2024 Tennis Thread

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Tallon Griekspoor has eliminated Holger Rune and even though it went three sets, it was a dominant win by the man from the Netherlands.

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Shapo has one job today. Let's go Denis!!

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Only Denis could get a break to get back on serve in set 2 only to get broken right back to love in the very next game.

Edit: - Shapo played some very good tennis at times, but just couldn't get away with hitting double faults at crucial times against a guy like Zverev.

[Erick Estrada]

Shapo seems to be playing better. Just needs to be more consistent on serve. I noticed he was using the drop shot a lot in this tournament.

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Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Shapo seems to be playing better. Just needs to be more consistent on serve. I noticed he was using the drop shot a lot in this tournament.

He is certainly on the way back to being a top 30 player, but getting back into the top 20 or even higher will depend more on his mental approach to the game. Will he remain committed to being more patient and working the point until he gets a short ball where it makes sense to be aggressive? Can he keep the double faults out of his game (five yesterday which is okay although you'd still like to see that number a little lower).

Some very good signs from Denis that he might finally be listening to his chaoches' advice and showing that on court.

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Meanwhile, Ostapenko with the drive-by handshake. All gracious when she wins, more pissy than Draisaitl when she loses.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1784889885230293331

[Inglewood Jack]

as much of a piece of crap a Zverev is, he's a two time champion at this event so this type of clay clearly suits him. Denis lasted longer than I thought he would, and that improved patience will get him past almost all lesser players if he sticks with it.

Rafa meanwhile

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Felix is on court against the impressive kid from Czechia Mensik and is up an early break.

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We might see an early end to this match, Mensik's arm is all taped up and he is barely hitting his serve with any pace.

Edit: Felix sends a bread stick to Mensik who is off to the restroom.

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Yup, there it is, Mensik removed the strapping, got broken to start set 2 and then shook Felix's hand. Too bad for Jakub, but better to retire than to get seriously injured.

Edit: Felix will next play the winner of Norrie vs. Ruud (have to think it's going to be Casper) and that's going to be a very stern test.

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Rafa deciding to serve-and-volley on set point for Cachin is certainly a choice.

[Nadal Fan]

I'm going to miss matches like this, no one else on tour brings the emotion and intensity of Nadal.

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We will indeed see Felix vs. Casper, just want to see FAA push Ruud and really challenge him, it was tough to get a gauge on Felix today, but he was certainly hitting some nice shots off both wings.

[Erick Estrada]

Ruud is going to be tough to beat. Maybe the hottest player on clay right now.

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Happy Zverev Elimination Day everyone!!

[Karl]

F. Cerundolo finishes off Shapo's job. All is right and well in Madrid!

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Charlie blinks serving for the match at 5-3 (had four match points) and we play on with Struff serving at 4-5 in set 3.

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Charlie survives. Now it's Felix time.

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Break!! Felix serving at 4-3 in the opening set.

Edit: Consolidates with a beauty of a drop shot.

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Felix takes the opening set 6-4. Played a very good opening set, but I have to say that Ruud looks a little rattled today (making some uncharacteristic unforced errors). FAA has a chance today for the upset.