Just a small correction. In a small span from after AO '10 and before RG'10 none of Djokodal held a slamWawrinka
If Wawrinka wins, it will be the first time since AO 2005 that Djokodal didn't hold at least one slam
OP said they waited until after the match, unlike the other two...I go with that
Yep. Lost 41 games there. So would need to win in straight sets and lose less than 12 games.
What would he need to beat his games won % from 2008?
People thinking this is the old Nadal are highly mistaken. He doesn't have the same movement and crosscourt forehand to instantly make BBQ Chicken of any one hander he'd play on this court. He hasn't faced a single player playing well this whole tournament. He's attackable and if anyone can pull off a Soderling and consistently bludgeon the ball off both wings while mixing in some variety, it is Stan. It'll take a tremendous performance for Stan to pull this off, better than the 2015 final even, but no one should be doubting whether he's capable of that performance because he definitely is, even if it isn't all that likely. Nadal is the favorite, even the firm favorite, but people counting how many games Stan wins are jumping the gun to an extreme degree. I think the match is on Stan's racket more than people think. If he's consistent, I honestly think at this point in Nadal's career that Stan has more to trouble Nadal with than the other way around, in terms of weapons. Nadal's crosscourt forehand used to draw short balls and misses from one handers like crazy, that's not the case anymore, especially for one as good as Stan's. I'll say Nadal 65/35
Either way, this is the final I wanted, I'll be happy for both guys.
He really has saved tennis.If Stan wins he is the GOAT. But pretty sure Nadal in 3.
Whatever happens, Stan has given tennis an incredible boost ever since that crazy 5 setter against the Djoker in 2013. Tennis back then, for me, was stagnant. Federer was declining, Murray was coming more and more into the picture and generally Djokovic and Nadal fought for most of the big titles. I, and I think a few others also, found that period extremely boring. But then Stan came onto the scene.
The way he plays is admirable, more so than any of the other current top 4. He may only really turn up for a couple of tournaments every year, but ****, when he does, its one of *the* main highlights of the tennis year. All three of his slam wins have been absolutely magic, but I cannot see him doing it this time. Genuinely, its more unfathomable than when he played Nadal at the Aus in 2014. I hope that, if he does lose, he will still put up some heavy resistance. Allez!
very fair analysis, hoping for a great match... Stan's improved return can also be a factorPeople thinking this is the old Nadal are highly mistaken. He doesn't have the same movement and crosscourt forehand to instantly make BBQ Chicken of any one hander he'd play on this court. He hasn't faced a single player playing well this whole tournament. He's attackable and if anyone can pull off a Soderling and consistently bludgeon the ball off both wings while mixing in some variety, it is Stan. It'll take a tremendous performance for Stan to pull this off, better than the 2015 final even, but no one should be doubting whether he's capable of that performance because he definitely is, even if it isn't all that likely. Nadal is the favorite, even the firm favorite, but people counting how many games Stan wins are jumping the gun to an extreme degree. I think the match is on Stan's racket more than people think. If he's consistent, I honestly think at this point in Nadal's career that Stan has more to trouble Nadal with than the other way around, in terms of weapons. Nadal's crosscourt forehand used to draw short balls and misses from one handers like crazy, that's not the case anymore, especially for one as good as Stan's. I'll say Nadal 65/35
Either way, this is the final I wanted, I'll be happy for both guys.
If anyone deserves La Decima at one Slam tournament, it's Nadal. That's tempting me to support him even though I have hardly ever been on his side.
Never underestimate Wawrinka though, he can flip a switch and play like a man possessed out of nowhere.
Tempted to lump some cash on Wawrinka to win.
Currently 4/1 with skybet. £100 to return £500 or £50 for £250.
Love when theirs additional things at stake like this.Forgot to mention this earlier, but this is also a direct battle for #2. The winner goes to Number 2 - in Stan's case, that would be a career-high ranking.
Stan has been there and done that in the finals. He knows what he should do to win. Stan can beat him and he will beat him in 4 sets.
Nadal has not been tested thus far. He will feel the pressure when things gets tight. The result depends on whether Stan capitalizes on that or not.
yeah stan has the game to take Rafa completely off script... its a crazy game but it isnt like he hasnt done it several times already.This is the only factor that makes me believe even for a second that Stan has a chance. Nadal has not really been tested yet, so we may overrate how well he's actually been playing. But then again, maybe he's just played too well to even be tested(Thiem should in theory be a big challenge)? Hard to tell, but if things do get really tight Stan certainly isn't going to fold easily. He's a total beast mentally in these big matches.
Tempted to lump some cash on Wawrinka to win.
Currently 4/1 with skybet. £100 to return £500 or £50 for £250.
Then Nadal has also saved tennis at 2005-07 French Opens, no?He really has saved tennis.
Imagine Djokovic winning 6 straight slams vs pigeon Murray and grandpa Fed between 15 AO - 16 RG???
Stan is pretty much the only player out there who can make Rafa "blink" on clay... he doesnt have to wait for him to do so. Stan has the game.Anything can happen, but I think Rafa will prevail. Stan is no spring chicken, and he will probably be a bit tired - Rafa is fresh and super motivated. If Rafa blinks, Stan can take advantage, for sure, but that's a big if. I don't really see it happening. Anyway, should be a fun match to watch, and hopefully competitive throughout, with both playing their best.
Agreed... Stan on an averarge day isnt gonna do it but he could do it as Stanimal. Rafa has had a long hard 3 years.... but yeah Thiem, I think Chatrier+Rafa for a 1st final rattled him. Rafa really has not been tested. Stan will test him and hasnt even peaked yet this FO.Dont know what to predict here. I think Rafa is more vulnerable than the games dropped so far tells. Thiem just folded today, but in the first set he had plenty of BP's. Rafa is the favourite but i wont be surprised if Stan takes this. They are both tough fighters who deserve the title. It has been 3 tough years for Rafa and the Brigade, would be a very deserved victory.
Rafa wins easily in 3 or 4 sets..
Stan has declined after 2015 . His AO 2014 & RG 15 are great wins . But USO 16 win was against an Injured Novak who should have lost before the quarters, reached final only bcoz of walkovers..
This is the only factor that makes me believe even for a second that Stan has a chance. Nadal has not really been tested yet, so we may overrate how well he's actually been playing. But then again, maybe he's just played too well to even be tested(Thiem should in theory be a big challenge)? Hard to tell, but if things do get really tight Stan certainly isn't going to fold easily. He's a total beast mentally in these big matches.
May be. But he was just being in solid form and did not face anyone in great form this season on Clay. Thiem could not hit his BH rally balls consistently and he made so stupid errors. He is 2nd best but hardly a challenge even though he defeated Rafa at Rome. I think Stan can bring some resistance and power that Rafa has not experienced this season on Clay. It would be interesting to see how Nadal reacts to it. The bounce of the surface and Stan's tactics will play a role.
He's not being completely overlooked. But Nadal at Roland Garros? A Nadal who still hasn't dropped a set and has lost just 29 games?
Stan needs to wear his pink in the final to muster some magic power.