After an amazing AO, what now for Rafa?

[Rafa the King]

First of congrats to all Roger fan, majestic display by the GOAT and fully deserved win. I didn't find it too hard to take as Rog simply was so amazing.

Now, Rafa played an amazing AO. I realy didn't see this coming. But what next for him? Can he claim La Decima? Will he have chances to win another slam outside RG or any slam for the matter? I'd love to know your takes on this.

And to all my fellow Rafa fans, this tourney provided us with all the signs that 2017 could once again be a great year.

 

[-NN-]

Win RG???

OK it's a long way away, but this is a great platform to build from.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Your humility is refreshing because it is rare around these parts. Good on you.

As far as what Rafa is going to do next, I sincerely hope he wins the French Open.

It sucks balls there had to be a loser tonight. Obviously I'm ecstatic. But being old enough to appreciate the magnitude of this match whereas I might not have early in the Fedal saga, I really feel bad for Rafa.

 

[Legends of Sport]

First of congrats to all Roger fan, majestic display by the GOAT and fully deserved win. I didn't find it too hard to take as Rog simply was so amazing.

Now, Rafa played an amazing AO. I realy didn't see this coming. But what next for him? Can he claim La Decima? Will he have chances to win another slam outside RG or any slam for the matter? I'd love to know your takes on this.

And to all my fellow Rafa fans, this tourney provided us with all the signs that 2017 could once again be a great year.

Drink a lot of beer and put the feet up! Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

 

[Kalin]

His stamina looked fine after two five-setters including a grueling semi-final. He did slow down a bit during the third set but came back firing on all cylinders for sets 4 and 5.

Forehand was amazing on occasion but overall isn't the relentless weapon it once was. But, it's still capable of doing big damage, especially on big points- Rafa wasn't hesitant to pull the trigger in tight spots, very impressive.

His BH was fine, I thought.

His serve was the biggest weakness and, even on clay, may be exposed by a good returner. He showed some great kickers to the FH side of the righties and lots of variety so he may be able to find the right mix for RG.

The big question is, where will he be seeded and whom does he meet. With the right draw he has a good chance.

Another big question is- will Novak pull his head out of his nether regions by then. Still not many people can challenge Rafa at RG and Novak is the most dangerous of them.

 

[Kalin]

His stamina looked fine after two five-setters including a grueling semi-final. He did slow down a bit during the third set but came back firing on all cylinders for sets 4 and 5.

Forehand was amazing on occasion but overall isn't the relentless weapon it once was. But, it's still capable of doing big damage, especially on big points- Rafa wasn't hesitant to pull the trigger in tight spots, very impressive.

His BH was fine, I thought.

His serve was the biggest weakness and, even on clay, may be exposed by a good returner. He showed some great kickers to the FH side of the righties and lots of variety so he may be able to find the right mix for RG.

The big question is, where will he be seeded and whom does he meet. With the right draw he has a good chance.

Another big question is- will Novak pull his head out of his nether regions by then. Still not many people can challenge Rafa at RG and Novak is the most dangerous of them.

 

[Sartorius]

If he's in this mood when clay season rolls around, I pity his opponents. He was like a wall again this fortnight. At worst he's only going to go down against a great performance.

 

[Sartorius]

delete - someone make tt servers great again

 

[DreddyTennis45]

First of congrats to all Roger fan, majestic display by the GOAT and fully deserved win. I didn't find it too hard to take as Rog simply was so amazing.

Now, Rafa played an amazing AO. I realy didn't see this coming. But what next for him? Can he claim La Decima? Will he have chances to win another slam outside RG or any slam for the matter? I'd love to know your takes on this.

And to all my fellow Rafa fans, this tourney provided us with all the signs that 2017 could once again be a great year.

He needs to focus all his energy on the RG and Rome/Monte Carlo. Forget Miami/IW probably Madrid too. This AO proved he can still compete at BO5's but in order to do so at RG he needs to rest his body. Imo the reason he got so far in Melbourne was because of the time he took off at the end of last year, he needs to do the same before RG

 

[tennis_pro]

If Nadal plays like this at the FO he's gonna be very hard to stop. With both Murray and Djokovic declining I think he can do it but at this stage of his career he still needs a good draw and not too many 3h+ matches. I think that got to him at the AO in the end.

 

[WarriorRafa]

FO a long way away, who knows what will happen. Djoko could be back in form.. Rafa's form could be totally different

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 

[tennis_pro]

If Nadal plays like this at the FO he's gonna be very hard to stop. With both Murray and Djokovic declining I think he can do it but at this stage of his career he still needs a good draw and not too many 3h+ matches. I think that got to him at the AO in the end.

 

[smalahove]

His backhand impressed throughout this tournament, as did his serve. If he manages to keep this level up, his opponents will have to dig really, really deep to pry the decima out of his hands

But, otoh, players have started believing in themselves and I wouldn't be surprised to the similar upsets as we have this year, at RG as well. I think however, Rafa is a little more immune to this than his competitors. But not immune.

 

[QuentinFederer]

Hopefully la decima is next for Rafa, he certainly deserves it.

 

[AustinTx24]

I'm very happy with today's result but I'm all for Nadal winning number 10 at RG!

 

[-NN-]

I had Rafa at 80% to win this final. However, despite him losing the match, it looks to me like he's going to be a real force in 2017 and a true threat at the Slams once again. I think we're in for a compelling year of parity between the Big Five + a couple of others (think Dimitrov truly arrived this AO). Zverev will continue to impress.

 

[Kalin]

Can't edit the double post so will make a separate one:

One thing Rafa needs to do is find a way to shorten matches vs lower-level opponents. He's not 25 anymore. Even at RG which is his court he can't afford to play too many long matches at this age. He also has to hope he avoids the likes of Thiem/Goffin too early whom he may beat but they'll make him run like crazy to achieve it.

A lot will depend on his ranking, of course. So he needs some more ranking points, I guess.

 

[Rafa the King]

Do you guys think that he'll have other chances at non-RG slams?

 

[Krish872007]

Do you guys think that he'll have other chances at non-RG slams?

I believe so. I think this was a tough, tough loss but it's fantastic that he got to this final and gave us a great match. A run at the US Open is a possibility for sure - I am not sure about Wimbledon, we will have to assess his form on the grass this year.

 

[Kalin]

Do you guys think that he'll have other chances at non-RG slams?

Similar to Roger's run - he needs to show up 100% physically and mentally ready, get favourable court conditions and a favourable draw, basically hoping he doesn't get something like Zverev then Wawa then Djoker or Murray in a row. So, it's doable but needs some luck... as most GS wins do, I guess.

 

[junior74]

RG will feature Djokovic and Murray hungry for revenge, Federer and Nadal in great form, hopefully - and Stan on his best surface.

Also starring: Artiste jeune, Thiem boom-boom, Le GURU, Zverev, Pouille etc.

2017 will be more exciting than we expected just few months ago

 

[Rafa the King]

I believe so. I think this was a tough, tough loss but it's fantastic that he got to this final and gave us a great match. A run at the US Open is a possibility for sure - I am not sure about Wimbledon, we will have to assess his form on the grass this year.

Yeah, can we please have another great grass-run Rafa?

 

[Drlexus]

Strangely i think nadals best surface since 2013 has been hard court. His best performances have all been on hard court. He seems to strugfle to overwhelm players on clay like he used go so the uso may be his best chance of a major this year.

Alot depends on djokovic. Nadal has beat pretty much everyone in past 12 months except djokovic and i think djokovic is still in his head a bit.

But with djokovic looking so slim it will be interesting to see what djokovic brings to indian wells.

 

[Rosstour]

Similar to Roger's run - he needs to show up 100% physically and mentally ready, get favourable court conditions and a favourable draw, basically hoping he doesn't get something like Zverev then Wawa then Djoker or Murray in a row. So, it's doable but needs some luck... as most GS wins do, I guess.

Roger didn't get a favorable draw...

 

[Roddick85]

I would love for Rafa to be a factor again on grass. His strong performance at the AO should serve as a stepping stone for the rest of the season and definitely boost his confidence. It's probably the best tournament he's played since 2013, so they are definitely a lot of positives even if he lost the final.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Hopefully la decima is next for Rafa, he certainly deserves it.

Amen. Amen.

Do you guys think that he'll have other chances at non-RG slams?

There were times during the AO when he was walking around with that "Im epic as ****" swagger that's been missing the past couple years and his footwork was insane. I think so. last yr I wouldn't have believed he could get to where he has this month so quick, but stuff changes fast, so maybe not. But the magic is still there.

 

[90's Clay]

Its a great showing for Rafa. No one expected him to make the final beating Raonic/Dimitrov. With some good scheduling he can be in the hunt for the remaining 3 slams. He's playing good enough.. Obviously Nowhere NEAR the force he was in the past but he make it a 2 slam year. It will come down to scheduling and rest, Not overplaying.. And avoiding long matches. Since his recovery these days is mehhh

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

how about some cheating on the felt, for a change ?

 

[Kalin]

Roger didn't get a favorable draw...

I was mostly referring to Roger being 100% physically and mentally ready for whatever the draw threw at him. The problem for Rafa is that he has seldom looked at 100% the last few years.

And while Roger's draw wasn't really easy, as you say, it was still manageable. Roger played Berdych expertly (and Birdman played not so bad in the last two sets) and admittedly got a big break with Zverev. I truly believe Roger would have beaten Andy but it would have been much more tiring physically. As it were, he needed every ounce of energy for Wawa and for the final And, of course, not having to meet Novak is always a bonus, regardless of how well or badly Nole is playing right now.

Rafa, with his knack for playing lengthy matches even when he is winning in the end, can't afford too many drawn-out battles before an eventual final so he has to hope he avoids the likes of Thiem who can give him a long, bloody battle.

 

[Rosstour]

You left out Nishikori! Fed had to go through 3 successive top-10 players, each ranked higher than the last.

 

[beltsman]

First of congrats to all Roger fan, majestic display by the GOAT and fully deserved win. I didn't find it too hard to take as Rog simply was so amazing.

Now, Rafa played an amazing AO. I realy didn't see this coming. But what next for him? Can he claim La Decima? Will he have chances to win another slam outside RG or any slam for the matter? I'd love to know your takes on this.

And to all my fellow Rafa fans, this tourney provided us with all the signs that 2017 could once again be a great year.

He is 100% guaranteed to win RG. That's why I'm not too sad about this.

 

[Rosstour]

He is 100% guaranteed to win RG. That's why I'm not too sad about this.

At this stage of Rafa's career nothing is guaranteed. He hasn't won RG in 2 years and until this AO hadn't even made a QF since what, 2014?

At this point with Fed on 18, I wouldn't even mind seeing Rafa win another RG, but it is far from guaranteed. Fed is no longer his pigeon and Novak has owned him for years now.

 

[beltsman]

At this stage of Rafa's career nothing is guaranteed. He hasn't won RG in 2 years and until this AO hadn't even made a QF since what, 2014?

At this point with Fed on 18, I wouldn't even mind seeing Rafa win another RG, but it is far from guaranteed. Fed is no longer his pigeon and Novak has owned him for years now.

There is zero chance that Bull loses RG 17, barring injury. Djokovic is a scrawny shell of his former self. Murray is no threat on clay. Federer will never, ever be a threat on clay. Okay so guys like Thiem have a .00000000001% ballbashing chance, but let's be honest, Bull looked good at this AO on FAST courts with a biased tournament. There is simply no chance that he loses this RG. Especially because he wants to keep touch with #18.

 

[Rosstour]

Guessing you picked him to run through Fed at AO too?

I'll admit it looks better for him than it has in a while, but he looked pretty demoralized after losing a match that everyone thought he would win pretty easily.

 

[jm1980]

Any Nadal fans know what's his next tournament?

 

[Kalin]

He is 100% guaranteed to win RG. That's why I'm not too sad about this.

There is zero chance that Bull loses RG 17, barring injury. ... Okay so guys like Thiem have a .00000000001% ballbashing chance

So, Rafa's chance is down to a paltry 99.99999999999% then? So you're telling me there is a chance for others!

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Any Nadal fans know what's his next tournament?

I don't subscribe to the fandom but his next tournament is Rotterdam.

 

[beltsman]

Guessing you picked him to run through Fed at AO too?

I'll admit it looks better for him than it has in a while, but he looked pretty demoralized after losing a match that everyone thought he would win pretty easily.

Bull won the final, morally. He didn't rely on false MTOs to win a title. Or passive defense. The moral winner of AO 17 is Bull.

 

[Rosstour]

Bull won the final, morally. He didn't rely on false MTOs to win a title. Or passive defense. The moral winner of AO 17 is Bull.

The look on his face said otherwise.

 

[beltsman]

The look on his face said otherwise.

Bull was only upset because he knew that he missed an easy chance at the CYGS 2017, especially b/c the tournament organizers were against him.

 

[Shaolin]

1. Win RG

2. Lose to Lukas Lacko or Diego Schwartzman 1st or 2nd round at Wimbledon

3. Lose to Kuznetsov 2nd round USO

4. WTF one win in RR stage

 

[PrinceMoron]

Bull won the final, morally. He didn't rely on false MTOs to win a title. Or passive defense. The moral winner of AO 17 is Bull.

Don't worry, he will lose on his own merit from here on in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rafa the King]

Guessing you picked him to run through Fed at AO too?

I'll admit it looks better for him than it has in a while, but he looked pretty demoralized after losing a match that everyone thought he would win pretty easily.

I picked Roger to win the final because I didn't expect Rafa to recover well enough and knew Roger had beaten Rafa in similar court conditions as the one at the AO

 

[MichaelNadal]

What now? Nothing. I can't see him winning anything but Barcelona this year, and even there I think Nishikori's chances are better. He lost EVERYTHING in his game. With the easiest draw ever he failed to win AO. He will not have it so easy next time, so it's over.

It's so not that serious.

 

[Rafa the King]

What now? Nothing. I can't see him winning anything but Barcelona this year, and even there I think Nishikori's chances are better. He lost EVERYTHING in his game. With the easiest draw ever he failed to win AO. He will not have it so easy next time, so it's over.

Easiest draw????
Zverev-Monfils-Raonic-Dimi-Fed
I wish he had an easier draw, that way he maybe would have had more energy and won the final
Compare it to Rog's draw based on performance
Zverev>Berdych
Monfils<Nishikori
Raonic>Zverev
Dimitrov>Wawrinka

2015-2016 Rafa would have lost to atleast 3 of the 4 players if not all of them

 

[QuentinFederer]

Easiest draw????
Zverev-Monfils-Raonic-Dimi-Fed
I wish he had an easier draw, that way he maybe would have had more energy and won the final
Compare it to Rog's draw based on performance
Zverev>Berdych
Monfils<Nishikori
Raonic>Zverev
Dimitrov>Wawrinka

2015-2016 Rafa would have lost to atleast 3 of the 4 players if not all of them

Wawrinka is better than Dimitrov.

 

[Hitman's Gurl]

Easiest draw????
Zverev-Monfils-Raonic-Dimi-Fed
I wish he had an easier draw, that way he maybe would have had more energy and won the final
Compare it to Rog's draw based on performance
Zverev>Berdych
Monfils<Nishikori
Raonic>Zverev
Dimitrov>Wawrinka

2015-2016 Rafa would have lost to atleast 3 of the 4 players if not all of them

Roger's draw was just as hard. He was coming back from six months not playing any competitive tennis and at 35 beat 4 top 10 players including the USO champion. Novak and Andy were both missing did make the draw easier. How much more of an easier draw did he need?

 

[xFullCourtTenniSx]

Unless Roger is looking for a miracle calendar grand slam (or just a 2nd RG title would be nice), I'd like for Nadal to get #10 and move up to 10/13.

There exists a reality where Federer earns a calendar grand slam in 2017. I just don't think this is the one.

 

[Rafa the King]

Wawrinka is better than Dimitrov.

As a player yes. But Dimi's performance in the semi was superior to that of Wawa. I'm sorry if it seems like I'm looking for excuses. I really am not. @Hitman's Gurl yes I agree, extremely tough draw for Rog too (although a 17th seed's draw is supposed to be that hard ) and @Moby Dick didn't you say Rafa was done in 2016 too?

 

[octobrina10]

Rafa said before the AO that his level could be estimated after the Miami Masters:

“Let me play for three months, and then we will see what I am, no, because, you know, I can go to Australia and I can play very well, but at the same time, I can lose. You never know what's going on. But probably after Miami, [it’s going to be] a good moment to analyse a little bit what's going on and to see where I am being realistic."

http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-11/rafa_fit_and_ready_to_fire_in_melbourne.html

 

[QuentinFederer]

As a player yes. But Dimi's performance in the semi was superior to that of Wawa. I'm sorry if it seems like I'm looking for excuses. I really am not. @Hitman's Gurl yes I agree, extremely tough draw for Rog too (although a 17th seed's draw is supposed to be that hard ) and @Moby Dick didn't you say Rafa was done in 2016 too?

I think the draw was irrelevant to the outcome of the match. Roger was just incredible for the final 5 games of the 5th set.