Madrid: Tangled up in blue
Photo by Mike Hewitt/ Getty Images
Another losing streak was broken today. This time, however, it was Rafa’s opponent doing the breaking. Based on the tweets I’m reading, Rafa was up 4-1 in the third set, but only managed to win one more game. (I wasn’t able to see the match and am typing this on my phone, so please forgive any wonkiness.) Verdasco is through to the quarters 6-3,3-6,7-5. For Rafa, it’s so long slippery blue stuff, hello Rome.
Stats:
| Nadal | Verdasco | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics on Serve | ||
| Aces | 7 | 5 |
| Double Faults | 3 | 9 |
| 1st Serve % | 66% | 62% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 31/55 (56%) | 39/63 (62%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 12/28 (43%) | 15/38 (39%) |
| Break Points Saved | 3/10 (30%) | 9/15 (60%) |
| Service Games Played | 15 | 15 |
| Statistics on Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 24/63 (38%) | 24/55 (44%) |
| Second Return Points Won | 23/38 (61%) | 16/28 (57%) |
| Break Points Won | 6/15 (40%) | 7/10 (70%) |
| Return Games Played | 15 | 15 |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 43/83 (52%) | 54/101 (53%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 47/101 (47%) | 40/83 (48%) |
| Total Points Won | 90/184 (49%) | 94/184 (51%) |
| Other Stats | ||
| Winners | 19 | 31 |
| Unforced errors | 38 | 44 |
| Net Approaches | 5/6 (83%) | 2/3 (67%) |
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Thanks Annie
I have been scouring the tabloids and, surprisingly enough most of the media are taking Rafa’s side and do not think this loss is of any particular significance. Yes it is a loss that will sell their newspapers but all of them seem to be genuinely feeling that the tournament is a complete joke and can’t wait to report on the serious business of who is going to beat Rafa on the clay!!
Thank god the newspapers see sense and that will be a first!
I can’t wait to hear the tournament directors come out and make some sort of public statement. I hope that Djok or Fed don’t get injured but can you imagine if they did? Come on Ferrer – win for your buddy Rafa!
Hmmm…..there is more to this than just making the ball more visible. And no wonder Rafa dislikes this tournament:
http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/7914555/tennis-madrid-paris-feeling-effects-not-getting-olympic-games
Well I never bought the visibility argument anyway. I don’t think the blue clay is more pleasant to the eye, I think it looks horrible and is as much off putting for the spectators as it is for the players.
Rafafan – really liked your post and I am happy to hear that the media for once is behind Rafa – it makes a nice change.
Interesting take. Or maybe, just interesting to me because I agree with it. http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/7916134/blue-clay-tennis-head-games-madrid
Well can’t win them all now can you Rafa?
Yeh Ferrer! Vamos! Win this one for all of us
Guys – I saw this article on-line and it’s true, Djoko has said he agrees with Rafa and likely won’t play next year at this tournament.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18023055
Good for Nole.
I read that Ferrer complained also, but I’ve not seen an actual report of what he said and when he said it. Waiting for more.
BTW, the blue was never for better viewing. It’s the sponsor’s color; the paper towels and toilet paper in the stadium BRs are the same blue. And the Roumanian at the bottom of all this reportedly has said that, not only will the blue stay, but that next year he’ll have tennis balls that illuminate when hit. (I so hope this is true. What a circus.)
Happy he is out of there without an injury. He now has time to get to Rome and prepare on real clay. I hope no one else gets seriously injured. A tear in the knee or an ankle injury can take a long time to heal. Rooting for Ferru.
Well, that will teach Ion Tiriac that he can’t buy tennis players, so if none of the top 4 seeds play next year, he’ll get what he deserves a bad case of the “Blues!” No more blue clay in Madrid, get a clue Mr. Tiriac. Vamos to Rome Rafa :)
Does anyone have a link to Rafa’s press conference today?
I’m having the BLIES as Rafa lost..but HAPPY that he is OUT of Madrid, injury free! Back to RED CLAY , his domain! Praying for a fruitful ROME and French Open outing! :o)
typo above: BLUES :o)
I returned home to 2-0 in 1st set. Wasn’t too worried. Lost the 1st set..still not worried. I mean it’s Rafa nad Verdasco (13-0!). Won 2nd set..duhh, obv! 5-2 in 3rd set..am relaxed. suddenly 5-5..not worried…6-5..still not worried.and then match point..”what the hel??!!”..Verdasco wins..I’m like “WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?!!!”
But that said, I’m not too worried, just sad. now hoping Nole wins and not Federer so that Rafa can keep his lead.
By d way, How many points did he lose?
How about neither one? Vamos Daveeed and Janko!!!!
That would be the best :) . I was being realistic. but we can hope.
I think he lost 510 points.
And Djokern lost 820 point
Djokern? (And, topic please.)
Sorry typo. ‘And’ not ‘nad’ (2nd line)
I have to say that every year in Madrid, blue or not, Rafa looks like he doesn’t really want to be there. Part of me wonders whether he did let the mental part of it (the dislike for the blue clay) get to him and whether, once he got focused on it, he couldn’t put it out of his mind. During the match I thought it was Verdasco who was throwing in the towel because of frustration over his movements. But he ended up dealing with the conditions better than Rafa. One other thing — If Tiriac is so concerned about the enjoyment of TV viewers (one of his rationalizations for the blue courts), he should create a better place for the upper level TV cameras. The court looks like a postage stamp – I hate it. I can’t imagine that’s the choice of the TTV or the Tennis Channel.
One more thought – this early exit means fewer points lost if he skips this tournament next year. :)
agreed! :o)
Sorry Rafa lost but I’m happier he lost to Fer than anybody else.
well the blue clay is staying according to Tirioc, so Rafa might have to miss madrid next year.
They are trying to make it more easy to play on. I just hope Rafa can win in Rome And take that confidence to the french open.
I hope federer or ferrer win in madrid, I am far from a djoko fan.
Novak has made a good impression on me during this tournament I have to say. He is 100% with Rafa and has said so in front of the world press. United they stand!
Very happy that our Rafa is no longer taking part in this farce. On to Rome and Roland Garros……..the home of real clay :)
Agree with your 3rd & 4th paragraphs 100%. Verdasco was all over the map mentally, as is his wont. He certainly isn’t as well-balanced as our guy. But I don’t begrudge him his celebration. Besting the all-time greatest clay courter on “clay” albeit blue, after 13 tries has to be a career highpoint for Nando.
Rafa said he is not coming back unless the clay is actual red clay next year? :) I love this guy.
I will be sad if fed-ex wins madrid and takes number 2 ranking from Rafa but I will feel quite happy for fed-ex cause he’s getting his form back since end of 2011 and he’s a great guy, my 2nd favourite player.