Rome: Asked and answered
Photo by REUTERS/ Max Rossi
In the 2nd Rome quarterfinal of the day, Rafa took on #7 Tomas Berdych. No slow start from Rafa today as he broke in the very first game. Both guys were playing high quality tennis – often holding at love – and that first game was the margin in the set: 6-4, Rafa. Berdych slowly started taking more and more time away from Rafa and managed to break him in the 6th game of the 2nd set. The next game was a tight one with Rafa having multiple break points and finally breaking to put things back on serve. Rafa pounced on everything in the 11th game – hitting beautiful clean winners to break and go up 6-5. The next game was tight – not because either player played tentative or poorly. In fact, it was just the opposite. It took 3 match points, but Rafa’s through 6-4, 7-5.
Stats:
| Nadal | Berdych | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics on Serve | ||
| Aces | 2 | 2 |
| Double Faults | 0 | 2 |
| 1st Serve % | 77% | 65% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 35/46 (76%) | 34/51 (67%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 10/14 (71%) | 12/27 (44%) |
| Break Points Saved | 2/3 (67%) | 6/9 (67%) |
| Service Games Played | 11 | 11 |
| Statistics on Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 17/51 (33%) | 11/46 (24%) |
| Second Return Points Won | 15/27 (56%) | 4/14 (29%) |
| Break Points Won | 3/9 (33%) | 1/3 (33%) |
| Return Games Played | 11 | 11 |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 45/60 (75%) | 46/78 (59%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 32/78 (41%) | 15/60 (25%) |
| Total Points Won | 77/138 (56%) | 61/138 (44%) |
| Other Stats | ||
| Winners | 34 | 28 |
| Unforced errors | 10 | 24 |
| Net Approaches | 8/8 (100%) | 15/27 (56%) |
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To all UK Sky viewers – Rafa’s match is on the red button tomorrow. I’m trying to stay colm and keep all my anxiety for Sunday’s final. With three children and five grandchildren to worry about I didn’t really need Rafa in my life as well, but he’s in my heart too and I can’t get him out of it. I love his attitude. I feel he doesn’t want to play better than anybody else, he just wants to play better than himself. Vamos.
Ophelia, that’s the nicest comment from a Rafafan,I read in a long time!
Well, if Rafa plays better than himself on clay, he will be a very scary opponent indeed, no matter, whom he will face in the final. (I’m assuming boldly here, that this will not be Ferrer’s time to win a masters – sorry Daveed!)
Anyone have a link for a replay of the match ? I couldn’t watch because of work–Would love to watch this without nerves and a glass of wine-Thanks
Cannot find the whole match but quite extensive highlights on youtube. Will let you know if I find whole thing, – it is definitely worth watching. Brilliant!
I’m watching it on ESPN3.com , however unless you are in the the USA I’m guessing that isn’t an option for you. Good luck, as it is fantastic!
Who are you rooting for in the other Rome SF, between Djokovic and Federer? I believe if Federer reaches the Final, he will remain ranked No. 2 even if Rafa wins Rome. But if Djokovic loses to Federer, that could be a blow to Djokovic’s confidence ahead of the French Open.
I’ve been wrestling with this all day. What I really want is for them to fight very long and very hard and maybe even step into a pothole — well, not that last bit. But I think I’d rather have Novak win than Roger, because a Roger in the finals is more points and more ‘tude.
The sad thing is that Ferrer isn’t playing one of them.
I believe that if Rafa wins Rome, he regains no 2 ahead of RG regardless of what Federer does.
well thats what i thought too.
Yep. Now the only way for Rafa to get no 2 back is to win. Whoever is in the final. But Rafas looking good. He has every chance to win it.
i never thouught i would ever say this but i hope Djoker wins, well just this time anyway.
Hmmm, I don’t think I want Djoko to win. Let Fed win, Rafa can handle him anytime. I think Sunday is Djoko’s birthday (not sure) and I don’t want him fancying the Rome title as an appropriate ‘gift’. However, whoever comes up, no big deal. If Djoko, time to restore order for what happened last year, if Fed, ehhm he will have to wait a few more years for the Rome title. Commiserations Daveeeed but it’s Vamos Rafa!
Go RaFa! Keep Winning!!! Go get the trophy! Rafa!
Good luck Rafa!!! Please stay focused and Win! Go Rafa go!
What a joy to watch our Rafa playing such aggressive and fabulous tennis. He has that determined look about him again.
Vamos our Rafa & God bless.
If you wonder which red button on sky sports, it is sky sports 4 starting at 3pm. If Rafa plays like he did yesterday (best I have seen him play since 2010 on clay) he will blow Ferrer off court.
Go RAFA!
fedex will remain 2nd.. last year he was knocked out in 3rd round in rome he reached semi’s here he gained 270 points which takes him to 9700 even if rafa wins he gets 400 points taking him to 9505.. 200 points behind fedex..
Not quite – last year’s Rome points have already dropped in the current list. So, you aren’t adding gains, you are adding points to their totals.