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niff

Legend
I just wouldn't watch Djoker play against some random qualifier you know?
Heh yeah, I only enjoy that with Fed just for the shameless bits of magic. Otherwise I'd rather ignore the top guys until they're going to be troubled, there are hundreds of other matchups I find interesting in the first few rounds instead. I definitely prefer Djokovic's cleaner tennis to Nadal's though, just me. And as nameless said his newfound on-court maturity is pretty easy to respect.
 

babbette

Legend
Maybe because many Nadal fans are also Novak fans?

I am sad for Rafa not just cause he is losing finals, but because I know he can play much better than this on clay.

But on the other hand, it's hard not to like the new found maturity of Novak Djokovic on court. What he is doing now is historic and he deserves it after so many years of playing second fiddle to Fedal.

Wonder what Murray will bring to the table next year

Might be true that just a few fans are both Nadal and novak fans, a large percentage are fans just because they have been hoping for the current situation and the rest are fans purely for him. I will admit when his and his families attitudes aren't grating and disgusting Novak is a funny guy and yes his tennis is amazing. Apart from that he just doesn't have that something special that has drawn people to federer and nadal individually.
From the way he acts occasionally at the moment seems to me he's been watching Rafa a lot over the years...obsession :twisted: especially some of his responses to questions in interviews. They do say keep your enemies closer.
Playing second fiddle-maybe that's why, for me at least, it seems like his on and off court celebrations are more power and bloodshed charged than emotionally charged. I don't remember if he even cried after his first AO win. He's been out for blood since I first heard of him in 2006/7? when he made that I could have beaten him comment about Rafa in RG. Anyways I do hope murray can share some of the spotlight too but not on rafa's expense hehe on Novaks :mrgreen:


the cheers-i've said before too that it breaks my heart that the majority of the time, no matter what the situation people seem to cheer more for rafa's opponents, yet they are quite happy to suffocate him with a barrage of things to sign and praise during his practices.
It might just be that the majority of people that fill the stadium are just rich people that have no idea who is who they just cheer for who looks more conventional and to the upper class Rafa has never looked conventional. That's certainly happened to me when i've gone to tournaments. People asked me who is who. I'm not sure if Rafa is completely oblivious to it because at the end he always thanks the crowd. He was only ever fully aware of it at the french 2009 it appears. That was so heartbreaking. Especially at the end when he was leaving the court. He was so lost he forgot that only the winner signs the camera. He extended his hand for the pen and the camera backed away..only then he remembered. that clip breaks my heart each time :( But maybe it was a necessary loss after all. losses like that put things in perspective.

Man this was a long post. I caught the namelessone disease :p
 
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nadalbestclass

Hall of Fame
article-google translated from french

In a few days to start defending his title at Roland Garros, meeting with world number one, dominated yesterday by Novak Djokovic in Rome.

Mid-April in Monte Carlo. World number one confides at length in a country club lounge. The Spaniard talks about his career, his values, his future academy. Beaten again by Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in the final in Rome, Nadal once will not hurt, not necessarily go away favorite at Roland Garros, "his" tournament, which begins Sunday. Send champion.

LE FIGARO. - On clay, you have no right to lose. How do you live?

I do not feel that way. I've lost and I've been close to defeat on several other occasions. What happened to me last year on clay, it was really a dream. I do not feel unbeatable on this surface and I would hate that people think that I think invincible.

At the time of its domination, Federer admitted to having created a monster because the public expected him to win all the time. Is this like for you?

I do not consider that I should win everything. Win or lose, it's part of the game What do people think hardly affects me. The only thing that affects me is the pressure that I put myself, my motivation to win. I know that whenever I play a game, I can lose. It is easier to deal with the competition if accepted.

You are close to Roger Federer, and your relationship does not seem as warm with Novak Djokovic ...

It is impossible to have the same relationship with two different people. With Roger, we have exceptional ties. We had many very important moments, big finals and we are 100% on the same wavelength. We also spend a lot of time together between charity events, promotions, exhibitions, and also the board of ATP. Djokovic is my generation and my relations with him are bound to differ ...

His recent breakthrough has changed the way you behave towards each other?

Even if I was number ten and his number two, it would not change anything. A relationship is not just a number. In my case, what happens on the court does not affect what happens outside. I get along with Federer, with "Nola," with Murray. What is important is that the players keep in mind that tennis is just a game, there is no tension between us. So that we are an example for children.

Several years ago, Alex Corretja praised the maturity of your philosophy of life. Can you tell us more?

I try to live day by day, enjoy the day with my friends when I'm in Majorca. Obviously, if I play a tournament the following week, I train and I have a knot in his stomach ... The important thing is health, because without it nothing can be done. But then, it is important to be happy. For when it does, we play better tennis. If we think only of tennis, a few years, you go crazy and you end up hating the game ... When I'm in tournaments, once the match is over, if I play well, I don ' not like too think again. I do not look at the next game until the next morning. My philosophy is to enjoy the moment because we do not know what will happen tomorrow. The greatest satisfaction is obviously the result of my work, because all my life I fought to be where I am today. Have successfully allows me to do lots of things ... when I have time!

The responsibilities of the world's number one they nibble your serenity?

No, but sometimes I have less time to enjoy life. I bonds. As I understand it. Tennis gave me a lot, I must give something in return ...

The pressure is unbearable when she is preparing to defend a title already won five times?

There will always be pressure at Roland Garros. This explains why this is not necessarily the tournament on earth where I play best, especially early in the fortnight. I am nervous when he arrived. And supernerveux before playing my first game. (Smile.) But over the years, I benefited from my experience.

What are your memories of Roland Garros?

Much, because I've played some of the most important matches of my career ... Roland Garros was the tournament that I watched on TV when I was little. Y play for the first time has been incredible. Now that I've won several times, it became in my mind where it all began.

What was the hardest game you've ever won in Paris?

There are several. My first final against Mariano Puerta in 2005 because he had a ball fourth set. Then the 2006 final against Federer. That same year I also remember a particularly difficult game, especially physically, against Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Your concerns in 2009 with the public they are forgotten?

I never said I had a problem with the public! I said that I respected his choice, he had the right to support who he wants. But it was hard for me in Paris, the city that I prefer the world, the tournament is for me the most important to note that the public was not behind me. But at other times, I was tremendously supported. Like last year, for example ...

Tell us about the academy you are going to open in Manacor ...

I am 100% involved. I lead myself and my team will work. We want the academy to become a reference in Spain. There will be lots of short, hard, clay, covered ... but also a pool and a gym. Children would be enrolled on the spot because education is sometimes more important than sport. There will also football and basketball, because I believe that children should enjoy life and not think about tennis all the time.

Maria Sharapova won the women's final Sunday of the tournament in Rome. The Russian broke Stosur of Australia in straight sets (6-2, 6-4).
http://www.lefigaro.fr/sport/2011/0...afael-nadal-je-ne-me-crois-pas-invincible.php
 

babbette

Legend
Great article thanks, NBC!

"You are close to Roger Federer, and your relationship does not seem as warm with Novak Djokovic ...

It is impossible to have the same relationship with two different people. With Roger, we have exceptional ties. We had many very important moments, big finals and we are 100% on the same wavelength. We also spend a lot of time together between charity events, promotions, exhibitions, and also the board of ATP. Djokovic is my generation and my relations with him are bound to differ ..
"

Pretty much confirms what we already knew :p

"when I'm in tournaments, once the match is over, if I play well, I don ' not like too think again. I do not look at the next game until the next morning"
Although this is good maybe it has become a problem. He didn't watch the Murray/novak match? Maybe if he did he would've had a better idea of where Novak was at and he would've had a better plan. I still think someone must've watched though. If they could watch golf on livestream they could watch that match. lol. But still I don't want him to eat, sleep, swallow tennis so much he begins to hate it and leaves like safin :(
 

babbette

Legend
^
If nole read that article, it will give him more motivation to beat rafa next time !
I think he knows he can never have a fraction of the love fedal share for each other. He has tried over the years but always came short, aw djok :lol: that's why his wins are anger fuelled and he hates Roger :lol: He wants rafa's booty. jst kidding 8)
 

nadalbestclass

Hall of Fame
Lol. I used to be like this. I was part of that rafa board, and believe me every time Rafa lost (EVERYTIME no matter what tournament) I cried and ranted all over the board and started threads for the sole purpose or ranting and crying.
But as time goes you develop a tough skin. (or maybe i'm just numb :confused: ) It's a good thing that he doesn't win EVERYTHING and when he does win and doesn't always do it in an easy manner because when stuff like this happens you can tolerate it a bit more. If Nivak keeps winning everything it will be tough for his 12 fans to stomach when he doesn't win as dominantly. This is one reason why fed fans found it so hard and shattering when Rafa came on the scene, because Fed was rather dominant and how dare that little jumping spanish punk disrupt his flow. :mrgreen:

ANYWAY, thanks for the articles every one. Haven't read them yet, and I look forward to reading all posts too but maybe I shouldn't with some of you negative, pessimistics :twisted:

Hug-Emoticon.gif


(I'll get over it...I think)
 
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TMF

Talk Tennis Guru
^^
I hope you two have cool down after an emotional match yesterday, and hope you don't take your anger out of me b/c rafa lost.

BTW, go shopping spree and you will get over it.
 

nadalbestclass

Hall of Fame
It will get easier I promise. :( But I bet i'll still bawl if he loses this rg. But even then they'll be others :(

Btw do you think Rafa bought anything for xisca in rome or is he a selfish boyfriend shopper :p

LOL, I dunno, maybe? I'm starting to think he bought her the white jacket, it's the only explanation as to why she wears it ALL the time. I don't think most girls prefer their men to buy them clothes when they are not with them... but maybe a scarf or jewelry...My cuz got a really nice bracelet from Armani. From the pics, it looks like it was mostly for him.LOL.
 

nadalbestclass

Hall of Fame
^^
I hope you two have cool down after an emotional match yesterday, and hope you don't take your anger out of me b/c rafa lost.

BTW, go shopping spree and you will get over it.

I did not take my anger out on you. You are the one that like to instigate things. It bothers me even when Rafa wins. Don't post this, don't say that blah blah blah. You also have perfect timing for it. It's not like you said absolutely nothing and I came and attacked you. If i want to criticize *****'s celebration, why shouldn't I? Because YOU don't like it? You don't have to read it if it bothers you so much...
 

babbette

Legend
LOL, I dunno, maybe? I'm starting to think he bought her the white jacket, it's the only explanation as to why she wears it ALL the time. I don't think most girls prefer their men to buy them clothes when they are not with them... but maybe a scarf or jewelry...My cuz got a really nice bracelet from Armani. From the pics, it looks like it was mostly for him.LOL.

whatta selfish boyfriend! :p shouldn't be surprised ibiza>>>>>>>>>graduation :twisted: If he bought he that jacket it's nice but what does it imply? hide your body you're no shakira? :p
I answered your email
 

nadalbestclass

Hall of Fame
whatta selfish boyfriend! :p shouldn't be surprised ibiza>>>>>>>>>graduation :twisted: If he bought he that jacket it's nice but what does it imply? hide your body you're no shakira? :p
I answered your email

LOLlll. You crack me up.

Edit: Replied to e-mail
 
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feetofclay

Semi-Pro
We have a large number of Nadal haters around TW.

However he is appreciated elsewhere

From an article in the Guardian UK newspaper by Kevin Mitchell .

As Nadal so graciously observed after losing in straight sets to Djokovic in the Foro Italico, "Nothing lasts forever."

That is the stamp of a fine man and wonderful champion. I cannot think of an elite athlete who matches him for heartfelt humility. In so many ways, he has all the best qualities of his recently departed compatriot, Seve Ballesteros. Tennis and Spain are blessed to have him.

"Not everything lasts forever" was Nadal's generous farewell appraisal. A very few players need no title to be champions.
 

BULLZ1LLA

Banned
(Like I said before, it would not have been a good thing if Rafa won the Rome Final. Djokovic is going to struggle mentally during Roland Garros because he'll be aware that by winning Roland Garros he will tie the all-time streak record. The pressure will bother Djokovic in the Roland Garros Final, so Djokovic winning Rome is exactly what you wanted if you are a Rafa fan, in relation to the dynamics of Roland Garros)
 
(Like I said before, it would not have been a good thing if Rafa won the Rome Final. Djokovic is going to struggle mentally during Roland Garros because he'll be aware that by winning Roland Garros he will tie the all-time streak record. The pressure will bother Djokovic in the Roland Garros Final, so the result in Rome was exactly what you want if you are a Rafa fan, in relation to the dynamics of Roland Garros)
That's far from the truth, and you know it.

Djokovic doesn't care nearly as much about the streak as he cares about proving that he's the best.
It'll need some of either Nadal, Federer or Murray's best tennis to stop him.
 

Tony48

Legend
(Like I said before, it would not have been a good thing if Rafa won the Rome Final. Djokovic is going to struggle mentally during Roland Garros because he'll be aware that by winning Roland Garros he will tie the all-time streak record. The pressure will bother Djokovic in the Roland Garros Final, so Djokovic winning Rome is exactly what you wanted if you are a Rafa fan, in relation to the dynamics of Roland Garros)

You're quite the pathological liar, aren't you?
 

tennis_pro

Bionic Poster
Robby Koenig (?) said that before yesterday nadal has never lost 2 consecutive matches on clay in his professional career (futures, challengers, ATP). That's sick! :)

It's not that sick compared to his other achievements on clay. Usually once you lose a match (even if it's a final to Djokovic) you start your next tournament playing against lesser opponents (unless you're really unlucky with the draw).
 

bolo

G.O.A.T.
It's not that sick compared to his other achievements on clay. Usually once you lose a match (even if it's a final to Djokovic) you start your next tournament playing against lesser opponents (unless you're really unlucky with the draw).

That's fine, you can put it in comparison to his other impressive achievements on clay and be less impressed.

But we are considering this in the scope of his ENTIRE pro career, all different levels, where he has played zillions of clay court matches. Now if you tell me someone was like that on grass, maybe it's less interesting because there are only a limited number of tournaments in a given year and you only get to play them when you are already a decent player. But if you told me someone did that on clay or hard court that's pretty wild. I wonder if borg has a record like that on clay?
 
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TMF

Talk Tennis Guru
I did not take my anger out on you. You are the one that like to instigate things. It bothers me even when Rafa wins. Don't post this, don't say that blah blah blah. You also have perfect timing for it. It's not like you said absolutely nothing and I came and attacked you. If i want to criticize *****'s celebration, why shouldn't I? Because YOU don't like it? You don't have to read it if it bothers you so much...

You were not in a good mood yesterday, I can tell base on your reaction. That’s why I didn’t want to get involve with you until you got this match out of your system.

As for Nole and his team celebration, you, theTruth and few others are making a mountain out of a molehill. Hardly(if any) we fans witnessed other players celebration after a big win. It could be even a lot worse than Nole’s team. Maybe even Nadal’s celebration could be worse, but we don’t know. I bet you if we were able to see many of players celebrating in the past, you wouldn’t be on Nole case(despite it was his coach dancing on top of the car, not him).
 

babbette

Legend
Hardly(if any) we fans witnessed other players celebration after a big win. It could be even a lot worse than Nole’s team.

and baby that is because most seem respectuous enough not to do it in front of the hotel where all can see and tweet about it :wink:
 

TMF

Talk Tennis Guru
and baby that is because most seem respectuous enough not to do it in front of the hotel where all can see and tweet about it :wink:

Blame the guy who posted on Youtube, but don’t blame on Nole.

I like to see Nadal’s camp post their celebration video on Youtube.
 

babbette

Legend
Blame the guy who posted on Youtube, but don’t blame on Nole.

I like to see Nadal’s camp post their celebration video on Youtube.

IINNN FRONT OF THE FLLLIMSING HOTEL! WHAT THE HELL DON'T YOU GET!!:confused: Youtube or not people tweeted about it. Bryan Bro was wondering what the ruckus was all about.
 

Stvwndr219

New User
Re: the celebration

Just my observation but it seemed like kind of a slap in the face to Nadal that he did Nadal's falling to the clay celebration. In the other victories that I've seen this year, he had his fist pumps and arms raised but I've never seen him fall in celebration before. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I think that's one of the reasons for the cold distance at the end of the match - could just be overanalyzing though.

I will be very interested to see what Nadal will come up with come FO time. It seems like more of the game plan discussed on the board got implemented - DTL FH, CC BH (both decent in the first set - not remarkable but decent).

I think it's just the lack of pace and the pace of Nole's return that caught Nadal off guard. Would also like to see him move up a bit on the second serve. Murray was able to capitalize on a few second serves by taking the ball inside the court and hitting it for a winner.

Just my .02
 

babbette

Legend
Re: the celebration

Just my observation but it seemed like kind of a slap in the face to Nadal that he did Nadal's falling to the clay celebration. In the other victories that I've seen this year, he had his fist pumps and arms raised but I've never seen him fall in celebration before. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I think that's one of the reasons for the cold distance at the end of the match - could just be overanalyzing though.

I will be very interested to see what Nadal will come up with come FO time. It seems like more of the game plan discussed on the board got implemented - DTL FH, CC BH (both decent in the first set - not remarkable but decent).

I think it's just the lack of pace and the pace of Nole's return that caught Nadal off guard. Would also like to see him move up a bit on the second serve. Murray was able to capitalize on a few second serves by taking the ball inside the court and hitting it for a winner.

Just my .02

You could be right about the celebration. I mentioned before that his celebrations didn't feel like genuine emotions to me, simply like a replica. I mean even Federer has a unique fall, someone described it as looking as if he got shot :lol:
Novak has been watching rafa a lot and obsessing over him 8)
 

TMF

Talk Tennis Guru
IINNN FRONT OF THE FLLLIMSING HOTEL! WHAT THE HELL DON'T YOU GET!!:confused: Youtube or not people tweeted about it. Bryan Bro was wondering what the ruckus was all about.

There’s only a FEW people saw them celebrating LIVE. But if you post the video on youtube, it get spread around all over the place. Notice it’s the video that you and a few others feel disdain. Without the video, no one would even mention about it.
 

bolo

G.O.A.T.
Looked around a bit at the stats., bruguera, kuerten and muster have all lost consecutive matches on clay, usually right at the beginning of their careers. Borg as well.

Lendl also down for the count.
 
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Stvwndr219

New User
Also wanted to ask about Rafa's physical appearance and if maybe that explains a bit of the dip in his performance.

I was watching a repeat of the Hit for Haiti charity event Indian Wells last year with Federer/Sampras vs. Nadal/Agassi and his midsection seems much more defined than it does in the current tournaments when I've seen him with his shirt off. Figured Nadal fans would have the best perspective about this.

This video, specifically:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcgx-dQg1R4#t=4m04s
 

cknobman

Legend
Also wanted to ask about Rafa's physical appearance and if maybe that explains a bit of the dip in his performance.

I was watching a repeat of the Hit for Haiti charity event Indian Wells last year with Federer/Sampras vs. Nadal/Agassi and his midsection seems much more defined than it does in the current tournaments when I've seen him with his shirt off. Figured Nadal fans would have the best perspective about this.

This video, specifically:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcgx-dQg1R4#t=4m04s

Maybe Nadal has been bunking with Nalby lately?
 

nadalbestclass

Hall of Fame
You were not in a good mood yesterday, I can tell base on your reaction. That’s why I didn’t want to get involve with you until you got this match out of your system.

As for Nole and his team celebration, you, theTruth and few others are making a mountain out of a molehill. Hardly(if any) we fans witnessed other players celebration after a big win. It could be even a lot worse than Nole’s team. Maybe even Nadal’s celebration could be worse, but we don’t know. I bet you if we were able to see many of players celebrating in the past, you wouldn’t be on Nole case(despite it was his coach dancing on top of the car, not him).

1) No I was not in a good mood, so I apologize if I was harsh. That being said, it doesn't matter what the situation, I find it annoying when you try to tell people what they should or should not post. part of the reason I like this thread, is because I can say what I feel about Novak's celebration post a Nadal match, without having to start a new thread just for that purpose. All i really need is a post or two. Then I'm done.

2) I did not like Novak's post patch, on court celebrations. I find them obnoxious. Chest beating/screaming like an ape. It's dumb. Then he almost bit the trophy for the second time yesterday. I didn't like that either. Maybe I am biased, but who on this board isn't one way or another?

3) As for the Madrid celebrations. I will say what Babbette said, it was in front of the players hotel. In other words they knew Nadal would see. I'm sure all players who win big things celebrate loudly. I mean, it IS a big deal, but to do it in the loser's face, esp when you are supposed to be on good terms with the person is annoying and disrespectful. Go to a club? Rent an apartment? Rent a flipping stadium if you like, but right in front of the hotel? Not very nice. OH and by the way, it wasn't just a random person that put these things on youtube, the videos might have been taken by others, but they were tweeted by Novak as well. These are Novak endorsed buddy.I mean he is free to do what he likes, but it doesn't mean I'm not gonna criticize it. The noise was enough to bring the Bryans out of their rooms, that's obnoxious. Same can be done indoors too, no? Believe me, if it was Nadal and his team that had done this after beating Fed at Wimbly '08 or all those times at RG, you would have jumped on him like hounds as well. Not to mention, Soderling took out Nadal at Roland Freaking Garros, didn't see nothing like this from him. That is after Nadal and Sod totally disliked each other.

babs replied to e-mail.
 

TennisFan3

Talk Tennis Guru
Also wanted to ask about Rafa's physical appearance and if maybe that explains a bit of the dip in his performance.

I was watching a repeat of the Hit for Haiti charity event Indian Wells last year with Federer/Sampras vs. Nadal/Agassi and his midsection seems much more defined than it does in the current tournaments when I've seen him with his shirt off. Figured Nadal fans would have the best perspective about this.

This video, specifically:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcgx-dQg1R4#t=4m04s

Yep. I noticed this too right from the start of this year. While Nadal is very fit and hardly has an extra ounce on him, compared his his usual self - Nadal did have some looseness around the mid-section - where as in the past it would be hard muscle.

Now this is noticeably only because he practically removes his shirt at the end of every match, and takes his sweet time towelling himself.

Again, this probably might have NOTHING to do with fitness, but one thing is for sure, that Nadal's fitness, while still very good, is a little down compared to previous years.

I've seen him sweat a little more than in the past in many matches, and then in the very long rallies (15+ stroke) it seems that Nadal is the one who pulls the trigger or doesn't move his feet well. Complaining of tiredness after Miami match was also strange to me ; sure it was a long match , but Nadal had a easy one the day before, and usually these guys are good for 4 hrs + on the court.

It could be that mileage +9 yrs of tour are catching up with Nadal. but I think it's likely to be a combination of not enough off court fitness/conditioning training and his AO/Doha virus left him weak for some time.

Finally playing 42 matches in four and a half months doesn't help. No one else probably played close to as many matches in Top 10..
 
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TennisFan3

Talk Tennis Guru
Re: the celebration

I will be very interested to see what Nadal will come up with come FO time. It seems like more of the game plan discussed on the board got implemented - DTL FH, CC BH (both decent in the first set - not remarkable but decent).

I think it's just the lack of pace and the pace of Nole's return that caught Nadal off guard. Would also like to see him move up a bit on the second serve. Murray was able to capitalize on a few second serves by taking the ball inside the court and hitting it for a winner.

Just my .02

I don't know what Nadal can come up in the space of a few days. I expect the story to be similar in RG 2011. Nadal might tighten up his game a little, and perhaps hit his backhand a little better - but nothing major. We know Nadal just is NOT comfortable to hit big backhands consistently. The last time he did that was in Wimb 2010/UsO 2010 - but even then it wasn't as consistent as AO 09/Wimb 08 for ex. Novak will remain a bad matchup for Nadal it seems, unless he goes down drastically.

The telling thing for me was how Djokovic broke Nadal. In both Madrid and Rome he got 0-40 on Nadal's serve in the final game of the match. I recall in Rome Final, at 4-5, I was almost sure Nadal would get broken - and he was. It's like Djokovic broke at will. Nadal couldn't do anything to save those points - not even win the first point on his serve.

To me that indicates a huge mental edge for Djokovic. Nadal knew he had to serve to stay in the match and faltered on both occasions. Both Madrid/Rome were close affairs, but Djokovic won ALL of the important points.

This mental edge could be hard to overcome, even if Nadal lifts his game.

Finally - the only thing IMO that Rafa could do - is to play his hardcourt game on clay. Meaning stand closer to the baseline while returning serve and flatten out his forehand like hardcourts. On clay Nadal tries to go for even more spin - he sacrifices depth in favor of spin and angle, but that clearly isn't working against Djokovic coz the spin makes it easier for him to hit through the ball on the rise. And obviously the more spin you get, the less pace and depth you get. So Rafa might have to change the clay formula which won him so much..
 
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BULLZ1LLA

Banned
You're quite the pathological liar, aren't you?

(Are you saying I didn't say it before? Either you are lying or you just missed my post, because I definitely 'said it before': )

(I must admit, it would have been disappointing if Rafa beat Djokovic in the Rome Final, because Djokovic remaining undefeated heading into Roland Garros will make the Roland Garros Rafa vs Djokovic Final much more fun. It's like "Rafa must do the impossible, and defeat the unbeatable opponent" much more dramatic this way, like Rocky IV, plus Djokovic will be playing for all the marbles because not just RG title but tying the streak record too. Talk about the most anticipated Grand Slam Final in history!)
 

BULLZ1LLA

Banned
Just wishful thinking. He knows what he's saying is BS.

(Don't get me wrong, I and every Rafa fan and of course Rafa himself wanted Rafa to win Rome, because that is the natural instinct of sport - trying to win. But objectively it was always better for Rafa to remain the underdog, so if I was objective about the bigger picture heading into Rome I would have said 'it's best Djokovic remain undefeated until Roland Garros arrives')
 
I don't know what Nadal can come up in the space of a few days. I expect the story to be similar in RG 2011. Nadal might tighten up his game a little, and perhaps hit his backhand a little better - but nothing major. We know Nadal just is NOT comfortable to hit big backhands consistently. The last time he did that was in Wimb 2010/UsO 2010 - but even then it wasn't as consistent as AO 09/Wimb 08 for ex. Novak will remain a bad matchup for Nadal it seems, unless he goes down drastically.

The telling thing for me was how Djokovic broke Nadal. In both Madrid and Rome he got 0-40 on Nadal's serve in the final game of the match. I recall in Rome Final, at 4-5, I was almost sure Nadal would get broken - and he was. It's like Djokovic broke at will. Nadal couldn't do anything to save those points - not even win the first point on his serve.

To me that indicates a huge mental edge for Djokovic. Nadal knew he had to serve to stay in the match and faltered on both occasions. Both Madrid/Rome were close affairs, but Djokovic won ALL of the important points.

This mental edge could be hard to overcome, even if Nadal lifts his game.

Finally - the only thing IMO that Rafa could do - is to play his hardcourt game on clay. Meaning stand closer to the baseline while returning serve and flatten out his forehand like hardcourts. On clay Nadal tries to go for even more spin - he sacrifices depth in favor of spin and angle, but that clearly isn't working against Djokovic coz the spin makes it easier for him to hit through the ball on the rise. And obviously the more spin you get, the less pace and depth you get. So Rafa might have to change the clay formula which won him so much..

True. The mental game may be the hardest to address. Those final games in both Rome and Madrid attest to that.

OTOH, if Nadal can be more confident in his ground game, he may be able to execute the needed tactical changes he needs to beat Djoko. I remember that at Cinci last year, his BH was also MIA and he got it in working order by USO, not to mention he worked on his serve two days before the tournamnet started.

At this point, obviously, Djoko is the huge favorite and is likely going to win it. But Rafa may still be able to turn things around in time for RG. Guys like him and Fed, you can never ever count them out, esp in Grand Slams.
 

TennisFan3

Talk Tennis Guru
True. The mental game may be the hardest to address. Those final games in both Rome and Madrid attest to that.

OTOH, if Nadal can be more confident in his ground game, he may be able to execute the needed tactical changes he needs to beat Djoko. I remember that at Cinci last year, his BH was also MIA and he got it in working order by USO, not to mention he worked on his serve two days before the tournamnet started.

At this point, obviously, Djoko is the huge favorite and is likely going to win it. But Rafa may still be able to turn things around in time for RG. Guys like him and Fed, you can never ever count them out, esp in Grand Slams.

True. I am not counting Nadal out, and it seems Nadal is still the bookies favorite - albeit by a small margin.

Still, Nadal would have to be even greater than I thought, if he can recover from 4 straight defeats (the last 2 being the worst) and beat Djoker at RG.

To solve the Djoker problem it would take Nadal months, not days IMO.

To me the best scenario for Rafa is that one of Murray or Fed takes out Djoker in SF of RG. Both of them are capable of doing so - especially Federer..
 

namelessone

Legend
Yep. I noticed this too right from the start of this year. While Nadal is very fit and hardly has an extra ounce on him, compared his his usual self - Nadal did have some looseness around the mid-section - where as in the past it would be hard muscle.

Now this is noticeably only because he practically removes his shirt at the end of every match, and takes his sweet time towelling himself.

Not really surprising dude, Nadal is very liberal with his diet, eating cookies and junk food, just not before matches.

Again, this probably might have NOTHING to do with fitness, but one thing is for sure, that Nadal's fitness, while still very good, is a little down compared to previous years.

I've seen him sweat a little more than in the past in many matches, and then in the very long rallies (15+ stroke) it seems that Nadal is the one who pulls the trigger or doesn't move his feet well. Complaining of tiredness after Miami match was also strange to me ; sure it was a long match , but Nadal had a easy one the day before, and usually these guys are good for 4 hrs + on the court.

I don't know how much his fitness has changed but he is still one of the fittest guys on tour. Nadal has always sweated buckets, nearly on par with Roddick, but I feel that this season, it has had to do with the fevers he has had. Also, Miami has some sweltering heat. Overall, Rafa's fitness has gone down a bit me thinks.

It could be that mileage +9 yrs of tour are catching up with Nadal. but I think it's likely to be a combination of not enough off court fitness/conditioning training and his AO/Doha virus left him weak for some time.

Finally playing 42 matches in four and a half months doesn't help. No one else probably played close to as many matches in Top 10..

Well duuhhhh....

The thing that always gets me when people talk of Rafa is this. People talk about his physical style yet they now insist that he is in his physical and playing prime.

A guy that has dominated one surface for six years and has been in the top two since 2005 in his physical prime. Don't make me laugh. Other guys with similarly rough styles had 3-4 good years(who don't even come close to Nadal's years in terms of achievements), Nadal has six already and is halfway into his seventh.

I mean a guy with the easiest game on the body I've seen, Federer, declined after tearing up the tour(2003-2007, 5 prime'ish seasons), both in game and physically yet Nadal, with a much tougher game on the body, is supposedly still uber fit and in his mega prime after six seasons and a half at the top.

Where is the sense in that?
 
True. I am not counting Nadal out, and it seems Nadal is still the bookies favorite - albeit by a small margin.

Still, Nadal would have to be even greater than I thought, if he can recover from 4 straight defeats (the last 2 being the worst) and beat Djoker at RG.

To solve the Djoker problem it would take Nadal months, not days IMO.

To me the best scenario for Rafa is that one of Murray or Fed takes out Djoker in SF of RG. Both of them are capable of doing so - especially Federer..

Agree. Or maybe even earlier if that is possible. I still think that there is a small but infinitisimal chance that keeping the streak going is going to be too much to bear.

OTOH, I think right now Murray might even have a better chance at beating Djoko than Fed, who while being a great shotmaker and a better mover on this surface, is too inconsistent at the back of the court. I've seen too many shanks this season from Fed to think that he can beat Novak who is playing this well. Murray just may be even more motivated to beat him after failing to serve for the match in SF.
 

TennisFan3

Talk Tennis Guru
Well duuhhhh....

The thing that always gets me when people talk of Rafa is this. People talk about his physical style yet they now insist that he is in his physical and playing prime.

A guy that has dominated one surface for six years and has been in the top two since 2005 in his physical prime. Don't make me laugh. Other guys with similarly rough styles had 3-4 good years(who don't even come close to Nadal's years in terms of achievements), Nadal has six already and is halfway into his seventh.

I mean a guy with the easiest game on the body I've seen, Federer, declined after tearing up the tour(2003-2007, 5 prime'ish seasons), both in game and physically yet Nadal, with a much tougher game on the body, is supposedly still uber fit and in his mega prime after six seasons and a half at the top.

Where is the sense in that?

Good post.

Despite the fact that he's feeling the mileage on his legs, Nadal STILL plays the MOST.

That's the sad thing IMO.

I mean everyone talks about Djoker getting fatigued. But he's only played 36 matches this year. Nadal has played 42 matches!

It seems to me Nadal will be the one who'll get fatigued sooner..

That's what Fed did intelligently when he was close to the end of his prime. Fed had a very judicious schedule and he gave half assed effort in non-slam events.
Nadal OTOH is exactly opposite. Gives it his all for every match, and plays everything in sight unless he can't physically play. I mean the guy plays through fever :shock:

At this rate, I can't see Nadal lasting at the top level for 4-5 yrs that everyone expects.
 

Messarger

Hall of Fame
Just to add, Rafa has done well most of the time when he's the underdog. Here's hoping that that trend continues at RG this year.
 

ViscaB

Hall of Fame
Good post.

Despite the fact that he's feeling the mileage on his legs, Nadal STILL plays the MOST.

That's the sad thing IMO.

I mean everyone talks about Djoker getting fatigued. But he's only played 36 matches this year. Nadal has played 42 matches!

....

At this rate, I can't see Nadal lasting at the top level for 4-5 yrs that everyone expects.

I'm with you. Even while I like him play Barcelona he should think about skipping it again next year. It's all just too much.
 

TennisFan3

Talk Tennis Guru
I'm with you. Even while I like him play Barcelona he should think about skipping it again next year. It's all just too much.

Exactly. To me that's why he's NOT been at his 2010 form.

Classic case of burnout. He is still good enough to get to the finals, but he doesn't have the game/intensity of last year. As was said before - the fire is missing in the eyes.

Nadal needs a break...
 
Well that's because it's near impossible to put pressure on Djoker right now since nearly every shot comes back with interest.

Bellucci won a set by hitting deep spun forehands close to the baseline and hitting his BH real heavy. And even then Novak came back when Bellucci couldn't keep it up.

Ferrer grinded his teeth and everything else to win a set off Novak and only did so while his BH kept up.

Murray also played some lights out tennis and was within a couple of points from winning.

What do all these guys have in common? They hit their BH big and didn't allow Novak to abuse them most of the time. Bellucci doesn't normally hit his BH that big but when he did, he posed trouble for Novak. Once his BH reverted to more "normal" standards he was toast.

Nadal doesn't have a great BH and furthermore, he has a long backswing on it and it is vulnerable on high balls. Point is, Rafa needs a lot of time to set up his BH shot. He used to have that time by pounding everyone into submission with his fh but that doesn't work against Novak Djokovic.

He has to rally on both sides now and his weak BH is exposed.

Sure, right now, it seems as if no one can out-defend Novak and he's hitting winners from all over the court, his confidence is sky-high and seems to be able to hit the right shot even without thinking about it. But he has weaknesses which may not be glaring but are there. Which is funny because IMO Murray's variety was actually the one that exposed it the most.
 

namelessone

Legend
Good post.

Despite the fact that he's feeling the mileage on his legs, Nadal STILL plays the MOST.

That's the sad thing IMO.

I mean everyone talks about Djoker getting fatigued. But he's only played 36 matches this year. Nadal has played 42 matches!

It seems to me Nadal will be the one who'll get fatigued sooner..

That's what Fed did intelligently when he was close to the end of his prime. Fed had a very judicious schedule and he gave half assed effort in non-slam events.
Nadal OTOH is exactly opposite. Gives it his all for every match, and plays everything in sight unless he can't physically play. I mean the guy plays through fever :shock:

At this rate, I can't see Nadal lasting at the top level for 4-5 yrs that everyone expects.

The perks of being a Nadal fan :)

Not only does he play through fever, he did it twice this year when he was supposed to be planning an assault on the slams(look at what happened with Rafa slam).

Look, this is something he won't change, it is ingrained in him, the guy goes until he can't go no more. Planning is a foreign word for him and his camp.

Uh, I could have told you last year when Rafanatics were high fiving each other, predicting 20 slams for Nadal, that Rafa has 2, maybe three years left at the top. Nadal himself has said that 30 is probably his max age as far as tennis goes.

Some of the grindiest players around, courier,chang,muster lasted something like 13-14 seasons on the pro tour and weren't achieving all that much in those last years. Nadal will have 10 seasons on the pro tour once 2011 is over and realistically has maybe 2 more seasons at the very top.

To compare, Fed got his first major title back in 2003 and won his last(so far) in 2010. That's 8 years of greatness already but notice that by his fifth-sixth year, Fed had declined. And that's with a easy style on the body.

Nadal won his first major titles in 2005 and has won at least slam each year for six years running. If he wins RG or WB this year, it will have been his 7th year running winning slams.

People have been talking about Nadal's fitness so much that they haven't noticed Nadal getting older, or more accurately, his MILEAGE. Djokovic and Murray have better fitness than Rafa at the moment IMO.
 
Nadal is definitely still in his prime, probably playing better than ever. He has so much more variety now. One just needs to watch him with unbiased eye. The simple fact of the matter is that Novak is better than Rafa ever was and his future achievement will likely reflect that.
 
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