Well, it has all been happening here in Paris! Andy Murray was finally defeated by an impressive David Nalbandian, but I had a chat with Murray’s coach, Miles Maclagen, after the match and he tells me Andy’s fatigued. But credit to Nalbandian – he was outstanding today. Maybe his new nickname should be “Mr. October” since he’s played so well in this month the last two seasons! (Remember last year he beat seven of the eight players in the Masters Cup in this very month!)
And what a disaster for the tournament to loose both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on the same day!!! But as they they say, what goes around comes around. The tournament has done away with one of its practice courts this year so that it could have more space for it’s VIP village to entertain. Practicing on site has been a nightmare, almost impossible, and a lot of players have been pissed off that the tournament director seems to be paying more attention to the VIP village than the players needs!
It’s a pity the two guys got injured, but I’ve got no sympathy for the tournament. They’ve only got self interest.
J-W Tsonga will hopefully keep the flag flying as far as they are concerned, but I wouldn’t count on it because Andy Roddick has been impressive this week. He’s been aggressive from the back of the court, and his serve has been RODDICKULOUS!!!
Let see what the next 48hrs brings?
Great article Robbie! You’re an amazing commentator I absolutely love listening to you call matches. I don’t think I have ever met anybody that I have agreed with everything they say but you are the exception!
Winning paris was a massive win for J-W. He has so much potential and so much variety which is the key to mens tennis in the new generation in my opinion. Players these days are getting too clever to be “hit through” so to speak. That variety is vital if you want to mix it with the best. He will be in the top five by th end of next season I think. Perhaps a little bit off challenging the quad squad (sorry for stealing your line!) judy yet but certainly has the potential.
I have been so impressed by Andy Murray this season. I must admit I had my doubts about his mentality in his earlier days but I’m so glad he proved me wrong. He is an amazing talent and will be the biggest threat to Nadal (my hero) next year in my opinion in terms of the number 1 ranking. His serve has improved immensely he really is a joy to watch. All he has to do now is improve his second serve a little more and stand up into the court. He can be more aggressive on the quicker surfaces but sometimes he gets into a grinding mood and finds it hard to change his tactics. I think this is just a bad habbit. If he can take the ball a little earlier and start dominating rallies the sky is the limit for him!
I’ve always wanted to ask your opinion on Gael Monfils? I love the guy but he is so frustrating to watch as a fan. He is one of the most if not the most naturally talented player on tour yet his bad habbits are holding him back. He is one of the only players I know who has the ability to adapt his game so much to any given situation. He can chase balls down all day and play a safer game, yet when he wants to flatten his shots out and go for the kill, man I would hate to be up the other end of the court! his forehand is amazing when he wants it to be! He just doesn’t seem to play smart tennis. He seems to love standing 100 metres behind the baseline and just chasing all day. If he stepped into the court on the fast surfaces and took the ball early off both wings he could beat anybody. He can volley so why not come into the forecourt in the right situation? I don’t understand why players are so reluctant to come into the net these days? I think it is essential on quick courts because it sends the right message down to your opponent regardless of whether you win or lose the point. Also attacking the second serve. Go for it on the quick courts because it wil force your opponent into going for a little exra on his second serve.
Great call again at Shanghai Robbie. It was such a shame that the final was a bit one sided. I’m not a fan of Djokovic at all. He’s a wonderful player ofcourse but I have no time for him and his antics. I wish it was Simon (most improved player by far this season) and Murray in the final that would of been MURRACULIOUS! as you would say haha. Murray was exhausted against Davydenko it was so hard watching him go down like that because he is a real fighter. It would of killed him I think. But in mens tennis these days as you know, once you lose your movement you have no chance of winning.
The top 10 in mens tennis at the moment or even the top 20 has to be close to the greatest of al time? there are so many blokes out there that can beat the top four players and that makes it so exciting. I’m devistated the seasons over! I watched the majority of every masters series event this year and obviously all the grand slams. I hope next years tennis is as good as this one because we are in for a big treat if it is. I really look forward to seeing if Murray can make it to the top next season. I think he can. Also, how Fed will bounce back. You can’t keep the king down for too long! my tip is he will come back with bang once he is 100% fit.
I love the sport so much and it is an absolute pleasure to hear your insight and read your articles Robbie. You’re a top bloke and it’s fantastic to see you on message boards talking to the ordinary folk. On behalf of all your fans I can tell you it means a lot to us! I look forward to reading more of your articles and hearing from you soon!
Thanks Mike, appreciate the feedback! 2009 promises much, lets hope all the top guys can stay healthy!
the current crop of talent is as good as we’ve had for a long time!
Enjoy your Christmas and new year!
RK
My pleasure Robbie, I look forward to reading all of your articles and listening to all of your calls in the future. Thanks for replying it means a lot to me. Have a great Christmas and new year too!