I agree, I didn't see a lot of the match but he isn't the same player as he was a couple of years ago.Lehecka, gaining more confidence as the match progressed, played some excellent tennis and provided a very clean kill. Rafa says goodbye to Madrid, but he seemed in great spirits. Hard to imagine this version of him, improved as he is, challenging for another French Open crown, though. There just might not be another gear left to find.
Just finished watching and in addition to what you said, the announcers made a comment that his play was instinctual. He plays so much better when he isn't playing like a bit of a robot.Wow, that was pretty close to peek Felix. So much to love about his play in that match. 21 for 24 at net; good, judicious use of drop shots and touch volleys; dictating play with plus ones from his forehand; outgunning Ruud badly in points over nine shots; and especially making Ruud, a player who avoids backhands with real zeal, hit tons of backhands, and then hitting to the open court when Caspar tried to run around them or just got pulled off court. Really good to see this level of play and tactics from Felix.
Yowza.Sinner withdrew with a hip injury so Felix has a walkover tomorrow.
What an opportunity for Felix. He is well rested, healthy and appears to be hitting the ball well.