[Saberq]

Both guys played much better than yesterday but Fed was still making UE on important points while Rafa looked much fitter than in his match against Ferrer..........Overall a good match,good practice .....We'll know more in Doha

[MIMIC]

Obviously saving himself for Basel

[Saberq]

he tanked ..he had a ROLEX on...but I love how Nadal said yesterday that he wasnt ready to beat Ferrer,Federer or Djokovic......LOL

[Eden]

Rafa's tactic paid off - he lost agains Ferrer, so that he wouldn't lose against Novak for the 100th time this year but instead got his revenge for the loss in London against Roger

j/k

Hope for the Fedal fans that they got at least some slashy pictures

[Lucilla]

Rafa!!!

[manadrainer]

OMG Fed lost third place match! He will probably retire after this great disappointment...

Speaking seriously, his forehand was erratic today...

[Saberq]

It's scary how Rafa just owns Federer on any court outside indoors ........I mean Fed is a much better hardcourt player yet Nadal is under control in every point

[Mystique]

Good match really. Federer played much better today than against Djokovic. Playing this level, he would have likely beat guys like Monfils, Tsonga or even Ferrer (given how RF's game gives a ton of trouble to the Spaniard), but it wasnt going to cut against the likes of Novak and Rafa, and I am betting Roger knew that but wasnt going to go out of his way and try too hard.

As always, when Roger and Rafa play average, Rafa wins. Inspite, it was a good match from both. Not too taxing for either, some very entertaining points in the second set. Good win for Nadal but beating Federer doesnt mean a hell lot anymore to Rafa, his game has never troubled him. But some nice shots off the BH for him, that must be a relief for him. Federer tried out a lot of new stuff today, unlike Djokovic Rafa game him that chance. Some nice net play, some typically retarded net play too And the best bit was that delicious BH slice DTL approach mid second set..good to see him do that. Still very rusty but that will go away after a couple of matches in Doha. As long as he doesnt have any fitness problems (he did look slow, but maybe that had to do with not putting too much effort), all is good for Roger going into AO.

[Foxy]

Mmmmm, when Rafa is not poisoned he usually beats Feds on hardcourt. That's about what happened today. Expected.
But I liked Nadal's backhand against Ferrer yesterday more than today. He'd better further improve if he wants to have chances against Ferrer, Murray and Joko @ Aussie Open.

[star]

Originally Posted by Eden

Rafa's tactic paid off - he lost agains Ferrer, so that he wouldn't lose against Novak for the 100th time this year but instead got his revenge for the loss in London against Roger

j/k

Hope for the Fedal fans that they got at least some slashy pictures

Right.

Maybe Federer’s tactic paid off. He put a lot of money in his pocket for expending little effort.

j/k

[Kat_YYZ]

That was... kinda ugly
Got a bit better in the second set, but still. I watched both Match for Africa exos last year, which were not only exos but each guy won on his home court so it almost seemed like a predetermined result. But the quality of the tennis was much better than this. Ah, well... glad it's over.

[paseo]

I love it when Fed attacks the net, so nice to watch. Why didn't he do it more often here? It's an exho, he should give us something pretty to watch. Un-considerate guy, this Federer.

[Slice Winner]

Real ugly / sloppy match.
Feds still wasn't putting in much effort, but at least the 2nd set got somewhat competitive.

I don't think it's a good indicator of their form, as you could see both guys mistiming because they weren't used to the fast court. Doha could feature some early casualties methinks.

[arm]

Originally Posted by star

Right.

Maybe Federer’s tactic paid off. He put a lot of money in his pocket for expending little effort.

j/k

hater

It was quite ugly, but I am sure Fedal fans got those pics Eden mentioned.

[Topspindoctor]

Olderer