abudhabi tennis
New User
Heres my expert opinion on the exhibition.
1. Soderling and Berdych are in same league. Both are ball bashers with huge serves. However they dont have that killer shot to beat Nadal.
Both are clearly a notch below Nadal and Fed.
2. Nadal and Fed. Both are equal in most aspects. Fed is definately better at volleys. His forehand is also the best. However Nadal has more consistent forehand.
Feds backhand today was ripping. His crosscourt backhand gave Nadal more trouble than any other shot.
Was surprised at low net clearance of both players. Nadal Definitely has flattened his shots.
Nadals serve has also improved , though on breakpoints he always predictably goes for the slice/spin serve.
Fed also trying different returns on serve. Sometimes rushing the second serve, sometimes standing beyond the baseline. Me thinks the latter worked.
As much as people emphasise Nadals spin generated, its on valid for his forehand and for shots he gets into good position. During rallies, fed's forehand, backhand ,volleys , obviosly had a lot more spin than Nadals. His forehand is remarkable for the spin, low clearance , depth and pace it generates.
Also Federer is more sublime, fluid and artistic. I can see hi playing into his forties.
Nadal is brute raw power and speed. He may be on top for next 2-3 years, however if he slows even a single step i think its the end of the road for him.
Overall both players equally matched.
1. Soderling and Berdych are in same league. Both are ball bashers with huge serves. However they dont have that killer shot to beat Nadal.
Both are clearly a notch below Nadal and Fed.
2. Nadal and Fed. Both are equal in most aspects. Fed is definately better at volleys. His forehand is also the best. However Nadal has more consistent forehand.
Feds backhand today was ripping. His crosscourt backhand gave Nadal more trouble than any other shot.
Was surprised at low net clearance of both players. Nadal Definitely has flattened his shots.
Nadals serve has also improved , though on breakpoints he always predictably goes for the slice/spin serve.
Fed also trying different returns on serve. Sometimes rushing the second serve, sometimes standing beyond the baseline. Me thinks the latter worked.
As much as people emphasise Nadals spin generated, its on valid for his forehand and for shots he gets into good position. During rallies, fed's forehand, backhand ,volleys , obviosly had a lot more spin than Nadals. His forehand is remarkable for the spin, low clearance , depth and pace it generates.
Also Federer is more sublime, fluid and artistic. I can see hi playing into his forties.
Nadal is brute raw power and speed. He may be on top for next 2-3 years, however if he slows even a single step i think its the end of the road for him.
Overall both players equally matched.
