^ Was not to be, unfortunately. Fernando vs. Lucky Loser is a good match!
I think there were 3-4 retirements yesterday. It looked brutal out there. Stan looked like he wanted to retire.
Hate to see Rafa in this stage. They’re starting a Bolletieri-style training/school complex in Spain. Very smart idea IMO if they do it right, which it looks like is the intention. Why should that old Svengali have a lock? Interesting section in Agassi’s book – Lord of the Flies description of teenage life chez Nick.
Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona (and with a branch is Naples, Fla) is the Spanish equivalent of Bolletieri’s. It’s run by former Spanish top tenner Emilio Sanchez and Sergio Casal. It has long been a top-flight program. Andy Murray, Daniella Hantuchova, Gregor Dmitrov and a handful of other players have trained there. I know Emilio a bit and he is a tremendously nice guy and a wonderful coach. I would far prefer my kid/young adult spend time with him than at most of the American academies. Since Emilio is now more frequently in Naples it does provide a good alternative for American players.
Snowdog, Thiem was not getting under Djokovic’s skin, he was merely being his incredibly talented self. In my opinion, Thiem will be the one to dethrone Djokovic sooner or later. I see great talent in him. He needs to compose himself and work on his mental game. The scary part is that his game is better suited for clay. I would not be surprised if Thiem won a Masters 1000 tourney…or even Roland Garros in the coming months. I hope I am wrong, because I really want Djokovic to win at least one French Open!
As for the Berdych blowout, no surprises there. If there is one top 10 player that Djokovic beats with ease, it is Berdych. Goffin has given Djokovic fits in the past, so it should be fun watching them play.
What I meant by that Alexandre is that during the Thiem match, Novak allowed himself to show more emotion than usual? He seemed quite defiant after match point. Agree with you that Berdych did not bother him in the least. Some bad behavior on Berdych’s part as well, I am not a fan. He spoke to the chair umpire disrespectfully.
