Italian Open, ATP 1000

[stroke]

Musetti just tapped out vs qualifier Atmane, a lefty with a very quick almost Oscar Otte service motion. Musetti certainly did not show a competitive iron will out there. Fognini took out Evans yesterday and has Fritz today. Novak up in his first match vs annoying Moutet. Could be interesting if Moutet can get the 1st set by some small chance. Sheldon up against tough clay courter Pavel Kotov. Sheldon is the favorite, but not to me.

[stroke]

So, if he gets to later stages at the French, does Rafa try to end points faster than in the past?

I just don't think that is his game.

[jimlosaltos]

Nadal's forehand still looks like the best out there, maybe not from winners, but the cumulative effect of bullying his opponent. His serve looks the same to me. Certainly his defensive skills are not close to his prime as he is no doubt slower out there.

So, if he gets to later stages at the French, does Rafa try to end points faster than in the past?

[stroke]

Young Italian Matteo Arnaldi seems to be a guy to keep an eye on, playing a very aggressive clay court style.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EHWEgTF4VLJ1C9XL7

[stroke]

Rafa wins his opener but not easily over Zizou Bergs. Loses the first set then rallies 4,3,4.

On one point Rafa slipped, fell flat behind the baseline, yet got up and won the point eventually with a drop shot.

Forehand seemed good. Ave first serve speed was 115 mph/ max 123 mph. Didn't see enough to guess whether that is from hitting nothing but lefty hooks or Rafa still lacks pop on his service in his return, as some claim.

Nadal's forehand still looks like the best out there, maybe not from winners, but the cumulative effect of bullying his opponent. His serve looks the same to me. Certainly his defensive skills are not close to his prime as he is no doubt slower out there.

[jimlosaltos]

On WTA side, Angie Kerber upset a seed this am.

Coming up Iga, Rybakina, Badosa (who won round 1 over Mirra Andreeva looking as if back wasn't bothering her for the day), Sakkari, Jabeur all this afternoon.

[jimlosaltos]

Rafa wins his opener but not easily over Zizou Bergs. Loses the first set then rallies 4,3,4.

On one point Rafa slipped, fell flat behind the baseline, yet got up and won the point eventually with a drop shot.

Forehand seemed good. Ave first serve speed was 115 mph/ max 123 mph. Didn't see enough to guess whether that is from hitting nothing but lefty hooks or Rafa still lacks pop on his service in his return, as some claim.

[stroke]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/08/grigor-dimitrov-the-baby-fed-is-grown-up-and-in-the-form-of-his-life

[stroke]

I wouldn't want to be the odds maker on this one. Which Rafa shows up? Is Djokovic engaged? Can Medvedev even run after his Madrid injury?
Is Rublev still on baby food? Is Tsitsipas pouted over Tsitsidosa implosion? <g>

Ha, oddsmakers just want us all to bet. They are good to go.

[jimlosaltos]

https://www.tennis.com/baseline/arti...-djokovic-ruud

I wouldn't want to be the odds maker on this one. Which Rafa shows up? Is Djokovic engaged? Can Medvedev even run after his Madrid injury?
Is Rublev still on baby food? Is Tsitsipas pouted over Tsitsidosa implosion? <g>

[stroke]

https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/atp-rome-betting-preview-nadal-djokovic-ruud

[jimlosaltos]

And the women:

Most likely quarter-finals by seeding

• Świątek vs Vondrousova
• Gauff vs Zheng
• *Sakkari vs Rybakina
• Jabeaur vs Sabalenka

filedata/fetch?id=104230&d=1715098416&type=thumb

[jimlosaltos]

https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/rom...rs-759013.html

from stroke's post

Most likely quarter-finals by seeding

• Novak Djokovic v Casper Ruud
• Alexander Zverev v Grigor Dimitrov
• Stefanos Tsitsipas v Andrey Rublev
• Daniil Medvedev v Hubert Hurkacz

filedata/fetch?id=104228&d=1715032679&type=thumb

[stroke]

https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/rome-internazionali-bnl-ditalia-masters-1000-atp/atp-rome-draw-tough-draws-for-nadal-and-medvedev-djokovic-v-ruud-in-quarters-759013.html