[2]Rafael Nadal vs [3] Roger Federer 2012 Australian Open Semifinal

Federer or Nadal

  • Federer in 3

    Votes: 39 13.5%
  • Federer in 4

    Votes: 97 33.6%
  • Federer in 5

    Votes: 35 12.1%
  • Federer Retires( Bad Back)

    Votes: 2 0.7%
  • Nadal in 3

    Votes: 11 3.8%
  • Nadal in 4

    Votes: 78 27.0%
  • Nadal in 5

    Votes: 24 8.3%
  • Nadal Retires( Bad Knees)

    Votes: 3 1.0%

  • Total voters
    289

purge

Hall of Fame
its a shame either way. this couldve been a really big win for fed that couldve made the first half of the 2012 season extremely interesting i think. but it wasnt meant to be. yet again

doesnt mean fed cant win a slam this year tho
 

Marius_Hancu

Talk Tennis Guru
I agree with you, although, he can win ugly. Last year's match against Simon was an example of that. But, in general, you're right, and it was something I was hoping Annacone would have been able to change. He has to realize that winning is winning, and that it doesn't matter if it looks "ugly. ". He is kind of arrogant on court, in that, he's not that willing to stick to a game plan or eliminate what isn't working.

No, the game plan was fine.

He tried playing more into the court, more S-V, more aggressive returning, all from Annacone. His BH was stronger.

There were too many errors though from all sides, on all shots, to a large extent as a result of the pressure from Nadal. Not very bad, but bad enough to lose to Nadal.

And, mainly, too low a 1st serve in percentage. You can't win against Nadal with that.
 
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GhostDog

Hall of Fame
I think I'm done picking Fed in final 4's. I guess I was a victim of fools gold, as he looked to be in vintage form leading up to this match.

I guess I picked with my heart instead of my head. Nadal is just a relentless warrior on the tennis court, and Fed self destructed once again. That forehand was UE machine.

Looking forward to another Djokovich vs Nadal final.
 

MichaelNadal

Bionic Poster
The only way to possibly determine that would be to see peak Rafa vs peak Roger on a hard court. It never happened, so we'll never know.

Honestly Nadal fans, you look really pathetic celebrating so viciously, your guy who is supposedly in his peak years, taking out 30 year old Fed.

Uh, it's pretty damn muted in here, dunno what board you're reading.
 

Mike Sams

G.O.A.T.
I'm not suggesting he lost because of this. Nadal was the better player today. My problem is with Fedeer not willing to throw away shots that don't work. I know Roger has to come in to finish the point as soon as he can, but there were a lot if instances where coming in wasn't the best option and he took the chance and lost it.

It's obvious....Annacone was useless all along. You can't teach a player at age 30 anything new. Nothing works. Federer can't employ a new strategy against one single player. It's impossible.
Federer can have his indoor wins. Slams are out of the question against Nadal. It's the young man's era. The 20-somethings.
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
Pressure, yes, but he seemed also slightly slow and out of position when hitting some wide shots.




No, the game plan was fine.

He tried playing more into the court, more S-V, more aggressive returning, all from Annacone. His BH was stronger.

There were too many errors though from all sides, on all shots, to a large extent as a result of the pressure from Nadal. Not very bad, but bad enough to lose to Nadal.

And, mainly, too low a 1st serve in percentage. You can't win against Nadal with that.
 

Boricua

Hall of Fame
Honestly no way Berdych is beating Nadal? If he does you can flame me badly.

Del Potro was the only one who can ruin this meeting.

Last time they met Nadal won 7-5, 4-6,7-6(3),3-6,6-2.

This time I think it will be Federer in 4: 7-5,4-6,6-4,7-6(8)

You got the score almost right but the winner was Nadal.:)
 

Mike Sams

G.O.A.T.
I think I'm done picking Fed in final 4's. I guess I was a victim of fools gold, as he looked to be in vintage form leading up to this match.

I guess I picked with my heart instead of my head. Nadal is just a relentless warrior on the tennis court, and Fed self destructed once again. That forehand was UE machine.

Looking forward to another Djokovich vs Nadal final.

If Federer/Nadal are to meet at Roland Garros this year, watch the poll lopsidedly "Federer in 4" as always. :lol:
 

namelessone

Legend
Uh, it's pretty damn muted in here, dunno what board you're reading.

Most Nadal fans realize that there is no glory in this since they both sucked ass today, outmugging eachother.

I'm sure some will troll in the next few hours but the Fedal rivalry has lost so much steam that people can't even get upset or riled up anymore.
 

zagor

Bionic Poster
No, the game plan was fine.

He tried playing more into the court, more S-V, more aggressive returning, all from Annacone. His BH was stronger.

There were too many errors though from all sides, on all shots, to a large extent as a result of the pressure from Nadal. Not very bad, but bad enough to lose to Nadal.

And, mainly, too low a 1st serve in percentage. You can't win against Nadal with that.

Do you see Fed winning another slam title Marius? I think Fed would have beaten Berdych if he advanced and would have a good shot at either Novak or Murray in the final. Hard to see it happenning unless someone else takes out Nadal at this point.
 

Docalex007

Hall of Fame
Tough loss but I'll take it and move on. Anything Federer does this year is just icing on the cake of a truly remarkable career. If he wins the odd title here or there... SWEET.
 

kishnabe

Talk Tennis Guru
You got the score almost right but the winner was Nadal.:)

I have not slept for 24 hours the match was like an energy drink now I am cranky and down from teh aftereffects.

It was a stupid prediction....possible but it would come down to Federer in key moments.
 

Colin

Professional
They should play a couple of tournaments per year where it's a simple one set for the win (maybe get rid of the tiebreak or make it longer).

And I'm serious. It's like when you have four or five different races for track and field.

Why not find a way to honor those who can play one simple brilliant set of tennis? Take any kind of endurance element out of it. Variety is not a bad thing. Hell, of a tournament that's best of seven. We can see Murray and Nadal destroy a limb against each other.
 

Telepatic

Legend
Do you see Fed winning another slam title Marius? I think Fed would have beaten Berdych if he advanced and would have a good shot at either Novak or Murray in the final. Hard to see it happenning unless someone else takes out Nadal at this point.

I'm pretty sure he would beat anyone but Rafito.
 

Clarky21

Banned
The only way to possibly determine that would be to see peak Rafa vs peak Roger on a hard court. It never happened, so we'll never know.

Honestly Nadal fans, you look really pathetic celebrating so viciously, your guy who is supposedly in his peak years, taking out 30 year old Fed.


Mike Shams is NOT a Nadal fan. He is a raging *********,and very proud troll. Ignore everything he says.
 

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
Tough loss but I'll take it and move on. Anything Federer does this year is just icing on the cake of a truly remarkable career. If he wins the odd title here or there... SWEET.

true, but still the fact he (again!!!) had all the tools to STILL WIN relatively easy today, just bailing out and get scared by the bull(y) is heartbreaking.
 

Docalex007

Hall of Fame
Let's see, Federer won the first set, had ample chances to win the second, ample chances to win the third and... well, had that break point to serve for the set in the fourth.

So basically.. Federer f'ed the big points away yet again (although Nadal was incredibly clutch and didn't miss anymore!)
 

Marius_Hancu

Talk Tennis Guru
Do you see Fed winning another slam title Marius? I think Fed would have beaten Berdych if he advanced and would have a good shot at either Novak or Murray in the final. Hard to see it happenning unless someone else takes out Nadal at this point.

I really don't know, but I see your points.
 

Big_Dangerous

Talk Tennis Guru
Most Nadal fans realize that there is no glory in this since they both sucked ass today, outmugging eachother.

I'm sure some will troll in the next few hours but the Fedal rivalry has lost so much steam that people can't even get upset or riled up anymore.

Rafa made some pretty nice shots but yeah this one definitely lacked the quality of other Roger Rafa matches, particularly Wimbledon 2008 and AO 2009.

However this does really solidify it now though. Rafa is officially better than Roger.
 

purge

Hall of Fame
there were a few things that gave some hope tho imo. some of the things about how the score goes along were not the way they have been so many times.

weve often seen fed come out swinging and getting an early lead in the 1st. and then after a wrong shot selection here and there bringing nadal into the match not just to break back but to then go on a tear to win 5 games in a row and take the set because fed tries to force it and fails

this time he tried to keep his composure and stay on serve to wait for another chance. that was an improvement compared to the 09 final or the RG final last year. with this attitude he wouldve won the 09 final im sure.

on the other hand he sort of traded that for a new weakness that has come with age unfortunately. those sets going away quickly in the middle of a match.. due to the more frequent mental lapses. they cost him. like the 2nd and 4th set against djoko USO 10, or sets 3 and 4 last year, and against nadal too.

in the end the 3rd set was probably crucial just like 3 years ago.
 
I hope Fed says something of value in his presser. He has to acknowledge that Nadal has his number and he has to make some major change in his game. Not sure what, but something. Annacone certainly isn't it.
 

Clarky21

Banned
Rafa made some pretty nice shots but yeah this one definitely lacked the quality of other Roger Rafa matches, particularly Wimbledon 2008 and AO 2009.

However this does really solidify it now though. Rafa is officially better than Roger.


No way. Fed has every shot in the book and is better in just about every part of the game. If he could screw his head on straight against Nadal he would beat him more often than not.

And this was a trash match from Nadal,and I expect him lose badly in the final. Just rinse and repeat what happened over and over last year and you have the result of the final already.


Oh,and smooches,Beasty. :)
 

TennisLovaLova

Hall of Fame
Fed cant beat nadal in a 3 set match anymore.
The only chance fed has to win a gs is murray at #2 spot so that he could only face nadal in the final
Another possibility is to go back to older faster courts. Even hitting te strongest fh, nadal could defend easily today.
Speed
Seeds
 

Spider

Hall of Fame
LOL, cannot believe this thread and the rubbish posted in it. People actually thought Federer could beat Nadal? I mean when did that last happen, in a slam? 5 years ago...

Anyway, Nadal toyed with Federer as predicted. No surprises here.
 

JumpSmash

Rookie
No one troll when federer loses? Must just be because no one expects him to win anymore.

wonder what certain nadal fans laughably predicting federer would win, are thinking now. surely it was just an act, everyone knows that the time when federer can beat nadal in a slam passed a long time ago. when will people learn?

Nadal has got an excellent chance to win the title despite all this doomsday stuff being thrown around by nadal fans, especially if Murray wins.

If Murray wins, there is no point in playing the Final. Just give the trophy to Nadal. I really hope Nole beats Murray and crushes Nadal mercilessly in the final. It will take a little sting off this loss.
 

Clarky21

Banned
The fact that trollforthewin is reacting so badly to The Egg's pigeon winning this semi is more than enough proof that he is nothing but a Fed fan in disguise. Most people already know that anyway,but he has more than proved it tonight.
 

TennisLovaLova

Hall of Fame
LOL, cannot believe this thread and the rubbish posted in it. People actually thought Federer could beat Nadal? I mean when did that last happen, in a slam? 5 years ago...

Anyway, Nadal toyed with Federer as predicted. No surprises here.

Toyed is not the right way to describe what happened today.
60ue from fed
And usual, mind blowing defensive game from rafa
And some incredible top spin fh salsa roja
 
The fact that trollforthewin is reacting so badly to The Egg's pigeon winning this semi is more than enough proof that he is nothing but a Fed fan in disguise. Most people already know that anyway,but he has more than proved it tonight.

Why don't you make a poll and ask who's the bigger troll, you or me.
 
The fact that trollforthewin is reacting so badly to The Egg's pigeon winning this semi is more than enough proof that he is nothing but a Fed fan in disguise. Most people already know that anyway,but he has more than proved it tonight.

He's a banned Federer fan come back as disguised as a Djokovic fan.
 
It's great watching Rafa's father and his reactions. He really does live every point with his son, and he doesn't hide anything. He is literally the world's most avid Rafa fan.
 

Tammo

Banned
The fact that trollforthewin is reacting so badly to The Egg's pigeon winning this semi is more than enough proof that he is nothing but a Fed fan in disguise. Most people already know that anyway,but he has more than proved it tonight.

+1 Next he will say how the fireworks affected the outcome of the match, and ramble on about other things.:)
 
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