ATP1000 Masters

Federer errored against Nadal – Again..!

Rafa with 7th Rome title

Shear dominance from Rafael Nadal against Roger in the final at Rome today 6-1,6-3. Everybody including Roger expected a good match , but that didn’t happen. Such a dominance from Rafa. I guess Rafa will have special tennis especially against the special person, Roger Federer.

Pathetic serve and so many unforced errors from Roger causing big-bigger-biggest damages again and again and again against Rafa. Roger still didn’t find the solution for Rafa’s over top spin and high bounce on the back hand side. Yeah, the better player won today.

Reaching finals today is still a better achievement for Roger, but the way Roger started this tournament and the way he played today was unmatched. Too much defensive and Roger simply making unforced errors for less than 5 shot rally. And at crucial points Nadal showing all court play, putting top spin on the ball, send that ball to Roger back hand , ask Roger to hit slowly towards center of the court, and then you hit a winner. That’s the game plan he is following for years. And Single handed Federer didn’t find his best backhand today and even his forehand which is great this week, tend to be giving many unforced errors.

1st serve % 57.
many unforced errors

Roger Federer ( source : Facebook )

Match started with Roger serving, won first game looked comfortable. And Rafa started his dominance. straight 6 games, 3 breaks. And in the second set, Roger started well getting a break point, but Rafa saved that. and early in the set Rafa started breaking and leads to 5-1 and serving for match. At that time, Roger breaks Rafa game and holds his serve to 3-5. But unable to stop in the next service game and eventually gave the match.

“He played very aggressively from the start. He didn’t make too many mistakes and had a good match overall. Rafa has much more topspin than all the guys I played this week, so the change was quite a big one. I tried to play offensively, but unfortunately I didn’t have the best day. It didn’t go the way I was hoping it to go.” – Roger Federer

Credit to Rafa for winning his 6th title after his comeback and 24th masters title.

source : Nike Tennis – Facebook

Rafael Nadal will be seeded 4 we are not going to see any quarters which will have Rafa and Roger/Novak/Murray match.

Looking forward to see all the players in Roland Garros 🙂

Federer hopes he can stop Rafa (cnufederer.wordpress.com)

Federer hopes he can stop Rafa

It’s not the Federer that I’ve seen earlier this week when he lost to Nishikori. He definitely brought back his own game in last 4 matches. And he is really looking forward to another match against his long time rival Rafael Nadal.

Roger Federer (AFP photo)

“It almost doesn’t matter what the surface or what the conditions are. I’ve got to play aggressive tennis and take it to Rafa. I know he doesn’t give me much on clay. He’s got incredible spin. He is the best mover on clay of all-time, if not Top 2 with Bjorn Borg, so it’s hard to play against him. But I’ve done it before and can put him under pressure. I hope this time I have a better chance than at Indian Wells, where things were a bit difficult for me. He’s had an incredible comeback, so I’m really happy for him. But someone has got to stop him, so I hope it’s me.” – Roger Federer

Last time Roger met Rafa at Indian wells, which was a low quality match. It was due to Federer health conditions or whatever. But today it will be a great match if Roger able to continue his serving right. Not just hair style was changed from now and then, it was Roger mindset was changed. He is looking more confident. I think he said these words to get away from pressure.

Ofcourse, beating Rafa in clay that too in his fine form, it is a difficult task. But we have to see today match, how it goes. 🙂

Match will start at 7.30PM IST.

FEDAL rivalry resumes at Rome Masters

Federer-Nadal rivalry is considered to be one of the greatest rivalry in Tennis history.

Roger Federer defeated Benoit Paire in straight sets 7-6 6-4

Rafael Nadal thrashed Tomas Berdych in two easy sets 6-2 6-4.

And both will face for the 30th time. Rafa leads ATP H2H with 19-10. All the best to both the players. We are going to witness a tremendous match. 🙂

Fedal Rivalry resumes

Federer is hunger for his first title in this year and he is really looking forward to win this title. From the first match onwards he took advantage of the practice that he had earlier this tournament. Playing more aggressive than usual and shot making is also very good. And Roger yet to drop a set in this tournament ( Who cares? just saying 🙂 ), but as compared to the previous matches, Roger didn’t play well today, just got away at some crucial points. That’s what champions do ;).

On the other side, Nadal reached at least finals in 8 out of 8 tournaments that he has been playing from the time he came back from injury. And Rafa overtaken Novak in the year ending ranking points. If Rafa win Roma , he will be seeded as 4. That is also important for Rafa to take advantage of some easy matches before entering semis.

Djodal rivalry resumes at Monte Carlo. (cnufederer.wordpress.com)
Rafa passed Ferrer test, Roger continued his form (cnufederer.wordpress.com)
Rafael Nadal Reaches His 8th Straight Final This Year! (rafaelnadalfans.com)

Rafa passed Ferrer test, Roger continued his form

David Ferrer attempted one more time to defeat Rafael Nadal. But Rafa, the stronger one beat Ferrer in 3 sets. Feel sorrow for Ferru, but can’t happen in the competitive game like this, that too against Rafa.

David Ferrer in action against Rafael Nadal

Ferrer showing true fighting qualities from beginning of his career, stay being positve. I guess all spaniards like this only.

Rafael Nadal will be seeded 4 at Roland Garros if he win this tournament. Otherwise we may see some top player exiting from quarter finals in the way to Rafa’s campaign.

“I played a great match against a difficult opponent. In the worst moment in the third set, I played my best tennis and I am happy. He is a fantastic player and a big example for the kids [on being] positive, fighting and correct on the court… This victory for me is very special.” – Rafael Nadal

On the other half, Roger Federer won against upset king Jerzy Janowicz. It was their first meeting, and Federer won with 6-4, 7-6.

First set went fine with each holding their serves till 4-4. And Roger broke the serve in the next game. and went to 5-4 and served for set and eventually clinched it with 6-4.

Second set, crucial set. went to tie breaker and Federer won with 7-6.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be another 6-1, 6-2 victory like the first two [matches]. Those who thought that was going to be the case don’t know anything about tennis. It was a tough match. Janowicz showed some great tennis. I think he’s very talented and has clearly proved that in the past. Coming here, in front of a full stadium, he had nothing to lose. The way he came out and played I thought was impressive. He had break points early in the first set. He swung and hit everything to get the break in the second set. He should have got the set. Clearly, I can be very happy to win in straight sets tonight.” – Roger Federer

Mean while Paire won against Granollers and set clash with Roger Federer

Semis Lineups

Rafael Nadal vs Tomas Berdych

Roger Federer vs Benoit Paire