I think Fabio is one of those guys that when dialed in, he will beat Rafa if Rafa is a bit off. He takes the ball early, takes time away from you, solid on both sides, and a total head case !!!
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herios
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herios
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Because he is so careless, he underperformed big time through his career.
Today he has one opportunity to do something big.
mrzz
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Yes, precisely. He called my attention first time when I watched him on site here at SP (lost semis against Cuevas) with that extremely elegant backhand. But afterwards I noticed that too. The guy is centered and respectful on court.
In the meantime a fissure in space time has open up a window to a parallel universe. Fognini up to breaks in the second set.
Federberg
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mrzz
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care to change your mind?
Zero problems in changing my mind in face of new evidence but Fognini is playing at a level WAY higher than anything Djokovic has shown in this tournament. So, no, won't change my mind because of that. Fognini is too much of an outlier anyway.
tenisplayrla08
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So any time Rafa gets down like this. On any surface. But especially on clay, I always wonder, is there a hole too big for Rafa. I mean. Rafa could still find another level I'm sure. But he will definitely need some help from Fognini. But. It could happen in an instant. And the momentum would shift and Rafa would be off to the races. At this point Fognini will progressively start to feel the pressure to close it out the closer he gets. And Rafa will probably find a way to apply the pressure. Just settle in and try to stop missing is the most likely thing I imagine.
Definitely hope to see Fognini finish it out. He's answered a couple of poor points here with solid points to keep it at 30-30. And Nadal missed another forehand long. So he hasn't quite decided on the no missing strategy I guess. Which perhaps he feels he can't. With Fognini reeling off winners with the ease of .... well, Nadal.
Another long forehand and Fognini has 4-love. I'd love to say all he needs is 2 out of the next 4. But. Again. I always feel that Nadal can just, out of no where put an end to his opponent's good fortune. And of course Fognini, of all people, can just get bothered by something and go off it. BUT NOT THAT TIME. My goodness ANOTHER backhand up the line winner. He's been so good all week and just has not lost that at all. Playing some of the best tennis we've seen from him in a long time. And that with an apparent elbow injury. And I think he's mentioned ankle issues too.
Definitely hope to see Fognini finish it out. He's answered a couple of poor points here with solid points to keep it at 30-30. And Nadal missed another forehand long. So he hasn't quite decided on the no missing strategy I guess. Which perhaps he feels he can't. With Fognini reeling off winners with the ease of .... well, Nadal.
Another long forehand and Fognini has 4-love. I'd love to say all he needs is 2 out of the next 4. But. Again. I always feel that Nadal can just, out of no where put an end to his opponent's good fortune. And of course Fognini, of all people, can just get bothered by something and go off it. BUT NOT THAT TIME. My goodness ANOTHER backhand up the line winner. He's been so good all week and just has not lost that at all. Playing some of the best tennis we've seen from him in a long time. And that with an apparent elbow injury. And I think he's mentioned ankle issues too.
tenisplayrla08
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Rafa, shockingly, just doesn't entirely know what to do. But I will say it also seems that one key component of Fognini's success today is his pace. Or more specifically his injection of pace at the right time. He is not letting Rafa get into a rhythm or get into position to dictate in any point. I mean. This second set is... I mean, he's dominating. Which. Nadal is 30 plus now. And has been shown to be human by Novak and even Fed over the last couple years. But. It's still Rafa on clay and Fognini is dispatching him like he's outside the top 40. He's serving well. ZERO signs of nerves.
And Rafa JUST. KEEPS. MISSING. Long every time. Wide like twice. The wind probably a factor. But can't take any credit away from Fabio.
And Rafa JUST. KEEPS. MISSING. Long every time. Wide like twice. The wind probably a factor. But can't take any credit away from Fabio.
tenisplayrla08
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And that is why he's Rafa Nadal. That easy confidence of having won this title 11 times and 11 French and 11 Barcelona titles. And 17 slams. He still needs to win it. But also... doesn't. So he can go for it match point down because that's the only way through. 5 straight points.
Also though. That's why Fognini, who will still most likely win this in the next 3 games, has never won a masters before of even been to a final. Couldn't serve it out. Partially because that's not a huge weapon for him. But also just had the slightest mental dip there. Just tight. Rafa saw it early in the game and took advantage. But, Fognini can certainly break to win it. He's been breaking all day (and all week) with ease.
IF Rafa can win this game though.... then I have to open up my question again. Is there a hole Rafa can't come back from?
Also though. That's why Fognini, who will still most likely win this in the next 3 games, has never won a masters before of even been to a final. Couldn't serve it out. Partially because that's not a huge weapon for him. But also just had the slightest mental dip there. Just tight. Rafa saw it early in the game and took advantage. But, Fognini can certainly break to win it. He's been breaking all day (and all week) with ease.
IF Rafa can win this game though.... then I have to open up my question again. Is there a hole Rafa can't come back from?
