2018 French Open Mens QF: Djokovic - Cecchinato

[britbox]

First set Marco. This match got immediately interesting.

 

[Denis]

You can still get a piece of Marco at 3/1 if you're a betting man and fancy the upset.

Good odds. I would put my money on the Italian.The level difference is massive atm.

 

[kskate2]

This is not looking good. I am ringing the alarm bells. Novak better step it up.

It's just one set D. No need to ring the alarm yet

 

[britbox]

The good ship Djokovic has sailed into very choppy waters. A set down and a break down...

 

[Denis]

And the Italian break immediately in the second set.

Novak will be straightsetted. You read it here first.

 

[britbox]

Djokovic stopped moving or what?

 

[britbox]

Don't often see somebody having that level of success with the dropshot against Novak.

 

[Chris Koziarz]

Good odds. I would put my money on the Italian.The level difference is massive atm.

I note that I was the first who said it in the poll above. And, predictably, Djoker starts expressing his frustration loudly. He has a mounain to climb now, so whatever helps him, even his antics, good for him.
But I'm not as engaged as to cut my imminent sleep: it's already very late hour of my local time. Have fun guys, may better player win.

 

[britbox]

Sleep well Chris, will have to turn in myself soon.

Big shift in the crowd, rather than rooting for the underdog as earlier - sensing Novak needs a lift.

 

[mrzz]

Wow! Cecchinato is playing real big boy tennis right now.

 

[Moxie]

Great point, but he duffed it after that great lob. Amazing get by Djokovic tho.

 

[kskate2]

Novak got a warning for coaching

 

[kskate2]

and now the Italian gets the same warning

 

[britbox]

Great save on the set point by Marco.

 

[britbox]

...and we have a Tiebreak. Tough hold for Marco. Showed cajones.

 

[kskate2]

the kid is not backing down. gets the mini 3-2

 

[brokenshoelace]

Holy shit, that terrible missed overhead aside, the kid played an unbelievable tie-break. Almost every point was a winner.

 

[kskate2]

wow. wins the TB after all of Novak's posturing. @Denis Now you can sound the alarm bells

 

[brokenshoelace]

I've softened up on my Novak hate over the years, but one thing I absolutely cannot stand is how he exaggerates his grunts on big points (way after he strikes the ball) to the point where it must be legitimately distracting for his opponent.

 

[mrzz]

Wow! I am as impressed as I could be. Cecchinato is playing marvelous tennis. This is what I call talent. And a lot of balls to go for winner set point down.

Players/matches like this is what makes me laugh at most "weak era" arguments. Cecchinato could well fade into oblivion after this, but right here right now he is playing like a great great player. If Djokovic wins, in five years people would ignore such a win, but who is watching knows what is really happening.