2019 Rome FINAL: Novak Djokovic (1) vs Rafael Nadal (2)

[weakera]

Does RAFA have a mental block against nole now ? does he get discouraged when novak starts to handle him from the baseline ?

Definitely. But IMO this is not an insurmountable block because Novak is not as consistent as he was when he was Ultron. He's simply not as good as he once was, IMO. He CAN reach his top gear/level, but it happens less frequently than it used to and he is more prone to drops in his level. So Rafa will have his chances on this surface, unlike in Australia and when he does, he will begin to fight back/"bullieve."

IMO Rafa will have plenty of looks on Nole's serve today. The questions are whether or not Rafa can serve well - despite 60% first serve he dominated his service games due to excellent strategy/placement vs. Tsitsi - and whether or not Nole can be the human wall that he has the potential to be from the baseline or can Rafa hit through him. If Novak plays just as well as he did vs. Diego, he will lose. But I expect him to play better given that it is Rafa and a final he is facing.

 

[Red Rick]

6 pages before the match

This poll:


Who will win their 34th masters title?

• Djokovic in 2
  Votes: 25 24.0%
• Djokovic in 3
  Votes: 22 21.2%
• Nadal in 2
  Votes: 31 29.8%
• Nadal in 3
  Votes: 26 25.0%
  
  
  Only Djokodal

 

[weakera]

The weather will play a factor as well. If it's too muggy, Rafa could be cooked.

 

[I Am Finnish]

It is gonna rain in the afternoon?

 

[Tennis Rules]

there we go....greatest match up in tennis history...and again a final.

hoping that nadal is ready to run and for good defence. he will need it. that things he don´t had at the ao final.

 

[I Am Finnish]

Djoker should play lot of those great drop shots and in the first set to kind of get to the flags of Nadal

Nadal will do the same

 

[I Am Finnish]

I think Nadal needs this win more

 

[I Am Finnish]

Their 5th final in Rome, on no other tournament they have same or more mutual finals.
2009 - Nadal won 7:6(2), 6:2

2011 - Djoker won 6:4, 6:4

2012 - Nadal won 7:5, 6:3

2014 - Djoker won 4:6, 6:3, 6:3

Who will win this time?

2009: Nadal
2011: Djokovic
2012: Nadal
2014: Djokovic
2019: Nadal

 

[I Am Finnish]

Edit this post later on with a 2019 pic just to see how they've aged down the years lol

 

[Deleted member 77403]

10th anniversary of their legendary first ever final in Rome.

 

[I Am Finnish]

Nadal looks amazing. Banana shots. New serve. New diet. More hair plugs. Engaged. Strong. Fast. Rested. Magnificent.

Djokovic in 2

 

[Enceladus]

Vote Nadal in 2.
Nadal lost 13 games in the whole tournament.
Novak lost that many in his last match.
No contest in Roma. Novak may play the 1st set hard to assess Nadal though.
Expect a huge battle in RG.

Djoker spent the last two days on the court for 5 hours averting two matchballs. Do you think he'll go today to cheap lose of the title and record of the Masters with the player, which Djoker unfolded into components in the last mutual match?

Nole has a chance. He has a mental advantage, and the hard struggles tested him, while the only Nadal' test was the first set against Fiasco.

 

[clayqueen]

Rafa has lost ONLY 13 games to the final whilst Djokovic has lost 36 games! Rafa is playing better; I hope he doesn't have a mental block against Djokovic and plays his best tennis today.

 

[I Am Finnish]

2019 RG champion Sascha Zverev.

Z winning RG means rip TTW site

 

[Cortana]

Rafa has lost ONLY 13 games to the final whilst Djokovic has lost 36 games! Rafa is playing better; I hope he doesn't have a mental block against Djokovic and plays his best tennis today.

How many games did Rafa lose before the AO2019 final? Did it matter?

 

[mightyjeditribble]

They’re planning on inviting their mutual friend NK to the final to entertain the crowd instead of playing

The Night King does gigs now?

Figures.

(Sent from my mobile phone.)

 

[MichaelNadal]

Today it's pasta and Gandalf for me during the match

 

[tennis_pro]

come on joko slay the parera

 

[Nostradamus]

It is gonna rain in the afternoon?

Why does the rain make Nole happy ????????????? if the final is cancelled,, then novak will have to be Co-winner of Italian open with RAFA. they will have to make another winner trophy

 

[mike danny]

Their 5th final in Rome, on no other tournament they have same or more mutual finals.
2009 - Nadal won 7:6(2), 6:2

2011 - Djoker won 6:4, 6:4

2012 - Nadal won 7:5, 6:3

2014 - Djoker won 4:6, 6:3, 6:3

Who will win this time?

Didn't they meet at Rome in 2007 too?

 

[Sephiroth]

On Twitter I see people saying Djokovic has met Nadal on clay 23 times and Nadal has met Djokovic on HC 26 times despite there being 2x HC tournaments so they say it's unfair.

If Djokovic were to lose will people bring this up here or give Rafa credit?

 

[I Am Finnish]

Didn't they meet at Rome in 2007 too?

QF

 

[Sport]

I agree with you.

The scoreline also suggests so. In Melbourne, Tsitsipas was slaughtered. I expected worse on clay when they played on Madrid but Tsitsipas won! Even yesterday, it was competitive in Rome. No way, it can be compared to Melbourne match.

Rafa plays better on hard courts than on clay. Also on grass , he is more deadly in the last two years. He would have mostly made the final in 2017 if not for Mueller loss and if not for Novak Djokovic, probably would have won Wimbledon 2018

Nadal destroyed Delpo 3-0 at Roland Garros and suffered 5 sets and 5 hours to defeat him at Wimbledon, which refutes that Nadal is supposedly better on grass/hard than on clay.

Also, following your reasoning, Djokovic should destroy Nadal at RG even easier than in Australia, since Nadal is supposedly worse on clay. So Djokovic would defeat Nadal at RG 6-1, 6-0 and 6-1. Keep dreaming, there is no way Djokovic defeats Nadal in 3 at RG 2019. Nadal is the king of clay, and so clay is his best surface. Nadal was close to win Wimbledon 2018 and reached the AO final because he is an all-around player, not because he is better on hard/grass than clay.

 

[Krish0608]

This is a Dejavu of the Australian Open thread where people were saying the same thing: Rafa wants it more, he's dropped very few games, he's in devastating form, Nole has spent too much time on court, Wimbledon was a fluke win etc etc etc. And then we all know what happened. I don't know why people discount the fact that Novak "wakes up" for these matches. He's a completely different animal against Fedal. He knows how important these matches are to his legacy and Rafa will feel the heat irrespective of the surface. This will be a good match. Of Novak is on fire, he'll get this done in 2. If this goes to 3, Rafa takes this. This is what I feel.

 

[Feather]

Nadal destroyed Delpo 3-0 at Roland Garros and suffered 5 sets and 5 hours to defeat him at Wimbledon, which refutes that Nadal is supposedly better on grass/hard than on clay.

Also, following your reasoning, Djokovic should destroy Nadal at RG even easier than in Australia, since Nadal is supposedly worse on clay. So Djokovic would defeat Nadal at RG 6-1, 6-0 and 6-1. Keep dreaming, there is no way Djokovic defeats Nadal in 3 at RG 2019. Nadal is the king of clay, and so clay is his best surface. Nadal was close to win Wimbledon 2018 and reached the AO final because he is an all-around player, not because he is better on hard/grass than clay.

Why do you say "keep dreaming"? Where exactly in my post I meant I want to see Rafa lose to Djokovic? Actually if they were to play at RG, I will be rooting for Rafa.

I just expressed an opinion. I thought it's correct. If you think it's wrong, you can disagree. No need to be this sensitive.

 

[Tennisgods]

Rafa has lost ONLY 13 games to the final whilst Djokovic has lost 36 games! Rafa is playing better; I hope he doesn't have a mental block against Djokovic and plays his best tennis today.

Genuine question though; is Rafa playing better, or have his opponents simply been worse than the guys Djokovic has faced? We’ll find out today.

 

[UnforcedTerror]

The fact the Djokovic fans don't even realize this is beyond belief. Almost all picking Nadal to beat him, which is bizarre.

They do realize it but they know their player is not up to it physically-wise this time. Just like what happened in the most recent Paris-Bercy final. What's so hard to understand?

 

[Sport]

Why do you say "keep dreaming"? Where exactly in my post I meant I want to see Rafa lose to Djokovic? Actually if they were to play at RG, I will be rooting for Rafa.

I just expressed an opinion. I thought it's correct. If you think it's wrong, you can disagree. No need to be this sensitive.

OK. Sorry for employing the expression "keep dreaming", you are right that sometimes I need to use a more moderate language.

 

[AndyM]

I heard there's thunderstorms in Rome right now

 

[Sport]

Novak's won 13 of the their last 16 matches. Nadal winning tomorrow (even on clay) would be almost as surprising as Fed beating Rafa in the 2017 AO final. Mental ownership has only been reversed in the Open era twice: Lendl getting the best of Mac from 1985 on and Fed (so far) overturning his mental demons against Nadal the past 4 years.

Federer has 0 victories over Nadal since 2018. And in 2015 he only won one match on indoor hard courts, Nadal's worst condition. Only in 2017 he consistently beat Nadal, not "the last 4 years". You cannot talk about the "last 4 years" when they haven't played in the last 2 years.

 

[albertobra]

I give the edge to Rafa this time. But.....there is always that mental issue of Rafa playing Djoko...still Rafa in 3.

 

[Enceladus]

If Nadal beats Djokovic, he’ll become the first player, male or female, to record 20 career wins over world No. 1s. He’s currently tied for the record with Boris Becker.

Spoiler: Source

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2019...chwartzman-rome-semifinal-italian-open/81635/

 

[clayqueen]

Genuine question though; is Rafa playing better, or have his opponents simply been worse than the guys Djokovic has faced? We’ll find out today.

You can judge for yourself. For me they have both played the same standard of players.

Rafa
Chardy - 60 61
Basilashvilli - 61 60
Verdasco - 64 60
Tsitsipas - 63 64

Djokovic
Shapovalov - 61 63
Kohlschreiber - 63 60
Del Potro - 46 76 64
Diego - - 63 67 63

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Love this rivalry! It’s arguably been the greatest rivalry ever in tennis! They have produced classic matches against each over the years in every event and all surfaces! Always push each other to the limit.

Gonna be close. Hoping djoko wins it but hugely respect Rafa also. Both of them are playing themselves into top form for Paris and it’s looking likely they may meet again in 2 weeks time in Paris! Looking forward to it!

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

This has been one crazy clay court season, but we get our annual Djokodal on clay match.

How incredible is it that with the exception of 2010, Nadal and Djokovic have faced off on the clay at least once in every season from 2006 to now.

Shows the incredible consistency of both men! 2 legends and titans of the sport! Another chapter in their amazing rivalry!

 

[RF-18]

How's the weather looking? Will there be a 4 pm kick off?

 

[StrongRule]

Love this rivalry! It’s arguably been the greatest rivalry ever in tennis! They have produced classic matches against each over the years in every event and all surfaces! Always push each other to the limit.

Gonna be close. Hoping djoko wins it but hugely respect Rafa also. Both of them are playing themselves into top form for Paris and it’s looking likely they may meet again in 2 weeks time in Paris! Looking forward to it!

Of course if you are a Djokovic fan.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Of course if you are a Djokovic fan.

Djoko has had the upper hand lately. However, can never right off nadal, especially on clay!

 

[joekapa]

How has the weather been? Any chance of rain and a delay ?

 

[StrongRule]

Djoko has had the upper hand lately. However, can never right off nadal, especially on clay!

Oh yes, you can. When he loses on clay to the likes of Fognini and Tsitsipas there can not be any excuses for Djokovic not to beat him. Nadal also didn't have excuses not to beat Djokovic in Rome 2018. (though Djokovic played in this match better than he did earlier in 2018)

 

[I Am Finnish]

How's the weather looking? Will there be a 4 pm kick off?

How has the weather been? Any chance of rain and a delay ?

Now very cloudy

 

[acintya]

girls and boys im really considering to put 100 bucks on Djokovic...

2.75 quote? are you kidding me? i think people underestimate djokovics stamina a little?

help me. but who knows the Nadal.

i have one hour i never bet. I know only it should be more like 1.3 vs 1.8

 

[beltsman]

Nagal OUT of the tournament!



Lost to J.Menezes in 3 today

 

[RF-18]

girls and boys im really considering to put 100 bucks on Djokovic...

2.75 quote? are you kidding me? i think people underestimate djokovics stamina a little?

help me. but who knows the Nadal.

i have one hour i never bet. I know only it should be more like 1.3 vs 1.8

Odds have raised on Djoko since yesterday I see. Certainly has to do with Djokovic's tough path, but they are underestimating him big time. He will be alright and ready. It's not like he has played two five setters.

 

[Paulreedsmith]

Odds have raised on Djoko since yesterday I see. Certainly has to do with Djokovic's tough path, but they are underestimating him big time. He will be alright and ready. It's not like he has played two five setters.

Depends on the condition too. Novak has played at night, under VERY heavy conditions 2 night now. Have looked a bit slow, and shure have taken a toll on him. Should be a bit faster today?!

 

[Tenacity]

Good luck to both, hope to see another classic today. Rafa is a bit more rested and fresh, but I think Novak pulls through with a 3 set win.

 

[romeo8880]

Wrong thread

 

[romeo8880]

Nadal in 2 via the greatest clay courter in the history of tennis

 

[weakera]

This is a Dejavu of the Australian Open thread where people were saying the same thing: Rafa wants it more, he's dropped very few games, he's in devastating form, Nole has spent too much time on court, Wimbledon was a fluke win etc etc etc. And then we all know what happened. I don't know why people discount the fact that Novak "wakes up" for these matches. He's a completely different animal against Fedal. He knows how important these matches are to his legacy and Rafa will feel the heat irrespective of the surface. This will be a good match. Of Novak is on fire, he'll get this done in 2. If this goes to 3, Rafa takes this. This is what I feel.

They're playing on clay. In-form Rafa is a little different on clay. Although I agree there are valid comparisons.

 

[weakera]

Genuine question though; is Rafa playing better, or have his opponents simply been worse than the guys Djokovic has faced? We’ll find out today.

Rafa is objectively playing better, though not leagues better or anything.