BARCELONA - ATP 500 - Apr. 19-27, 2014.

[Murat B.]

When was the last time Rafa failed to make the final in two clay tournaments in a row?

 

[Front242]

He didn't even make the semis last 2.

 

[herios]

When was the last time Rafa failed to make the final in two clay tournaments in a row?

2004

 

[pavlik89]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvAko44ZvTM[/video]

 

[Murat B.]

When was the last time Rafa failed to make the final in two clay tournaments in a row?

2004

Thanks Herios. I thought it was going to be something like that...10 years. Wow...

 

[Riotbeard]

I enjoy Nishi, Ernie, and Nico, so I will be happy if any of them wins it!

 

[ftan]

Well it had to happen someday.. remember Roger didnt make it to slam quarters first time in 10 years.. Agreed this happened rather early. But I quite sure its just a phase and this will definitely get motivation back for Rafa from wherever it has gone

 

[masterclass]

Right. In 2004, he lost 3 clay tournaments in a row, starting with Estoril withdrawal to Irakli Labadze, then Bastad loss to Gaudio, then Stuttgart loss to Ferrer. But he was 17-18 at the time. and was suffering a stress fracture in his ankle, left I think, that caused him to miss a lot of the clay season, including Roland Garros.

Respectfully,
masterclass

 

[tented]

Right. In 2004, he lost 3 clay tournaments in a row, starting with Estoril withdrawal to Irakli Labadze, then Bastad loss to Gaudio, then Stuttgart loss to Ferrer. But he was 17-18 at the time. and was suffering a stress fracture in his ankle, left I think, that caused him to miss a lot of the clay season, including Roland Garros.

Respectfully,
masterclass

And Barcelona. He skipped it in 2010, but every other time he played it since 2005 he won it.

 

[Kieran]

I enjoy Nishi, Ernie, and Nico, so I will be happy if any of them wins it!

Exactly. New names on the clay trophies this year, that's a plus for the sport, whatever about Rafa...

 

[Moose]

Kohlschreiber retired? Never saw Giraldo getting to the semis here.

 

[tented]

Kohlschreiber retired? Never saw Giraldo getting to the semis here.

Do you know why he retired?

 

[Kieran]

Kohlschreiber retired? Never saw Giraldo getting to the semis here.

Do you know why he retired?

He's 65 years old. It's compulsory in some countries...

 

[Front242]

Doh. That sucks. I like Kohli though he always has a dense look on his face when photographed.

 

[herios]

Kohlschreiber retired? Never saw Giraldo getting to the semis here.

Do you know why he retired?

Yeah, the final score is 6-4, 4-3 for Giraldo.

 

[Moose]

Do you know why he retired?

He's had hamstring problems since right after the Australian, so I am curious if that could be it?

 

[Moose]

Doh. That sucks. I like Kohli though he always has a dense look on his face when photographed.

Haha. Aside from that, he is a really nice guy. Have had the chance to meet him a couple of times at Indian Wells. Takes time to talk to his fans/supporters, always gives his wristbands and stuff to people in the crowd.

 

[herios]

I enjoy Nishi, Ernie, and Nico, so I will be happy if any of them wins it!

Exactly. New names on the clay trophies this year, that's a plus for the sport, whatever about Rafa...

Not a sure bet. Almagro has his name on many of those trophies.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Djokovic better put in the work! I don't think he could ask for a better French Open opportunity with Rafa's game being slightly off.

 

[Riotbeard]

I enjoy Nishi, Ernie, and Nico, so I will be happy if any of them wins it!

Exactly. New names on the clay trophies this year, that's a plus for the sport, whatever about Rafa...

It's very tough to watch your guy play baffling tennis. Novak has done it off and on since 2011, but it's weird for mr. mental consistency to get upset on clay.