it does.

[The Chosen One]

LOL Cilic. WTF was that?

[Dalyn]

Cilic screws up an easy point by hitting the net with his racket.

[Dalyn]

Talk about choking so far.

[Dalyn]

:happy0157:

That was hard to watch.

[Dalyn]

And down goes Djokovic AGAIN. Dude needs new shoes or something.

[Dalyn]

...

[Dalyn]

Ugly...but someone had to win it.

[The Chosen One]

Wawrinka plowing through. Can he keep it up?

[Dalyn]

5th deuce.

[Dalyn]

Yes! :tchop:

[The Chosen One]

Federer bounced back after Wawrinka started off hot... plays Raonic next who he's somewhat owned. Federer made his bones neutralizing big serves like Roddick, Safin, Isner, even Raonic the few times they've played. Plus Raonic's ground game is terrible.

[Tapate50]

Can we wrap this thread up? It has definitely run it's course. Thanks

[weso1]

Can we wrap this thread up? It has definitely run it's course. Thanks

Advantage Tapate.

[zitothebrave]

When tennis players are asked how they eat their strawberries with my expert analysis

http://i.imgur.com/j9VVk4R.jpg?1

Wawrinka is like "Bitches like it with my cream, if you know what I'm saying"

Li is liek "With Wawrinka's cream"

Djokovic is like "You konw what I'm gonna say"

Federer is like " I'm gonna murder you"

Murray is like "Is this a real question? Are you a moron?

[The Chosen One]

Unreal serving from Federer and Djokovic. Old man takes the first set!

[Dalyn]

Federer! :tchop: What an epic start. Great tennis so far.

[Dalyn]

Nice point from Djokovic there.

[Dalyn]

Yikes! Hope he is okay. Dude falls WAY too often.

[Dalyn]

Footwork is off. You can tell he is hurting right now. Still serving very well.

[The Chosen One]

Well damn.

[The Chosen One]

Grandpa Federer returning better. Hopefully with "Djokovic" injury he breaks.

[Dalyn]

Not looking good. Come on, Federer! :tchop:

[Dalyn]

Terrible decision there. Changed the whole outcome. Ridiculous.

[Dalyn]

Hope it pisses Federer off long enough to roll over Djokovic in this set.

[The Chosen One]

Great serving from Roger.

[Dalyn]

Great serving from Roger.

Yeah. This is back to looking like the first set. Hope it turns out the same.

[Dalyn]

Wow. :Gasp:

[Dalyn]

What a shot.

[Dalyn]

I don't know why Federer keeps coming to the net. It isn't working.

[Dalyn]

5 aces in a row.

[Dalyn]

Ugh. Djokovic is just playing better right now.

[The Chosen One]

My heart can't take this.

[Dalyn]

YES! :tchop:

[The Chosen One]

I don't know why Federer keeps coming to the net. It isn't working.

Putting pressure on djokovic to make great passes.

[Dalyn]

Putting pressure on djokovic to make great passes.

And he keeps accommodating.

[Dalyn]

:mad0182:

[Dalyn]

Not sure the tiebreak is a good place to start experimenting.

[Dalyn]

YES! Come on, Federer!

[Dalyn]

****ing **** **** **** **** ****ing.

[The Chosen One]

Well f---

[Dalyn]

:Sad:

Such a promising start turned to ****.

[Dalyn]

He needs an early break to get some confidence. Missing everything.

[Dalyn]

You aren't going to win much if you can't break.

[The Chosen One]

You aren't going to win much if you can't break.

He could of theoretically won with 3 tiebreak today... now that possibility is thrown out the window.

[Dalyn]

He could of theoretically won with 3 tiebreak today... now that possibility is thrown out the window.

Might not even make it to a 5th set if he doesn't turn it around.

[The Chosen One]

Well today is going to be a really bad rest of the day.

[Dalyn]

Well today is going to be a really bad rest of the day.

Yep. I have **** I need to do, too. Not feeling motivated at all right now.

Props to Djokovic. He busted his ass and started playing great tennis.

[The Chosen One]

F U CK YEAH!

[Dalyn]

YES! Great answer from Federer.

[The Chosen One]

He's still alive. They hit'em with five shots and he's still alive.

[Dalyn]

Nice!

[Dalyn]

He hits them all. 14. Unbelievable.

[The Chosen One]

Christ damnit.

[Dalyn]

:facepalm:

[Dalyn]

Finally.

[Dalyn]

Try making him move, Federer. :panic:

[Dalyn]

No room for error now.

[Dalyn]

Come on. :tchop:

[The Chosen One]

If fed is going out he's going out a guns a blazing.

[The Chosen One]

Wowowowow.

My heart really can't take this much longer.

[The Chosen One]

Why do you do this to us Roger?

[Dalyn]

YES! Holy ****. That was intense.

[Heyward]

Screw Federer, of course Joker is handing him this.

[The Chosen One]

Well that escalated rather slowly.

[Dalyn]

Screw Federer, of course Joker is handing him this.

Nothing is being handed to either of them. Some fantastic tennis being played.

[Heyward]

Nothing is being handed to either of them. Some fantastic tennis being played.

Joker choked, wanted it to go 5 sets for ratings.

#WWE

[The Chosen One]

Federer perhaps going to give us another 5th set classic?

2007 v Nadal
2008 v Nadal ( Probably greatest match ever )
2009 vs Roddick

[Dalyn]

Federer perhaps going to give us another 5th set classic?

2007 v Nadal
2008 v Nadal ( Probably greatest match ever )
2009 vs Roddick

That was just awesome.

[The Chosen One]

28 aces vs 8 for Federer

Shame if he loses this.

[The Chosen One]

Don't know who's going to win this match but what a match indeed.

[Dalyn]

Clutch hold for Djokovic there.

[The Chosen One]

:(

[Dalyn]

:Sad:

[Dalyn]

So close...

[The Chosen One]

So close...

I know. It's crazy he has 17, 3 more than Rafa and Sampras. Yet I still wanted more...

[Heyward]

As a Nadal fanboy, i kinda feel bad for Fed.

Was this Fed's best-last shot at another major?

[The Chosen One]

As a Nadal fanboy, i kinda feel bad for Fed.

Was this Fed's best-last shot at another major?

He's always going to be a threat Wimbledon.

[Dalyn]

As a Nadal fanboy, i kinda feel bad for Fed.

Was this Fed's best-last shot at another major?

It also cost Nadal the top spot.

[Heyward]

It also cost Nadal the top spot.

Not a huge deal.

[The Chosen One]

Sigh. Just disappointing to know Prime Federer would've beaten Nole in straights.

[Dalyn]

Sigh. Just disappointing to know Prime Federer would've beaten Nole in straights.

Yeah. Clearly. It sucks getting old. I think Djokovic will age better than Nadal. I doubt Nadal will play at a very high level after 30. He already has trouble staying healthy.

[The Chosen One]

Yeah. Clearly. It sucks getting old.

Federer just having the definition of career arc.

2003 to 2006 winning in 3 sets at most 4.

2007 to 2009 grinding to win 5 sets.

2012 the outlier beating Murray and Djokovic in 4.

2014 grinding loss in 5.

Only a matter of time until he's fighting to stay alive in 4 (like today) and then losing in straights.

[Mrs. Meta]

Federer just having the definition of career arc.

2003 to 2006 winning in 3 sets at most 4.

2007 to 2009 grinding to win 5 sets.

2012 the outlier beating Murray and Djokovic in 4.

2014 grinding loss in 5.

Only a matter of time until he's fighting to stay alive in 4 (like today) and then losing in straights.

Grew up watching Sampras and Agassi - I hate the aging curve in Tennis with a sexual passion.

Oddly enough, out of all of Andre's matches I saw, his marathon with James Blake sticks out most in mah mind.

[zitothebrave]

Tennis has one of the nastiest aging curves in all of sports. Because while a healthy chunk of the game is mental, athleticism is so important that when you leave your physical peak things go down hill super fast. Only NFL running backs have a nastier aging curve.

[Mrs. Meta]

Only NFL running backs have a nastier aging curve.

...still holding out hope for my boy Frank Gore!

</threadjack>

[The Chosen One]

Tennis has one of the nastiest aging curves in all of sports. Because while a healthy chunk of the game is mental, athleticism is so important that when you leave your physical peak things go down hill super fast. Only NFL running backs have a nastier aging curve.

Which makes Federer's resiliency so much more satisfying. He's already playing guys 2 tennis generations after him and beating them still. The fact he's still competing with Prime Nadal, Djokovic and Murray and now with the younger crowd is a testament to his talent.

He doesn't blast balls off the court like he did 8-10 years ago in his prime.

[The Chosen One]

Williams sisters battled again for 25th time. Venus played really clean today and beat Serena, who actually would've beaten anybody else.

Dimitrov vs. Tsonga (upset Djokovic and Murray back to back) now.

Federer vs. Feliciano Lopez after.

Hoping for a Baby Federer vs. Papa Federer showdown!

[Dalyn]

80!

[The Chosen One]

Amazing. Even already past his prime, makes 4 slam finals in a row, 3 of them huge tournaments (Wimbledon, Canada, and Cincinnati).

One thing people don't appreciate about him is he's never really injured like Nadal is out for a few months for the year. And when he's playing well, he doesn't get knocked out early like Djokovic.

Just hope Dimitrov is learning what Roger does well.

[Dalyn]

This is the one!

[The Chosen One]

Top draw is stacked.

Djokovic Murray Wawrinka Tsonga Nishikori

Fed only has to deal with Ferrer Dimitrov or Berdych.

He can dooooo it

[Dalyn]

Top draw is stacked.

Djokovic Murray Wawrinka Tsonga Nishikori

Fed only has to deal with Ferrer Dimitrov or Berdych.

He can dooooo it

I just hope he doesn't relax and get ambushed. A solid performance from him should give him a great chance at the title. I'm excited. Every time we think he had his last chance, he proves he still has another one in him.

[The Chosen One]

Also helps that Rafa isn't playing lol.

[Dalyn]

Also helps that Rafa isn't playing lol.

Of course he isn't. Never can stay healthy for a full year.

[Dalyn]

http://giant.gfycat.com/KeenGiganticIzuthrush.webm

[The Chosen One]

Too much win in one picture.

http://i62.tinypic.com/15rikvs.pnghttp://i62.tinypic.com/15rikvs.png

[The Chosen One]

Djokovic looking good.

May need Murray or Tsonga to knock him off.

Hopefully Dimitrov doesn't blow up and we'll see a Fed vs. Baby Fed quarterfinal, in a slam for the first time.

[Dalyn]

Federer looks awful right now. :Sad:

[Dalyn]

Wow. What a resurgence. :eusa_dance:

[Dalyn]

:tchop::tchop::tchop:

[The Chosen One]

At 15-40... I sunk in my chair knowing it was likely over... Roger looked gas by the mid 4th so I'm amazed he clawed back.

[Dalyn]

At 15-40... I sunk in my chair knowing it was likely over... Roger looked gas by the mid 4th so I'm amazed he clawed back.

Those two points took forever for me, and that last one...

What a match.

[Dalyn]

Nishikori is in control. Hope he has enough left to close it.

[Dalyn]

He seems to be saving all his energy for his serves now that he has the early break. Hope that doesn't backfire.

[Dalyn]

BOOM!

:tchop::tchop:

[Dalyn]

Let's hope that's the last upset in the US Open.

[The Chosen One]

Ugh. Rain rain go away.

Huge awesomeness for Nishikori. Djokovic looked more gas than Murray did on Wednesday. And I thought Nishikori would get tired first.

[The Chosen One]

Well this sucks.

[The Chosen One]

There goes rest of my day. Sigh.

[Dalyn]

So much for that. What a bunch of ****tiness.

[Dalyn]

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/7eKlcCbSz1Aivx_okCSSfg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTYzOTtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/Sports/ap/201410120610222407264

[NinersSBChamps]

Steffi Graff! Monica Seles!

[The Chosen One]

Federer... kicking ass at 33. Beating Djokovic in straights woooooo.

He can take #1 by the end of the year because Djokovic is expected to skip some tourneys in favor of his child being born. Plus Federer is playing Davis Cup which can be an additional 500 points as well. Djokovic has 2 winners tournaments to defend (Paris Indoor and London World Tour Finals).

[Dalyn]

Nice opening set. Federer looks firmly in control.

[Dalyn]

:tchop:

[The Chosen One]

Nadal has yet to play a full Federer 3.0 (1.0 being his prime, 2.0 being 2009-2013, and 3.0 being Fedberg Era). They played in Australia in January, but Federer was just starting up with Edberg and coming to the net.

Now he comfortably comes to the net more frequently, and I'd be interested to see how Nadal would do against this 33 yr old reborn Roger Federer. I don't think he'd be able to own Federer as much as he has the last few years, because Federer would be shortening the points more and more instead of trying to grind from the baseline like he's 23 years old.

[Dalyn]

If you listen to Nadal, Federer has yet to play a healthy Nadal. :happy0157:

[Dalyn]

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/60IAxF1knPT5SBUDn9YeJQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTY0MDtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/afp.com/9c06e460419b49f6686da9d16aace2e3dda6f55e.jpg

[Dalyn]

Not a good first set, but Raonic still had trouble closing it out. Hope that means Federer will run him over if he gets it going a little.

[The Chosen One]

Milos is serving out of his mind. Usually he isn't this accurate, only power.

[Dalyn]

****ing blah, but Federer struggled every match. I think that is where you see his age the most, when he has to return quickly from a long tournament.

[Dalyn]

Nice start.

[Dalyn]

:tchop:

[Dalyn]

Another convincing win. He looks good. :tchop:

[Dalyn]

I don't think I've ever seen someone dominate Murray like that. :Gasp:

[The Chosen One]

Just watched the match again.

Federer served under 40% first serve... but won 83% of his service points.

Goodguy Roger could've double bageled him... but didn't.

[Dalyn]

Just watched the match again.

Federer served under 40% first serve... but won 83% of his service points.

Goodguy Roger could've double bageled him... but didn't.

Yeah. That was obvious. Glad he didn't.

Djokovic looks great today. Can't see Berdych giving Federer the opening he needs. A great year from both players, and it is so much easier to accept Djokovic at #1 than Nadal. I still think Federer will claim #1 for a few weeks next year.

[The Chosen One]

Federer already holds the weeks at #1 all-time ranking... I just wanted him to tie Sampras for year end #1.

What's insane is Sampras after age 27 never won more than 50 matches in a season. Federer at 33 is at 70 this year. lol.

[Dalyn]

Federer already holds the weeks at #1 all-time ranking... I just wanted him to tie Sampras for year end #1.

What's insane is Sampras after age 27 never won more than 50 matches in a season. Federer at 33 is at 70 this year. lol.

Yep. It's not even close. I loved Sampras, but come on...

I was just talking with a friend about who I would root for when (hopefully still a few years away) Federer retires. None of the other current players really appeal to me. Would love to see a good young player from the USA emerge.

[The Chosen One]

Agreed. But when Fed retires Dimitrov will be the closest thing we have to Fed. He needs to stop playing 20 feet behind the line and attack more like his idol. America is so far behind in tennis it's crazy. At least on the men's side.

[Dalyn]

Wow. What a match. Best of the tournament so far.

[Dalyn]

F U C K

[The Chosen One]

F U C K

I know... sucks. Roger still has Davis Cup though. I think that match against Wawrinka really took a lot out of him. Saving 4 MP.

[Dalyn]

I know... sucks. Roger still has Davis Cup though. I think that match against Wawrinka really took a lot out of him. Saving 4 MP.

It surprised me that he won. You could tell he didn't have anything at the end, and I was just hoping it was temporary. They really need to start having a day off after the semi-final, not that it would've necessarily helped in this case.

[Dalyn]

One more accomplishment crossed off his list.

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/R.aVaihm8A2nTaBEKWPvXw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTMwMDtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz00NTA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2014-11-23T140937Z_1_LYNXNPEAAM06U_RTROPTP_2_TENNIS-DAVIS.JPG

[The Chosen One]

One more accomplishment crossed off his list.

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/R.aVaihm8A2nTaBEKWPvXw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTMwMDtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz00NTA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2014-11-23T140937Z_1_LYNXNPEAAM06U_RTROPTP_2_TENNIS-DAVIS.JPG

Such a beautiful accomplishment. I'm just glad Wawrinka came through.

[Dalyn]

Yep. Also nice to prove today (and even in the loss) that the back is likely not going to be a lingering problem all year like 2013.

[Dalyn]

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/CBfb3b3Cp2q7uxzN2kfuEQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTYxMjtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/Sports/ap/201411230846316106698

[The Chosen One]

I liked both countries. France has some likable guys.

It's weird as both countries are kind of like best friends... so I don't think the French crowd was that upset that the Suisse won.

I was looking forward to seeing a Monfils-Wawrinka match. When both guys are in the zone, they literally can beat anybody on the tour.

[Dalyn]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/79212000/jpg/_79212328_federer_wins_cries_afp.jpg

[The Chosen One]

Federer pulls out another win.

Win #1000 after outlasting Raonic for the Brisbane title.

[Dalyn]

Great start to the year! :tchop:

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/W7Fff9eSa3u64vpnintGWg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTE1NDk7cHlvZmY9MDtxPT c1O3c9OTU2/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/Sports/ap/201501110634236467343

[Dalyn]

http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LQRR4w00G7MNG.J2mCPU2Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTYxOTtpbD1wbGFuZTtweW 9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/831d9da1c7deec016a0f6a706700e3e1.jpg

[Dalyn]

Brutal.

[The Chosen One]

Gonna be a LONG week and a half....


Let's goooo... Dimitrov? :smilet-digitalpoint

[gilesfan]

Seppi!

[Dalyn]

Should be a great finale. Djokovic is playing better, but Federer has looked great since his epic comeback the other day.

[Dalyn]

YES! :tchop: Great match. Lots of fun to watch.

[The Chosen One]

Unbelievable Federer can still push around Djoker at 33.

[Dalyn]

Unbelievable Federer can still push around Djoker at 33.

Especially a win in straight sets without dropping serve even once.

[Dalyn]

Berdych's serve is fantastic so far. Going to be tough for Federer to break today.

[Dalyn]

Federer responds to my comment with an immediate break! :tchop:

[Dalyn]

And wins the first set and breaks Berdych in the first game of the second set. :happy0157:

[Dalyn]

Federer with 3 breaks out of 4 serves since I made that comment. :tchop:

[Dalyn]

Ends with 4 out of 5 and blanks him in the second set. Amazing win. Federer looked at the top of his game. Great serves and even better returns today.

[Dalyn]

Federer looks unbelievable. I hope he can keep it up tomorrow.

[Dalyn]

Federer looks bad so far.

[Dalyn]

Sucks he wasn't able to return with the same game as yesterday. He was amazing. Not liking his chances right about now.

[The Chosen One]

Rog is off. Nole is playing pretty good as well. Hasn't really cracked yet to give Federer that much of an opening.

[The Chosen One]

Somehow Roger broke back.

[Dalyn]

Somehow Roger broke back.

He's showing some life finally. Almost too late. Hope he can keep it up.

[Dalyn]

I don't think I've ever seen Djokovic serve better than this, at least not with his first serve.

[Dalyn]

I don't think Federer has won a tie-break all year.

[Dalyn]

I can't believe he missed that.

[The Chosen One]

WOW.

2 double faults for Novak. Or was that 3 in the tiebreak?

[Dalyn]

That was 3, I'm pretty sure. Amazing. I can't believe it is 1-1.

[The Chosen One]

I'm pretty sure Federer is almost out of gas, just like he made a charge in the 4th set at Wimby last year, and was gassed in the 5th.

[Dalyn]

I'm pretty sure Federer is almost out of gas, just like he made a charge in the 4th set at Wimby last year, and was gassed in the 5th.

Yeah. And he's missing all the risky shots again so far. He needs to focus on serving and let Djokovic mess up on an early serve and try to jump him, but otherwise conserve his energy.

[Dalyn]

If he drops this serve I can't see him coming back.

[Dalyn]

What a dumb approach there. ****ing hell.

[The Chosen One]

That Djokovic slice is a thing of hilarity at times.

[The Chosen One]

Roger is gassed.

[Dalyn]

Unbelievable. Does he have another run in him?

[Dalyn]

Nope.

Well, Djokovic deserved it. Nice match, and it was fun to watch Federer fight when he really didn't have it today.

[The Chosen One]

Unbelievable. Does he have another run in him?

He can win Wimby but he'd have to do it super efficiently.

I think at 33, his body can't continuously run the gauntlet of Top 10 players 3 days in a row essentially in Master's 1000 tournaments.

I think French is pretty much out of the question because how grueling it is. Wimby is his best chance, and USO perhaps if the courts play fast enough. Before this year I think he made 10 Aussie semi's in a row. I think he usually does well at that tourney because it's fresh in the new year.

[Dalyn]

He can win Wimby but he'd have to do it super efficiently.

I think at 33, his body can't continuously run the gauntlet of Top 10 players 3 days in a row essentially in Master's 1000 tournaments.

I think French is pretty much out of the question because how grueling it is. Wimby is his best chance, and USO perhaps if the courts play fast enough. Before this year I think he made 10 Aussie semi's in a row. I think he usually does well at that tourney because it's fresh in the new year.

I meant for the match.

He's playing top notch tennis on average this year. We'll see him win several more titles, I think.

[Dalyn]

Slams? I pretty much agree with you in regards to them.

[The Chosen One]

I meant for the match.

He's playing top notch tennis on average this year. We'll see him win several more titles, I think.

Gonna be tough.

Raonic is knocking on the door. Nishikori is as well.

Djokovic is going to be there, Nadal is gonna be there for the clay season at least.

I wish I could say Dimitrov is ready to push, but he seems more interested in Maria (I don't blame him).

[Dalyn]

It didn't help that Djokovic got a huge break a couple days ago with the injury.

[Dalyn]

Gonna be tough.

Raonic is knocking on the door. Nishikori is as well.

Djokovic is going to be there, Nadal is gonna be there for the clay season at least.

I wish I could say Dimitrov is ready to push, but he seems more interested in Maria (I don't blame him).

I actually think Nadal might be close to done. He gets injured on a consistent basis now and isn't bouncing back well at all this time.

[Dalyn]

Can't imagine him playing at a top-5 level at 30.

[The Chosen One]

Monfils, so much talent physically, but Jekyll and Hyde mentally.

A very clean match by Federer. If he gets past Wawrinka, I like his chances to take Nishikori to make it to the final. Clay isnt' Kei's best surface, and even at 33 Roger still looks as good on clay as anyone else not named Djokovic or Nadal. And least we forget he is the only person not named Nadal in the last decade to lift the Musketeer.

Lest of course, Tsonga could be on fire against Nishikori and have 15k behind him. Then again, Kei is like Roger. He's hard to root against because he's very polite and the fans love him. But I have a feeling it'll be 99-1 crowd in favor of Tsonga.

[Dalyn]

*SIGH*

[gilesfan]

Big Stan DOMINATION!

[The Chosen One]

Big Stan DOMINATION!

When Stan is dialed in like that, we've seen him dominate Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray. A 33 year old Roger on clay? Not surprising.

Big match tomorrow for Nadal and Djokovic. I'm actually rooting for Tsonga to win his maiden slam now.

[The Chosen One]

THe thing about Monfils and Wawrinka, they're both exciting to watch when they're dialed in.

Wawrinka strikes the ball as hard and just as beautifully as anybody when he's on top of his game. But once you get him flustered he makes tons and tons of errors. Monfils is the same way, he can chase down any ball because of his athleticism, can hit the ball as hard as anybody, but once he starts having those mental farts he shuts down.

[The Chosen One]

Djokovic about to get over the hump...

It's kind of sad to see Rafa like this. I've never been the biggest Rafa guy (his gamesmanship like taking forever to serve, excessive fistpumping, etc) but I've always appreciated his mental strength and will to win especially on clay.

Djokovic is sort of lucky he's in this transitional period. Nadal and Federer are past their primes by far, but the next generation of players have not stepped up to push Djokovic the way he was knocking on the door with Federer and Nadal. Dimitrov, Nishikori, Raonic, etc. have all been somewhat disappointments. Nishi made a slam final last year but still have yet win one.

The next generation of guys like Kokkinakis, Kyrgios, Thiem, Coric are knocking on the door but we'll have to wait to see what's gonna happen.

I don't think this Djokovic could ever have touched Prime Nadal on clay in the early 2000's. Heck even Mid 2000's Federer on clay many can argue was one of the best clay courters ever even without a french open title in that period. He was runner up to Nadal every time and the only guy to beat Nadal on clay until Soderling did it.

Djoker beat an old Fed on grass, but would've never have been able to touch 2004-2006 Federer on grass.

[The Chosen One]

Tsonga running out of gas.

[The Chosen One]

Murray and Djokovic committing cannibalism on each other.

Whomever walks alive out of that match tomorrow is going to be gassed against Stan, similar to Roger-Monfils.

Wawrinka must be excited.

[The Chosen One]

Djokovic on the verge of choking.

[The Chosen One]

Wawrinka insanity.

[Heyward]

WHat a gag-job by Joker.

Beats Nadal on clay and gags in the final.

[The Chosen One]

Chokovic.

He may never win Roland Garros. This was his best chance after knocking out his biggest demon in the quarters...

[Dalyn]

Love it! Happy for Stan.

[Dalyn]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CI7Vi0RWEAAAnGq.jpg

[Dalyn]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CI7ghU2XAAATmJg.jpg

[The Chosen One]

Nadal will need to try and reinvent himself at this stage.

He needs to beef up his serve. Federer's served actually improved with age, and its' one of the reasons he's been able to prolong his career by serving out of trouble when his forehand lets him down.

Rafa always held serve comfortably because he could physically grind you on his service games. Now he himself can't really do that anymore.

[Dalyn]

Nadal will need to try and reinvent himself at this stage.

He needs to beef up his serve. Federer's served actually improved with age, and its' one of the reasons he's been able to prolong his career by serving out of trouble when his forehand lets him down.

Rafa always held serve comfortably because he could physically grind you on his service games. Now he himself can't really do that anymore.

I think he's done, really. I mean, he'll have a few more moments, but I think he'll retire in a year or two at most.

[NinersSBChamps]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CI7ghU2XAAATmJg.jpg

A third Williams sister?

[The Chosen One]

I think he's done, really. I mean, he'll have a few more moments, but I think he'll retire in a year or two at most.

Ralph is still one of the better volleyers in the men's game he just doesn't go to net that much.

He will need to serve better to contend for any titles. He has a lot of mileage on his legs already.

[Dalyn]

Federer up 3-0 early, rain delay.

[NinersSBChamps]

Maria is due against whichever Williams sister she is playing. She has been owned though. Got her back on 04 I think at Wimbeldon.

[Dalyn]

Nice win for Federer. Into the semi-finals!

[The Chosen One]

Masterclass by Roger as usual. Unreal at age 33.

[The Chosen One]

Today's dominance should put the entire weak era theory to rest.

At almost 34, still winning big tournaments and competing in majors.

He's way past his prime, and beating guys two tennis generations after him. Pushing Novak and Andy who are in their physical primes still.

Rafa must be happy because it makes people appreciate Rafa more now that he was truly the only guy to push Roger in their primes when they had unreal level of tennis in mid 2000's.

He's also serving the best I've ever seen him and I've followed him for 10 years.

[Dalyn]

Should be a great final. Djokovic has been extremely vulnerable so far this tournament and Federer has beat him once this year in a final, so I'm somewhat hopeful.

[The Chosen One]

If Federer serves as well as he did today, it's going to be tough for Djokovic.

My worry is if they get into long rallies if it wears down Federer.

Djokovic apparently has a shoulder injury so we'll see. It's amazing that Fed has been this durable for many years... while guys like Murray have had surgery and been out, Rafa takes months out of the year, and Djokovic has pulled out of tournaments with injury. Fed has played through his back problems.

[njc108]

Goooo Serena!!!! Go girl!!!!

[The Chosen One]

Let's goooo Roger

[Dalyn]

Let's goooo Roger

:tchop::tchop::tchop:

[The Chosen One]

:tchop::tchop::tchop:

Lol welp.

[Dalyn]

Huge moment.

[Dalyn]

Wow. ****ing hell.

[Dalyn]

Not looking good.

[Dalyn]

This was Federer's set to win, and he is about to blow it.

[Dalyn]

Frustrating end to that set. Djokovic dominated the tie break.

[Dalyn]

11 unforced errors. That says it all.

[Dalyn]

His game fell apart after he broke Djokovic. Weird.

[The Chosen One]

Too many shanks again.

[Dalyn]

I hope he starts fighting before it's too late. He has to win this set.