Sports - Tennis Talk #13 :Thank You,Rafa & Roger,For The Stunning Tennis You Give Us *bowdown* - Page 5

Avatar · 07-07-2008, 12:10 PM

Oh, I remembeer that Ivanisevic-Rafter final now that you mention it - what a great final that was too. And I think it's interesting that that one was the last final between two players who were mostly serve-and-volliers - I wonder if an Ivanisevic or a Rafter could have won Wimbly on today's courts.

Sparkling_Diamond · 07-07-2008, 12:16 PM

Dude, seen Karlovic play at Queens? I did (bc he was playing against Rafa, hee) and he almost won solely bc of his serve. Grass courts are still grass courts, despite what people say. I saw Karlovic having the upper hand against Rafa for a great part of the match simply bc he's tall and has a good serve. Rafa also said 'puta' after his win, smiling in disbelief bc the only way he won was bc of the 3% (must've been something like that LOL) serves he could return.

4brathan&brucas · 07-07-2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Catherine* (View Post)

Yes, I might be a little more emotionally invested than I should be

but oh well, thats life. So for right now it matters to me that he's lost.

I understand. You're a big fan of his and I respect that. I never was, even though I don't ignore his talent, so him losing yesterday didn't matter to me. I was rooting for Nadal because he'd been playing such excellent Tennis this year and in recent years, so I was happy for him.

But you can't possibly be any more upset about Roger's defeat than I was about Roddick being defeated before the quarter-finals

I'm a big Andy fan so that hurt a lot.

Quote:

And who says he wont match Pete?

Noone's saying he won't

But I think that he should just accept that what happened this year, happened. It's tough and I can't imagine what it's like being him right now... But Nadal won that game and Federer being world number one doesn't, in my eyes, disregard Rafa's talent or win yesterday at all. There's a reason why that game went into five sets. It was so close because there were two champions playing on that court. At the end of the day, in Roger's words, "it can't be a draw."

Ms X · 07-07-2008, 12:23 PM

I went to Wimbledon in 2003 and saw Karlovic and that guy is really, really tall but yes he does have a good serve.

Interesting points about grass courts, I haven't played on them so I can't judge but are Wimbledon's courts as slow as players and commentators make them out to be? I mean yes I think they have changed somewhat but is it all that different?

Avatar · 07-07-2008, 12:24 PM

Karlovic would serve about 312 aces a match regardless of the surface, though - and he lost in the first round to Simon Stadler (who?), so...

Avatar · 07-07-2008, 12:27 PM

Remember that even Sampras lost in the QF at Wimbly to Richard Krajicek one year before coming back to win it four times in a row, so it can be done.

Sparkling_Diamond · 07-07-2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avatar (View Post)

Karlovic would serve about 312 aces a match regardless of the surface, though - and he lost in the first round to Simon Stadler (who?), so...

LOL. He's crap when it comes to rallies. Like Roddick. Once the opponent finds a gap, how little it might be, to return the serve, those two start hitting brainlessly and run around the court like chicken without heads.

Quote:

But Nadal won that game and Federer being world number one doesn't, in my eyes, disregard Rafa's talent or win yesterday at all. There's a reason why that game went into five sets. It was so close because there were two champions playing on that court. At the end of the day, in Roger's words, "it can't be a draw."

Dude, yes. And let's not forget this guy is 22! He beat Fed on his backyard and did it in style; he completely crushed him last month. Rafa's bound to take over the number 1 position sooner or later, and it won't be bc he's a fluke. He's a great player, and has yesterday written history by accomplishing what only two men before him (Borg, Laver) have done: win RG and Wimbledon in one year. That's out of this world.

Sawyer&Kate · 07-07-2008, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avatar (View Post)

Oh, I remembeer that Ivanisevic-Rafter final now that you mention it - what a great final that was too. And I think it's interesting that that one was the last final between two players who were mostly serve-and-volliers - I wonder if an Ivanisevic or a Rafter could have won Wimbly on today's courts.

Man, that is still one of my fave finals, regardless that Goran won. You were

throughout the entire game, I still remember where I was and what I was doing when it ended.

And Goran's aces...damn (1447

) Gosh, I loved the days when Sampras/Ivanišević were at their best, yesterday's match kinda reminded me of that, the feeling I used to have when I was an avid watcher.
I'd certanly love to see them playing on today's courts, but in shape, now they'd be horrible, non-adjusted.

As for Karlović, he is extremely tall, I remember my brother (who's height is about 1.95) standing next to him and he looked like a midget next to Ivo. And has one of the toughest serves around, though yes, horrible when it comes to rallies.

Lol, I just realized that Ančić was the last one who defeated Federer in Wimbledon. It's a shame that they guy had to go through that dreadful illness that cost him a lot of progress. Bummer.

4brathan&brucas · 07-07-2008, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparkling_Diamond (View Post)

Dude, yes. And let's not forget this guy is 22! He beat Fed on his backyard and did it in style; he completely crushed him last month. Rafa's bound to take over the number 1 position sooner or later, and it won't be bc he's a fluke. He's a great player, and has yesterday written history by accomplishing what only two men before him (Borg, Laver) have done: win RG and Wimbledon in one year. That's out of this world.

I think I remember the commentators saying that if he wins wimbledon (and he did), then within months he'll likely become #1.

I just love Rafa's attitude about the the whole thing. He's very graceful and said that he'll always remember the first time he's won this tournament, and that it's a big deal for his country and for him personally. Also he's so sweet and shy in interviews, which makes me love him even more

Ms X · 07-07-2008, 12:46 PM

I loved the Goran match in 2001, I have the dvd of it. I was so glad he won despite him putting out one of my favs Tim Henman. I thought he deserved to win after all the years he'd tried before and when he won match point, the look on his face was just amazing before he sank into the grass

Aww.

I too would love to see legends playing on the courts today too and some do in Invitation Doubles at Wimbledon and on the senior circuit.

Sparkling_Diamond · 07-07-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4brathan&brucas (View Post)

I think I remember the commentators saying that if he wins wimbledon (and he did), then within months he'll likely become #1.

I just love Rafa's attitude about the the whole thing. He's very graceful and said that he'll always remember the first time he's won this tournament, and that it's a big deal for his country and for him personally. Also he's so sweet and shy in interviews, which makes me love him even more

And he's HAAAAAWT.

Haha.

I was a fan during the acne period too, people! He really grew into his looks.

Avatar · 07-07-2008, 12:51 PM

I think I preferred the 2001-final to yesterday's (and I was rooting for Rafter, so it's no residual Fed-bitterness

), just because you knew it was Goran's last chance and you strongly suspected it was Rafter's too.

Sawyer&Kate · 07-07-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms X (View Post)

I loved the Goran match in 2001, I have the dvd of it. I was so glad he won despite him putting out one of my favs Tim Henman. I thought he deserved to win after all the years he'd tried before and when he won match point, the look on his face was just amazing before he sank into the grass

Aww.

I too would love to see legends playing on the courts today too and some do in Invitation Doubles at Wimbledon and on the senior circuit.

Where did you manage to get the DVD?

I have it taped, but have been trying to find a DVD for such a long time and nothing.

Man, getting kicked out 3 times in a roe, and then actually becoming the Wimbledon winner after getting in with a wildcard. The whole country was in such euphoria, no one left their houses the day of the finale.

Awww, now I have to check that moment on YT, after seeing it gazillion times, it never gets old.

Sorry all, I just love him to death, have to *squee* a bit.

Yes! The legends playing would be sheer awesomeness, I'd simply love to see that.

Quote:

I think I preferred the 2001-final to yesterday's (and I was rooting for Rafter, so it's no residual Fed-bitterness ), just because you knew it was Goran's last chance and you strongly suspected it was Rafter's too.

Couldn't agree more. You knew you were watching both great players trying to win the match of their lives. You were on the edge of your seat throught the entire game.

ETA

Aw, I didn't know this.

In 2007 Roger Federer, seeking his 5th Wimbledon in a row and due to face Nadal in the final, practised with Goran Ivanišević. He said it helped him against Nadal:

Well, I mean, it's good to have hit at least half an hour with a lefty before the finals because I've played against six right handers. So, of course, it's hard to come into a match and you play a lefty. Especially on the returns, I always feel it. The entire points are played in a different manner. Where usually you go backhand cross‑court, with Rafa I have to go backhand long line. I asked Goran yesterday if he wanted to hit with me. He said, Sure, I'm around. I was very happy he did that.

*Catherine* · 07-07-2008, 01:20 PM

Well, looking ahead at the rankings..

Immediately Nadal is giving up 250 ranking points by not defending his Stuttgart points..

But I think theres a very good chance Nadal will become #1. There is simply a lot more room for Nadal to improve because he was practically non-existent at the end of last year...and Roger has alot of points to defend. He has added an event, but..hmm....well, If Roger stays motivated he will fight and defend many of his points (hopefully all of them) so..should be interesting to see.

Boy, I'll have to start preparing for the day when Roger loses his #1.

Oh well...It's not like Nadal nor Djokovic is going to hold on to it for 4 1/2 years like Roger. Roger has blitzed that record to where it will never be broken for a long time.

And hey, because of the crappy start to this year, Roger wont have so many points to defend next year.

So if he does lose it, I expect he can easily get it back.

Although..when Roger loses that rank (And I know he will..I'm not crazy

), it should be to Nadal..only fitting I suppose. He's been #2 for so long

Ms X · 07-07-2008, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Where did you manage to get the DVD? I have it taped, but have been trying to find a DVD for such a long time and nothing.

I brought it from Wimbledon when I went to the Championships in 2003. They stocked it in the shop then but I don't know if they still do. Have had a look on the online shop and can't see it anywhere

Some legends do play the Royal Albert Hall in London in December I think. I remember MacEnroe has played there, sure Goran played too