2021 Rome masters final :- (1) Djokovic [SRB] v/s (2) Nadal [ESP]

[dapchai]

2009 Nadal


2011 Djokovic


2012 Nadal


2014 Djokovic


2019 Nadal


2021 ?

10 years and history repeats itself. You already know the answer.

 

[Third Serve]

Then you better be ready to be annoyed. Djokovic looked really sharp yesterday and will be determined to revenge today.

He was good but quite prone to lapses in play which (combined with Sonego's clutch play) lost him the second set. Add that to the fatigue he'll likely feel given the terrible scheduling and you've got Nadal with a huge advantage.

 

[dapchai]

He was good but quite prone to lapses in play which (combined with Sonego's clutch play) lost him the second set. Add that to the fatigue he'll likely feel given the terrible scheduling and you've got Nadal with a huge advantage.

Nah I think he just wanted to have more time to practice for the final. There seems no fatigue here because he has been taking care of his body very well. Just look at the third set against Sonego, he seemed not to even try and still thrashed the Italian guy. That's the level he will bring up today and Nadal literally has no advantage here.

 

[Third Serve]

Nah I think he just wanted to have more time to practice for the final. There seems no fatigue here because he has been taking care of his body very well. Just look at the third set against Sonego, he seemed not to even try and still thrashed the Italian guy. That's the level he will bring up today and Nadal literally has no advantage here.

bruh there's no way he's gonna properly recover from 4+ hours on the court in less than 24 hours. We saw how that turned out in 2019 and Djokovic is even older now. This isn't 2011 or 2012 anymore. He shouldn't be able to win unless Nadal puts in a really bad performance tomorrow. Admire the optimism, but this seems like wishful thinking.

 

[SonicNirvana]

See y’all in the morning. Bien Hecho to both guys for making it though to the final!

 

[dapchai]

bruh there's no way he's gonna properly recover from 4+ hours on the court in less than 24 hours. We saw how that turned out in 2019 and Djokovic is even older now. This isn't 2011 or 2012 anymore. He shouldn't be able to win unless Nadal puts in a really bad performance tomorrow. Admire the optimism, but this seems like wishful thinking.

His clay form and stamina at Rome are better this year than they were in 2019 as far as I can tell. On the other hand Nadal has been declined a lot compared to the 2019 Rome final. I expect Djokovic to be at least 90% and to trouble Nadal considerably today.

 

[weakera]

Totally meaningless match. if Novak wins, they will say it means nothing cause rafa does this and still wins the french open anyway. and if Rafa wins , they will say ohhh novak was just too tired

100% accurate.

 

[Nadal_King]

Well I am always nervous in these type of matches, hoping rafa can start as he has done in last 2 clay matches vs djokovic obviously you cannot expect a 3rd straight bagel in opening set but a similar start will just put him in a good position to clinch the final

 

[dapchai]

Well I am always nervous in these type of matches, hoping rafa can start as he has done in last 2 clay matches vs djokovic obviously you cannot expect a 3rd straight bagel in opening set but a similar start will just put him in a good position to clinch the final

I believe Nadal will be in trouble this time. Djokovic will read his serves and pull him to the net very often. Nadal's net play hasn't been impressive at all.

 

[Baseline_Bungle]

Ladies ang gentlemen, your ten-time Rome champion!

https://imgur.com/usfv2y6

 

[dapchai]

Ladies ang gentlemen, your ten-time Rome champion!

https://imgur.com/usfv2y6

No reason to celebrate too early.

 

[Red Rick]

bruh there's no way he's gonna properly recover from 4+ hours on the court in less than 24 hours. We saw how that turned out in 2019 and Djokovic is even older now. This isn't 2011 or 2012 anymore. He shouldn't be able to win unless Nadal puts in a really bad performance tomorrow. Admire the optimism, but this seems like wishful thinking.

Don't even remember was 2019 not just back to back really late nights?

 

[Nadal_Django]

I think Rafa has shown a lot of grit this week, very impressed with the mental approach to all matches, he has always seemed to be focused. His game was a little up and down more earlier on, but the quality was becoming more and more obvious with each match. A solid ending to Sinner match, good fight and hussle against Shaps, then really went up the gears on Zverev. He's here to make a statement.

He is ready for RG and tomorrow I expect him to show no mercy to Djokovic. He will want to make sure that not even a slightest amount of positive thinking manifest in Novak's mind about trying to beat Nadal in Paris. He will want him to have zero mometum, that includes not even giving a hard fought loss, that Novak could build on. Djokovic is playing, so not sure about bakery products, but he WILL be tired after playing over five hours of the highest quality, no way will he be fully ready, mentally he will want it, that much is certain, but don't think his body will help him tomorrow.

Nadal in straights, but I don't think Djokovic is eating bakery products tomorrow.

Dude, Nole is losing 6-1 6-0. He is just too tired at the moment. No chance in hell he can perform normally in the final after Saturday's crazy match schedule by the organizers. I predict 2 bakery products for Nole in the final. It's not gonna be pretty for the poor Nole. That's for sure.

 

[zuluzazu]

Dude, Nole is losing 6-1 6-0. He is just too tired at the moment. No chance in hell he can perform normally in the final after Saturday's crazy match schedule by the organizers. I predict 2 bakery products for Nole in the final. It's not gonna be pretty for the poor Nole. That's for sure.

Didnt you predict 6-2 6-1 win for sonego in the SF? Lol you always have some or the other agenda.

 

[Checkmate]

 

[Checkmate]

Am I the only one who enjoys their clay court battles more than their hard court ones?

 

[dapchai]

Am I the only one who enjoys their clay court battles more than their hard court ones?

Here. I like Fedovic hard court encounters, Fedal grass court ones, and Nadalovic clay court ones.

 

[StrongRule]

bruh there's no way he's gonna properly recover from 4+ hours on the court in less than 24 hours. We saw how that turned out in 2019 and Djokovic is even older now. This isn't 2011 or 2012 anymore. He shouldn't be able to win unless Nadal puts in a really bad performance tomorrow. Admire the optimism, but this seems like wishful thinking.

Don't forget that before yesterday's matches Djokovic barely played. After AO he just played 2 more clay tournaments, lost early in both. And here his first 2 rounds were very easy. So yesterday he had his first tough day in a few months. Yes, he might recover. Murray in WTF 2016 was in much worse conditions, and yet managed to win.

Anyway, we know what really matters. If Djokovic wins Rome but Nadal wins RG, this is fine. The opposite would be a disaster.

 

[Nuclear Warhead Sinner]

Am I the only one who enjoys their clay court battles more than their hard court ones?

I don't enjoy them. Having a good strategy or hitting great shots doesn't even matter for Djokovic because Nadal can reset the point with 1 moonball. That's not tennis. That's nonsense. In the end, all the points look the same and it's like they're stuck in a loop. Djokovic on the other hand never resets the point the way Nadal does, he always either hits a dropshot or goes for a risky flat shot, which I always find idiosyncratic.

 

[Checkmate]

I don't enjoy them. Having a good strategy or hitting great shots doesn't even matter for Djokovic because Nadal can reset the point with 1 moonball. That's not tennis. That's nonsense. Djokovic on the other hand never resets the point the way Nadal does, he always either hits a dropshot or goes for a risky flat shot. I abhor this aspect of clayovic. No thanks.

Really enjoyed their Rome 2018 first set where Djokovic arrived sharp as a razor blade.

But my pleasantest memories of their clay battles are definitely from 2011-2018 period.

 

[Red Rick]

Djokovic seems like really good odds at 2.9

 

[Tennis Rules]

of course fingers crossed for nadal, but i disagree that it would be a easy win for him.
every match against djokovic is the ultimate challenge for nadal.

it will be very close an i hope that nadal can catch the victory and get the most possibly confidence for RG

 

[TheNachoMan]

Djokovic seems like really good odds at 2.9

Bet the house + the wife and kids on Rafa

 

[ForehandCross]

Again by form, and if by some miracle somehow Djokovic doesn't feel the effect of 5 hr highly intense contests, I might lean towards him.


But Nadal on clay defies rules of this universe, like I learnt from last year's RG F, this is Nadal and he can stomp anyone on clay.

@Yugram what's your take?

 

[Checkmate]

I wonder if Djokovic would direct his BH slice to Nadal's BH. When Djokovic consciously takes the pace off his BH slice, it produces some beautiful things.

I remember one such slice winner against Chardy at Shanghai Masters

 

[dapchai]

Again by form, and if by some miracle somehow Djokovic doesn't feel the effect of 5 hr highly intense contests, I might lean towards him.


But Nadal on clay defies rules of this universe, like I learnt from last year's RG F, this is Nadal and he can stomp anyone on clay.

@Yugram what's your take?

Don't worry Djokovic will be at least 90% today. He looked fresh after schooling Sonego in the third set yesterday.

 

[Checkmate]

Took it off reddit

 

[dapchai]

I wonder if Djokovic would direct his BH slice to Nadal's BH. When Djokovic consciously takes the pace off his BH slice, it produces some beautiful things.

I remember one such slice winner against Chardy at Shanghai Masters

You remind me of the 2013 USO Final where Nadal BH sliced a lot to Djokovic's BH. But that was on hardcourt not claycourt.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I hope Nadal reduces Djokovic to ashes today lol.

 

[Deleted member 748597]

@Nole Slam

Gioco weak
Nadal stronk

Don't do this. Rome is too important. It's like the 6th biggest event in tennis.

 

[dapchai]

I hope Nadal reduces Djokovic to ashes today lol.

I don't have much hope tbh. His serves still worry me a lot while Djokovic is back to his 2011 return form.

 

[daphne]

Not enough rest? Monday? WTF!

I want them to wear 10kg resistance vests during the match. No runners just boots. No water either.

Djok in 3 sets. The first set will go to Djok. He will play the same way as against Sonego yesterday. Nadal to win the 2nd and then he will get his fat gut destroyed in the 3rd.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

No pressure as a Djokovic fan today. Novak has had a great week and did better than I thought he could. He’s shown he still has that spark on clay at times. However, against the clay king who’s so consistent and it’s his turf makes it super difficult. Novak will do his best no doubt but I expect a Rafa win. I just hope Novak is recovered to make a game of it. If the organisers had put this on Monday or even played at Sunday night like 7pm that would be better and fairer.

 

[Deleted member 748597]

I hope Nadal reduces Djokovic to ashes today lol.

Your boy is losing this match.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I don't have much hope tbh. His serves still worry me a lot while Djokovic is back to his 2011 return form.

Oh I know lol which is why I find the preemptive excuses funny. He's easily the most fit guy on tour and will definitely show up against Nadal like he always does.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Your boy is losing this match.

Press play

 

[Deleted member 748597]

Oh I know lol which is why I find the preemptive excuses funny. He's easily the most fit guy on tour and will definitely show up against Nadal like he always does.

There are no excuses. Just facts.

 

[StrongRule]

I hope Nadal reduces Djokovic to ashes today lol.

Nadal might easily lose this one. What matters is RG anyway. And after the choke from Tsitsipas I'm absolutely sure Djokovic is a lock for the title there. If these mugs can't even finish him in BO3, then forget about anyone beating him in BO5.

 

[ForehandCross]

I wonder if Djokovic would direct his BH slice to Nadal's BH. When Djokovic consciously takes the pace off his BH slice, it produces some beautiful things.

I remember one such slice winner against Chardy at Shanghai Masters

This can either be suicidal, as a well playing Nadal will simply run around it and hook it down the line.

Or it can be genius, as Nadal's FH isn't what used to be and he doesn't like going DTL from BH. So Djokovic will likely recieve a BH crosscourt or BH slice crosscourt, and in BH to BH cross rallies, Djokovic can keep Nadal pinned all day.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I'm mad I woke up so early. I wanna go back to sleep but I'm not necessarily sleepy now but 3.5 hrs is a long wait.

 

[dapchai]

Oh I know lol which is why I find the preemptive excuses funny. He's easily the most fit guy on tour and will definitely show up against Nadal like he always does.

Exactly. He looks like someone who can finish three 3-hour gruelling matches then run 5 miles in a day without breaking a sweat. I don't understand why many people here are assuming he has nothing left in the tank.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Exactly. He looks like someone who can finish three 3-hour gruelling matches then run 5 miles in a day without breaking a sweat. I don't understand why many people here are assuming he has nothing left in the tank.

Like I said yesterday, I haven't seen Djokovic tired since 2010. I've taken the bait too many times just to watch him magically finish a match hes supposedly suffering in, in style. Never again. 2020 AO is the last time.

 

[Deleted member 748597]

Djokovic's fitness is indeed impressive.

 

[dapchai]

Like I said yesterday, I haven't seen Djokovic tired since 2010. I've taken the bait too many times just to watch him magically finish a match hes supposedly suffering in, in style. Never again. 2020 AO is the last time.

Also 2020 RG. Before the final people said the Tsit match drained him out but in the end he ran like a rabbit.

 

[FranzS]

Totally meaningless match. if Novak wins, they will say it means nothing cause rafa does this and still wins the french open anyway. and if Rafa wins , they will say ohhh novak was just too tired

I hope it'll be a great match, as it is on paper, and that's all. We should stop judging matches for the aftermath, just enjoy!

 

[Deleted member 748597]

 

[StrongRule]

Like I said yesterday, I haven't seen Djokovic tired since 2010. I've taken the bait too many times just to watch him magically finish a match hes supposedly suffering in, in style. Never again. 2020 AO is the last time.

Yeah, lol. He always wants others to think he is tired/injured, but then he only starts playing better. In AO 2020 final he "suddenly" upped his level in the last 2 sets. And of course we just had this AO 2021 with another "magic injury".

 

[MichaelNadal]

Not gonna happen 10th Rome title incoming

 

[Checkmate]

Yeah, lol. He always wants others to think he is tired/injured, but then he only starts playing better. In AO 2020 final he "suddenly" upped his level in the last 2 sets. And of course we just had this AO 2021 with another "magic injury".

His 'abdominal tear' documentary will be available throughout the world in 4K definition, this November.

 

[Street]

Oh I know lol which is why I find the preemptive excuses funny. He's easily the most fit guy on tour and will definitely show up against Nadal like he always does.

I don't think they are excuses, i mean playing more than 4 and a half hours in a day and then having to play the next day is a big disadvantage without a doubt. Personally, i think nadal would win even without this schedule.