posted Apr 5, 2008

RafaRoastLamb

The semi-final between Nadal v Davydenko was in Rome not Hamburg

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posted Apr 5, 2008

I like Davydenko, I think he gets a bad wrap, I don't believe a player of his caliber threw any tennis matches for gamblers until I see strong evidence not speculation. In regards to his game the one thing he can do is both change direction on the ball and take it very early. That is why you see this wiry Russian blast a lumbering Roddick off the court. In fact, I would say that my own game, is when it is working well, similar to Davydenko. I think this strategy is more effective than the big swings of the modern players. With due respect to Fed and Nadal's massive heavy strokes. Sometimes I feel Fed is most effective when he steps up more in the court and shortens his swing. He hits so many half volley winners. In short, Davydenko utilizes the pace off the opponents shot and takes time away by hitting the ball early and flat. I think his clean and early striking will give him a close three set victory over Rafa.

His problem is that he doesn't serve and have any variety to his game. That is why he has not had more success. The dark cloud for Davydenko is that he is only one master's shield and no grandslam finals to his credit yet. I think he will change part of the story on Sunday.

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posted Apr 5, 2008

Social, Davy served pretty well yesterday, was often in the 130's, top speed of 136 and had 6 aces compared to Roddick's 9, plus a pile of service winners.
Never seen him serve so well, actually..

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posted Apr 5, 2008

socal

No surprise that you bet against Nadal. I have never read anything here from you in credit to Nadal.

Be prepare for tomorrow if Rafa carries the trophy. I can't wait for your excuses.

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posted Apr 5, 2008

I'd go for Davydenko if he plays very aggressive as he did last night.His serve was pretty impressive too.
You're right ,Socal, his clean and early strikes will make Nadal run for his money!
But Nadal has improved on hard courts and is in very good form.I'd say 50/50

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posted Apr 5, 2008

I bet against Nadal at the end of hardcourt tournaments simply because I think he is more vulnerable on a faster surface. I never bet against Nadal on clay and I wouldn't be surprised if he breaks Borg's record at RG. I think he is still a top 5 to 8 guy on hardcourt, but really no better.

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posted Apr 6, 2008

So who might the 7 ahead of him be??

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posted Apr 6, 2008

I like Davydenko even though he comes in for alot of criticism on here i think he is good to watch but of course today i shall be supporting Nadal <smile>

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posted Apr 6, 2008

I said top 5 to 8 hardcourt players in the world for Nadal and I stand behind that. I believe that if you look at results on hardcourt over the last 12 months that Fed, Djoko, Nalbandian, are clearly better. And eventhough nadal has beaten James Blake, and Berdych lets not forget that both these players and Michael Youzhny also hold winning records against Nadal on Hardcourt. Murray also can be rated very high since he has won a number of hardcourt events over the last 12 months. Nadal falls somewhere in the middle of that pack on hardcourt. Nalbandian has won 2 Master's series in the last 12 months on hardcourt. Djoko has had two grandslam finals and fed has won the US open. Nadal is somewhere in the pack of the next tier of hardcourt players. (ie Murray, Blake, Berdych, Ferrer, Youzhny, Roddick, and Tsonga).

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