Clay season moves into its second European week.
After a non-compulsory Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo, where Nadal won his eight consecutive title, the clay caravan descends in Barcelona, Nadal's geographical home-turf.
The field traditionally does not feature Djokovic and Federer, but the it is full of quality players, nonetheless:
Nadal heading the top half waiting for a potential clash with Tipsarevic in the quarters and Nishikori in the semis. Verdasco in the same half, as well.
Bottom half led by Murray has Raonic and Almagro in the same quarter and Ferrer as a projected semi-final.
the draw:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/425/mds.pdf
order of play:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/425/op.pdf
Nobody is expecting anything less than a repeat of last year's result come Sunday.
In the meantime, some intriguing, interesting matches tomorrow, in case you have forgotten him, the boy with rebellious locks is in town again:
Day1:
Gulbis Tomic, Murray Strakhovski would be my pick.
Day2:
Tomic - Montanes
Krajinovic - Ferrer
Nadal - Garcia-Lopez
Day3:
Almagro Raonic
Giraldo Murray
Montanes Ferrer
Gil Tipsarevic
Nadal vs a qualifier
Day 4 (QF)
At last....quality competitive matches on the horizon!
Murray Raonic
Ferrer Lopez
Nadal Tipsarevic
Verdasco Nishikori
I predict at least one upset
Day 5 (SF)
down to the last 4:
Raonic Ferrer (12.30 PM)
Nadal Verdasco
I'd love a Raonic Nadal final tomorrow
Day 6 (final)
Nadal Ferrer (3 PM)
ATP 500: Barcelona (Nadal Open)
posted on 29/4/12
" If a player comes close and loses, it really breaks the spirit."
Nole went through it all more than once and in much bigger matches and managed to turn it around.
It all stems from belief.
On paper, Ferrer has little to beat Nadal with: Nadal moves better and unlike Ferrer has a weapon.
Ferrer's only weapon is his quality grinding and that has never been enough to win big titles.
posted on 29/4/12
Yes, but Ferrer was very close beat Nadal last year again in teh same tournament I believe. Tenniswise he has what it takes...like a few other players, but Ferrer really lacks the belief and composure at key points.
Djoko got that composure last year and am sure will have it again in Madrid and Rome.
posted on 30/4/12
@nitb
Yes Djo did it. But it wasn't easy and its to his credit. Look at Murray. How long it took for him to get the AO 2010 loss off his mind. How Fed's game was faltering in the 1st 2 sets of Wimby 2008 finals. I think Fed mentioned this in an interview too how difficult it was coming immediately into another final after such a tough loss to Nadal in the recent FO 2008 finals.
Some players are able to shake off the loss. Those who are, they get to the top.
posted on 30/4/12
@tenez
Ferrer really lacks the belief and composure at key points.
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Spot on. He just doesn't believe he can beat Nadal. Gets nervous and tries too hard and too much.
posted on 30/4/12
"Spot on. He just doesn't believe he can beat Nadal. Gets nervous and tries too hard and too much. "
Personally, I find that very disappointing from him.
posted on 30/4/12
"I think Fed mentioned this in an interview too how difficult it was coming immediately into another final after such a tough loss to Nadal in the recent FO 2008 finals."
yes, I suppose I always measuere everything and everyone by Nole as I follow him closest.
In my opinion, the bigger the ego, the harder one fins it to forget the loss.
Contrary to popular opinion of Murray being no sure of himself, I think he has a very well disguised arrogance, which (when he is not winning p to his standards)then turns into all this self-deprecating on court.
It is staggering how long it takes him to get over himself.
It took Fed over a year to come to terms with losing number one to Nadal. But at least he came back.
Now Ive been observing Nadal, he's done well to keep going but really can't stand all this injuries talk, it's so unbecoming of a former number one and a10 slam title holder.
posted on 30/4/12
Nadal is playing as well as ever. Ferrer played amazingly too. I don;t mean in shot making skills, but in terms of running and retrieving, they constantly put the bar higher.
When you though no-one coudl run as long and as fast, they improve a few weeks later after a "knee injury"!!!!
posted on 30/4/12
Tell me about it...pathetic and disgreceful!
posted on 30/4/12
I find it really strange that he played to beat Tsonga in MIami cause he knew teh match would not be too taking thanks to Tsonga going for winners but thought that spending energy versus ANdy and Nole was not worth the trouble.
He coudl have lost to Tsonga or even to Andrew but choose to pull out and disappoint the whole crowd, TV spectators and TDs instead.
That's what I find choking. I know you don;t believe in Fed tanking and see this as me being a "real fan" but I find it very graceful that Federer plays a 3 setter versus Roddick, feels tired and therefore prefers to give the match to someone who can carry instead of defaulting. Fed gives teh crowd what they want if he can.
Nadal takes and doesn't give back and would not go the extra mile to satisfy his fans if that would mean facing a loss (v Murray and Djoko). Remember his knees were hurting just 10 days before playing MC! Now he had played 10 matches in 2 weeks and nothing wrong with those knees.
posted on 30/4/12
"Fed gives teh crowd what they want if he can."
I know he does. I'll never forget that RR match against Murray at the TMC in Shanghai.
As for Kneedull....all thin-skinned facade...it must be that Latino macho image, the son of Spain kind of thing he is having to live up to....it's almost funny...