2021 Tennis Thread

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

I go back to Djokovic serving down 3-5 and Denis got him to deuce only to lose the next two points. That... would have been nice.

[Hot_Flatus]

Well I feel like that was the definition of beating yourself the way the last 3 games of that set and tie-break went.

These first 2-3 games of set 2 will be huge. You've got to think Novak smells blood in the water at this point and will be putting it all out there.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Worst thing he could do now is start going for too much, there are going to be opportunities if he keeps to the early match approach, but if he starts getting frustrated it will get away from him quick.

[dash_pinched]

Maybe we can hope for...

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

I mean you can say "beating himself" but look how much he has to do to win a point on his serve. That kicker was ridiculous and still required two more excellent shots.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

Worst thing he could do now is start going for too much, there are going to be opportunities if he keeps to the early match approach, but if he starts getting frustrated it will get away from him quick.

He can't afford anymore silly errors and needs to get back to the basics. Stop with the attempts to hit winners off shots well below the net, and no more forcing winners down the line that just aren't there.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I mean you can say "beating himself" but look how much he has to do to win a point on his serve. That kicker was ridiculous and still required two more excellent shots.

That's Novak. Forcing you to win points 2-3 times over.

He's beating himself when he's trying to pull rabbits out of his hat with shots that just have no chance. Stay in the rallies and go after the shots that are there.

He's still serving well enough to win and some of the net points he just won were fantastic. More please.

[Nadal Fan]

#### these line judges so bad at their job

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

He's beating himself when he's trying to pull rabbits out of his hat with shots that just have no chance.

I agree with the poor shot selection at times, but I also understand it. Like trying to hit that passing shot down the line was not optimal, but to be fair, the cross court backhand pass against this opponent is a losing shot 80% of the time as well. As you say, that's Novak.

Really the options are to go for the lines or try to get into rallies, and hope that Novak screws up and gives you an opportunity to hit a big shot before you error. No good choices.

Here's an opening.

[dash_pinched]

I mean, this is subpar Novak so far today.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Never makes it easy on himself.

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

I mean, this is subpar Novak so far today.

True. He's down to elite from god-tier. Still a tall task.

Once again Denis puts himself in a great break position only to crumble under the pressure. Hoping miracles can occur

[dash_pinched]

That's good to see though, often times you see a guy get broken after having multiple chances to break in the previous game.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Even though some of these missed opportunities are tough to watch, it’s pretty awesome to realize that Shapo can play with the best. This is the best learning experience.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Denis still doesn't seem to be able to bear down and take advantage of opportunities under pressure, which has always been an issue with him, but he has a much shorter memory than he used to. A couple of years ago after failing to break there he would have had trouble following it up with a hold. Not so anymore.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

I mean, this is subpar Novak so far today.

Yeah I agree - Novak is here for the taking today, which makes this score line so upsetting thus far.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I agree with the poor shot selection at times, but I also understand it. Like trying to hit that passing shot down the line was not optimal, but to be fair, the cross court backhand pass against this opponent is a losing shot 80% of the time as well. As you say, that's Novak.

Really the options are to go for the lines or try to get into rallies, and hope that Novak screws up and gives you an opportunity to hit a big shot before you error. No good choices.

Here's an opening.

Absolutely.

Denis still needs to be able to regularly hit sensible slices and mix in net approaches to take down a player of this calibre though.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

He's coming in a lot on his serve to good success. In a rally he needs to hit them deep to give himself a chance for an approach shot but easier said than done.

No point in that lob. I know Djokovic is volleying well but you still have to hit it at him there and make him handle the pace.

[dash_pinched]

Uh oh, Djoker is starting to find his groove now.

[calgarybornnraised]

You all have to admit Denis has grown by leaps and bounds.This is awesome to watch.