[JMG]

1R Gaudio - q
1R KIEFER - Schüttler

A bad draw for most of us, but at least a good draw for him, cause one win is possible for sure.

[Neely]

It's a total crap draw
all-German match ups have always their own dynamics, just remember Kiefer vs Mayer

[kek]

Plus, Rainer was in the final last year. That was Rainers best tournament last year, Monte Carlo.

I'm not too confident that Nicolas will beat Rainer. If he does, playing the defending French open champion on clay isn't ideal. Not the best draw for sure.

[Tricky_Forehand]

This draw sucks!!!

Kiwi's probably going to go out there already beaten *Please let him prove me wrong*

[knight_ley]

not cool.

[NiciSunflower]

Not cool, indeed. Let's just hope the best and expect the worst, then we're prepared

[athie]

I’m not happy to see an all-German 1st round match – knowing damn well one of my favorites will be eliminated is irritating as hell
Anyway I’m taking a sicky from work to watch the tennis ALL DAY – shush!

[Jogy]

if Kiefer can beat Schuettler somehow, he has Gaudio and this time not on a hardcourt. Looks very worse! Rainer beat Gaudio? I say Rainer is better player on claycourt, but Gaudio is very dificult! Very likely that anybody of the two will be elimenated in round #2

[Tricky_Forehand]

I didn't sign on until most of the way through the 2nd set when Kiwi was down 1-4. Got a little worried when he lost that second but know Rainer is serving 15-30, 1-5

I hope Neely is getting TV coverage and posts the report here

6-2 2-6 6-1



He proved me wrong!!

[JMG]

I think in best-of-3, Gaudio is beatable for Kiefer.

The first and 2nd set, his 1st serve was under 50 %, if he has about 60 % on Wednesday, he can defeat him!

[kek]

Originally Posted by JMG

I think in best-of-3, Gaudio is beatable for Kiefer.

The first and 2nd set, his 1st serve was under 50 %, if he has about 60 % on Wednesday, he can defeat him!

I wouldn't go that far. He should have beaten Rainer in straights or at least a more competitive 2nd set. But I'm happy for a win. Let's hope Nicolas plays to his abilities and makes a match out of Gaudio. I hope he doesn't go in the match thinking he is going to lose, but going in thinking that he can beat Gaston.

[knight_ley]

Great win Kiwi

Now let's pray to the tennis gods for a miracle

AUF GEHTS!!!!!!!

[Neely]

Unfortunately with realism I think it will be most likely final destination for him against Gaudio. However, I would like nothing more than to be wrong

Still sad somehow that Rainer and Kiwi met so early, hardly can be glad about the win. I feel happy for the one, but sad for the other

[NiciSunflower]

Gaudio up next, he has already two clay titles this year... That's gonna be tough for Kiwi. I think his only chance is hoping that Gaudio has to struggle with his mental problems again But unfortunately that Goucho has become more balanced.

But again, let's hope the best and expect the worst, that mantra worked against Rainer

[kek]

Looks like I will be able to see this match on the tennis channel since they are on center court