So, the Nadal vs. Tsonga semi is about to start :yahoo:

I reckon Nadal should get this - probably have a tough first set and then two relatively easy sets :shrug:

(now watch Tsonga win in 5...... :blink: )

I'm cheering for Tsonga. Woke up at 3 am to watch this :unsure: ......still can't find a streaming link as yet.

I got one link but its chinese commentary. :(

Thank goodness Star Sports has it :)

Nadal leads head to head.

This one should be a blockbuster.

_________


Rafa is broken!

Tsonga a break up at 2-0 in the first set.

They keep going on about Tsonga's soft hands on Aussie Open radio.... does he use fairy liquid?

Nadal is playing well despite being a break down already. It's going to be tough for Tsonga, though h is playing well to.

I find there is a lot of Safin in Tsonga's game.

best line of commentary i heard earlier was Sam Smith saying that it was difficult to know what Rafa was thinking before a match - i was left wondering whether she's able to read the minds of the other players :unsure:

4-1 Tsonga.

Excellent tennis by him so far.

come on rafa!!!! :pray:

GO TSONGA! :D

I have predicted a Tsonga win, albeit boldly. I think people have underated his chances, he ha snothing to lose and is gettign better all the time. Nadal however is a tough competitor. I don't know the score cos I paused my TV didgbox so am just abotu to start watching and fast forward the bits between play, so back in a mo.

Muhammad Ali looking good here! :o

argh! first set to Tsonga 6-2 - COME ON RAFA!!!! :angry:

6-2 first set.

YAY!

6-2 Tsonga!

I know the match has a long way to go, but the worrying thing for Nadal is his record on hard courts against tall players who hit a flat, powerful ball: Blake & Berdych.

you see, and *that* is why i'm not doing well in the predictions contest :doh:

I called a Nadal win too, but added the note that Tsonga will trouble him more than Djoko will trouble Federer....but lets see what Nadal can do about this.

Yep, :D He's floatign his bacjhand volleys like a butterfly and stinging like a bee :lol:

He does remind me of Cassius Clay though!

And he's off to a flyer! Brilliant serving, great backhand volleys and a massive forehand! :bow: Great attacking play - I don't see what Nadal can do if Tsonga keeps this up.

6-2 to Tsonga 1st set! :lol: Wicked! :D Love it! :ok:

10/12 net points won! 17 winners to Nadal's measly 6! :D

Oh no, he uses Tesco's own brand according to John Llloyd ;)

Exactly. I'm no expert but he doesn't seem to adjust to the surface - treats it rather like clay with where he stands and hits from. Whereas although I don't like him much on grass, it is so laboured, credit to him because he has made adjustments like standing closer in and attmepting to volley.

Anyway I just LOVE it when a basline puncher gets beat at the net time and time again. It's just great, and I don't see it too often these days.

The only thing is that Tsonga looks already tired!

Tsonga is playing great tennis.

Well, we've got a battle on our hands now that Nadal seems to have started to realize he's going to have to play a bit more agressive.

By the way, although I understand the Safin comparison, I believe I have a better one: he's much more like Younes El-Aynoui with touch.

:yikes: :yikes: Come ooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnn RAFA :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:

SB....I saw what you said earlier
:rolleyes:

:pray: come on Rafa!!!!

I m not sure I remember El A's game. didn't he have a shbh? he was playing with flair and don't remember the power a la Safin. But as mentioned that's a long time ago.

Good service game by Tsonga (3 aces): 6-2 3-2. I think the deciding factor in this match is going to be Tsonga first serve: if he keeps the %age high and gets enough easy points, then he's going top have the energy to atack the Nadal serve. If he has to work too much to win his serve, I think Nadal is going to eventually wear him down.

No, he had a DHBH, big serve, big forehand from the BH-side.

Spot on.

This is tennis of the highest calibre :D

I do believe Tsonga is already nackered.

Yeah, I want Tsonga to win :D I like him, he's been the star of the tournie so far, nice to see a player who actually understnds what the net is for :lol:

Nadal is playing really well. He makes the best of his game on hard!

...but excellent hold again from Tsonga!

Yes, fair point. Although I hope this match isn't won purely by one player being able to run around more than the other.

Welcome to today's tennis SB! ;)

5-3!

Tsonga breaking with a couple of ridiculous drop-volleys!

Ouahh - Nadal looks resigned. 30 - 0!

Just saw those two points from 30-30 to Game Tsonga - he played them brilliantly. What exciting attacking tennis.

I hope he gets the second set now - he has not yet faced a single bp.