2008 Nadal vs 2020 Novak on clay

Who wins?

  • Young Nadal crushes Novak

    Votes: 32 82.1%
  • Novak beats Rafa even then

    Votes: 4 10.3%
  • Its a toss up...

    Votes: 3 7.7%

  • Total voters
    39

GhostOfNKDM

Hall of Fame
So we heard this a lot from Nadal fans after the SF loss that he is no longer the beast on clay that he used to be.

On the other hand some Novak fans claim he has only just entered his prime.

So how would the two match up if we put young Nadal vs seaonsed Novak on clay?
 
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NAS

Hall of Fame
So we heard this a lot from Nadal fans after the SF loss that he is no longer the beast on clay that he used to be.

On the other hand some Novak fans claim he has only just entered his prime.

So how would the two match up if we put young Nadal vs seaonsed Novak on clay?
What was so special in 2020 Novak? He lost very badly
 

GhostOfNKDM

Hall of Fame
This is an aside from the main topic in the title, but it seems even from the reaction from Nole fans, that Rafa's peak level on clay was untouchable...

That would make for a solid case for him being GOAT over Novak even if the latter exceeds in slam count.

Would Novak fans agree with this?
 
T

TheNachoMan

Guest
This is an aside from the main topic in the title, but it seems even from the reaction from Nole fans, that Rafa's peak level on clay was untouchable...

That would make for a solid case for him being GOAT over Novak even if the latter exceeds in slam count.

Would Novak fans agree with this?
He’s GOAT of one surface
 

GhostOfNKDM

Hall of Fame
He’s GOAT of one surface

The toughest surface according to Novak' own coach and by many others.

Unless one says hard is a more important surface, I don't see how anyone else crowned undisputed GOAT if Nadal reached the highest peak on tennis' toughest surface.
 
T

TheNachoMan

Guest
The toughest surface according to Novak' own coach and by many others.

Unless one says hard is a more important surface, I don't see how anyone else crowned undisputed GOAT if Nadal reached the highest peak on tennis' toughest surface.
Novak’s has a much more rounded resume. Same with Fed.
 

Mike Sams

G.O.A.T.
So we heard this a lot from Nadal fans after the SF loss that he is no longer the beast on clay that he used to be.

On the other hand some Novak fans claim he has only just entered his prime.

So how would the two match up if we put young Nadal vs seaonsed Novak on clay?
Playing Nadal in an RG final might've been a bit different than playing him in the SF.
 

The Blond Blur

G.O.A.T.
I think one of the most underrated aspects of being RAFAN is that the guy I support isn’t a delusional moron about his level. Whereas Ol’ Rog says/said that he’s playing better than he was in 05, or Joker saying last year was his best level ever. RAFA on the other hand is just like nah fam I’m ****ing old lol.

And Peakdal crushes 2021ovic in straights without going to a TB in any set.
 

NoleFam

Bionic Poster
I think Djokovic's forehand in 2008 was pretty good, aggressive even. I think during the USO 2007 commies were already calling it the second best forehand in the game for HC's.

It was very good in 2008, especially on hardcourt. On clay though, I saw where he could be attacked on that side because he was too loopy with it and it would sit up more and would land short. It could have been the spin of Nadal that was causing that but it was very noticeable in that RG SF match.
 

NatF

Bionic Poster
It was very good in 2008, especially on hardcourt. On clay though, I saw where he could be attacked on that side because he was too loopy with it and it would sit up more and would land short. It could have been the spin of Nadal that was causing that but it was very noticeable in that RG SF match.

Fair enough.
 

WildRevolver

Hall of Fame
Is it me, or is the only flaming these days coming from 3-4 Fed fans? Seems like Nadal fans, like myself, are a bit depressed but giving kudos to Novak, and Novak fans have been respectful in turn. This is another thread trying hopelessly to get the two fanbases to fight.
 

The Guru

Legend
Is it me, or is the only flaming these days coming from 3-4 Fed fans? Seems like Nadal fans, like myself, are a bit depressed but giving kudos to Novak, and Novak fans have been respectful in turn. This is another thread trying hopelessly to get the two fanbases to fight.
Nadalovic unite
 

WildRevolver

Hall of Fame
Nadalovic unite

It's honestly your guys' time to enjoy. I'm trying to embrace all the parts of Novak's story that I love and ignore the parts that irk me so I can fully appreciate the remaining years he's around. He's the GOAT. Rafa is my favorite athlete ever, and will always be King of Clay, winner of the GOAT match, epic fighter, etc. But Novak is the most complete player ever. And he deserves to own all the records.
 

Krish872007

Talk Tennis Guru
Is it me, or is the only flaming these days coming from 3-4 Fed fans? Seems like Nadal fans, like myself, are a bit depressed but giving kudos to Novak, and Novak fans have been respectful in turn. This is another thread trying hopelessly to get the two fanbases to fight.

I notice Beckerserve created half the threads yesterday (and a few today) subtly designed to drive a wedge between Fedal fans and Novak fans
 

The Guru

Legend
It's honestly your guys' time to enjoy. I'm trying to embrace all the parts of Novak's story that I love and ignore the parts that irk me so I can fully appreciate the remaining years he's around. He's the GOAT. Rafa is my favorite athlete ever, and will always be King of Clay, winner of the GOAT match, epic fighter, etc. But Novak is the most complete player ever. And he deserves to own all the records.
That's a great attitude to have and honestly I wouldn't give up on your guy ending as the GOAT. He was essentially one point from taking a substantial lead just a few days ago. Nadal could win one of W and USO and RG next year and be right back in it. Crazier things have happened. That being said I do think in all likelihood Novak will end as GOAT and that does make me happy but had it been different I would feel similarly. I used to dislike Rafa during the peak of their rivalry and nowadays he's probably my second favorite player. Gotta appreciate the greats before their gone.
 
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