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Analyzing Nick’s Masterpiece Nadal Beatdown
65 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Scoop
By Scoop Malinowski
Nick Kyrgios showed the world once again the sort of tennis genius we adore him for, despite all the tanks and unprofessional play.
Kyrgios dominated the best player in the world last night with a shock and awe 62 75 dismissal of Nadal, who tried his very best but was out of his league against the A-plus game of the erratic but spectacular Australian. Nadal came out guns blazing and grunting from the very first ball but he was quickly broken by Kurgios in the opening game.
Kyrgios had a quiet confidence and twinkle in his eye before the match as he told ESPN’s Pam Shriver, “I know what he’s gonna bring and I’m ready for it.” But before the match started, Darren Cahill did not respect Kyrgios’ chances and said bluntly that Nadal is “the heavy favorite.”
Kyrgios has shown that he especially loves playing the top titans of tennis. When Kyrgios plays Federer, Djokovic and Nadal he has a different intensity level compared to when he plays regular randon ATP players. In boxing there is an old maxim that sums it up: “Great champions have trouble getting up for mediocre fights.”
Kyrgios was flying all over the court last night, unleashing aces and winners off both wings all over the court. It was near unbelievable to see Nadal look like a guy ranked about 45 in the world. He looked helpless at times, chasing and netting shots because Nick’s shots were simply on a different warp speed.
It got so bad that Kyrgios then opted to employ some Muhammad Ali showboating, or taunting. With the two break lead, Kyrgios tried a silly tweener shot that he didn’t have to, which Nadal ate up and slashed for a forehand winner. But it was like Muhammad Ali taunting his opponent by doing his famous Ali foot shuffle. Or Sugar Ray Leonard throwing the insulting bolo punches or windmill right fake followed by a surprise mock jab.
The failed tweener didn’t deter Kyrgios at all. Next he tried a Federer saber shot on a return of serve. Again it didn’t work but Nick was sending a very clear message. “I am toying with the best player in the world.”
Nadal had to be burning up inside but he contained his frustrations. Nadal lost the first set 26 but of course mustered up his intensity for the second set. No way was he gonna let this cocky whippersnapper insult him in this manner.
Nadal raised his level and had a break point early but failed to convert. Nick raised his level too. When Kyrgios is playing fully inspired, trying to prove something, he is nearly unstoppable. He was emotionally locked in from the get-go, shouting come-ons and exhortations to himself through the entire match. There were no falters or brain cramps, Nick was locked in from the first point to the last.
There were no signs at all that Nick hates tennis. To the contrary, last night was what Nick loves most about tennis. Playing the best brings out his very best. And that kind of special genius was worth seeing for all the inexplicable tank performances.
Though Nadal fought back to save match point and break Nick for 5-6 – erupting one of his huge fist pumps to announce his raging intensity and hunger to destroy his formidable adversary – Nadal blundered in the following service game with mediocre play. Nadal was broken easily to squander the match 62 75.
Nick dominated the entire duel with an unforgettable performance that instantly vaults him as one of the lead favorites to win his first major at the US Open.
If Kyrgios can sustain this level of intensity and concentration, the US Open will be his. But then again, who knows which Nick Kyrgios will show up if he has to play first round against Ryan Harrison or Lukas Lacko on court seventeen at 11 am?
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1 2 Next »Front242 · August 19, 2017 at 4:03 pm
In fairness, he's number 1 because Murray skipped 2 masters and has under performed for months and Federer skipped Cinci due to injury. A healthy Federer would likely have won Cinci and so far he's player of the year with 2 slams anyway. Back to Kyrgios, he's made 2 slam quarter finals to date and best result at the USO is 3rd round. As much as I like him, he's not winning the USO and his fitness is always questionable which is the most likely reason he's not winning. Making the 2nd week would be a good result for him even with the state of the top players missing.
Also, the toying with part applies to everyone as Kyrgios is a crowd pleaser and likes to put on a show. He does trick shots in most matches.
Scoop Malinowski · August 19, 2017 at 10:46 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
No excuses, Rafa has had an excellent year and he is of course worthy and deserving of being no. 1. Murray should have played these events. Murray let it slip away. I enjoy watching Nick toy, taunt and showboat with opponents. It adds an interesting element to tennis.
GameSetAndMath · August 19, 2017 at 11:13 pm
The SABR moves are being done repeatedly by Nick. He did it few times today also. Hope, he pays royalty toTMF at least every time he uses.
Duke Carnoustie · August 20, 2017 at 12:05 am
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Scoop, spot-on analysis. Kyrgios said afterward that he gets up for these matches and has trouble facing Nicholas Kicker in Lyon in front of 15 people. Under the lights, this is what he lives for. Rafa looked helpless out there – this is the No. 1 player in the world? I think these two weeks have proved that unless Murray and Djoker come back and hold off these young guys, it will be hard for Fed and Nadal to do so; Fed simply because will his body hold up and Nadal simply because outside of clay, I can't see him beating Zverev and Kyrgios on a consistent basis. I'm confident Kyrgios will seize the moment and dismiss Dimitrov tomorrow. As for the Open, I agree he will flame out with too much partying in NY to be had to focus for two whole weeks. Remember Nick is looking to find a gf too and plenty of women will be throwing themselves at him in New York. But the arrow on Kyrgios is pointed up.
Duke Carnoustie · August 20, 2017 at 12:10 am
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Fritz facing Jaziri in R1 at Winston-Salem and would face Sugita next. It's a winnable set of matches. Credit Kevin Anderson for pulling out and Isner should do the same. You are not planning to make a run at the USO if you play Winston-Salem.
Hartt · August 20, 2017 at 7:20 am
Hartt writes:
Outside of the AO Rafa has not played well on hard courts this year, so he may not be a factor at the USO. Andy Murray, out for some time with injury, lacks match play and practice time. Fed's back will be an issue. And of course Novak won't be there at all. This looks like an excellent opportunity for a new title holder at the USO.
Scoop Malinowski · August 20, 2017 at 9:35 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Beating Ferrer is a big win for Kyrgios and shows he's serious and hungry for this title. We know Ferrer has an extreme hunger and for Nick to outwill Ferrer is a very good sign. It looks like Kyrgios has finally set his sights on going all the way. Could be Nick's time right now. And in NY.
Scoop Malinowski · August 20, 2017 at 9:37 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Duke, thank you. I see Nick knocking off Dimitrov also. Regarding the girlfriend hunt – maybe Nick should pull a Safin and invite all his girlfriends to sit in his box during the Open. Safin went all the way to the final that one year he had four or five girlfriends in his box 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · August 20, 2017 at 9:38 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Isner is probably getting a hefty appearance fee. I would guess Isner might lose early in NC because he has a great shot to make a deep run at US Open this year.
Scoop Malinowski · August 20, 2017 at 9:39 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Hartt; Rafa made finals of Aus, IW and Miami. Those are very good results on hard court.
Carol · August 20, 2017 at 10:42 am
Come on, It wasn't a Kyrgios master piece, Nadal has been beaten by himself!. And yesterday he had a tough match against a lot older player and who was playing a little better than all around this year but also has win one MS in his all carrer. I think it's being exaggerated the Kyrgios's results
Hartt · August 20, 2017 at 11:02 am
Hartt writes:
Scoop, Rafa did not make the final in IW. Fed creamed him in R16, something like 6-3, 6-2. And he was somewhat lucky to make the final in Miami – the highest ranked player he faced before that was Sock at No. 17.
Duke Carnoustie · August 20, 2017 at 11:31 am
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Nuts that Djoker, Stan and Kei are all out and maybe Cilic too. Then Murray having no match play and Fed maybe hurting too. Big chance for guys like Dimitrov, Tsonga and Monfils. Remember Monfils reached the SFs last year.
Duke Carnoustie · August 20, 2017 at 11:35 am
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Kyrgios is training with buddy Jack Sock in Kansas City before heading to NY. Don't know if this is the best prep.
Fiero425 · August 20, 2017 at 11:56 am
TPBlogGuest said:
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Kyrgios was toying with Nadal and Ferrer it seemed to me! He wasn't going all out in some of those rallies where he was just hitting an easy BH crosscourt and deciding to play their game at times! When in trouble or truly needing the point, he was there with a big serve or FH to take over or win the point outright! The only silly stuff to me are those drop-shots so telegraphed that even a short Ferrer chased them down for winners! This is the Kyrgios that can dominate Nole who was already spiraling down! He should take this final, but ya never know! Grigor could rise to the occasion since this is both their 1st Masters' final! I'm sure they want to join their next-gen rival Sasha Z.! :yes:
Carol · August 20, 2017 at 12:07 pm
LOL, yeah……Kyrgios maybe he was toying with his own shadow playing against the "ghost" of Nadal and later against a guy a lot older than him and who was playing a little better for the first time in all around year and even that the match was very tied and tough for both and just Kyrgios' serve (much better than Ferru) was his "lifesaver"
Front242 · August 20, 2017 at 2:27 pm
How about Kyrgios is playing without injury for once so he's able to play properly. That's the way most would see it. How long it'll last is another thing. He's as injury prone as Nishikori and Raonic unfortunately.
catherine · August 20, 2017 at 3:13 pm
catherine writes:
Muguruza bt Halep 6- 6-0. If no injury affecting to Simona I would have to agree with Scoop, Garbine is the best player in the world at present.
catherine · August 20, 2017 at 3:19 pm
catherine writes:
And this is the second time in 2 weeks Simona has come up with 0 sets. Something seriously wrong here and no occ is putting it right.
scoopmalinowski · August 20, 2017 at 3:49 pm
scoopmalinowski writes:
Nadal never beats himself. Kyrgios is his kryptonite. When Kyrgios is inspired hes too much for Nadal on hard court. Kyrgios just needs to be inspired fully for every match.
catherine · August 20, 2017 at 3:51 pm
catherine writes:
Does anyone care about the women's event ? Seems not.
Hartt · August 20, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Hartt writes:
Catherine, I saw the final and was surprised at how easily Garbine won, with a bread stick and a bagel, after Simona won so easily yesterday. I like Mugu and hope that she will continue to play more consistent tennis.
catherine · August 20, 2017 at 4:26 pm
catherine writes:
My comment on the final is simply that Simona appears a rather immature player who really has a lot to learn and her position at number 2 in the world is a joke. How long Cahill will stand her failures in big matches is questionable. The USO may prove me wrong but I don't think so. Having said that I will now take a rest from this site.
catherine · August 20, 2017 at 4:43 pm
catherine writes:
Hartt – I think Garbine's beginning to show she can be consistent and she's only 23 I think. What's depressing about Simona is this loss is added to her previous one (can't remember who she played) where she lost love sets and then didn't seem to have a clue what the problem was. Cahill must be feeling pretty desperate. I'm serious about taking a rest – I've run out of anything interesting to say for the time being and I miss the conversations we used to have with Andrew. Naturally I'll be following the USO – will be a poignant experience for Kerber, returning to the scene of her big win and she is now on her way out of the top 10. Stan of course won't be there.
Hartt · August 20, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Hartt writes:
Catherine, please don't leave! Simona is an enigma. Yesterday she played a brilliant match against Stephens, winning easily. Some said Sloane was tired, which is likely true, but Simona played first-rate tennis from the first shot to the last. And then today she was creamed by Garbine, who played very well, but it should not have been that kind of drubbing.
Hartt · August 20, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Hartt writes:
Dimitrov just played an exceptional match to win the Cincy final over Kyrgios. So, another new Masters champ. Will Dimitrov be able to continue this level of play at the USO?
Doug Day · August 20, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Doug Day writes:
A Fed in Full (baby fed no more!)
scoopmalinowski · August 20, 2017 at 9:38 pm
scoopmalinowski writes:
Super G is ready to win usopen. Brilliant spectacular win today. Nicks intensity was not fully there today like it was vs rafa.
Duke Carnoustie · August 20, 2017 at 9:58 pm
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Sorry Catherine, The women's event was good but rain wreaked havoc on it and the last two days were duds. Garbine is the best though. I wasn't able to watch as much as I would have liked. Sorry for your loss and terrible performance from Simona. I agree that Cahill needs to call it quits. I always felt he is a little overrated.
Carol · August 20, 2017 at 10:28 pm
I'd say that Dimi played much better than Nadal, that was the big difference
Scoop Malinowski · August 20, 2017 at 10:31 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Cahill is an excellent coach and broadcaster but he blew that Nadal vs Kyrgios match by saying Rafa was the "heavy favorite." Which showed he really can't read Nick at all. But I have to admit lately it does seem Cahill is kind of on autopilot, he doesn't really say anything very interesting, he's just going through the verbal motions giving viewers just the basics with no juice or really interesting insights. Getting kind of stale.
Scoop Malinowski · August 20, 2017 at 10:34 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Carol, Kyrgios was far more locked in and inspired vs Rafa. Cmons and fist pumps early and throughout. Grunting throughout. Vs Dimitrov it was different Nick. Like Nick was the favorite. He definitely was clearly more inspired and fired up to slay Rafa than to beat Dimitrov today. Today he was whining about calls and missed calls. Vs Rafa he was totally locked in and focused on the task at hand. Nick at is best was too much for Rafa. Nick today was more at his normal regular level and it was not good enough to take down Dimitrov. Not sure if Dimitrov would have beaten Rafa in the final today if Rafa had beaten regular level Nick.
Carol · August 20, 2017 at 11:00 pm
scoop said:
↑
Kyrgios always is whining when the opponent is beatten him or he calls the trainer because his hip, his shoulder or whatever, he is a bad loser. Nadal played horrible since the beginning of the match starting with his serve and doing errors by errors so Kyrgios didn't have to do too much and too be focused, Nadal helped him to look much better that he really was. Yesterday I said that if Dimi plays well then Kyrgios couldn't do too much, I was right
Duke Carnoustie · August 20, 2017 at 11:02 pm
Duke Carnoustie writes:
Jack Sock has split his last 12 matches. The six losses have all come to lower ranked players – Vesely at RG, Ofner at SW19, Edmund in Atlanta, Anderson at Washington, Ferrer at Montreal and Sugita at Cincinnati.
catherine · August 21, 2017 at 2:56 am
catherine writes:
Hartt – no, maybe I'll just cut down a bit on comments. Sometimes I do get internet fatigue 🙂 Re Simona – she won easily against Sloane because Sloane had played 2 matches the previous day and was drained, possibly more mentally than physically. So that wasn't much of a challenge. But come yesterday against a stronger, fitter and more thinking player Simona didn't have any answers. And neither did Cahill. 'She's playing well' he said at occ. Really ? How profound. As Scoop noted re commentating, Cahill's getting stale. I wonder if Simona wouldn't be better off with a woman coach, if there was one. Someone who wouldn't have any patience with her cutesy-pie act. And if Simona's a bit obsessed with that No 1 ranking perhaps she should have a word with Angie who is now No6 and falling.
catherine · August 21, 2017 at 3:06 am
catherine writes:
Duke – no need for apology – the women's event didn't produce fireworks I admit. I'm not a Halep booster particularly. Her personality gets her lots of fans but I really don't feel, with her tactically limited game and disinclination to attack, that she's going to dominate when there are stronger players around. Unless there's a big change. Her relationship with Cahill is far too comfortable.I don't think he reads her well. Everyone here knows the player I follow (faithfully) but I won't mention Her Name and won't have to for much longer anyway since she's off over the horizon 🙂
Front242 · August 21, 2017 at 3:09 am
Carol said:
↑
Did you see the end of the match? Nick was extremely gracious in defeat. Much more so than the grumpy crooked mouth scowl your favourite player puts on when he loses. Regarding injuries, you really need to sort out your deplorable bias 'cos you never questioned Murray's hip injury as he's your 2nd favourite player I believe and yet you claim Kyrgios complains about his hip and shoulder when he loses. When Nick is injured he either retires from the match or doesn't play the tournament. It's as simple as that.
Scoop Malinowski · August 21, 2017 at 7:53 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
"Show me a good loser and I will show you a loser." I respect any player who hates to lose and who is not afraid to show their deep disgust when losing. I remember Arnaud Clement said he thought it was really abnormal for any player to accept losing so easily.
Hartt · August 21, 2017 at 7:56 am
Hartt writes:
Although I was shocked by the lopsided score in the women;s final, I was not surprised by the result. Had both Muguruza and Halep played their very best, Garbine, with her superior firepower, still would have won. I wonder if too much is expected of Halep, if reaching No. 2 and winning a fair number of tournaments is her ceiling. When a player like Garbine is playing well, Simona does not have the weapons to combat that, her excellent defense is not enough. I don't think changing coaches is the answer. In fact, without Cahill, a coach she knows and trusts, I suspect Simona could have worse results.
Scoop Malinowski · August 21, 2017 at 8:37 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Halep vs Muguruthless is a welterweight vs a heavyweight. The fact that Halep is where she is is nothing short of a miracle. She deserves a lot of credit for her career even if she never wins a major or gets to no. 1. She is one of the biggest overachievers in history.
catherine · August 21, 2017 at 8:42 am
catherine writes:
Hartt- I'd hate to think any player is content to be a perpetual runner-up. And Simona seems to expect a lot of herself, the way she talks sometimes. Yet she doesn't behave that way on court – stuck miles behind the baseline and not varying her strategy or using half the shots in her locker. Given, she doesn't have a naturally aggressive mind-set but that's something that can be trained into her in match-play. She won't win without it, as you suggest. Her attachment to Cahill is two-edged. Yes,she knows and trusts him but that seems to have bred dependence.The occ is a crutch and a pretty useless one, and a hopeless emotional bind. Maybe she should try a split from Cahill, psychologically, just create a gap which will help the coaching relationship. That's something which is helpful to a lot of teaching situations – keep essential distance from your students and you'll be a better teacher and have better students.
catherine · August 21, 2017 at 8:44 am
catherine writes:
Scoop – don't see any reason Simona couldn't win a major, in a few years time. She needs to mature.
Scoop Malinowski · August 21, 2017 at 9:09 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Catherine; Do you ever wonder if Halep and Cahill are more than just coach and player? Interesting to see her join him in the photo pit for Kyrgios vs Nadal. Nothing would surprise me…
Hartt · August 21, 2017 at 9:22 am
Hartt writes:
Catherine, I agree that Halep aspires to be No. 1. I like her and would be pleased if she achieved that. I just wonder if it is an achievable goal, especially with other WTA players, like Muguruza, continuing to improve. As far as her dependence on Cahill goes, I agree that it is not helping her. Cahill has said that he does not want her asking for OCC so often. But that is the player's decision and he can hardly refuse during a match when she calls on him.
catherine · August 21, 2017 at 9:27 am
catherine writes:
Well Scoop, nothing would surprise me either but I'm afraid we can't speculate too openly on those matters. If you were to ask my opinion in a general sense I'd say no, although an emotional tie is certainly there and maybe shouldn't be, but of course Simona could soon find other distractions – hope she does. I've always thought of her as young for age. BTW – did you read Serena's comments in her Vogue interview about her relationship with Patrick and how she feels about it now ? Interesting.
catherine · August 21, 2017 at 9:29 am
catherine writes:
Hartt – re occ he (she) who pays the piper calls the tune and it's Simona paying Cahill to come running 🙂
Hartt · August 21, 2017 at 10:03 am
Hartt writes:
Scoop, if you want some real controversy how about the reports that there may have been match-fixing in the Dolgopolov vs. Monteiro match? I was surprised there was not more in the tennis press about it, but the British papers have started to have reports. A couple sites wrote about it yesterday. Tennispulse.com had a pretty complete story, "Dolgopolov vs. Monteiro Possibly a Match Fixing Affair". The betting patterns were so suspicious that several betting sites closed betting before the match even began. And there are reports that Dolgopolov tanked the match. Whether he was involved with match fixing is hard to know, but it should be a huge story.
Carol · August 21, 2017 at 10:09 am
Front242 said:
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Hey, leave Nadal alone and more when your favorite is the worst loser of the tour, YES, the worst, he always has been and he always will be.
Kyrgios is a lier, no one likes to lose, correct, but if the opponent plays better they don't need to do so much show, if they are INJURED then they need to be out FOR MORE THAN ONE MONTH, otherwise it's just a discomfort……..OF THE EGO
Carol · August 21, 2017 at 10:37 am
So according to you Nadal played well but Kyrgios better, isn't? whatever…..
Front242 · August 21, 2017 at 1:21 pm
What a load of rubbish. So if Federer plays the USO he had nothing more than discomfort of the ego? He just skipped a tournament he had high chances of winning for nothing. Good theory. You need help. Federer has been very gracious in defeat for years too but you haven't noticed as you're blinded by hatred.