Look, I'm happy for DoucheStamp. I really am. You can't not be happy for a journeyman player who breaks through at a Slam, putting together quality win (Ferrer) after quality win (Gabs) after quality win (two sets down to Novak). And his celebration was so joyous. He's the Franny of the ATP. Let's face it, she probably has a douchestamp, too.
But what of this kid? Up two sets and a break he once again, as he has done throughout the tournament, lost his focus and let his opponent back into the match. Only this time, he didn't get away with it.
I suppose people will be talking about this call. With D-Stamp serving for the match in the fifth and down 0-15, Nole hit what looked like a forehand winner. Bernardes called it out. ESPN's Shot Spot showed the ball clipped the line. To Nole's credit, and contrary to some idiot headlines, he didn't blame the call for his loss. Nor did the call change his opinion that Hawk-Eye should stay the hell away from Roland Garros. The bottom line is that he had numerous chances to break back in that game and he couldn't. Meanwhile, Melzer the Veteran came out swinging, determined to "win" the game and not just let Nole lose it.
Sigh. I feel like I've said this at every Slam of the past two years, but I hope the kid figures it out. He used to be my absolute favorite player to watch. Fluid game, effortless serve, amazing movement, intelligently aggressive counter-punching. Now I can barely stand to watch three games in a row, regardless of whether he's winning, without wanting to switch to another match.
Tennis is better when Nole's winning. That's a fact.
And he's still #1 at post-loss net-exchanges. I mean, it's nice to be #1 at something.
Have fun with this, D-Stamp.
