... but by the state of this blog, you'd think it had never happened anyway. Lol.
I've still got matches I recorded from this week that I haven't managed to watch yet. Don't think I'll bother. I said last week that the Asian Swing is my least favourite part of the schedule - and I'm sorry for all my Asian readers cos I know it's your chance to see Rafa at a reasonable time - but I just don't think it will ever sit well with him. He loses all the colour from his face at this time of year, and I lose my colour for watching.
However, Rafa got a final, a semi-final and the World No. 1 ranking. Not a bad couple of weeks' work when all is said and done. ;)
So what's next? Rafa back in Europe, a week off and then he enters a crazy indoor period. Back-to-back tournaments in Basel, Paris and the WTF.
I'm not really sure what the logic is for introducing Basel into his schedule because it will be bad enough doing Paris and then the WTF straight on the hoof. I know that for Rafa points make prizes, and it will all add to his assault for the Year End No. 1, but I'm still a little doubtful about all of this. I'm also wondering if he'll even show up in Paris to be honest, even though it's a Masters and he's obliged to.
All I hope for Rafa though, is that his absolutely stellar year doesn't end with a wan face and a whimper in the grim indoors. And that he holds something with No. 1 etched on it.
If he wants to fnisj year as No. 1 he must play very well in Basel, Paris and win some matches in London too.
ReplyDeleteWooffie- this is a very depressing blog today but I'm only saying this because you said (yet again) EXACTLY what I've been thinking. I was working during Rafa's match with Del Potro so didn't see it but when I heard the score I just became so damned depressed.... especially coming after Rafa's loss to POD last week. I just knew as well that Del Po had spent all his major energy on beating Rafa & that POD would win this final too. I think our boy looks tired. He seems his usual motivated...give all he's got on every single point...self DURING the matches but he just seems pooped! I wish he could pass up Basel & Paris. I'm not smart enough to figure out this bizarre point system & if anyone deserves to be #1, it's Rafa. But.....well, this old mother hen is just worried.
ReplyDeleteMost players have a part of the season which suits them best, and the PoD is about to enter his. He seems to thrive on the courts of Asia and Australia and it suits him best. He's equally been good indoors and that was even before his Iron Man 2011 season. In a game of small margins and the tiniest details counting, there's no harm in saying he's marginally better than Rafa in this part of the season.
ReplyDeleteSpring/Summer belongs to Rafa and he starts to lose a little motivation and run out of steam because I just don't believe the Tour suits him now. He will, however, pick up points in Basel, Paris and the WTF - whatever happens. The PoD could make some headway in Paris and will have the DC on his mind at the WTF ... so the Year End No. 1 is still very much up for grabs IMO.
I wouldn't want Rafa doing anything silly in pursuit of it, and I'm not sure he will or whether it is a main driver. I think the WTF is more so. However, I just repeat again that I wouldn't want his most fabulous season to just whimper out somewhat.
Wooffs, if you only watch one match from Shanghai that you've got on your DVR, watch his match against Berlocq. They were both playing ridiculous tennis and it was hugely entertaining.
ReplyDeleteIt'd be nearly impossible for Djerk to pick up enough points to get back to #1 (thank goodness) but I'm with you in hoping that Rafa has some energy and ends his season on a positive note.