Sunday: Rafa vs. Federer (Set 4)
I'm so happy Rafa won that last set. I had picked Rafa to win in 4, and I hope I'm right. Hear that, Sr. Nadal!!!
This match is still wide open, though. We cannot discount Federer, and I doubt Rafa will do that.
Fed to serve.
FH winner, hits the line. 15-0. Fed looks determined, though. I just hope Rafa makes him work,. 30-0. Gotta love it. Rafa forgot to put his sweat bands back on again. So he went and got them. Fault. That is SO Rafa. FH goes wide. 40-0. Fault. Fed hits BH wide. 40-15. Mistimed FH. 40-30. Keep fighting, Rafa! Easy pass by Rafa. Deuce. Adjusts his pants. All is right with the world. Screaming BH winner by Rafa. Ad RN. Roger hits wide. Rafa breaks. Vamos!!!
1-0, RN.
Rafa to serve. Hope MAC and SE are yelling loudly for our boy. FH goes long. And then he misses another. He's not happy. 30-0. Fault. DF. 30-15. Come on, Rafa! Keep fighting!!! BH goes long. 40-15. Let. Fault. Another DF. What's going on? Maybe he just is trying to stay aggressive. He takes his time. 40-30. Come on, Rafa! Another error by Fed. Well done, Rafa. Game Rafa.
2-0, RN.
Fed to serve. 15-0. Never underestimate this guy. Fault. Screaming FH winner by Rafa. 15-15. Another great FH, draw error. 15-30. Mirka doesn't look happy. The crowd is getting behind Fed. He hits a winner, and crowd responds. 30-30. Fault. FH was called out, and they can't find the mark. There is no readable mark, and the umpire is telling Roger that he can't overrule without a mark. Rafa keeps looking. So original call stands; the out call stands. Point goes to Rafa. 30-40. But the replay shows that it is out. So Rafa has breakpoint. Roger asked to replay the point, but didn't get it. And Nadal hits FH winner.
3-0, RN.
Rafa to serve, up two breaks. Keep fighting Rafa. He's won the last 6 games, and has broken Fed 3 times in a row. Which is pretty amazing in and of itself. Rafa FH into net. 0-15. Fault. He has to keep up his concentration. BH into net. 0-30. Rafa needs to say in the present, as the commentators are saying. Rafa ball was called out but then overruled. So they replay the point. Fault. 0-40. Three BP's, as Roger is just going for it now. One error. 15-40. Fault. Second error. 30-40. Now we just need one more, or a Rafa winner. Vamos, Rafa!!! Winner by Fed, and he breaks. Gets one break back.
3-1, RN.
Fed to serve. Rafa can't let up now. Keep fighting, Rafa. 15-0. FH winner by Fed. Fed is raising his level here, a clear challenge to Rafa, who just wants to hold on. 30-0. BH error. 30-15. 40-15. Game RF.
3-2, RN.
JB is saying the maybe a miracle will happen, and Roger will squeeze out this set. I hope not. Keep fighting, Rafa!!! If he lots Roger back in, he'll live to regret it, and you can quote me on that. Crowd seems pretty evenly divided over these players. Great FH by Rafa, reply goes long. 15-0. BH into net. 30-0. Shadows on court now. FH winner. 40-0. Rafa is getting more aggressive. Commentators are saying what I think -- Rafa has to win the match instead of hoping Fed will lose it. Another great angle by Rafa. Game RN.
4-2, RN.
Fed to serve. Rafa is changing his racquet. Adjusts socks and pants. Again, all is right with the world. Fed misses BH pass. 0-15. Fault. 15-15. Rafa BH sails. 30-15. Fed is getting more aggressive. He's fighting that's for sure. And Rafa needs to do the same. BH into net, UE. 30-30. 72 UE's by Fed. 36 by Rafa. 40-30. Volley winner by Fed.
4-3, RN.
Rafa to serve. He has to keep fighting and stay focused. It has to be hard, I'm sure, not to be nervous under these circumstances. FH winner by Rafa. Yells Vamos! 15-0. Bh goes long. 30-0. Fed still looks very cool and calm. Rafa BH into net. 30-15. Come on, Rafa!!! FH winner by Fed. 30-30. This is huge for both players. Fault. Bh winner by Fed. He has a BP. I'm not liking this at all. Vamos, Rafa!!! Keep fighting. Fault. Mishit by Rafa. Deuce. Rafa was a bit more aggressive there. Great FH winner by Fed. Another BP for him. Come on, Rafa! And he got it and broke. So back on serve.
4-4
Federer really raised his level of play there. Commentators are saying there was nothing Rafa could have done. Fault. Call was right, but Roger questioned it. Vamos. Great BH pass. 0-15. This really is an exciting match, especially if you don't care who wins. 15-15. 30-15. Fed is becoming Fed now. Rafa needs to be careful here. Lucky drop shot for Rafa. 30-30. Return goes long. 40-30. So game point for RF. Let. Ace.
4-5, RF.
Now Rafa has to serve to stay in the set. This is not something I'm happy about. To Roger's credit, he's turned things around, and making Rafa work a lot harder than he had to early in the set. Now it's up to Rafa to respond. Otherwise, we're looking at a fifth set. Commentators are noting that Rafa is under pressure now, and he is. Bh error by Fed. 15-0. Return goes long. 30-0. Fault. Great angle by Rafa. 40-0. Great work by Rafa. Holds at love. Toni happy about that, and me too.
5-5.
Fed to serve. Fault. Net helped Fed this time. 15-0. Fault. BH crosscourt winner. 30-0. Let. Return into net. 40-0. Game Fed.
5-6, RN.
Rafa to serve for a tiebreak. I'm sorry to say this, but I see a fifth set in the making. Fed is a dog with a bone right now, but I'm sure Rafa will keep fighting. Vamos, Rafa!!! Fed into net. 15-0. Fault. Great FH by Rafa 30-0. Commentators are saying that Rafa seems to play better when he's trailing. Great erve. 40-0. 40-15. FH just out. Let. Great BH by Fed. 40-30. Come on, Rafa! UE by Rafa. He's upset with himself. Deuce. Keep fighting, Rafa!!! Fault. Roger sprays FH. Rafa yells Vasmos. Ad Rafa. Roger is being very aggressive. Great FH by Rafa. On to the tiebreak.
6-6
0-1, RF.
I had to stop blogging and just watch. What a tiebreak.
HE WON!!!
6-2, 6-7, 3-6, 7-6.
Rafa is so happy! And so am I. Well done, Rafa. :D
Commentators are saying that they aren't sure Fed knows how to beat Nadal. He's now 4-1 against Fed, who doesn't look happy.
78 UE's by Fed; 39 by Rafa. 65 winners for him, and 44 for Rafa. He only converted 4 of 18 BP's. Rafa broke 7 of 14 -- 50%.
They are saying Nadal is the better player on clay.
Prince Albert is coming out to present the trophy. Fed doesn't look one bit happy. He's coming forward, and greeting the Prince. He's smiling now. He's getting the silver plate, and holding it up, half-heartedly. Don't think that will be going on mantle.
Now they are calling Rafa, who was tying his shoes. Toni is applauding him. He's talking with the Price. And he's holding up the trophy. He's smiling, and holding up the Masters Shield. He just bit it. :D
How wonderful for MAC and SE to be there in Monaco to see this. Glad you guys were there to support our baby bull.
They are playing the Monaco anthem now. And showing a Spanish flag that says Vamos Rafa! Rafa looks so happy. He really deserved this win, IMO. He played aggressive tennis when he had to.
And now they are talking to Federer.
Who is talking in French. I know he's complimenting Rafa. That one-dimensional player who keeps beating him. He said Thanks at the end. Otherwise, we'll need translation.
Now to Rafa. He is talking in Spanish. Great, we will need entire translation. Rasfa just complimented Rafa, I believe. He is thanking the tournament organizers. (And his girlfriend -- *just kidding* -- my Spanish isn't that good).
Now thanking the sponsors and ball kids and such. He's looking around to see who he should thank.
Toni is doing messages on his cell phone. Lots of family traits there.
He just thanked his family. And now they are taking photos of the finalists with the Prince.
The commentators are praising Rafa to the skies now. There's no doubt that Rafa's clay court game is still there, and he can produce it when necessary. Vamos!!!
This match is still wide open, though. We cannot discount Federer, and I doubt Rafa will do that.
Fed to serve.
FH winner, hits the line. 15-0. Fed looks determined, though. I just hope Rafa makes him work,. 30-0. Gotta love it. Rafa forgot to put his sweat bands back on again. So he went and got them. Fault. That is SO Rafa. FH goes wide. 40-0. Fault. Fed hits BH wide. 40-15. Mistimed FH. 40-30. Keep fighting, Rafa! Easy pass by Rafa. Deuce. Adjusts his pants. All is right with the world. Screaming BH winner by Rafa. Ad RN. Roger hits wide. Rafa breaks. Vamos!!!
1-0, RN.
Rafa to serve. Hope MAC and SE are yelling loudly for our boy. FH goes long. And then he misses another. He's not happy. 30-0. Fault. DF. 30-15. Come on, Rafa! Keep fighting!!! BH goes long. 40-15. Let. Fault. Another DF. What's going on? Maybe he just is trying to stay aggressive. He takes his time. 40-30. Come on, Rafa! Another error by Fed. Well done, Rafa. Game Rafa.
2-0, RN.
Fed to serve. 15-0. Never underestimate this guy. Fault. Screaming FH winner by Rafa. 15-15. Another great FH, draw error. 15-30. Mirka doesn't look happy. The crowd is getting behind Fed. He hits a winner, and crowd responds. 30-30. Fault. FH was called out, and they can't find the mark. There is no readable mark, and the umpire is telling Roger that he can't overrule without a mark. Rafa keeps looking. So original call stands; the out call stands. Point goes to Rafa. 30-40. But the replay shows that it is out. So Rafa has breakpoint. Roger asked to replay the point, but didn't get it. And Nadal hits FH winner.
3-0, RN.
Rafa to serve, up two breaks. Keep fighting Rafa. He's won the last 6 games, and has broken Fed 3 times in a row. Which is pretty amazing in and of itself. Rafa FH into net. 0-15. Fault. He has to keep up his concentration. BH into net. 0-30. Rafa needs to say in the present, as the commentators are saying. Rafa ball was called out but then overruled. So they replay the point. Fault. 0-40. Three BP's, as Roger is just going for it now. One error. 15-40. Fault. Second error. 30-40. Now we just need one more, or a Rafa winner. Vamos, Rafa!!! Winner by Fed, and he breaks. Gets one break back.
3-1, RN.
Fed to serve. Rafa can't let up now. Keep fighting, Rafa. 15-0. FH winner by Fed. Fed is raising his level here, a clear challenge to Rafa, who just wants to hold on. 30-0. BH error. 30-15. 40-15. Game RF.
3-2, RN.
JB is saying the maybe a miracle will happen, and Roger will squeeze out this set. I hope not. Keep fighting, Rafa!!! If he lots Roger back in, he'll live to regret it, and you can quote me on that. Crowd seems pretty evenly divided over these players. Great FH by Rafa, reply goes long. 15-0. BH into net. 30-0. Shadows on court now. FH winner. 40-0. Rafa is getting more aggressive. Commentators are saying what I think -- Rafa has to win the match instead of hoping Fed will lose it. Another great angle by Rafa. Game RN.
4-2, RN.
Fed to serve. Rafa is changing his racquet. Adjusts socks and pants. Again, all is right with the world. Fed misses BH pass. 0-15. Fault. 15-15. Rafa BH sails. 30-15. Fed is getting more aggressive. He's fighting that's for sure. And Rafa needs to do the same. BH into net, UE. 30-30. 72 UE's by Fed. 36 by Rafa. 40-30. Volley winner by Fed.
4-3, RN.
Rafa to serve. He has to keep fighting and stay focused. It has to be hard, I'm sure, not to be nervous under these circumstances. FH winner by Rafa. Yells Vamos! 15-0. Bh goes long. 30-0. Fed still looks very cool and calm. Rafa BH into net. 30-15. Come on, Rafa!!! FH winner by Fed. 30-30. This is huge for both players. Fault. Bh winner by Fed. He has a BP. I'm not liking this at all. Vamos, Rafa!!! Keep fighting. Fault. Mishit by Rafa. Deuce. Rafa was a bit more aggressive there. Great FH winner by Fed. Another BP for him. Come on, Rafa! And he got it and broke. So back on serve.
4-4
Federer really raised his level of play there. Commentators are saying there was nothing Rafa could have done. Fault. Call was right, but Roger questioned it. Vamos. Great BH pass. 0-15. This really is an exciting match, especially if you don't care who wins. 15-15. 30-15. Fed is becoming Fed now. Rafa needs to be careful here. Lucky drop shot for Rafa. 30-30. Return goes long. 40-30. So game point for RF. Let. Ace.
4-5, RF.
Now Rafa has to serve to stay in the set. This is not something I'm happy about. To Roger's credit, he's turned things around, and making Rafa work a lot harder than he had to early in the set. Now it's up to Rafa to respond. Otherwise, we're looking at a fifth set. Commentators are noting that Rafa is under pressure now, and he is. Bh error by Fed. 15-0. Return goes long. 30-0. Fault. Great angle by Rafa. 40-0. Great work by Rafa. Holds at love. Toni happy about that, and me too.
5-5.
Fed to serve. Fault. Net helped Fed this time. 15-0. Fault. BH crosscourt winner. 30-0. Let. Return into net. 40-0. Game Fed.
5-6, RN.
Rafa to serve for a tiebreak. I'm sorry to say this, but I see a fifth set in the making. Fed is a dog with a bone right now, but I'm sure Rafa will keep fighting. Vamos, Rafa!!! Fed into net. 15-0. Fault. Great FH by Rafa 30-0. Commentators are saying that Rafa seems to play better when he's trailing. Great erve. 40-0. 40-15. FH just out. Let. Great BH by Fed. 40-30. Come on, Rafa! UE by Rafa. He's upset with himself. Deuce. Keep fighting, Rafa!!! Fault. Roger sprays FH. Rafa yells Vasmos. Ad Rafa. Roger is being very aggressive. Great FH by Rafa. On to the tiebreak.
6-6
0-1, RF.
I had to stop blogging and just watch. What a tiebreak.
HE WON!!!
6-2, 6-7, 3-6, 7-6.
Rafa is so happy! And so am I. Well done, Rafa. :D
Commentators are saying that they aren't sure Fed knows how to beat Nadal. He's now 4-1 against Fed, who doesn't look happy.
78 UE's by Fed; 39 by Rafa. 65 winners for him, and 44 for Rafa. He only converted 4 of 18 BP's. Rafa broke 7 of 14 -- 50%.
They are saying Nadal is the better player on clay.
Prince Albert is coming out to present the trophy. Fed doesn't look one bit happy. He's coming forward, and greeting the Prince. He's smiling now. He's getting the silver plate, and holding it up, half-heartedly. Don't think that will be going on mantle.
Now they are calling Rafa, who was tying his shoes. Toni is applauding him. He's talking with the Price. And he's holding up the trophy. He's smiling, and holding up the Masters Shield. He just bit it. :D
How wonderful for MAC and SE to be there in Monaco to see this. Glad you guys were there to support our baby bull.
They are playing the Monaco anthem now. And showing a Spanish flag that says Vamos Rafa! Rafa looks so happy. He really deserved this win, IMO. He played aggressive tennis when he had to.
And now they are talking to Federer.
Who is talking in French. I know he's complimenting Rafa. That one-dimensional player who keeps beating him. He said Thanks at the end. Otherwise, we'll need translation.
Now to Rafa. He is talking in Spanish. Great, we will need entire translation. Rasfa just complimented Rafa, I believe. He is thanking the tournament organizers. (And his girlfriend -- *just kidding* -- my Spanish isn't that good).
Now thanking the sponsors and ball kids and such. He's looking around to see who he should thank.
Toni is doing messages on his cell phone. Lots of family traits there.
He just thanked his family. And now they are taking photos of the finalists with the Prince.
The commentators are praising Rafa to the skies now. There's no doubt that Rafa's clay court game is still there, and he can produce it when necessary. Vamos!!!
posted by Susan at 8:26 AM
92 Comments:
Here we go.
VAMOS RAFA - JUST DO IT!!!!!
in the words of your sponsor Nike....
You go for it boy!! you can beat him and you know it!!!
LotsOfLove Heidi
Breakpoint :)
whta's the differenco in points between Rafa and Federer?? not that much i think?
And he breaks too :D
DEUCE COME ON
BREAK WOOOPEEEEE
I hope you are right too, Susan.
To be on a the safe side I put in a new blank DVD disk.
Vamos Rafa, you got the break now lets do it.
Is TMF getting tired!?!
Keep pounding on him Rafa!!!
VAMOS!!!
woo!
Your looking good Rafa keep it going.
Vamos Rafa
Yeah, another breakpoint!
And the break!
Vamoss!
The momentum sure looks like it is starting to favor Rafa and he look good too.
Just don't forget Maimi, Rafa.
Vamos Rafa
go rafa, go rafa, go rafa, go rafa, go rafa, go rafa!!!
2 breakpoints for Federer..
Come on Rafa!
Oh, 1 left..
Federer breaks back, luckily still 1 break left for Rafa :)
i can't watch -- but i can hear the crowd from my tv in the other room -- the loudest cheers seem to be for fed throught the whole match, wonder why
3-2! argh! come on vamos!
4-3 Deuce!
this is close...i'm gonna be sick
oh no!!! 4-4 :(
Aargh, damn. Damn Federer! :P
poor susan, you HAVE to watch it for our sakes.....i don't know how you can watch....
Ugh, this is KILLING ME.
o no....KEEP THE SPIRITS UP!! lets think positive..we know rafa can win it...he will win it!!
typical Federer..3-0 down now drawing 4-4...
but rafa can come back
Sending good vibes!
He needs to focus and concentrate!
I don't know about Susan I would have not wanted to miss this. What more should we expect when the two top players compete.
Vamos Rafa
5-4 :(
Come on, Rafa! FOCUS!
o god i think i'm going to have to lie down...
Rafa should tie himself with Federer here and should try to break Federer at 5-5.. I don't think another tiebreak would do Rafa good..
OH NO!!! FED LEADS 5-4!! GO RAFA FIGHT FOR IT!!!!! LotsOfLove Heidi
Yeah, I'm hoping it doesn't go to another tiebreak.
Five all.. C'mon Rafa, try to get the break here!
5-5! WOOT!!!!
phew 5 all... come on, just one break.... VAMOS RAFA!!
-xXx-Heidi-xXx-
C'mon Rafa, make it 6 all.. Hopefully the tiebreak will go better this time, otherwise we'll be looking at a fifth and that's really not good for my nerves :P
Come on, Rafa!
I kind of am beginning to see a 5 set. Our baby bull is still fighting and it is starting to look like a tie break.
Vamos Rafa
40-40..
Oh no!
Come on, Rafa! Buck up!
nearly dying.... OH PLEASE RAFA...
At least a tiebreak although I hate `em...
-xXx-Heidi-xXx-
Tiebreak! :(
hofully rafa wins this tie break!!
come on... u can do it
AHHH!!! 4-2
think positive people......!!! he can do it....
Come on Rafa.... u can do it!
Vamos Rafael!!!! -xXx-Heidi-xXx-
Come On Rafa!
4-4 VAMOS!! RAFA
YES COME ON RAFAAAAAAA
5-5!!!
COME ON, NADAL!
5-6RN
COME ON! Please break, PLEASE!
I think I'm going to faint through sheer excitement.
YYYYYYYEAAAH!! CONGRATS RAFA
OH MY GOD!!
VAMOS!!!!!!!!
he WON!!!!
You were right Susan!
RAFA DONE GOOD!!!!
WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
I knew he could do it!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! RAFA! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOOHOO!! WTG RAFA!
Thank you for the blog, Susan.
You're a star!
he won!!!! vamos el campeon!
YESS I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!!!! BABY BULL DOES IT AGAIN.. YEAH!!!
VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!
-xXx-Heidi-xXx-
VAMOS RAFA !!!!
CONGRATULATIONS
OMG OMG OMG,
I can't read further, too scared!!!
OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!
Peering at laptop through fingers!!!
-jigs about like a mad duck-
HE WON !!!
congradulation!!!
wooohoooh!! let's celebrate!
Big relief
sigh***
Well done Rafa, We're very proud of you!!
What a fighter! What indomitable spirit! What an incredible young man! "Watchin" "live" on the net actually makes me realise how tough our baby bull is when you see him down 0-15, 0-30, 0-40 in some games, and then fight all the way back to win! Vamos Rafael! Wow!
MAC and SE!!!
DANCING IN THE STREETS OF MONTE CARLO!!!
Whooohoo!! *bounces* :D
Woooooooohoooooo!
My that was pretty nerve racking.. why couldn't he have done the easy way... it in straight sets!
VAMOS CAMPEON !
Say what? He's only better on clay? Rafa's determination and mental strength and still developing game can only get better. He can BEAT all on all surfaces.
Just got back to catch Susan silence during tie break and was looking through my fingers... and looking...
So darn fantastic... jumping!!! Joy! Joy! Joy!
YeaaaaaaaaaaaaaH, I am so so happy. Isn't he the most marvellous being on this planet!!!
Boy, that feels good.
Susan you are indeed a star. THANK YOU!Now time for a nap!
Rafa is BORN to Clay. But, eventually he shall master all the surfaces!
Im so happy he won. That is why we support Rafa he's so wonderful and just fights all the way. Thanks for the blog Susan im going to go back and read it just need to go for a lie down first because that was so nerve wracking. Vamos Rafa!!
Woohoo!!! I saw the match from 4-3 in fourth set. Rafael was great. I knew all the time he would win this set and the match. ;-)
Vamos Rafael!!!
Oehoe, oehoe :D
Damn, had to miss it, was eating dinner. Maybe so much the better for me, if I read it, it wouldn't have been good for my nerves..
Yeah, the clay court king has returned ;)
I`ve always knew that IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING!!! well done:))
omg!
i am so so happy !
thank you for blogging, Susan!
thanks Rafa
I am so happy for him.
thank you so much susan for the live updates. great commentaries! til next time :)
Thank goodness I woke up for it, this time.
It was a great match, and now I'm just so happy that Rafa didn't let it go to 5 sets.
Thanks a million for your "live" update. What a wonderful way to start my week =D
THANK YOU SUSAN!! We are eternally grateful for your wonderful coverage. Keep Vamos-ing!!!!
Thank you thank you thank you so much for this great great GREAT detailed blog. Here where I live, they're not showing the final match till tomorrow afternoon at four, and I couldn't wait to find out if he'd won or lost (I was scared for him, silly me), and now I know that he won!! THANK YOU :D
yeeeey Rafa
el rey de reyes regresa en su trono
:D:D
Good Job
THANK YOU SUSAN FOR THIS BLOG!!!!
I WAS AT WORK AND NOW I CAN STILL READ EVERYTHING!
VERY MUCH THANKS FROM HOLLAND!!!
Hi Susan, everyone at VR.com,
We were lucky enough to see the match in OZ, and I must say I was really disappointed with the two commentators JB and JG who normally give Rafa a good rapport.
Only the 1st set was seen from a neutral point of view since Rafa was playing superbly and that had to be mentioned.
As soon as RF won the second, from then on all comments were from the "world number One's" point of view, most annoying to listen to (a) because I am a Rafa fan, (b) because our "one dimensional" player was doing so well, and (c) because Rafa's expertise was being weighed up against RF's who wasn't doing that well most of the time.
Rafa won 62 67 63 76 - I make that 25 games to 18, so how come!!!
Whew, that feels better, Lillian
it must be a great match but I didn't see .....pity
Great Blog Susan. love the play by play. xoxoMaryWalsh
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