clean the lines

Order was restored today on the Hamburg clay. The Nadal-Djokovic semi was more riveting, and occasionally gutting, than one could have hoped for. Classy tennis and great hitting from both.

Djokovic fought hard, even when he was way down in the third, which should improve his reputation among fans. In particular his tenacity in trying to break Rafa in the long final game was impressive. But did anyone else think his persistent drop-shots in the last 15 minutes was a sort of surrender? Particularly that weak last effort, with Rafa inside the court already, was a plea for the match to end.

I expect Roger to hit a few drop shots of his own tomorrow, but they will be for the kill, and not to surrender.