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Stan Disrespected, “Stanimal” Unleashed
40 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Disrespected from all angles, all tournament, all fortnight, Stan Wawrinka responded with a vengeance today, performing one of the best matches of his career.
Consider the peripheral events which surely factored into Stan’s marvelous triumph today…there was the ridiculous tabloid article on the official Roland Garros site which disclosed personal details about Stan’s marital problems (the article was later pulled after Stan complained). There were the mocking comments about Stan’s unconventional un-matching Yonex outfit. Even the Queen herself, Mirka Federer heckled Stan calling him “a crybaby” (at World Tour Finals in London). Then there was the media perpetuating the mischaracterization illusion that Stan is the eternal B side ugly duckling to Fed’s swan-elegant, artistic, imperious monarchy.
Even after Stan led Switzerland to its historic first Davis Cup title last year, winning his key singles match, it was Federer, shockingly beaten by Gael Monfils first up on opening Friday, who garnered all the glory and accolades as if he carried the Swiss team on his shoulders to the monumental triumph. Wawrinka, the real hero, was once again relegated to the shadows of the maestro who clinched the cup by beating Gasquet.
All this disrespect accumulated to awaken a sleeping giant today in Paris.
Wawrinka played with a chip on his shoulder and an undeniable edgy vengeance. The robust COME ONS proved it. In total command throughout the 64 63 76 rout, Stan blasted Federer around the court like a punching bag.
Perhaps the finest performance of his career, Wawrinka was absolutely spectacular today. And this earthquake magnitude victory may have altered the entire tournament. Djokovic and Nadal have to be very concerned after seeing this sensational display of power tennis by Stan.
No doubt tired of all the cracks and slights and disrespect, Stan unleashed himself STANIMAL STYLE today on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
And after what we saw today, you have to wonder if the other players remaining in the draw will also suffer a similar fate like Federer. Rafa and Djokovic both know far too well how hard it is to play The STANIMAL.
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Dan Markowitz · June 3, 2015 at 2:56 am
Amazing performance by Stan and we’ve seen a different player since Rome. But I just felt the way Stan was creaming opponents, he’d have to much for Fed today. It’s sad in a way, Fed has been playing well in the slams, but he ran into sawmills in Cilic and Wawa in 2 of the last 3 slams.
And you don’t know the impact a player’s personal life can have on his play. Maybe Stan was down about breaking up with his wife and kid and that’s why he was playing so poorly, and maybe if the Vekic relationship is true, maybe that’s lit his fire. Even Vekic played well at the French.
I like his chances against Tsonga who played an emotional amazing match with Kei today. His celebration at the end, etching out something in the clay and lying on his back makes me think he’s already trumped himself in celebrations. What’s he going to do if he wins the whole enchilada?
EddietheEagle · June 3, 2015 at 7:45 am
The two handers aren’t going to allow Stan to unleash as much. Federer will always throw out an opportunity sooner or later, with his backhand but I don’t think the others will be as generous. If he makes the final, it’s almost certain he’ll be playing Djokovic. The impregnable Joker will be in no mood to let Stan deny him his first French Open title and I can’t see Stan bossing Djokovic as he did Federer. The only thing that might affect Djokovic is coming in to the final showing the effects of playing two gruelling matches leading up. But there again, he does seem to be the master of recovery.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 8:09 am
Djokovic not only needs to beat Rafa and then Murray/Ferrer but he has to do it without expending too much energy. If Stan flies to the final, he can beat even a full strength Djokovic, let alone a tired one. But it’s only Weds, so all players will have plenty of days of rest to recover from grueling matches.
Dan Markowitz · June 3, 2015 at 8:42 am
I can’t believe the Errani serve. It’s like 75 mph right in the middle of the box. Serena’s up 5-1 in first set and it’s like batting practice for her. You can’t tell me the women should be making equal prize money when you watch a slam women’s quarter like this.
Ion Tiriac is sitting right behind the court and back in 1970 or so, he said, the women deserve equal prize money if they play three out of five sets and they play us. I kind of agree with Tiriac. I know it’s a different sex, but the women’s game quality is so far below the men’s.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 8:53 am
How about USA junior boys effort in Paris, MMoh vs. Opelka in QF – rematch of Eddie Herr final. Tommy Paul, winner of two Futures this month and a top hundred win vs. Bemelmans in Sarasota Challenger still alive. Taylor Fritz also still alive, and his power game and technique are getting rave reviews from BG. Looks like Patrick McEnroe laid a good foundation for USA tennis after all.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 8:54 am
I actually wonder if I could beat Errani in a practice set.
Gaurang · June 3, 2015 at 10:01 am
Djokovic 3-0 up. He’s starting well. Rafa is confused, and has huge doubts in his mind. Not looking for Rafa at this moment. At all.
EddietheEagle · June 3, 2015 at 10:02 am
Nadal already three love down and you can see the movement of old just isn’t there. He looks in pain almost trying to brake himself on the dead run. Rusedski’s infamous ‘half-a-step-slower’ remark comes to mind. What next for him, I wonder.
Dan Markowitz · June 3, 2015 at 10:28 am
Slow down, guys, Rafa comes back from two break deficit and ties first set 4-all. Djoko hit a sitter short ball at game point into the net with forehand on Nadal second break. If Nadal gets into his groove, Novak could be in deep trouble. Someone suggested on another web site that with everyone predicting a Djokovic victory, if he lost this match he might consider suicide. But Darren Cahill–I like DC but I’d rather hear BG doing the commentary. Since when do we give the lead commentator to an Aussie over an American–Djoko is not panicking after losing his early lead.
5-4 Djoko on serve.
Dan Markowitz · June 3, 2015 at 10:42 am
Wow, this 10th game of the first set is an epic! Djoko drop shotted Nadal to his backhand and when Nadal retrieved it, Djoko sent up a top spin lob over his head that Nadal somehow ran down, but he hit his return long. Then Rafa had the guts to drop shot Djoko and it was an outright winner.
Nadal just fought off a second break point in this game, after a long rally with another backhand drop shot that Djoko got to but netted. Nadal has held for 5-all. It’s gotten real tight here in first set. If this goes 5, it’s going to be a classic.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 11:04 am
What a set. Djokovic again establishes dominance, making it look almost easy, pinpoint perfect tennis up 40 then gets a bit careless, goes for casual winner to early, misses, then two bad misses at net. Suddenly Rafa levels it 44 but Djoko bent but refused to break. Weathered the storm, finally wins it 75. Long physical set, great match so far. will only get better. Get the feeling Rafa faked the struggles all spring and the somewhat negative talk this week about if he loses it’s okay, just stay healthy and keep playing. Rafa looks as good as ever right now. Nole will have to earn this.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 11:13 am
I like how Djokovic is matching Rafa’s fierce intensity from the get to. Rafa always brings out the ferocious grunts and in the past Djok was, IMO, too casual, trying to play casual but now he’s clearly matching Rafa’s grunt intensity and showing he wants it just as much if not more. Slight change by Djokovic. A very smart change. Imperative to match Rafa’s intensity. Absolutely imperative.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 11:14 am
Djokovic really playing well at net now, after two early misses, making nice stretch volley winners and lobs, Djok net game shining now. But will it when the pressure is REALLY on?
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 11:23 am
Nice volleys by Rafa in the 32 game. This match is living up to the gigantic expectations and delivering beyond.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 11:48 am
Djokovic wins second set 63, really showing his superiority now. And gets early break in third. Looks like we have a new King of Clay.
EddietheEagle · June 3, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Four love up when his concentration breaks and he misses two, three was it? absolute sitters. Quite why these pros insist on a risky swing volley when a simple put away volley finish would do, is beyond me. Laziness? That fifth game, Errani would have beaten him.
Harold · June 3, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Good solid win for the Djoker. Nadal falls to 10, one of the big 3 might get Nadal in the 4th round at Wimby.
If Fed would have said water the courts, the chair ump would have gotten 5 Evian bottles and done it himself.
Harry loses in first round of Manchester to the qualifier Freddy Nielsen.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 12:42 pm
Djokovic is taking tennis to a new level. Rafa seemed to sense this was coming all year long but still managed to have Djok staggered in the first set but he weathered the storm and kept his nerve. Rafa made Djok earn this the hard way and provoked greatness out of him. Rafa surrendered the throne today with grace and class, we have a new king.
EddietheEagle · June 3, 2015 at 12:50 pm
Nadal doesn’t have it in his legs any longer. The Murray match in Madrid wan one indication. The set Sock took off him another. Now he gets dumped out in straight sets today. It’s not his serve or his strokes or anything directly technical. He just can’t get to the ball as easily and he doesn’t hit all those in extremis winners that once flowed off his racquet to get the crowd off their seats. Apart from a brief passage in the first set, he was pretty lame today and the ending came as a damp squib.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Rafa had some very bad misses early, but was able to right the ship, and show the old prime Rafa. But this time Djokovic didn’t crack under the pressure Rafa put on him. He answered all the questions. There were several times when Djokovic could have crumbled but he overcame the adversity. Rafa was very close to winning this match, if he won that close first set, it’s very possible Djok could have become frustrated and blown the match. The first set was crucial. If Rafa could have stole it, the nightmares would have begin again for Djok…How did I lose that set from 4-0 up??? I think Rafa’s problems stem from Djokovic’s incredible play. He’s the only man to have beaten Rafa multiple times on clay. Today was I believe Djok’s sixth clay win vs. Rafa. Nobody else is close to that.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Another note: Djokovic accomplished something today RF never has. And probably never will.
Gaurang · June 3, 2015 at 5:39 pm
Rafa just does not have have it in him anymore. He played well in the first one, one and a half set (except the first 4 games), but he is just not retrieving hard balls any more. Earlier his defense was so superb that he used to return hard to get balls with interest, and even turn those into offense. But now, he just somehow scampers to the balls and just pushes them back in. I think I agree with him being half a step slower. He has lost that edge.
I think with today’s level Rafa would have been beaten even by Murray or Wawrinka or maybe even Nishikori. (not Fed, since Fed has his own mental demons when he plays Nadal).
Rafa has dropped low. But I think he will come back. Same way as Murray did over the last year. Murray had dropped out of top 10 too.
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2015 at 9:01 pm
I don’t see it as Rafa dropping low, I see it more that Djokovic has upped his level (again) and Rafa is struggling to respond. IN other words, Rafa has stopped improving and when you stop improving you go backwards. There are some areas Rafa can improve – his serve – get more free cheap points, and his return, hit some winners off returns, be more aggressive. He’s passive on returns. I think it’s possible for him to improve in these areas. His defending and counterpunching are still phenomenal. Maybe Djokovic’s serve is too tough for him to get good wood on the returns. Not going to say Rafa is fading, it’s more Djokovic ascending. And this has flustered Rafa’s mind. He’s out of ideas on how to turn the tables on Djokovic. He’s lost self confidence. Rafa said after the loss he’s going to work harder than ever. Can never count him out the great champions like Rafa, or Sampras or Fed.
Dan Markowitz · June 3, 2015 at 10:19 pm
This is a stunner. Nadal losing 3 and 1 in the last two sets! Come on! Djoko is masterful, but Rafa didn’t come close to unleashing the fury of shots and energy as he did in the past. I agree, I think Murray, Wawa and possibly even Fed would’ve beaten Rafa today on the clay.
Now what do you think the odds are for Djoko winning the French? Are they 2-1, 1-2, having to beat Murray, who hasn’t lost on clay yet this season, and Wawa, who will not be overpowered by Djoko the way Nadal was today, is not going to be a cakewalk. The only guy in the semis I know Djoko can’t lose to is Tsonga.
Dan Markowitz · June 4, 2015 at 7:23 am
It’s official, Scoop, the French patricians who sit in the seats close to the court could care less about doubles. I was watching the Bryan Brothers vs Bolleli and Fognini in the dubs semis, and there was no more than a smattering of fans sitting in the expensive seats. When they did an overview shot of Phillipe Chartrier then you could see the match was pretty well attended by the hoi polloi.
Amazing, among the men semifinalists, the average age is 29! I don’t know when that has has happened last in men’s slam semis, maybe when Rosewall was getting into the Wimby and US Open finals at age 38. Of course, he was getting crushed by Connors who was like 22.
Scoop Malinowski · June 4, 2015 at 7:39 am
Rafa couldn’t hit his big shots because Djokovic didn’t let him, it was Djokovic who was unleashing early in the rally and not missing. Rafa is cleary inferior right now to Djokovic, and it will take a lot of hard work and brainstorming to figure out how to turn the tables. Interesting that mom dad and Xisca were not in the house for this match yesterday wasn’t it?
Scoop Malinowski · June 4, 2015 at 7:41 am
Doubles just does not get the respect, fans don’t respect it. TV doesn’t show it much, so fans don’t care. If TV showed doubles more prominently, those seats would be filled. Doubles needs more respect. What a great match Bs vs Fognelli.
Dan Markowitz · June 4, 2015 at 8:51 am
It’s star power, my friend. The Bryan Brothers don’t quite do it. If you have Djoko, Fed and Nadal playing doubles–like the top players all did in the 60’s and 70’s–you’d get more interest in doubles. Nowadays, the players don’t even serve and volley much so the main interest–at least for me–of having all four players at the net volleying, make quick reflex stabs, is gone.
Harold · June 4, 2015 at 12:10 pm
Watching a few games of Baczinsky. In the first set she has shown more variet in her game than Williams, Sharapova and the like have shown in the entire careers. Hope she pulls it off.
Where’s Andrew, doing handstands for his girl Safarova?
Scoop Malinowski · June 4, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Watching this match I do wonder if this is a massive charade trying to flimflam Timea with a big bluff? Just can’t help but wonder, she moves and plays so great once the ball is in play, but she’s 90 years old between points. Just an honest observation I’m feeling watching this match. Sorry to offend anyone. Enjoy the match.
Scoop Malinowski · June 4, 2015 at 12:41 pm
ATP and TV does not promote Bryans Bros as they deserve. Doubles is not given it’s just due, because singles stars largely ignore playing dubs.
Dan Markowitz · June 4, 2015 at 1:29 pm
Is there a bigger drama queen in the game than Serena? Is there anyone who even comes close. I don’t doubt she was feeling lousy in this match, but maybe I do believe it. How can you look like you’re going to pass out and then drill winners? I guess Sampras did it, too, but man, Serena should go into acting, she is one the great Grand Dames.
Harold · June 4, 2015 at 1:33 pm
Turned it off. Who wants to watch that phony drama queen. you can call her a genius user of gamesmanship, I’ll call her a phony
JP · June 4, 2015 at 3:15 pm
Funny how ESPN was quick to accuse Djokovic of gamesmanship in Australia but don’t dare touch that subject, from what I saw, with Serena.
Dan Markowitz · June 4, 2015 at 3:32 pm
No, they wouldn’t touch that with a Chris Evert backhand lob. Evert is one of the great Serena apologists and sympathizers. Mary Joe Fernandez is Serena’s coach on the Fed Cup. What Serena has displayed twice in this tournament alone is on the one hand cheating (against Azarenka she didn’t acknowledge that a shot she hit into the net came after the linesperson made his call so she wasn’t affected) and on the other, outright unsportswomanlike when she’s flouncing around the court like she’s about to die.
I’d admire her play, but her histrionics are a little hard to take.
JP · June 4, 2015 at 4:07 pm
Nevermind the men saying anything …
Scoop Malinowski · June 4, 2015 at 10:00 pm
That was more of a Broadway audition than a tennis match. But nobody will call her out on it. The greatest FO flim flam since the Chang fake cramp’s charade in ’89. It had to be infinitely distracting for poor Timea to have to share a court with all that fake acting. She really should have pulled a Jim Courier and yelled at Serena, “Hey we can finish this tomorrow.”
Bryan · June 7, 2015 at 4:55 am
I’ve always enjoyed Stan’s aggressive game. Win or lose he’s always gone out swinging. But every round he’s advanced I couldn’t help thinking it’s another day we have to see his absurd pajama bottoms on the tennis court.
What’s the latest with Donna Vekic?
Bryan · June 7, 2015 at 5:00 am
“if the Vekic relationship is true, maybe that’s lit his fire. Even Vekic played well at the French.”
Dan makes a good point. Stan was mentally tired due to loveless marriage/divorce and now he’s robust again. Vekic was in an awful slump since mid last year, now she’s back on her game.
Never underestimate the benefits of a quality fling.
Scoop Malinowski · June 7, 2015 at 8:31 am
One reporter who I talk tennis with says the Roland Garros site ran a story about Stan’s marital woes, which Stan angrily complained about and it was pulled on the first day of the tournament. That really ticked off Stan, along with the mockery of his mismatched outfit, and the perceived slights about being Fed’s backup man in the Davis Cup win, etc. Reporter thinks Stan has a big chip on his shoulder for all the accumulated disrespect and is playing with a big edge. Also the finger point to his head after the Tsonga win, like telling the fickle French fans, “My mind is stronger than your lousy cheap shots.”