Rodge a threat to Nadal in Monte Carlo

[OddJack]

I dislike Bodo for being a highly opinionated and sensational writer. But I think he has a point here. Nadal is unlikely to sweep the whole clay season like he did last year, and if Rodge, now clearly under dog with nothing to lose, keeps his level up he will have a chance at the title:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42577796/ns/sports-tennis/

 

[NadalAgassi]

I dislike Bodo for being a highly opinionated and sensational writer. But I think he has a point here. Nadal is unlikely to sweep the whole clay season like he did last year, and if Rodge, now clearly under dog with nothing to lose, keeps his level up he will have a chance at the title:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42577796/ns/sports-tennis/

Keep up what level? Federer isnt even playing at the level right now to win hard court events, never mind clay.

 

[OddJack]

Keep up what level? Federer isnt even playing at the level right now to win hard court events, never mind clay.

He has won A HC title this season and has been in semifinal of other two. So he is not playing poorly. He played pretty well against Kohlschreiber. If you are judging by winning titles Nadal has not won one this season either.

 

[tenis1]

I don't think so.

 

[Fate Archer]

I think Monte Carlo is going to answer if Roger is or can still be #2 on clay. If he can get through Almagro and Ferrer, then he may have a great shot. Though I don´t think he will. He had his shot at Monte Carlo on 2008. Had the final match on the bag, and then again or as usual, let Rafa come back like a hero. I guess some chances are one in a lifetime.

 

[nadalbestclass]

Well, Roger is the best of the history, no? He is haaving good season, no? I mean seriozly, anything can happen, no? That iz the Tennis.

 

[JustBob]

I do not believe that Nadal will sweep the clay season either. I also believe this statement to be correct:

But as any Federer fan can tell you, all good things come to an end, and at some point so will Nadal's invincibility on clay.

It might not be at Monte Carlo and it might not be against Federer, but I think it will happen sooner than later.

"Invincibility" has a rather important psychological component to it, and every loss chips at it regardless of who the victor was. Others will also start to believe they can beat the "invincible" player.

 

[Murrayfan31]

Well, Roger is the best of the history, no? He is haaving good season, no? I mean seriozly, anything can happen, no? That iz the Tennis.

Is this Rafa? But Roger is past his prime. He is no threat to Nadal at this point of his career. Time has past him. Djokovic will be the big threat for sure though. Can't wait for Madrid. Djokovic revenge.

 

[BrooklynNY]

The only people who are a theat to Nadal on clay are Djokovic, Soderling, Del Potro, and maybe David Ferrer depending on the day form.
Federer is not a threat to Nadal.

 

[Sid_Vicious]

The only people who are a theat to Nadal on clay are Djokovic, Soderling, Del Potro, and maybe David Ferrer depending on the day form.
Federer is not a threat to Nadal.

Funny, considering Federer has beaten Nadal on clay more often than those guys have combined since 2005.

 

[BrooklynNY]

Funny, considering Federer has beaten Nadal on clay more often than those guys have combined

I know, I'm not discrediting his past results. That's just my opinion from this point forward. I just think that its going to take a player of JM Delpo,Soderling,Berdych,Djokovic type of power and consistency to beat Nadal

I might even have to go and throw Roanic in there as well. :lol:

 

[Sid_Vicious]

I know, I'm not discrediting his past results. That's just my opinion from this point forward.

I might even have to go and throw Roanic in there as well. :lol:

 

[cc0509]

He has won A HC title this season and has been in semifinal of other two. So he is not playing poorly. He played pretty well against Kohlschreiber. If you are judging by winning titles Nadal has not won one this season either.

Kohlschreiber is no Nadal and this is the clay season now where Rafa is King. I think Rafa will win MC.

 

[Sid_Vicious]

People underestimate Federer on clay. You get the idea that Federer won't even win a game against Nadal if they played on clay. Last year, Federer played a really competitive final against Nadal in Madrid where he earned just one less point than Nadal over the course of the whole match. I don't think Federer is a threat to Nadal, but he can compete strongly for sure.

 

[Sentinel]

I'll be glad if Rodge makes the final. okay, make that semi.

 

[Deleted member 120290]

#1 Bodo is an idiot.

#2 Fed has as much chance of beating Rafa on red clay of MC as I do have of beating Sampras on grass.

#3 Bodo is still an idiot.

 

[Mustard]

Every year at the start of the clay-court season it's the same, predictions of Nadal's impending decline. But he's lost on clay just 4 times since the start of 2005 Monte Carlo, and he won his first match at 2011 Monte Carlo by 6-2, 6-2.

 

[Sharpshooter]

He has won A HC title this season and has been in semifinal of other two. So he is not playing poorly. He played pretty well against Kohlschreiber. If you are judging by winning titles Nadal has not won one this season either.

let me ask you this, who was the toughest opponent that he has faced and beat this season? Wawrinka

He has been uncompetitive in most of his matches with Djokovic and was totally uncompetitive against Rafa. So if he keeps up that level in which you speak of, he will not be a threat to Nadal on clay at all.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Every year at the start of the clay-court season it's the same, predictions of Nadal's impending decline. But he's lost on clay just 4 times since the start of 2005 Monte Carlo, and he won his first match at 2011 Monte Carlo by 6-2, 6-2.

They will be upset at his domination soon enough.

 

[Sharpshooter]

Funny, considering Federer has beaten Nadal on clay more often than those guys have combined since 2005.

Sampras has more wimbledons than anyone playing at the moment, so if he decided to play this year, there'd be no chance for anyone to beat him because his past results show that he is king there.

See how flawed your stupid little argument is? Fed is not playing anywhere near the level he was in 2007 and 2009's victory was clearly because Rafa was burnt out from an epic battle against Djokovic the day before.

Funny how all these ****s are in denial about Fed not having a shot at Rafa on clay THIS year. They all know well and truly that unless Rafa had an epic match the day before AND is playing bad AND injured then Fed doesn't stand a chance with the way he's playing now.

Kohlschrieber can't even carry Nadal's bags when it comes to how difficult an opponent they are on clay. Nadal is lightyears more tougher than him.

 

[Sid_Vicious]

s

Sampras has more wimbledons than anyone playing at the moment, so if he decided to play this year, there'd be no chance for anyone to beat him because his past results show that he is king there.

See how flawed your stupid little argument is? Fed is not playing anywhere near the level he was in 2007 and 2009's victory was clearly because Rafa was burnt out from an epic battle against Djokovic the day before.

Funny how all these ****s are in denial about Fed not having a shot at Rafa on clay THIS year. They all know well and truly that unless Rafa had an epic match the day before AND is playing bad AND injured then Fed doesn't stand a chance with the way he's playing now.

Kohlschrieber can't even carry Nadal's bags when it comes to how difficult an opponent they are on clay. Nadal is lightyears more tougher than him.

How about you learn how to read, Nardboy?

I never said he would beat Nadal. I was simply arguing with the other poster that Federer belongs in the second tier of challengers such as Soderling, Federer, Murray, Ferrer, Djokovic etc who have proven they can give Nadal a run every now and then. I don't think Federer is playing that bad that you can't even place him in league of Soderling, DJokovic, ...Raonic? :lol:

Funny at the Nards being so volatile that even making the most harmless statement ruffles their feathers. Pretty hilarious.

Also, when did I imply that Kohlschreiber is as tough of an opponent as Nadal? I clearly did not, but your passion for Rafael Nadal Parera certainly has no limits. That is why you love "to pump his tyres" all the time.

 

[sbengte]

Funny how all these ****s are in denial about Fed not having a shot at Rafa on clay THIS year. They all know well and truly that unless Rafa had an epic match the day before AND is playing bad AND injured then Fed doesn't stand a chance with the way he's playing now.

That line is signature worthy.

 

[tlm]

How many watched rafas match, it looks like nobody has a chance of beating him at monte carlo.

 

[Sid_Vicious]

Sampras has more wimbledons than anyone playing at the moment, so if he decided to play this year, there'd be no chance for anyone to beat him because his past results show that he is king there.

See how flawed your stupid little argument is? Fed is not playing anywhere near the level he was in 2007 and 2009's victory was clearly because Rafa was burnt out from an epic battle against Djokovic the day before.

Funny how all these ****s are in denial about Fed not having a shot at Rafa on clay THIS year. They all know well and truly that unless Rafa had an epic match the day before AND is playing bad AND injured then Fed doesn't stand a chance with the way he's playing now.

Kohlschrieber can't even carry Nadal's bags when it comes to how difficult an opponent they are on clay. Nadal is lightyears more tougher than him.

Don't leave out the vital information. Rafa was also not playing well in those matches because:

1. His gerbil died
2. Uncle Toni did not buy him ice cream before the match
3. He was constipated
4. He was depressed after finishing the 7th Harry Potter book.
5. His DVR malfunctioned and did not record his favorite show that night
6. Racism
7. Sexism
8. His water bottles were moved by 1.0 X 10^-23 cm by the ******* ballkids.

 

[abraxas21]

lol just no

 

[IvanisevicServe]

Nadal has never REALLY lost a match in his career.

09 Madrid: Tired
07 Hamburg: Said he was tired.

09 French Open: Knees hurt
09 US Open: Not healthy yet
10 Australian Open: Still not healthy
10 French Open: OK, now he's healthy. That's why he won it.

11 Australian Open: Crap, injured again. Ferrer beatdown. What a warrior Nadal is for running around like a madman to finish out that match instead of retiring. Give him even more kudos than he already gets. God looks up to Rafa.

06 Wimbledon: Too green on grass. Only played 4 tournaments on grass to that point, instead of 6. A few more matches on grass = difference between "ready and better than Federer, he's now the grass court GOAT" and "just a rookie, pick on someone your own siiiize!" Still managed to take a set because he's just so unbelievably superior to Federer that he can go in blindfolded with 18 injuries and a terminal illness and take a set.

07 Wimbledon: Injured. Still finished the match. What a warrior. Give him the key to every woman's virginity.

10 WTF: Tired. Didn't care anyway, this is a non-event!

Other "losses" (all the Cincinnati's): Just saving himself because of his badly ailing knees. Plus, they're non-events, unless he chooses to win them. Even when he wins them, he was still very, very hurt.

 

[Sid_Vicious]

Nadal has never REALLY lost a match in his career.

09 Madrid: Tired
07 Hamburg: Said he was tired.

09 French Open: Knees hurt
09 US Open: Not healthy yet
10 Australian Open: Still not healthy
10 French Open: OK, now he's healthy. That's why he won it.

11 Australian Open: Crap, injured again. Ferrer beatdown. What a warrior Nadal is for running around like a madman to finish out that match instead of retiring. Give him even more kudos than he already gets. God looks up to Rafa.

06 Wimbledon: Too green on grass. Only played 4 tournaments on grass to that point, instead of 6. A few more matches on grass = difference between "ready and better than Federer, he's now the grass court GOAT" and "just a rookie, pick on someone your own siiiize!" Still managed to take a set because he's just so unbelievably superior to Federer that he can go in blindfolded with 18 injuries and a terminal illness and take a set.

07 Wimbledon: Injured. Still finished the match. What a warrior. Give him the key to every woman's virginity.

10 WTF: Tired. Didn't care anyway, this is a non-event!

Other "losses" (all the Cincinnati's): Just saving himself because of his badly ailing knees. Plus, they're non-events, unless he chooses to win them. Even when he wins them, he was still very, very hurt.

The ATP is going to edit Nadal's profile soon so the users can know the truth. Nadal's W-L will appear as this:

Nadal's career W-L: 481-(104??)[1]

 

[Bobby Jr]

The article headline and sub say:

Federer is a threat to win in Monte Carlo
With nothing to lose, Federer could Nadal for the title

Federer could what?...

It shows the quality of the article.

 

[nadalbestclass]

^ haha, I see you corrected yourself on the streak comment. He obv means the clay streak since the loss at RG09.

 

[OddJack]

let me ask you this, who was the toughest opponent that he has faced and beat this season? Wawrinka

He has been uncompetitive in most of his matches with Djokovic and was totally uncompetitive against Rafa. So if he keeps up that level in which you speak of, he will not be a threat to Nadal on clay at all.

If losing in 3 sets is uncompetitive then So has Nadal. Nadal had never lost a final to djoko, now he lost two. Clay or not.

You must not have understood the article. It does not talk about two players who have been competitive, it talks about upsets. If I were to put money it would be on Nadal, but I am not dismissing a Federer threat simply by saying Nadal is the king and light years ahead ...like some goons do here.

 

[namelessone]

Wow, how insightful from Bodo, the nr.2 clay player for years can beat the nr.1

Makes me wonder why I didn't become a sports journalist.

Now Fed has several things going on for him on clay:

-superb movement.
-more time to hit his shots.
-great dropshots.

Unfortunately some ugly bits stick out:

-slow court means that he can't hit past the good defenders on this surface(and this was a major problem for him on the slow HC this year).
-guys that play with lots of spin can abuse his BH even more(again, a big problem for Fed).
-serve doesn't matter as much(though Fed hasn't exactly been an ace machine in 2011) so he will have to play baseline all the time.

In short, on clay Fed will be forced by the naturally good clay players to play a game of atrition, to play baseline all day long and will certainly get his backhand tested A LOT. He is a great clay player but the odds certainly don't favour him against Nadal on this surface.

 

[Sentinel]

^ Ask Halba. Maybe bodo posts here as Halba, to get inputs from the real experts.

 

[Bobby Jr]

^ haha, I see you corrected yourself on the streak comment. He obv means the clay streak since the loss at RG09.

It could have been taken to mean his streak over Fed the way Bolo wrote it which, as I said, wasn't much of a streak. I removed it for obvious reasons - because some space cadet would have waged war over it. :lol:

 

[mandy01]

The ATP is going to edit Nadal's profile soon so the users can know the truth. Nadal's W-L will appear as this:

Nadal's career W-L: 481-(104??)[1]

ATP will build a tombstone for El Martir once he retires.

 

[Sentinel]

I say Ljubicic will will the FO this year.

 

[Underhand]

I say Ljubicic will will the FO this year.

I say Donald Young will it more.

 

[Legend of Borg]

Looks like Bodo unleashed a can of butthurt on humble Hafa fans.

People taking offense at Fed being a competitor on clay.

All is well on TT as usual.

 

[Cup8489]

Fed is always dangerous on clay. For the last 6 years he's clearly number 2 on the surface, and except for the RG final in 08, he's always competitive against nadal.. but tends to have brain farts when it really counts.

But he's always dangerous.

 

[NadalAgassi]

s
How about you learn how to read, Nardboy?

I never said he would beat Nadal. I was simply arguing with the other poster that Federer belongs in the second tier of challengers such as Soderling, Federer, Murray, Ferrer, Djokovic etc who have proven they can give Nadal a run every now and then.

Hardly any of those guys are challengers to Nadal on clay either. Murray challening Nadal on clay is a laugher. Ferrer isnt capable of it either. Lets face it, everyone knows Soderling will almost certainly never win a set off Nadal on clay again.

I would say Djokovic is Nadal's only challenger on clay at the moment. Federer is struggling to compete with Nadal on hard courts, so he has no hope on clay.

 

[ksbh]

Maybe Bodo knows something we don't ... can someone check if Federer is carrying a machette around in Monte Carlo? If he is, that's a pretty big threat. Somoene should warn Rafa.

Or maybe not, Federer is 'too cute' to think of doing something like that!

 

[LuckyR]

Despite being dismantled by Rafa in Miami, Fed is a threat to anyone at any time, he is the GOAT after all. However for various reasons that threat is less and less likely to actually happen, but the threat never goes totally away.

 

[Sentinel]

Maybe Bodo knows something we don't ... can someone check if Federer is carrying a machette around in Monte Carlo? If he is, that's a pretty big threat. Somoene should warn Rafa.

Or maybe not, Federer is 'too cute' to think of doing something like that!

C'mon dude, dontcha know they are talking about gambling. The Casino Royale. :twisted:

 

[Marius_Hancu]

More Madrid than MC.
But we'll see.

 

[fotisutmost]

Nice article. I would love to see this happening. It would keep things interesting.

 

[cknobman]

I want Rog to win for the sheer fact that it will really stir up some speculation and get people talking.

If Roger wins he snaps Nadals streak, re-takes #2, proves he still can muster up enough game to beat the very top guys.

Of course I dont have my expectations set too high and realize that it is a long shot but now that we are in the quarters I feel fairly confident that he can at least make the finals.

 

[Pozarevacka]

I want Rog to win for the sheer fact that it will really stir up some speculation and get people talking.

If Roger wins he snaps Nadals streak, re-takes #2, proves he still can muster up enough game to beat the very top guys.

Of course I dont have my expectations set too high and realize that it is a long shot but now that we are in the quarters I feel fairly confident that he can at least make the finals.

I would like Fed to have a good showing, but I do not believe he gets #2 with a W at MC.

 

[NadalAgassi]

Despite being dismantled by Rafa in Miami, Fed is a threat to anyone at any time, he is the GOAT after all. However for various reasons that threat is less and less likely to actually happen, but the threat never goes totally away.

Except for Nadal at Monte Carlo. This is the slowest clay of all the Masters or big events, and the last place Roger would ever beat Nadal. Roger has never had a competitive match with Nadal at Monte Carlo even at his career peak, even the 4 setter Nadal served for the only set he lost and cruised by the end.

 

[Mustard]

Except for Nadal at Monte Carlo. This is the slowest clay of all the Masters or big events, and the last place Roger would ever beat Nadal. Roger has never had a competitive match with Nadal at Monte Carlo even at his career peak, even the 4 setter Nadal served for the only set he lost and cruised by the end.

The 2006 Monte Carlo final was tough, not as tough as the 2006 Rome final, but still tough. Federer was flat in the 2007 Monte Carlo final as Nadal cruised to victory, but Federer was breaks up in both sets of the 2008 Monte Carlo final before Nadal reeled him in.

Federer is clearly the second best clay-courter of this generation, and he has beaten Nadal twice on clay, so it would be foolish to write him off.

 

[forthegame]

I dunno why folks appear so impressed with Fed's play. IMHO, he's not playing that well. He seems to be off balance an awful lot!
We'll see what he does in the Melzer match.

 

[LuckyR]

Except for Nadal at Monte Carlo. This is the slowest clay of all the Masters or big events, and the last place Roger would ever beat Nadal. Roger has never had a competitive match with Nadal at Monte Carlo even at his career peak, even the 4 setter Nadal served for the only set he lost and cruised by the end.

Well anyone (including Rafa at MC) can have an off day (did you see the IW finals?), and if he does Rog has the possibility (not necessarily the probability) of being a threat.