Is this vintage Roger or Roger of the last few years?

[joeybee12]

I tend to go with the later. He was on his way to winning in straight sets then lost focus and lost that second set. I hope I'm wrong but this doesn't bode well for the rest of the tournament. Against Tiafor you'd could say he was rusty, but he doesn't seem to have the drive he had most of the year

[TubbersUK]

1. I read that he has a back problem. n/t

[joeybee12]

2. That's why he pulled out of Cincinnati

Explains the first round because he wasn't sure how it would hold up, but after he said it was fine, so you'd think he'd be playing better

[MuseRider]

3. It worried me after he said he felt great,

that the first match was a great warm up and if he could go 5 sets he knew he was good to go. I am not sure I noticed much wrong with his movement but I could not watch as closely as I would have liked. It seemed to me, like you said above, that he lost focus. He used to do that a lot but then would get back into it and play like he cared. I never felt like he really cared or seemed to today. Hard to know.

As far as I am concerned I watch him now for the pleasure of watching him. I want him to win, of course, but if he does not it is ok....sort of. I try not to be too invested in the win but just happy and fortunate to be able to watch. That will end sooner than later too.

[joeybee12]

4. I really want him to win the US Open this year

I think this is really his last chance because it's such a draining tournament. I bet he's got another Wimbledon or two, but not elsewhere. A great career, but I want a few more highlights!

[MuseRider]

5. Oh I would never turn away

a few more wins! At this point I just hope he gets what he wants before he does retire. It seems impossible that he will be missing from all of this. Wow, after all these years it will be hard. I cried when Agassi left the game and was so happy to see him with Djokers team even though I am hardly a fan.

Hard courts are hard! I agree with your assessment. I was hoping he would get 3 this year but it looks kinda iffy now.

I caught Coco Van(whatever) today. I have never cared for her game but did you hear her interview? My god she sounded like a soulless politician. I hope it was just me. Blech.

[joeybee12]

6. My only consolation is that Rafroid didn't look good

[MuseRider]

7. I guess I am just not feeling this Open

this year. Too much else going on in the world and personally so I am really kind of out of it and not feeling all the good things.

I heard some of the people there, I cannot remember who but several of them were talking about Nadal being afraid to play Federer. It sounded really odd but he was always seeming concerned to them unlike before about everyone, like his confidence is gone. Like you, I do not like him. I am trying to let go of all the "oldies" that are fading away (Ferrer for one) and looking for players I like to watch. There are players I like but am not all that crazy about getting behind. Unlike you, I was happy to see Maria Sharapova back. I hate the screaming, I usually have to mute her matches, but I think that she was kept out longer by the other slams not allowing her in and I am happy she is back here at the US Open.

Rooting for Venus!

[joeybee12]

8. Roger has beaten Rafroid the last four times they've played

Seems like he has the upper hand now.

I though Cilic had a good chance of winning it all. He lost today

[MuseRider]

9. I just got home

and had not heard that! Wow, Cilic lost. I never thought he would go out this early. Heading over to check the scores and see what is up tonight! I think Roger got under Nadal's skin like Nadal seemed to have been under Feds for a while. Good!