... I seriously think you did, Rafa. And as our lovely Womble who was at the match today said, Rafa was ... GOOD.
I couldn't sneaky peek watch it intently at work today, but I was very impressed about how Rafa handled himself. He broke Stanford right at the start of the first set, got another break and took the first set 6-2. Rafa broke again in the second and led 3-2, but Stanford still had a bit of fight in him and got the break back ... only for Rafa to raise his game once more, broke again and the set was his by 6-3. Rafa was then in rampant form and threatened to totally run away with the third set, but Stanford managed to win one game. So 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 really told a very good story. So good in fact, that the likes of Neil Harman tweeted, "An awful lot about not very much in the end." Really Neil? Funny that, because if Federer had won by that score-line you would have been creaming about how majestic and imperious he was, and if it was Djokovic, how his clever play and guile resulted in the total annihilation of his opponent.
Maybe you should take it as a compliment Rafa, that the erstwhile Murray reporter from The Times can be so dismissive about your play. And whilst you're at it, stick this quote up on your locker door ... "I don't know why but I have the very strangest feeling that....[no I can't bring myself to quite say his name] will win the men's singles." ... because I certainly don't think he was having any strange feelings about you.
Rafa was very pleased with his play today, and whilst he's a million miles from what he was last week, I still believe he has just that bit more to give. Of course we all know that it's him who Rafa will be playing in the semi-final, and of course the greatest factor that separates the two is that win in Monte Carlo that the PoD had over Rafa - according not to some, but quite a lot. So much stock held in one clay victory over the past two years. Fancy.
But it's all about the improve for Rafa. Improve such as winning Barcelona, Madrid and Rome. And improve as he has progressed through this tournament. Improve since Monte Carlo? I should say so. It's all to play for. Crush him, Rafa!!
Wooffie:
ReplyDeleteWatched the match. Rafa was in the groove and feeling good. His forehand solid and shots penetrating. Finally 70 degrees in Paris. Supposed to be warmer on Friday, so better for Rafa's topspin. Will be watching for the Rafa/Toni strategy vs Djoker. His interview so sunny and the smile so infectuous!! VAMOS RAFA!
Catherine of Tampa
Watched the match too...well, what I could of it since Tennis Channel kept switching over to the "other" match..UGH! Rafa was his awesome self. I love that MacEnroe is such a fan. I wish that I didn't dread Friday so much. My husband says I need a t-shirt that says "Anybody But Djoker". Please tennis gods...smile on this wonderful man called Rafa!!He deserves it so. Vamos!
ReplyDeleteJan in Texas
Heh. Love your rants about the media Wooffs. I think they all get together in the press room and decide what their narrative is going to be because absolutely everybody is talking about how easily Ugly romped over Haas. Huh??? One break, a tiebreak, and then 7-5 is a romp??? If it had been Rafa it would have been a life and death struggle. Idiots.
ReplyDeleteRafa was masterful today, a treat to watch when he's in full flight as he was. You can see his confidence and his calm building in every game. I'm feeling good about Friday. #antijinxtoinfinity
I hope Rafa crushes that ugly twonk! I saw Harman's tweets and did reply to a couple of them as I get so angry how they are so dismissive of all that Rafa has achieved. I still fail to understand why there is so much bile against him. It's going to be 80% in Paris tomorrow, so that will suit our sunshine boy. You do it Rafa, you are the best!
ReplyDeleteJan: I watched the match on the Tennis Channel on my 60" TV, but when they switched to the Djoker, I live streamed ESPN3, so I did not miss a point!
ReplyDeleteWooffie's media analysis is right on point. I can't wait for her ramblings after Rafa beats the Djoker tomorrow. Wooffie, you may have to call in "sick" tomorrow. BTW, Woffies should be on the Tennis Channel as her analysis is much better!
Catherine of Tampa
These twonks who pass for experts are no better at calling wins and losses than any other fan of the game. I know, because for a couple of years I tracked them. They also contradict themselves about everyone's form. JMac is still stressing over the ankle/foot/hoof injury of the Devil's Whelp, for heaven's sake.
ReplyDeleteRafa looked good. Damn good. He made some errors, missed some shots, but he got his "rehab" in and did all he needed to do to win in a swift 3. Novak couldn't do that. Again.
Rafa is as ready as he can be after 7.5 months out and working steadily back into form. Ready and Steady. Yep.
VAMOS!!!