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

[True Fanerer]

If Djokovic breaks this match might be just over. Nadal is too mentally weak in this matchup. He needs to hold serve and take his chances to break.

It really showed in the 1st set .....

 

[BeatlesFan]

Time warning for Rafa from his old nemesis!

 

[TheIntrovert]

If only this was played tomorrow

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Pretty much. I'm pretty sure they realize he's gassed but trying to rile him up. I saw some come on's that game. It seems to be working.

That is just the fighter in him trying to resist. This is what separates the big three from the others, they hate to lose even when they are ice skating up hill.

 

[Sephiroth]

and the roof not being artificially closed on a bright summer day!


Djokovic was lucky AF to win that Wimbledon semi!!!!!

I know right? The next day it was bloody sunny. All the conditions favoured Novak and Nadal still took him to 5 sets.

 

[mike danny]

I know right? The next day it was bloody sunny. All the conditions favoured Novak and Nadal still took him to 5 sets.

You guys need to get over that already.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Just the fourth point Rafa's lost on serve all day.

 

[Jonas78]

Positive thing is i dont think this will affect Djokers chances at FO at all. He is confident, he knows he is tired. If he faces Rafa at FO i dont think this match will affect his game at all.

 

[-NN-]

If only this was played tomorrow

Problem is I can very much imagine at RG Nadal will efficiently brutalise his opponents and Djokovic won't so Nole could do with another one of those rigged Cilic withdrawals.

 

[Night Slasher]

Nadal is clearly a superior player today but I'm happy Nole is fighting even though being totally outplayed. Love how he approached the second set, like nothing happened before.

 

[AndyM]

30 all boys

 

[BeatlesFan]

You guys need to get over that already.

Same Bozos b-tching out Fed for retiring after he played 2 matches in one day. Hilarious double standard.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Looks like Novak is back. Watch him win set 2. And then dominate set 3.

More adrenaline and he is also moving better.

Nadal will have to watch out otherwise the match could turn around on a dime.

Maybe. If he breaks Nadal might just go down until the end of the match.

So who is the more pessimistic between the two of you?

Nada bagels Djokovic and you both are are still so worried.

 

[Rickenbacker4003]

Rafa even throwing up defensive lobs on the baseline today. His forehand is nailing every single part of the court today. His movement and the crosscourt backhand on the run is stretching Novak's legs more than he'd like. Outside of a let down Rafa has this. Also, Novak's return game is giving away too many cheap points on Rafa's serve which is like finding gold.

 

[AndyM]

Damn bad backhand Miss by Joco

 

[Tenacity]

First 40-40 on Nadal's serve.

 

[NoleFam]

That is just the fighter in him trying to resist. This is what separates the big three from the others, they hate to lose even when they are ice skating up hill.

Yes indeed. The ultimate champions.

 

[AndyM]

Wow Djokovic the huge forehand Deuce boys

 

[Tenacity]

Wow BP for Novak

 

[Steve0904]

Better from Novak.

BP.

 

[RF-18]

SJAJNO

 

[icedevil0289]

wow first bp for novak, dude you better take this, i get the feeling you wont see many after this

 

[AndyM]

Break point break point break point break point

 

[DRII]

You guys need to get over that already.

well a bagel set win, first in the rivalry, helps...

 

[Sephiroth]

You guys need to get over that already.

Are you over all the losses Federer has lost to Nadal/Djokovic? Are you telling me you don't mention any Federer losses?

 

[underground]

holy sh*t how was that bp save

 

[tenisdecente]

So Marko left the court finally and Novak arrived.... good good. This is needed or the trolling (specially from me) would be endless

 

[Your Hero]

Finally a game worthy of these guys.

 

[#Stanimal]

There you go Nadal, saving BP. Novak isn't done yet, not laying down for another easy set.

 

[Sephiroth]

Nadal too good and too clutch today. Not giving any inch to Djokovic.

 

[Steve0904]

Djokovic better in that game, but still missing crucial returns.

 

[DJTaurus]

I accuse Nole for match fixing. He dint even try in first set.....and now he started running and getting suddenly behind all balls.....

 

[merwy]

Can any man, woman, or lizard who says Djokovic should withdraw please **** off to some place where people also hate tennis?

Ikr? Wtf kind of attitude is that when you talk about quitting mid-game because your chances are looking low? You finish the match unless you’re simply unable to continue playing.

 

[AndyM]

Well the court is completely in shadows now

 

[BeatlesFan]

I haven't seen Djoker return this poorly since 2017.

 

[MeatTornado]

As soon as Novak remotely threatened him, Nadal immediately raised his level.

 

[uscwang]

If Novak can take a set today, i think he will win RG. Otherwise, a toss-up.

 

[Sysyphus]

gents and ladymen, claydal is back

 

[icedevil0289]

do i sense a break here?

 

[Tenacity]

That was really important point in the whole match. I think Nadal wins in 2 after this.

 

[StrongRule]

So who is the more pessimistic between the two of you?

Nada bagels Djokovic and you both are are still so worried.

I would honestly prefer him to win the first set 6-2 like in Madrid 2017. The bagel made Djokovic angry and he is playing MUCH better now, while Nadal's level dropped. Djokovic is still the favorite here IMO.

 

[BeatlesFan]

I accuse Nole for match fixing. He dint even try in first set.....and now he started running and getting suddenly behind all balls.....

Blame the Serb mafia.

 

[DRII]

Same Bozos b-tching out Fed for retiring after he played 2 matches in one day. Hilarious double standard.

horrible comparison!

makes no sense at all.

but, nice passive aggressiveness tho...

 

[MichaelNadal]

Imhotep being Imhotep lol, can never just chill till it's over. Glad I saved my Gandalf for after the match

 

[AndyM]

30 love

 

[Apun94]

Honestly this board is so funny. I swear most of the posters, even after so many years watching tennis, have no idea what they are talking about.
Throughout this clay court season, so many had written Rafa off, and now after just one set, he's a lock to win RG lmao.

 

[jm1980]

This wasn't the score I expected to wake up to

 

[Rickenbacker4003]

Positive thing is i dont think this will affect Djokers chances at FO at all. He is confident, he knows he is tired. If he faces Rafa at FO i dont think this match will affect his game at all.

If Rafa races through the Paris draw with bagels and bread sticks again and makes it to the final with no sets lost I GUARANTEE you it will affect his game.

 

[tennis_pro]

If Novak can take a set today, i think he will win RG. Otherwise, a toss-up.

yes the second set in the rome final is crucial for both when it comes to their FO chances

 

[AndyM]

Joco using the drop shot like I told him to

 

[BeatlesFan]

Two straight drop shot winners from Novak... signs of life!