Madrid Masters 1000 match thread

[lydian]

First topic message reminder :

Just somewhere to drop random comments on the matches outside the draw and picking threads.

Youhnzy got a good win over Fognini today winning in 3rd set TB.
Wawrinka continuing his good form with a win over Popsicle.
Paire and Monaco have also won.

However, THE match today has to be Djokovic vs Dimitrov at around 7pm UK time.
Can Grigor take heart from recent matches to keep pushing on?
Can he pose a serious challenge to Djokovic on lung-busting clay?
The faster altitude should help Grigor who has a fast serve and flashing groundstrokes.

[The Special Juan]

Did he hit his head on the back of the court or was it just his ankle?

neither he hit a roadblock in Dimi and hence the medical time out, I have no sympathies for players who take medical time out in between points and then come back and play the next point with so much ease. Djoko at his trade mark best.

Ah, I thought he'd grown out of that. Someone else used to take a perfectly timed MTO; can't remember who it was.

[ryan86]

That's got to be the miss of the season!

[invisiblecoolers]

Young Dimi in full of pain, I guess referee objected Dimi's MTO but not sure.

[invisiblecoolers]

Still believe young Dimi will fight his pains for a st. set win.

[CaledonianCraig]

Whatever the outcome of this match we are certainly seeing the emergence of a new star in tennis in Grigor Dimitrov. He has played great. Gutsy play from both men.

[invisiblecoolers]

Dimitrov is playing 1 legged, his left leg is completely cramped, yet he is staying on course with Djoko 6-6 at tiebreaker.

[CAS]

the chanting is giving me goosegumps, you wouldn't know Djokovic is the world number 1

[invisiblecoolers]

Djoko serve and vollies to save a match point.

[CaledonianCraig]

Brings back memories of Murray V Nalby at Wimbledon all those years ago.

[invisiblecoolers]

Djoko stole the match from poor Dimitrov with all those MTO's, so shameful.

[LuvSports!]

NOOOOOO

[CaledonianCraig]

Djoko seals an epic tie-break. I reckon Djoko is now a warm favourite to win but this is more about the emergence of Dimitrov. He is certainly banging on the door now.

[kingraf]

Yes!!! suckers wasted your Djoker!!!

[CaledonianCraig]

Djoko stole the match from poor Dimitrov with all those MTO's, so shameful.

Sorry ic....but......

[ryan86]

I think it's going to be 6-1 Novak now.

(And part of me feels I might be generous given Grigor 1)

[CAS]

actually felt a bit for Novak there, getting booed and whistled and Dimitrov getting his name chanted, don't think he deserves that. I do think that part of it is because they see him as the main threat to Rafa but I could be clutching at straws

[CaledonianCraig]

actually felt a bit for Novak there, getting booed and whistled and Dimitrov getting his name chanted, don't think he deserves that. I do think that part of it is because they see him as the main threat to Rafa but I could be clutching at straws

A fair assumption I would say CAS.

[The Special Juan]

Well.................. I don't think it will last but the last set will be reasonably interesting.

[Johnyjeep]

ahh is Grigor doing this again?

I hope he sees one of these matches through and does it soon. I've seen a couple of matches this season where he has been outstanding (in another match against Djoko was it?). And he just went completely off the boil.

I can't remember who else he did it against but it was top 10 player I'm sure. He is so close. Will go and switch on Sky...

[ryan86]

That was, eh, one of my less successful predictions!

[The Special Juan]

ahh is Grigor doing this again?

I hope he sees one of these matches through and does it soon. I've seen a couple of matches this season where he has been outstanding (in another match against Djoko was it?). And he just went completely off the boil.

I can't remember who else he did it against but it was top 10 player I'm sure. He is so close. Will go and switch on Sky...

Another against Djokovic, 2 against Murray.

[CAS]

ahh is Grigor doing this again?

I hope he sees one of these matches through and does it soon. I've seen a couple of matches this season where he has been outstanding (in another match against Djoko was it?). And he just went completely off the boil.

I can't remember who else he did it against but it was top 10 player I'm sure. He is so close. Will go and switch on Sky...

He served for the first sets against Djokovic in Indian Wells and Murray in Miami, then took a set off Nadal 6-2 in Monte Carlo. Is all this leading to a passing of the torch moment with Federer on Centre court of Wimbledon perhaps?

[kingraf]

If Dimi won this, with all those Djokers used on him, I would have seen my backside

[Johnyjeep]

Thanks Special Juan. My memory is not great!!

He's close. Just needs that bit extra mentally. I think he's gonna be awesome.

[ryan86]

To be honest, this is (and his performance against Nadal) are at least showing progress. He might lose, but he's going to have matched Djokovic for at least two and a half sets.

[The Special Juan]

Thanks Special Juan. My memory is not great!!

He's close. Just needs that bit extra mentally. I think he's gonna be awesome.

A bit physically too because he's cramped a lot against the top 4 but I agree, if he keeps on the straight and narrow he'll be very good indeed.

[CaledonianCraig]

You see that is the gross importance of supreme physical conditioning. It is feasible if he loses it will be his physical state that lets him down.

[CaledonianCraig]

He is now playing a very canny game is Dimitrov. Only saving himself for his service games and trying to shorten the points.

[ryan86]

I meant to tidy my car tonight, but this match means I'll need to get up early to do it tomorrow.

[Johnyjeep]

Thanks Special Juan. My memory is not great!!

He's close. Just needs that bit extra mentally. I think he's gonna be awesome.

A bit physically too because he's cramped a lot against the top 4 but I agree, if he keeps on the straight and narrow he'll be very good indeed.

Aahh thanks again Special Juan! I was about to come on here and ask why Djoko has been cramping up!! Shouldn't be tidying at the same time lol...

[ryan86]

2 match points Dmitrov

[The Special Juan]

"Oh wow".

[CaledonianCraig]

Well well well......do we have a new young star on the ATP circuit? It certainly looks like it. Fabulously well played. Again sportingly congratulated by Novak.

[ryan86]

Looks like the Picks has turned into a 4-horse race.

[Johnyjeep]

Wow. Fair play to Djoko. Liked his reaction at the net. Tbh though watched the last 7 games. Odd stuff from Djoko. Didn't look great on his feet and was swinging wildly at times. Unlike him. Still, great stuff from Grigor. Really pleased for him. And tennis generally. We need more results like this I think.

[invisiblecoolers]

Wow Dimi pulls a sensation upset in the day of upsets, 3 upsets today so far.

Nando beating Raonic
Pablo beating Isner
and now Dimitrov beating Djokovic

Now I don't like to hear Djoko fans coming and saying Djoko was injured, if at all somebody was cramped its the young Dimitrov.

Well played young man.

[slashermcguirk]

Well played dimitrov, really deserved it. Crowd though were a disgrace! Hope dimitrov keeps it going, I think the rest could do Novak good ahead of Rome and French open. I don't think he will be too bothered by the result

[Danny_1982]

A star is born.

I personally think I've just watched the next player outside the current top 4 to win a grand slam. That's how impressed I am.

[LuvSports!]

DIMITROV BEATS DJOKOVIC 7-6 6-7 6-3!!!!! WAHOOOOOOO, the future of tennis is not dead!

[kingraf]

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was not supposed to happen¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ There goes my Madrid Masters hopes, I need a drink

[Jahu]

Dimi the new KING!!!

[The Special Juan]

@PseudoFed
Can I just remind everyone that Dimitrov has often been compared to Me many times #humble

[lydian]

Yes!

This guy is the real deal...no-one expected him to win after losing that 2nd with a MP. This will be the making of him. Who said SHBH is dead!

[Johnyjeep]

Wow. Fair play to Djoko. Liked his reaction at the net. Tbh though watched the last 7 games. Odd stuff from Djoko. Didn't look great on his feet and was swinging wildly at times. Unlike him. Still, great stuff from Grigor. Really pleased for him. And tennis generally. We need more results like this I think.

[socal1976]

Great win by dimi, could only watch the first set because of work, but I have to say I underestimated this kid and his ability. I still think he is a work in progress but he is certainly a top, top young star. Novak was struggling with his range and the change of conditions a bit in his first match but Dimitrov played fantastic. He took the match away. I wasn't sold on the kid before but Lydian was right on this one he looks like the real deal. I actually think it is great for the game not great for Novak's form although he will be back at Rome and a threat to win it and RG he didn't play his best match.

Also the crowd got to him a bit which we haven't seen in a while but it was a distraction as they were waiting for an opportunity all match to get on him.

[socal1976]

Despite it happening to djoko I am glad one of the younger players stepped up and made things interesting today with a big upset.

[Chydremion]

Dimitrov, the only guy of the current crop of youngsters who has a future.

[laverfan]

Very impressed with Dimi. . Well played young man.

Hope Djokovic's ankle is healthy after the slip.

[ryan86]

Well played dimitrov, really deserved it. Crowd though were a disgrace! Hope dimitrov keeps it going, I think the rest could do Novak good ahead of Rome and French open. I don't think he will be too bothered by the result

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-MJ3WSUSUs

Would be great if Djokovic had the same reaction as Jim Richards!

[The Special Juan]

As long as he can school Raonic then that's good enough for me.

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