We have been so much engrossed in the Federer-Roddick semi final that everyone seems to have forgotten about this cracker-jacker of a match tonight. I'll definitely be awake at 3:30AM to watch this.

Nadal has never beaten Gonzo in a hard court and the chilean's form has been excellent. But can he keep it up for 5 sets against Nadal? If Gonzo has to win, he has to do it in 3 but I dont see it happenning.

Nadal in 3 tight sets or at the max 4.

I agree Chet : Another top match tomorrow..Two factors to consider:

A. Nadal is fit..But did he recover fully from the Murray match? Not so sure

B. Gonzo is just on fire..I did not follow live a lot. But I was able to see only part of his match against Hewitt and it was really impressive: the man worked a lot during the break, the serve has improved, he is not anymore playing with a single weapon, i.e. his huge FH and he seems more confident on his Tennis.

Given A+B and even it is difficult to call I put my money for Gonzo...But definitely, Nadal has his chances as well (so, once again, the outcome is very difficult to call like the AROD-FED match)..

see you tomorrow then..I will be at work no possibility to see this match live unfortunately :cry:

5 sets with Gonzo to win! Hope I'm wrong though.

I'd not forgotten, i started a thread on it. :) It's either man's match IMO, but I reckon Gonzo in 4 or 5. I reckon Nadal could be tired and Gonzo will want this badly. I'm not putting money on it mind, cos we all knwo Nadal ia tough and also very fit. I guess he has the mental edge but I just dont; see Gonzo going down without a huge fight.

I think Nadal in 4, i just can see Gonzo maintaing his margin for error against the ultimate athlete in Nadal...........sure he'll hit big, but all his hots will be coming back with interest. Nadal in 4 :)

2-2 in the first and 15-40 forGonzo Nadal serve... :yikes: :yikes: Go Gonzo...I want you in semi..in 4 sets please :rolleyes:

No one follow this match...First set Gonzo lead 5-2 with two breaks... :yikes: :yikes: ...Where is Nadal??? :wacko:

Gonzo is serving for the first set...He is doing plenty of winners :rolleyes:

Hi there :) I picked Gonzo to win this, but I went for 5 sets or possibly 4. I wasn't expectign this first set almost whitewash though. I'm expectign Nadal to rais ehis level. Good game plan from Gonzo though.

Quite an easy set for Gonzo, 12 winners to 6 UEs with Nadal 3 and 7. Looks like another case of a hard hitter blasting Nadal off the court, but a long way to go yet.

...and 1st game of the second set Gonzo gets 2 break points, and takes the first.

Does Gonzalez always run around his backhand like that?

Surely that's a weakness?

As far as I remember watching Gonzo's matches, yes he has always "run around his backhand" Barry..To be honest and from I saw of him against Hewitt well at this AO is "running around" not so often as he was used too. But I agree this is certainly a problem in his game: He continues to relay too much on his fantastic FH.

5 cent opinion :rolleyes:

Barrystar, Steffi Graf also used to run around her backhand in the most extraordinary fashion (particularly in the late 80s.)

Nadal seems to think its a weakness, most of hits shots are directed to Gonzo's backhand.

At the moment both players are getting through their service games fairly comfortably, Gonzo is being helped by some great serving.

Rafa gets back from 40-15 down to gain a break point, but Gonzalez snuffs it out with three straight points and leads 6-2 5-3

Set point for Gonzo, and he takes it.

Gonzalez 2 sets up!!

It ain't over till it's over, but at this rate you have got to say it is a shame that Federer is playing Roddick in the SF, rather than that they are on opposite sides of the draw so they could meet in the Final.

On current form it seems most likely that the ultimate winner will come from that match.

I am torn between Nadal and Gonzalez - the latter is playing very well and deserves his SF spot if he keeps it up, but I think that Nadal would be a tougher opponent for whoever reaches the final even if at the moment he seems to be struggling against lesser players than Federer or Roddick.

Bottom line is that I don't think either Haas or Gonzalez can win it against Federer, or Roddick.

I wouldn't write Nadal off just yet as he was putting much more pressure on Gonzalez towards the end of the second set.

Still, it's a long way back for Rafa.

I agree, I would not do that. I guess I should have added that I would rather see an apparently off-colour Nadal have to beat Roddick to get to the final because at the moment I think the top two players in this tournament are Federer and Roddick.

Did you see that get from Gonzalez!? He is really geed up now. Rafa does indeed have a mountain to climb. 1-1 in the third.

How the hell did Gonzalez make that pass to win the second game? Remarkable!

Another slow start for Nadal. However, towards the end of the second set he was clearly showing signs of getting the better of Gonzalez. I expect this set to be quite tight, before Rafa eases through the final two to set up an easy semi-final.

2-1 Nadal, third set. The Spaniard looking to put some pressure on Gonzo's serve here.

Nadal has called the trainer, not quite sure why at the mo

I can see why people want Nadal to win as they think he'll give Fed a better match than anyone else but I'm not convinced he will, judging by this match and Rafa's hatred of variety (as in Murray match) which Fed is bound to use. I'm nto a Roddick fan, and hsi matches with Fed have sucked, BUT if he's improved as much as they say he has I'd like to see him play Fed. I doubt very much he'd win but it might be a better match than his usual, as the USO wasn't bad so I heard. Anyway, I want Fed to ahcieve a GS and I think this year is his best chance. :)

Oooooh.

I hope he isn't injured, but equally I hope that it's not a ploy - that wouldn't be his style would it?

Trainer out for Nadal - sounds like a groin problem as he's having to go off court to remove his shorts.

Exactly SuperBRAT. Roddick will give Federer a game, but is unlikely to win. Gonzo's in great form but once he meets Federer he'll fold in 3, like an important business letter. Rafa's the only man to keep this tournament alive. Vamos!

Ah Wise! How's the weather in Melbourne? :D

I just said to my wife after Nadal won the second set "I bet he takes an injury break at 2-1..."

And he has. I'm so surprised ...

Like it :D

You got your banner sorted out Wise?

Nadal has returned to the court, the next game will be interesting.

Do I take it that some posters think Nadal is not above the old injury ploy?

Nadal's groin has clearly been hampering him here. However after treatment he gets to 15-30 on the Chilean's serve beforesome great play from Gonzo takes us to 2-2.

You might very well say that. I couldn't possibly comment... :whistle:

For the benefit of those lesser educated people, Nadal suffered a groin injury in a warm-up tournament against Guccione. To suggest he's faking this is a disgraceful slur.

roflmao roflmao roflmao Andy you are a master...

Wise when do you plan to run on the center court ? roflmao roflmao

And Vamos Gonzo :bow: :bow:

Well Wise

Bizarre but this happen as well before Wimbledon :whistle: :whistle:

Gonzo sets up a break point, break point conversion seems to have been the difference between Gonzo and Murray's performances - Murray couldn't get them but Gonzo has been able to so far.

and Gonzo breaks again.

Nadal's groin injury plainly visible as he slips to break point down, and Gonzo punishes a second serve to take it.

Like I said originally, I know he mucks about between serves, but I would not expect Nadal to fake an injury. He might chose his moment to get the trainer on though....