Remember this guy??

[ARFED]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkOhsBWDQHY

Just wanted to point out how good Coria really was. This days many people are talking how Djokovic is the greatest threat Nadal has ever faced on a clay court, but if not for his mental issues and his shoulder injurie, Coria could have gone neck to neck with Nadal on clay up until 2008, when IMO Nadal took his game to a level never seen before.

His game matched perfectly against Nadal. His greatest weakness, his serve, couldn`t have been exploited by Rafa, given how far back the spaniard returns. His ability to take the ball on the rise, almost Agassi-like, off both wings, would have helped him against Nadal`s spin. He reminded me a lot of Rios in how easy he could change direction with his backhand. All of this combined with great passing shots, slice and probably the best drop shots of the last 20 years.

Such a shame he couldn`t overcome the mental implossion of the RG final, but at least he left us this masterfull work of art, together with Rafa of course. Arguably the best clay court match of all times.

A "weak era" player...

[Doubles]

A truly great player. It's a shame I wasn't watching tennis during his prime.

[Dgpsx7]

Is it just the camera angle, absence of moonballing or something else? This tennis is a lot more entertaining..

[Flash O'Groove]

I watched this video one or two weeks ago. The man who could have given real competition to Federer and Nadal. With Kuerten.

[NatF]

Shame he disappeared, talented claycourter.

[ARFED]

IMO given his talent he should have won 2-3 RG between 2003-2007. He was a much more talented version of Ferrer. Far better than Gaudio and marginally better than Ferrero.

I am convinced that he was Nadal`s greatest challenge on clay. Had he possesed the mental resilience of Ferrer, maybe we wouldn`t be calling Nadal the clay GOAT. Curiously he seemed to have matchup issues against Fed.

In an interview around 2008 Gaudio was asked if Nadal was the greatest clay courter he had ever played against, and he answered "yes he is...but the only one who was able to make me look like a club player was Coria"

[Mustard]

Coria's past matches are still a joy to watch.

[galain]

I've also often thought this could have been a wonderful claycourt rivalry. I have a lingering suspicion that Nadal would have outmuscled Coria. Physically, I could see Nadal imposing himself on the smaller man - but it would have been fun to watch.

A prime Gustavo vs Nadal - that would have been a ticket worth buying!