01-23-2018, 02:04 AM
(01-23-2018, 01:11 AM)Thryleon link Wrote:Recovering from an elbow issue. Is wearing a "sleeve" dressing and was visibly unable to use extreme power in his serving and forehand strokes. His two handed backhand was less effected due to the left arm providing more stability to the elbow, and perhaps the motion causing less issue.
Ultimately, it looks like Novak is recovering from injury, and probably wasn't ready for a tournament. It looked like he could barely serve with any power and his biggest serving effort last night was in the 180's and according to the commentators was very easy to read due to his limited ability to hit with strength and precision.
They went to great lengths explained his "slice" serve which his opponent had studied and was anticipating which is ultimately why he was beaten so easily by a relative no namer IMHO.
Yesterday, his 4th match in the space of week looked perhaps like a bridge too far.
That said, Novak had beaten Ramos-Vinolas (sp?) in straight sets the previous round. The Spaniard around the top 20.
Meanwhile the Korean kid won the last two sets against Zverev the younger 3 and 0, conceding 5 points in the last set against the world #4.
So, his form was red hot.
And he (the Djoker) still managed a fastest serve of 196kmhr.....
Finals, then 4 in a row!