OT: Federer vs Nadal IX live thread

Submitted by WalterMitty on January 29th, 2017 at 4:06 AM

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Roger and Rafa meeting for an improbable 9th time in a slam final. The 2 greatest of all time champions, both ridiculously likable, along with Fowler and the McEnroe brothers on the call, make this well worth being up at 4:00 in the morning! Anyone else up for this historic showdown?!?

January 29th, 2017 at 4:13 AM ^

It's only 2 am here in British Columbia. Pretty pumped to randomly be awake for this. Federer just won the 1st.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:15 AM ^

Let's go, Fed!

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:15 AM ^

I'm watching this great Eurosport feed with some Brit announcers. Pretty good analysis actually.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:19 AM ^

Had to get the first set. I get so nervous when Nadal just keeps pounding those high balls to Roger's backhand, but Fed's handling them well so far.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:24 AM ^

Ugh Federer just got broken with a bunch of unforced errors. He needs to get Nadal off balance with his first serve.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:33 AM ^

Crazy that his backhand is money so far, and he's hitting unforced errors all over the place with his moneymaker. You can almost take a quick nap for the second set, knowing Rafa will tie up the match going into the 3rd.

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January 29th, 2017 at 1:30 PM ^

His money maker is actually his backhand and it always has been. Additionally, The one hander has enabled him to sill compete at a high level even as his movement goes because the one hander cuts a couple steps out of the equation in comparison to a two hander

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:35 AM ^

Sloppy errors cost Fed a break there. He's in control if he can clean it up a little.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:36 AM ^

Full on tailspin mode now for Fed.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:41 AM ^

I know his psyche is so fragile against Nadal, but if the forehand is the problem, he should be able to regroup. Great break there!

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:49 AM ^

11-2 unforced errors. He'd better clean it up quickly in the 3rd set or Nadal will smell blood.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:42 AM ^

It kills me to say it, but I think Fed is choking up now like he has a lot in big matches since Rafa started beating him ten years ago.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:47 AM ^

I love him too, and worry about that as well, but he seems a bit more free than usual against Rafa.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:51 AM ^

The first set was perfect for Roger in approach and execution. The second set looks like all the old Roger-Rafa finals: too many Fed unforced errors in key spots. We'll see if he can get it back here. Rafa certainly isn't taking it to him by any means.

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January 29th, 2017 at 4:56 AM ^

And now the backhand dumps into the net. Best of three now!

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:05 AM ^

Huge few aces there, but we've seen this refrain before. Nadal just relentlessly stays in points until Roger makes the error in the biggest spots. At least he held.

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:06 AM ^

Nice hold, but Fed is a mess. Could slip away quickly here unless he stops beating himself.

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:11 AM ^

Like that

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:12 AM ^

Roger with an insane half volley winner from the baseline to get a break point, and gets the early break in the 3rd. Now, can he consolidate?

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:17 AM ^

Fed starting to roll a bit

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:24 AM ^

Both guys bringing it now

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:25 AM ^

Yup, playing loose. Nadal with a few tight errors, which he never does (at least vintage Nadal).

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:28 AM ^

to see the start of the 3rd set. Love what I'm seeing so far. Let's go Federer!!!

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:36 AM ^

Feds to save the point and win set#3.

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:37 AM ^

What a response from Fed. Amazing set for him.

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:39 AM ^

Fed is in control today. Let's see how his nerve holds up.

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:48 AM ^

By far the best set he's played against Rafa that I can remember. Taking his backhand earlier is making all the difference. Nadal's tried and true game plan isn't working so far. I'd still say Fed has to get this 4th set. Hard to bet against Rafa in the 5th.

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:51 AM ^

Yeah, I agree with McEnroe that this is the best Fed has hit his backhand against Nadal. And I agree that Fed really needs this set.

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January 29th, 2017 at 5:54 AM ^

Wow. Awful game. Wow.

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:02 AM ^

Jesus Christ... Come on Fed... no more mental lapses!

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January 29th, 2017 at 6:03 AM ^

Danger time now for Roger. Ridiculous point from Nadal!

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Hard-Baughlls

January 29th, 2017 at 6:05 AM ^

against Rafa's brutal topspin forehand.

Unfortunately Roger's forehand letting him down.

Don't like Roger's chances in 5 sets...Rafa is mentally stronger.

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:05 AM ^

Ugh... Nadal's in Fed's head now. This shit happens every time.

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:06 AM ^

Brutal set for Federer wow. Completely shot mentally. Might as well regroup for a 5th set. Save that energy.

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January 29th, 2017 at 6:11 AM ^

Nadal in control of the match now. Taking it to Fed. This now looks like the old matchup. Window is quickly closing for Fed's chances here.

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Hard-Baughlls

January 29th, 2017 at 6:12 AM ^

Roger's backhand finally on point, and he's spraying forehands.

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January 29th, 2017 at 6:16 AM ^

Rafa with the heavy grunts now

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Hard-Baughlls

January 29th, 2017 at 6:16 AM ^

Gotta go with Rafa. Roger's too cerebral...going to tighten up like usual.

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:16 AM ^

Ugh 5th set... who believes in miracles? Come on Fed!

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January 29th, 2017 at 6:16 AM ^

Roger is done

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Hard-Baughlls

January 29th, 2017 at 6:17 AM ^

to have a chance here. And stop spraying easing fucking forehands.

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:19 AM ^

I really don't understand how Federer's forehand went down the drain as he got older...

Is it related to age whatsoever? Is it mental? Like he's whiffing easy shit.

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Hard-Baughlls

January 29th, 2017 at 6:23 AM ^

He thinks too much and get tight.

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:22 AM ^

Federer taking a page out of Nadal's book and delaying the fuck out of this match lol

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:25 AM ^

Ugh... this is prolly over... I've seen this happen about a dozen times now.

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January 29th, 2017 at 6:26 AM ^

Nadal rising to the occasion. Wants to be GOAT.

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:26 AM ^

HGH is one hell of a drug!

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BursleyBaitsBus

January 29th, 2017 at 6:29 AM ^

Nadal's gonna win this with sub 30 winners... who needs em when Fed is mis-hitting 60 something shots. Jesus...

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January 29th, 2017 at 6:29 AM ^

Roger has the prettiest game ever, but I think this confirms that Nadal is the greatest.

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Hard-Baughlls

January 29th, 2017 at 6:36 AM ^

passes him in all time grand slams even though he has no real competition in the sport right now.

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