posted Jan 24, 2008

Tsonga had a devastating night with that mighty forehand.
The incredible power and depth consistently prevented Nadal from playing his game. Also he punished Nadal's second serve. However, I would like to see the error count on the backhand side. Nadal was unable to consistently keep him on the weaker side and this was his demise. Tsonga stepped in and hit the looping topspin returns of Nadal on the rise. It reminded me of Federer's win at Hamburg.
Whoever Tsonga plays in the final, they will not have missed these features of his game and will have a strategy to cope with it.
He is still in with a great chance and what a breath of fresh air for tennis.

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posted Jan 24, 2008

I'm sure Tsonga played brilliantly today ( I didnt see the match) but the drawing of comparisons with Sampras from what it says in the article is complete nonsense. Anyone who watched sampras knows his game wasnt built on a huge forehand, indeed if the sampras game had a weakness it was the forehand, why do you think he never won the french?

As a professional sports journalist how can Piers Newbery possibly not know that?

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posted Jan 24, 2008

When Andy Murray drew Tsonga in the first round, I immediately thought that this was the worst possible draw for him. Until now, Tsonga has been a brilliant talent marred by the tendency to fall horribly apart. Having said that, I did think that Andy would have problems with his sometimes scattergun approach. What Jo-Wilfried has proved in this tournament is that he has found a way to harness his incredible talent consistently. As to how he gets on in the final, I suspect that the occasion will finally get to him. After he beat Rafa, he seemed to be in a trance, until the reality that he had comprehensively demolished the world number two finally sank in.

As to who he will meet in the final, I'll take Roger. I suspect that Djokovic will not be up to the occasion. I hope Roger wins, as I do like to see history made, and he is an exceptional talent.

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posted Jan 24, 2008

Well, for me youīve hit it spot on - it showed Nadalīs game up for what it was - Iīve always thought of Nadal as a robot - same, same, same - and I think back to what a dreadful season he had two years ago. The word one-dimensional is right - thatīs what he is. I donīt think he is going to achieve much more in Tennis than he has already - he just hasnīt got the potential. However, I keep saying he should ditch his uncle and change his coach - it might produce different results.

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posted Jan 25, 2008

The Fed is still the man!!! Come on Rog. To much hype about Tsonga. Yes, we can all see he's very talanted but Nadal is ordinary on anything over than clay. I'm sorry Novak fans but I can't stand the bloke, he's very consistent but doesn't have that extra something.

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posted Jan 25, 2008

Wazza_The_White_Pele
beer drinkers do not see things like wine drinkers

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posted Jan 25, 2008

Hey hey! I can't see Federer conquering Tsonga in the final now.

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posted Jan 25, 2008

What mind games?
Nadal was very gracious in defeat.
And he played the match like a true pro that he is . Despite being humiliated.

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posted Jan 25, 2008

This particular comment or contribution should be highlited on the BBC sports page as a recorded account and demonstration of the magic, spookiness and acuracy of certain weird dreams that our crazy minds are capable of.

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posted Jan 25, 2008

The comment by leconsoler on 24th of January in which Federer's defeat was predicted, following right on the heels of Nadal's defeat, should be highlited on the BBC sports page as a recorded account and demonstration of the magic, spookiness and acuracy of certain weird but premonitory dreams that our crazy minds are capable of.
Interestingly, the dreamer was barred from placing a bet by the dream demons

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