This is an appropriate title given Federer's form today (his somewhat typical pattern in big matches we might call failing to rise to the occasion or simply missing big opportunities -- either with the match in general, or with certain key spots in a big match, which are often breakpoints); it's also an appropriate title …
Drop in Form — Live Blog
Have I made-up for my failed Nadal prophecy by predicting this emphatic drop in form? This drop is for real as Roger goes down 0-3 in the first set and looks, well, terrible. We’ll see. Update: some sparkling tennis later in that first set, especially as Federer tries to break back at 3-5, but no …
Stop
I've had to wipe the ass of a couple of readers that think I'm a Rafan! Lol. Stop. You all need a lesson in literacy. That post is a bastion of sarcasm. Away with your projections. All rise and salute the OHBH! The Djoker/Federer poem will have to wait for our assessment of Federer/Tsitsipas. I …
I am a Believer
Nadalism is a powerful ideology, so powerful that it can affect nature, the way events happen, the way life unfolds, the way people perform their daily activities. Nadal down-a-set corresponds with my prediction that he would somehow still defeat Tsitsipas. That happened. I have never been more certain of something than I am of Medvedev …
Will We Get a Fedal SF?
Nadal and Tsitsipas are going to the second set, the Greek having prevailed in a first set TB 7-4. Nadal has to win this match and Zverev would need to lose for Nadal to advance. I would not be surprised if Nadal beats the Greek, somehow, and Medvedev upsets Zverev. Zverev controls his own destiny …
Tennis of Consequence
Am I putting too much value and expectation on (over reading) today's Federer vs Djokovic? I said this is Federer's last chance to avenge the 2019 WB collapse he suffered against the Serb. First of all, this isn't WB at all, so my assertion has to get over that obstacle first and foremost. Federer will …
Story-lines of the ATP Finals
These story-lines reach beyond this season finale in London. Of course. 1. I guess you see what you want to see. I never fell in-line with the Medvedev mob, those loving his tennis and/or his edginess (though I do respect his willingness to give people the finger). He became more and more of a threat …
ATP Finals on Deck
Djokovic should beat Berrettini and Federer should beat Thiem. We know how dangerous Thiemettini can be, but come-on: this is hard courts, and the Serb and Swiss really have to give us something useful, setting-up a possible Final. I did just read that Nadal can claim year-end #1 by winning all three of his RR …
ATP Finals Draw
Andre Agassi Group: Rafael Nadal Daniil Medvedev Stefanos Tsitsipas Alexander Zverev Bjorn Borg Group: Novak Djokovic Roger Federer Dominic Thiem Matteo Berrettini This is actually fairly meaningless until "they" know the status of Nadal. Granted, all match-ups in this kind of top-of-the-heap draw are going to be tough. If we had to comment (I certainly …
WTF
This post is not about the World Tour Finals, beginning in a week. I'm just taking a minute to share ATP.com's big headline today, this esteemed organization's main page excitement! Yay! You can't make this up. He's soured again a prestigious 1000 final four, protecting himself in more ways than one. Yet here, on the …
