*Official* Tennis Thread

[Jarquis]

Murray broken again ffs.

 

[Uppercut]

And he's goneski.

 

[Jono]

Beaten by a superior player on clay... just like last year.

2009 Gonzalez was paying $2.40

2010 Berdych was paying $2.50

Will make this my ritual because he's cashed me up twice

Hopefully Berdych can beat Youzhny

 

[Pothas]

Big win for Berdych that, could be turning point perhaps?

Would not be too hopefull though, will probably take the first two sets against Federer in the semis and then lose...

 

[Jono]

Berdych's turning point was when he beat Federer in Miami after saving a match point. He's a lot better in the head now.

The question is whether he can do it in a Slam.

 

[Pothas]

Federer a totally differnent proposition in grand slams as well these days.

Nadal got in the bag anyway obviously.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

Berdych sliding into backhands. Great to watch.

As for Murray on clay, shouldn't it be more to do with discomfort on the surface and lack of hitting the ball anywhere but the opponent than the serve? If he's so good in 'open play', how come he doesn't do it on the surface that negates the serve the most?

 

[Magrat Garlick]

what the hell is ginepri doing in the 2nd week of the french open? did he get lost or something?

Beat Starace, then Ferrero.

No idea how, but those are solid clay players.

 

[Jono]

As for Murray on clay, shouldn't it be more to do with discomfort on the surface and lack of hitting the ball anywhere but the opponent than the serve? If he's so good in 'open play', how come he doesn't do it on the surface that negates the serve the most?

His serve isn't why he loses on clay. His serve is a big factor why he loses on any surface though.

He's also way too defensive in his stroke play at times. So many chances in that second set he had to go to the net and close the point.

Berdych did that all day. Sure he has better and more powerful approach shots, but still.

 

[Uppercut]

He's also way too defensive in his stroke play at times.

This is what I rant about every time I see him. It's as though his tactical game depends on the other player to make more errors than he does rather than actively trying to win every point.

I can see what you're saying about his serve but I think it's a bit harsh. His serve's not great but it's improved beyond all recognition compared to how poor it was when he first emerged.

 

[Jono]

Not his first serve percentage.

 

[Jono]

Berdych 34/37 points on first serve. That's ridiculous against the best returner in the game.

 

[SirBloody Idiot]

Berdych 34/37 points on first serve. That's ridiculous against the best returner in the game.

Was obviously going for them. Served below fifty for the match which is insane in a straight sets win.

 

[Uppercut]

Berdych 34/37 points on first serve. That's ridiculous against the best returner in the game.

Surely Rafa has that title dominated on clay. In any case, Murray didn't return anything like he can.

 

[Uppercut]

Not his first serve percentage.

But his first serve used to be what his second serve is now. Have a look at some old footage. I'd forgotten how much worse it was.

 

[Jono]

Uppercut, my boy Gabashvili is going to take your boy Melzer down!

Man if Gabashbili makes the quarters of a Slam my life will be complete!

5-4 first set tie break.

 

[Jono]

6-6

Do it BASHA! DO IT!

 

[Jono]

No **** off. Melzer set point.

 

[Jono]

 

[Magrat Garlick]

But his first serve used to be what his second serve is now. Have a look at some old footage. I'd forgotten how much worse it was.

Man has a point here. A 70 % first serve percentage is no use if it's too weak to win points with it.