2018 Tennis Thread

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

5/6 net point is the most encouraging thing about the stat line - you would never have thought Shapo capable of that a year ago against a good opponent. He needs to keep coming in and applying that pressure, and continuing to improve in that area.

64% first serve is a problem, though. That part isn't too surprising, but it still needs a lot of work. As it stands, Shapo vs. Edmund sees Edmund as a clear favourite on this surface, you'd have to say.

I agree he does need to find a way to finish a few more points at the net and avoid turning into an overly predictable baseliner like Zverev. Double digit net approaches in three set matches will probably be what eventually propels him into the top 20 if he can do it well. It will also make him a highly exciting player to watch for the next number of years.

I'm not concerned with the 64% first serve at all. Infact, there are only 12-15 players on tour that are averaging over 64% this season. Anything north of 60% is fantastic. The fact Denis hasn't been double faulting ad nasuem this event is the biggest thing. He simply cannot win matches if he's gifting 7-10 doubles consistently and for me, this is one of the reasons he's started winning the big points again.

[dash_pinched]

Upset alert - Thiem just won the opening set 7-5 over Nadal in Madrid.

[Nadal Fan]

Hats off to Thiem he's played great and deserved the first set. I guess 50 straight sets to win on clay is a nice round number

[dash_pinched]

Thiem up a break leading 5-3 in set 2.

[GirlySports]

[GirlySports]

one match point saved

[dash_pinched]

Wow, what a performance from Thiem, great victory (7-5 6-3)

[GirlySports]

done on 2nd match point.

[GirlySports]

cue Inglewood Jack in 3..2..1..

[Nadal Fan]

Thiem was the better player today well deserved victory for him. He's shown he's a serious contender today for the French Open. Nadal for the last couple matches hasn't looked sharp I dunno what it was but he needs to figure it out quick if he wants another RG title.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Thiem had a great game plan, worked a lot of variety in and when he got his chances to rip a winner, he did. Still doesn't change much as far as Roland Garros goes, but maybe Nadal tanks out of Rome for a bit of rest.

[Resolute 14]

Oh boy. Now to go see the meltdown on /r/tennis...

[dash_pinched]

Shapo and Edmund are warming up, let's go Denis!!

Edit: A break by Edmund in the opening game.

[dash_pinched]

Back on serve and now Denis has edged out in front leading 3-2 in set 1.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

Back on serve and now Denis has edged out in front leading 3-2 in set 1.

Pretty entertaining match thus far. Both players are teeing off on the ball and making a ton of these shots. Who is going to blink first? The first set will be critical.

[dash_pinched]

Shapo with a break in the 12th game to take the opening set 7-5. Nice.

[Hot_Flatus]

great set by Denis as he's doing a great job of keeping Edmund guessing. Not afraid at all to go at his forehand with heavy strikes. I would like to see him mix in a few net approaches in set two but other than that, not much you can say about his performance thus far.

[Hot_Flatus]

Edmunds body language is not looking good. He seems deflated at being consistently overpowered by Denis. Could be a very quick set if he doesn't find a way to get back inside the baseline.

[dash_pinched]

Wow, what a great service hold down 15-40 in that game by Denis. Fearless shotmaking.

[troutman]

Denis up 5-4. Edmund serving.