Rogers Cup, Montreal, Canada, ATP Masters

[Murat B.]

The kid has a future for sure...But Rafa is not playing well. Just like Milos had one ace last night, Rafa has one forehand winner I think. That will not do...well, maybe it will tonight.

 

[Moxie]

Pressing on the 2nd serve is producing errors. Keep tough, Rafa! Break point Nadal.

 

[Moxie]

The kid has a future for sure...But Rafa is not playing well. Just like Milos had one ace last night, Rafa has one forehand winner I think. That will not do...well, maybe it will tonight.

Rafa knows that he needs to offensive, and he's letting the kid dictate too much. Not his sharpest night, but he's getting a bit of what he deserves. I just want to see him press.

 

[Murat B.]

Rafa knows that he needs to offensive, and he's letting the kid dictate too much. Not his sharpest night, but he's getting a bit of what he deserves. I just want to see him press.

Shapo's serve, especially the second one has a lot of movement. Rafa is still adjusting to it I think...especially coming from a fellow lefty.

 

[Moxie]

That was a hell of a return from Nadal.

 

[Moxie]

Shapo's serve, especially the second one has a lot of movement. Rafa is still adjusting to it I think...especially coming from a fellow lefty.

But he's blinking. Like now. Shapovalov is supposed to be adjusting to his game. Rafa's going to get nervous now. He's making enough UFEs as it is. If he gets tight, Shapolova, the kid with nothing to lose, is going to cap him.

 

[Murat B.]

But he's blinking. Like now. Shapovalov is supposed to be adjusting to his game. Rafa's going to get nervous now. He's making enough UFEs as it is. If he gets tight, Shapolova, the kid with nothing to lose, is going to cap him.

The kid is too young to know he is supposed to lose...Oh the audacity...

 

[Moxie]

The kid is too young to know he is supposed to lose...Oh the audacity...

If he gets Rafa, it will be Nadal's come-uppance. He came up so young he also didn't know he should lose. The danger of the young, talented, fearless. Shalpovalov is all about today. Rafa is thinking about tomorrow, and the #1.

 

[Moxie]

That ace proves my point. Boundless, fearless use.

 

[Moxie]

And then he makes the rookie error on the volley. Nadal will pass you.

 

[Moxie]

Whoa, he learned that one-two from Nadal.

 

[Moxie]

Sidebar: I don't mind the backwards hat in an 18-year-old, but the tab sticking out is distracting.

 

[Murat B.]

Shapo's backhand return is really decent. That is a big plus for young guy.

 

[Moxie]

Shapo's backhand return is really decent. That is a big plus for young guy.

I like the kid. And I'm not sure Rafa is going to pull this one out. Either he breaks out "super-Rafa," or he's at the mercy of the kid who doesn't give a shit.

 

[Murat B.]

4-4. This is where I expect Rafa to step up and break.

 

[Moxie]

4-4. This is where I expect Rafa to step up and break.

Your mouth to god's ears, but Shapovalov is not wilting.

 

[Murat B.]

Your mouth to god's ears, but Shapovalov is not wilting.

Wow...after that horrible forehand, I definitely thought he was going to lose his serve. Came back with great serving. Very impressive at this stage, no?

 

[kskate2]

I like the kid. And I'm not sure Rafa is going to pull this one out. Either he breaks out "super-Rafa," or he's at the mercy of the kid who doesn't give a shit.

it's looking like he's at the kid's mercy. way to tentative and safe in this match.

 

[Moxie]

it's looking like he's at the kid's mercy. way to tentative and safe in this match.

Much better in that game, but we'll see how he chooses to play the kid's service game. He needs to press him right here.

 

[Moxie]

Short return will not get it done.