Fed/Nadal exhibitions on ESPN3.com

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Permalink Reply by Tim Prapong on December 22, 2010 at 9:52pm

I personally enjoyed the first one played in Switzerland more than today's one in Spain. Today, it seemed like the last two sets, the travelling took its toll, which led to earlier breaks of serves. Nadal began today hitting his forehands much harder and made many more winners than the day before. Federer didn't seem as emphatic with his strategy either.

The first match showed Federer serving mostly to Nadal's backhand. This slice serve (deuce) or topspin (ad) tactic went on for awhile. When Nadal leaned over to cover, Fed then snuck some flat ones out wide to Nadal's forehand (especially ad). Nadal became split, not knowing what serve to expect then.

Also, Federer stuck to his aggressive return patterns, especially the topsin drive backhand. To my eye, it seemed that Nadal was serving more to Fed's forehand for a change. This cost him some, because Fed had greater control of the point and achieved the breaks he needed. 

In any case, a great pair of exos to watch right before Xmas. I will watch them a few more times myself.

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Permalink Reply by Harold Bessette on December 23, 2010 at 9:04am

I watched both...not bad. The level of tennis wasn't Slam worthy but it was only an exhibition for charity. I really wanted to see alot more banter and interaction between Rafa and Fed. Fed tried when he hit 3 drop shots in a row until Rafa finally got one back for a winner. He should've drop served him! That would have been epic!

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Permalink Reply by Mark / The Mayor on December 23, 2010 at 9:31am

I agree that the mood seemed too serious.  A more fun atmosphere would have been nice, especially since these are never going to compete with a real match in terms of the drama. 

 

Does anyone think there was a gentleman's agreement that Fed would win in Switzerland and Rafa would win in Spain?

Harold Bessette said:

I watched both...not bad. The level of tennis wasn't Slam worthy but it was only an exhibition for charity. I really wanted to see alot more banter and interaction between Rafa and Fed. Fed tried when he hit 3 drop shots in a row until Rafa finally got one back for a winner. He should've drop served him! That would have been epic!

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Permalink Reply by Tim Prapong on December 23, 2010 at 5:47pm

I talked to Angie and Jason in the chatroom and that was their suspicion, a gentleman's agreeement. 

I also thought they could have gone either one way or the other. Either play it totally serious or play it informal and casual.

But I did like the level of play they showed. I am willing to bet they are getting information on each other as to what strategy to use in a real Slam. Maybe that is why they played it the way they did. Like a trial run. You could see Fed practicing his drive backhand returns.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Prapong on December 23, 2010 at 5:48pm

Yes, those three drop shots were pretty funny. They both had fun with that!

Harold Bessette said:

I watched both...not bad. The level of tennis wasn't Slam worthy but it was only an exhibition for charity. I really wanted to see alot more banter and interaction between Rafa and Fed. Fed tried when he hit 3 drop shots in a row until Rafa finally got one back for a winner. He should've drop served him! That would have been epic!

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