ATP Finals

[stroke]

If I were a betting man, I would have to put my money on Rafa. He can rally for Spain and his shot tolerance is as high (probably higher) as anyone's. Tricky for Medvedev to stand way back behind the baseline with the angles Rafa can get. I'm really looking forward to both semi finals, both will be top drawer.

Copy that Stotty. Very interesting stuff. As far as shot tolerance, yes Nadal has redefined a "winner" to me. He hits what I would call "almost winners" all day without really taking much risk. I would call his game unique, stand alone. As his FO record will also be forever, stand alone.

[stotty]

This next match Medvedev vs Diego is not a factor in the final 4. Surprisingly to me, oddsmakers have Medvedev as a slight favorite in tomorrow's match vs Nadal. Medvedev getting a lot of respect there. That should be a good one. I don't think there is a chance of either player not being totally interested.

If I were a betting man, I would have to put my money on Rafa. He can rally for Spain and his shot tolerance is as high (probably higher) as anyone's. Tricky for Medvedev to stand way back behind the baseline with the angles Rafa can get. I'm really looking forward to both semi finals, both will be top drawer.

[stroke]

This next match Medvedev vs Diego is not a factor in the final 4. Surprisingly to me, oddsmakers have Medvedev as a slight favorite in tomorrow's match vs Nadal. Medvedev getting a lot of respect there. That should be a good one. I don't think there is a chance of either player not being totally interested.

[stotty]

Rock solid in the tie-break as per usual. Shame, Zverev was really playing well in the second set and deserved to win it. Novak just so solid when it counts...as always. Not sure about his backhand bail out drop shot selection at times...bizarre.

[stroke]

2nd set goes to tiebreaker. Alex has hit like 23 winners to Novak's 3 this ser to get there.

[stotty]

Yes Novak is laser-focused so far (now a set up and 1-1). Zverev needs to serve bombs and get more aggressive off the ground.

[stroke]

Novak looking dialed in clinical early on. Up a quick 2-0 with Alex a double for the break. And his 2nd serve looks still shaky.

[don_budge]

Medvedev may become the uneasiest on the eye #1 player ever at some point. He hardly ever misses obviously off both sides, his backhand is not pretty and his forehand is just ugly. His serve is ok but certainly not the prettiness of Fed, the fast twice brutality of Roddick, or even the massive swing/spin of Nadal. He reminds me of a more consistent Florian Mayer, but Florian had way better hands.

That is a pretty darn good comparison stroke. Florian "The Quirk" Mayer. "Mr. Pencil" is a bit quirky himself. Pretty darn good hands to boot.

[stroke]

Medvedev may become the uneasiest on the eye #1 player ever at some point. He hardly ever misses obviously off both sides, his backhand is not pretty and his forehand is just ugly. His serve is ok but certainly not the prettiness of Fed, the fast twice brutality of Roddick, or even the massive swing/spin of Nadal. He reminds me of a more consistent Florian Mayer, but Florian had way better hands.

[stotty]

First up Zverev v Djokovic

Zverev is dangerous when he has little to lose and feels like the underdog so the match might be a challenge for Novak. In his match versus Medvedev it's the first time I have seen Novak look half a step slower than his opponent. Medvedev at one point ran up to a poorly hit drop shot of Novak's then scurried back to the baseline (haven't see that since Berasategui) to continue the rally. Just shows how uncomfortable in the forecourt the guy is.

[stotty]

Nadal what can we say. He is just a better tennis player. The only question is when he will ever not win 2 or 3 more FO's. Stef did not give in to me, but he just has no answers to what Nadal is doing out there. What makes it a bit more discouraging out there for these poor opponents is Nadal just does the same thing all the time, he could not be more predictable, and that in his case is a compliment.

So true. Most of the tour (and me and you) know exactly where Nadal's shots are going before he's hit them...yet no one can do a darn thing about it.

[stroke]

Nadal what can we say. He is just a better tennis player. The only question is when he will ever not win 2 or 3 more FO's. Stef did not give in to me, but he just has no answers to what Nadal is doing out there. What makes it a bit more discouraging out there for these poor opponents is Nadal just does the same thing all the time, he could not be more predictable, and that in his case is a compliment.

[stotty]

Normal service is resumed...5-2...looks like goodnight for Stephanos.

[stroke]

Great 2nd set by Stef, and Nadal also. Stef hung around, continued to play every point 100% effort and got rewarded with a break at 5-4 in the 2nd set. He obviously still needs to do the same to give himself a chance in the 3rd. Nadal is not down on himself ha.

[stotty]

A blip it is and we're into the third...