Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome, Italy - Masters 1000

[Kieran]

Rafa or Novak has a current streak of 17 years where one of the two have made it to Italian Open final since 2005.. That's astounding!

Yeah that’s very impressive, and a credit to Novak, given that we expect it from Rafa. That’s not to damn Novak with faint praise, it’s to highlight just what a great clay court champ he is!

 

[the AntiPusher]

Yeah that’s very impressive, and a credit to Novak, given that we expect it from Rafa. That’s not to damn Novak with faint praise, it’s to highlight just what a great clay court champ he is!

Also, it shows how dominate and consistent these two have been.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Is it FAA's day to slay a number #1 rank player? He looks ready. He is going to have to try to break Novak's comfort rhythm which is like asking Putin to have a heart. I hope Toni has advised him to stay on Novak's Fh and return the BH CC back where it comes from. DONT try to hit thru Novak. Be aware of the DTL BH and the drop shot.. in essence Get ready of an hour plus of pure HELL.

 

[Moxie]

Is anyone else surprised that this is the first time that Novak and FAA have played?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Is it FAA's day to slay a number #1 rank player? He looks ready. He is going to have to try to break Novak's comfort rhythm which is like asking Putin to have a heart. I hope Toni has advised him to stay on Novak's Fh and return the BH CC back where it comes from. DONT try to hit thru Novak. Be aware of the DTL BH and the drop shot.. in essence Get ready of an hour plus of pure HELL.

FAA's clay game is still a 'work in progress'....his game at present is more suited to HC and grass...

 

[tented]

Is anyone else surprised that this is the first time that Novak and FAA have played?

Is it really? So, yes, I am surprised. I haven’t noticed, but is Toni in Rome?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Is anyone else surprised that this is the first time that Novak and FAA have played?

No

 

[the AntiPusher]

Is anyone else surprised that this is the first time that Novak and FAA have played?

Yes.

 

[tented]

Is it FAA's day to slay a number #1 rank player? He looks ready. He is going to have to try to break Novak's comfort rhythm which is like asking Putin to have a heart. I hope Toni has advised him to stay on Novak's Fh and return the BH CC back where it comes from. DONT try to hit thru Novak. Be aware of the DTL BH and the drop shot.. in essence Get ready of an hour plus of pure HELL.

The question with Novak is how to avoid the trap of letting him dictate with his BH, which he’ll do all day long if he can. He can wrest control of a point away from his opponent before they even realize it, it seems sometimes.

 

[the AntiPusher]

FAA's clay game is still a 'work in progress'....his game at present is more suited to HC and grass...

Well today noOne can accuse Felix of playing down to the level of his competition .. jajaja

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

FAA has to mix up his serve I feel in this match, Novak is too good of a returner, especially if he gets rhythm on his return of serve

 

[the AntiPusher]

Is anyone else surprised that this is the first time that Novak and FAA have played?

Felix has only faced the KOC only once in Madrid 2019

 

[tented]

Does anyone know how to find out the longest match a player has ever played? I know Novak has been involved in multiple mega-matches, but I’m wondering what’s the longest FAA has ever played, especially the longest he won. As far as I know, the ATP site doesn’t have such information readily available.

 

[Jelenafan]

Does anyone know how to find out the longest match a player has ever played? I know Novak has been involved in multiple mega-matches, but I’m wondering what’s the longest FAA has ever played, especially the longest he won. As far as I know, the ATP site doesn’t have such information readily available.

The FAA/Medvedev QF match in the AO was four hours and 41 minutes.

 

[tented]

As Scooby Doo would put it, Ruh roh!

 

[Jelenafan]

Ok , now Felix HOLD the break.

 

[tented]

Back on serve. Well done, FAA!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Good love service game from FAA....5 all

 

[tented]

Ok , now Felix HOLD the break.

Your wish has been granted. Held at love, no less.

 

[the AntiPusher]

FAA has to mix up his serve I feel in this match, Novak is too good of a returner, especially if he gets rhythm on his return of serve

Felix is listening to you Miss Margaret ..good sideline coaching