Yeah, it is. I wonder if all the advances in racket technology, analytics, coaching, fitness and diet regimens, demands of travel and too frequent competition, haven't had the unintended consequence not of making players stronger and more competitive but driving them to their physical and emotional breaking points. It seems you almost have to be super-human to win consistently at the ultra-elite level, and none of these guys are that.Alcaraz out of Rome.
So many injuries for the young players. Kinda concerning.
Nole suffered a possible concussion when a fan accidentally dropped a water bottle on his head following his 2nd round match. Speculation is the aftereffects of the blow may have been responsible for his erratic play today.
I think he has a concussion and if he was a hockey player with these symptoms, he wouldn't have been allowed to play. But I don't think this is the only reason he lost. He hasn't been playing many tourneys and when he has, he hasn't gone deep. Plus, age. Plus getting rid of his coaches etc.Novak Djokovic drops 'concerning' straight-sets loss 2 days after water bottle impact left him with 'nausea, dizziness'
Djokovic lost to World No. 29 Alejandro Tabilo at the Italian Open and said he feels like "a different player" two days after being hit with a water bottle.sports.yahoo.com
Paul has a surprisingly easy time with Medvedev, 1 and 4, and Hurkacz continues his excellent play with a three-set win over Baez. They play one another in the quarters and it should be a dandy.
The quarters:
Zhang/Tabilo
Zverev/Fritz
Tsitsipas/Jarry
Hurkacz/Paul
Not exactly the usual chalk that I associate with Rome.