Saturday, August 30, 2008

Bye Bye New York

And David goes down to Gael Monfils 6-3 6-4 6-2 in 139 minutes.
Posted by Arizona at 6:55 PM
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6 comments:

Sean said...

I think John McEnroe basically nailed it. He mentioned all things David has done in his career (at least a semi-finalist in all slams, one point away at U.S. Open against Roddick, etc.). But he commented that David looked "flat-footed", "listless", like he had already conceded the match in the second set. Basically the same problems we've seen all year. If you go back and check out his form last year at the last two Masters, it should recall in most people's minds that his foot speed and agility used to be two of his biggest assets.

I saw a guy today who just stood there after the points we're in play and didn't seem to have agility or any energy. I've been wondering if might have some kind of problem with his metabolism. I know he's not playing "flat-footed" on purpose. If he can't get back into form, maybe he should retire. It grieves me to see him playing at this level, not even able to hit easy slams and forehand winners because his footwork and agility are so poor. One positive: although not fantastic, his serving was not the biggest issue today...it was better than it was this spring. Although McEnroe commented on a couple of first serves he got in we're only 90 mph and Monfils was able to tag them for winners.

August 31, 2008 7:09 AM
Julia said...

Here's what David himself had to say after the match:
"I believe that I played better that in the other two matches, with more rhythm, although the weather was very difficult or there was something unusual, the issue is that I got tired very much. The defeat happened more because of the physical part than for the tennis. The fatigue made me doubt at moments and I was not accurate. I was not hurt at all, but he was quickly winning his games and mine was costing me more energy. In the end, I was dead. I played well in the first two sets. I could not take advantage of the break I had in the second set and in the third, he was already better than me. It was a pity to have lost, because I was well, I could have won."
(From an interview with La Nacion, quoted & translated on MTF at http://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?p=7574583#post7574583)

Well, it was obvious that he was slow and tired as the match went on. But it's not like he started well and then faded in the end. No, it was really tough to watch from the first point on. Not just because of all those UEs he made. Or the bout of "drop-shotitis" in the second set. What I found really disturbing was the total lack of any visible game plan or strategy. Especially given the fact that he only recently lost to Monfils. But David made the exact same mistakes he made at Beijing. And I just can't understand, why...

August 31, 2008 12:37 PM
Sean said...

This is going out on a total conjecture limb, but is it possible he has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or hypothyroidism or something internal that is making it hard for him to do what he did so naturally last Fall, mainly serve well, run down shots (he did have that one beautiful between the legs shot; but it seemed like a one time thing and no matter what, he is a Master in talent), look focused and hungry,etc. In so many matches this year, he looks mentally and physically exhausted.

I also have found it strange how he got into such good shape for Madrid and Paris, and then a little over a month later at the AO he looked like he looked at the 2007 U.S. Open again. And this really hasn't changed all year despite the numerous matches (about 40 this year). This makes me feel there is some chemical imbalance. It's interesting to note that he thrives indoors. Could it be allergies of some kind? If he dominates Paris and Madrid again this year, (and remember his wonderful play at the Masters Cup indoors), this should offer him and his team some clues about his health. It feels like there is something more to the story than the ridiculous uninformed opinions that he is "lazy" or "parties too much". Where is the proof of that? I read he was doing physical therapy running in pools and working out bettween Wimbledon and Beijing. My intuition tells me there is something wrong that is beyond his present control.

August 31, 2008 1:05 PM
Sean said...

One quote from after Wimbledon that I can't forget is someone (maybe his trainer?) stating that he "may need surgery". Was it ever revealed what needed surgery? The whole thing is so muddled, and the symptoms I read about (muscle and abdominal aches, fatigue, lack of mobility in joints, etc.) are in the rhealm of hypersensitivity to the environment.

An off the wall observation this year...he does great whenever I can't see him play (playing on Court 11s with no crowd), and has played pretty poorly when I have had the ability to see him on TV or live streaming (in a major arena). He hasn't played to the crowd at all. Does overstimulation drain him? Is he highly sensitive? Anyway, just the musings of a fan really ocnfused by the enigma of a talent so up and down.

August 31, 2008 2:19 PM
Arizona said...

Sean, I agree with you that there's something wrong with David which is highly unclear. I'd go more for something psychosomatic rather than an allergy. However, I also suspect there's more than a grain of truth in what some commentators have said. The "fat Dave" syndrome. You can just look at his body and at the way he moves and you can see that he's not a fit athlete. You can't play seriously at that level of the game when you're in that kind of shape. It takes more than a natural talent to win, it also takes a lot more hard work and sacrifice than David seems prepared to commit to.

I also see the rise of Juan Martin del Potro as a danger for David. He'll soon replace him as the #1 ranked player of Argentina. With that honour no longer attached to himself, David might lack inspiration to continue.

So, I see resignation on the horizon. That, or a final bid to get his act together and achieve something more from his career.

If it was up to me, I'd have him retire from the circuit until next year. Spend the rest of the year working on his body and basic fitness. Then do the Hopman Cup as a warm up for the Australian Open. Then show us what he's made of.

Whatever he decides, I wish him luck for we all always need that.

August 31, 2008 5:21 PM
Sean said...

Hi Arizona,

I agree with you about the retirement until his body is not aching anymore. If he can't find the motivation, maybe a natural retirement would come out of it. I'd rather not get my hopes up so high and then watch a display like yesterday. Almost every time I've seen him play this year, it has just made me feel depressed and feel bad for him. He's had a brilliant career if he retires at this point and I'd like to remember Shanghai 2005 the deep runs in the majors and the Masters coup d'etat from last Fall. The caveat argument is that his best surface is indoor carpet and he seems to be an excellent end of year player. Why? Maybe seeing the finish line inspires him?

At this point, I'd rather see him compete at a high-level against a Monfils or Djokovic and lose 7-6 in a fifth set tiebreaker. Those kinds of losses are agonizing for sure, but much better than seeing a classy, talented and charismatic guy like that get humiliated and torn apart by the press.

Monfils should have a little more discretion on when he should do his "crazy dance". Do it after a hard fought win, not when you've beaten a player that seems dispirited. It comes off as gloating and narcisistic. I was neutral about him up until yesterday, but his sustained gloating and calling the match "gorgeous" was really insensitive to the max. I much prefer the reaction Nadal gave Fed in the French Open, showing respect by restraining his celebration out of respect and compassion for the other player's obvious humiliation in that particular match. Imagine if Nadal had done some funky little dance after blowing Fed out? He has too much class for that I know. I hope Fish destroys Monfils. Fish was very respectful to Nalby when he beat him at Indian Wells this spring, both on court and in his post-match interview.

Oh well...I think we'll have some answers soon. His ranking is going to plummet and I don't think he is having much fun anymore with this stuff, and he has far too many other interests to be "lost" without Tennis. I hope he does the right thing for himself.

August 31, 2008 8:26 PM

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