Rogers Cup 2018, Toronto, Canada, ATP Masters

[Murat B.]

Looking at the Cincy draw, at first glance Rafa has a tough half. Roger has Andy for his third rounder.

 

[atttomole]

Cilic breaks first.

 

[Murat B.]

I think it is fair to say that so far this first set was US Open Cilic...or darn near close to it. Such effortless smooth hitting. Rafa was a spectator most of the time. Nice hold from Rafa there though.

 

[atttomole]

He is hitting the ball hard and he is not missing. Nobody would like to play this version of Cilic, especially if he can do it consistently.

 

[DarthFed]

Not much different than AO, Rafa was just able to defend better that match and induce more errors. Cilic easily forces Nadal out of his comfort zone.

 

[DarthFed]

He is hitting the ball hard and he is not missing. Nobody would like to play this version of Cilic, especially if he can do it consistently.

Nadal is very hard to execute well enough against but he's never been difficult to actually be aggressive against if that makes sense. Cilic is smart enough to go after every ball and not give Nadal an inch. Cilic is a big hitter as is but you'll see him a little more able and willing to play first-strike against Nadal than others.

 

[DarthFed]

Nadal being more aggressive and getting more height on the ball, that is the only way.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Way to go Cilic! You are the man.

 

[monfed]

Crush him Marin!

 

[DarthFed]

Nads starting to get his teeth in the match and Cilic's quality on ROS has gone down a bit. Nadal's backhand is way better than his forehand so far

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Looking at the Cincy draw, at first glance Rafa has a tough half. Roger has Andy for his third rounder.

Not worried about Andy. Roger should be able to take care of him, assuming Andy gets there.

But, Novak fell on Rafa's quarter. After early exit in Toronto, Novak would be eager to proceed further.

 

[DarthFed]

Cilic showing how awful he is at net.

 

[DarthFed]

Looking at the Cincy draw, at first glance Rafa has a tough half. Roger has Andy for his third rounder.

Rafa's draw is brutal and Fed's is very easy, no need to sugarcoat it. Hope Rog will take advantage.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Cilic needs to be careful and not lighten up. It ain't over until the fisherman shakes hand.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Rafa's draw is brutal and Fed's is very easy, no need to sugarcoat it. Hope Rog will take advantage.

Rog needs easy early rounds when he comes after a long break and he got it.

 

[atttomole]

Nadal is very hard to execute well enough against but he's never been difficult to actually be aggressive against if that makes sense. Cilic is smart enough to go after every ball and not give Nadal an inch. Cilic is a big hitter as is but you'll see him a little more able and willing to play first-strike against Nadal than others.

That is true. As long as the opponent serves wells, while missing less and shortening the points, there is little that Rafa can do. Federer has done that to him sometimes. That can happen mostly off clay though.

 

[DarthFed]

If Rafa rallies here the tourney is over and I would hope he still comes to Cincy. I have a bad feeling he'd wise up and skip Cincy if he takes Toronto.

Cilic falling apart already.

 

[DarthFed]

Cilic moving like a sloth, gifting Twatdal a break

 

[DarthFed]

Nadal just keeping the ball in play, letting Cilic help him out.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Coughdrop coughs up a break.