As a Federer and Nadal fan ...

Sysyphus

Talk Tennis Guru
I hope someone else goes on to win the US Open.

The draw has opened up nicely for either man, and things look set for yet another Fedal showdown, a first at the US Open.

But let's face it -- aren't we all a bit tired of that ****? The slam race has become a bit like one of those suspense TV shows that was gripping for many seasons but is now running along in its 15th season only to squeeze out that last drop of revenue for the network.

No. Give us Dimitrov or Rublev doing the unimaginable. Heck, give us Zverev winning it with six five-setters. Even Medvedev taking out Fedal only to celebrate the victory by taking a bath in the Ashe crowd's salty tears. Wawrinka too would be a nice twist at this rate.

Besides, nothing those old guys can do can conceivably top the 2008 Wimbledon final, the greatest match ever played by some distance. The goat race was sealed there.
 

Tennisgods

Hall of Fame
I hope someone else goes on to win the US Open.

The draw has opened up nicely for either man, and things look set for yet another Fedal showdown, a first at the US Open.

But let's face it -- aren't we all a bit tired of that ****? The slam race has become a bit like one of those suspense TV shows that was gripping for many seasons but is now running along in its 15th season only to squeeze out that last drop of revenue for the network.

No. Give us Dimitrov or Rublev doing the unimaginable. Heck, give us Zverev winning it with six five-setters. Even Medvedev taking out Fedal only to celebrate the victory by taking a bath in the Ashe crowd's salty tears. Wawrinka too would be a nice twist at this rate.

Besides, nothing those old guys can do can conceivably top the 2008 Wimbledon final, the greatest match ever played by some distance. The goat race was sealed there.

Speak for yourself...and your favourite Rafa!
 

Federer and Del Potro

Talk Tennis Guru
As a Federer and Nadal fan I struggle with the fact that people continue to argue about Federer and RAFA. They are both juggernauts of the game. This was especially on display at the 2008 Wimbledon final on July 6th, 2008.

It was the pinnacle of tennis and undoubtedly came when the Big 3 + Murray were at their absolute best.

While I hope for a Nadal Federer final in the 2019 USO, I know that even if Federer wins it will not top the 2008 epic.

The 2007 vintage was against a Baby Nadal so it is quite far below the 2008 vintage for me.

That match solidified the Mallorcan as a multi dimensional multi surface threat.
 

Federer and Del Potro

Talk Tennis Guru
I hope someone else goes on to win the US Open.

The draw has opened up nicely for either man, and things look set for yet another Fedal showdown, a first at the US Open.

But let's face it -- aren't we all a bit tired of that ****? The slam race has become a bit like one of those suspense TV shows that was gripping for many seasons but is now running along in its 15th season only to squeeze out that last drop of revenue for the network.

No. Give us Dimitrov or Rublev doing the unimaginable. Heck, give us Zverev winning it with six five-setters. Even Medvedev taking out Fedal only to celebrate the victory by taking a bath in the Ashe crowd's salty tears. Wawrinka too would be a nice twist at this rate.

Besides, nothing those old guys can do can conceivably top the 2008 Wimbledon final, the greatest match ever played by some distance. The goat race was sealed there.


It would be fitting if Marin Cilic won his 2nd slam after the 5 year anniversary of his doping ban USO triumph.
 

Red Rick

Bionic Poster
I hope someone else goes on to win the US Open.

The draw has opened up nicely for either man, and things look set for yet another Fedal showdown, a first at the US Open.

But let's face it -- aren't we all a bit tired of that ****? The slam race has become a bit like one of those suspense TV shows that was gripping for many seasons but is now running along in its 15th season only to squeeze out that last drop of revenue for the network.

No. Give us Dimitrov or Rublev doing the unimaginable. Heck, give us Zverev winning it with six five-setters. Even Medvedev taking out Fedal only to celebrate the victory by taking a bath in the Ashe crowd's salty tears. Wawrinka too would be a nice twist at this rate.

Besides, nothing those old guys can do can conceivably top the 2008 Wimbledon final, the greatest match ever played by some distance. The goat race was sealed there.
giphy.gif

tumblr_p5fgieVKoZ1vbtfo3o2_500.gif
 

Sysyphus

Talk Tennis Guru
Speak for yourself...and your favourite Rafa!

Thank you for so graciously allowing me this opportunity to speak on behalf of my favorite, Rafael Nadal. I will, as per your wishes, do so:

US OPEN

September 2, 2019

Rafael Nadal

New York, New York, USA

R. NADAL/M. CILIC

Nadal withdraws

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. How would you describe the thought process that led up to your decision to withdraw from the tournament at this stage?
RAFAEL NADAL: First of all, I want to say sorry for Novak, no, who had to retire with the debilibating injury, no? Is never fun when you cannot perform because of the physical. I know, because I have had every imagineable injury during the years, probably more than everyone, no? But now is not the time to talk about all my injuries – whatever happened happened, happened – and I wish Novak a speedy recovery and be back for the clay season.

After long coffee with Rojer in his Hampton mansion, we have decided to withdraw from the Estados Unidos Open. Now is not the time to be greedy and win all the titles once more. My family and my Tio alway teached that to be great is to be humble, and I have therefore decided to step aside and let the poor Zverev have his chance, no? Me and Rojer will instead shift our focus and efforts to the great Laver Cup. Thank you all for your understanding and remember now is not the time for the polemics.

rafael-nadal-poker-2.jpg
 

Rabin

Professional
Nonsense, a Fedal final would be a dream come true. We've been blue balled by them so many times here, I'll flip a table if we don't get it this year.
 

ADuck

Legend
I hope someone else goes on to win the US Open.

The draw has opened up nicely for either man, and things look set for yet another Fedal showdown, a first at the US Open.

But let's face it -- aren't we all a bit tired of that ****? The slam race has become a bit like one of those suspense TV shows that was gripping for many seasons but is now running along in its 15th season only to squeeze out that last drop of revenue for the network.

No. Give us Dimitrov or Rublev doing the unimaginable. Heck, give us Zverev winning it with six five-setters. Even Medvedev taking out Fedal only to celebrate the victory by taking a bath in the Ashe crowd's salty tears. Wawrinka too would be a nice twist at this rate.

Besides, nothing those old guys can do can conceivably top the 2008 Wimbledon final, the greatest match ever played by some distance. The goat race was sealed there.
I only read half your post but I'd be fine with another guy winning IF they play at a level higher than them and NOT because one guy was injured or out of form. If Fedal still produces the highest quality tennis out of the remaining players then NO.
 

Lebsta

Rookie
I think it can be agreed that any Nadal or Federer fan would want a first US Open meeting, especially a final. Both are in their mid to late 30s so we will not get many GS matches left. To have two already this year has spoiled us.
 

clayqueen

Talk Tennis Guru
I hope someone else goes on to win the US Open.

The draw has opened up nicely for either man, and things look set for yet another Fedal showdown, a first at the US Open.

But let's face it -- aren't we all a bit tired of that ****? The slam race has become a bit like one of those suspense TV shows that was gripping for many seasons but is now running along in its 15th season only to squeeze out that last drop of revenue for the network.

No. Give us Dimitrov or Rublev doing the unimaginable. Heck, give us Zverev winning it with six five-setters. Even Medvedev taking out Fedal only to celebrate the victory by taking a bath in the Ashe crowd's salty tears. Wawrinka too would be a nice twist at this rate.

Besides, nothing those old guys can do can conceivably top the 2008 Wimbledon final, the greatest match ever played by some distance. The goat race was sealed there.
Who is doing the giving? No one is giving anyone a place in the final it's there for the taking. All the players have to do is win 6 matches to get there. That's all.
 

ForehandRF

Legend
As a Federer and Nadal fan I struggle with the fact that people continue to argue about Federer and RAFA. They are both juggernauts of the game. This was especially on display at the 2008 Wimbledon final on July 6th, 2008.

It was the pinnacle of tennis and undoubtedly came when the Big 3 + Murray were at their absolute best.

While I hope for a Nadal Federer final in the 2019 USO, I know that even if Federer wins it will not top the 2008 epic.

The 2007 vintage was against a Baby Nadal so it is quite far below the 2008 vintage for me.

That match solidified the Mallorcan as a multi dimensional multi surface threat.

As a longtime Fed fan, I have to say that the 2008 Wimbledon Final is the most overrated match of all time.
 

Pantera

Banned
As a Federer and Nadal fan I struggle with the fact that people continue to argue about Federer and RAFA. They are both juggernauts of the game. This was especially on display at the 2008 Wimbledon final on July 6th, 2008.

It was the pinnacle of tennis and undoubtedly came when the Big 3 + Murray were at their absolute best.

While I hope for a Nadal Federer final in the 2019 USO, I know that even if Federer wins it will not top the 2008 epic.

The 2007 vintage was against a Baby Nadal so it is quite far below the 2008 vintage for me.

That match solidified the Mallorcan as a multi dimensional multi surface threat.
The problem now is even a Nadal v federer final no matter who wins still begs the question can either beat a fit Djokovic on HC. In 2008 they were the best on every surface.

Losing Djokovic to injury is a bit of a sickener as i wanted Rafa to beat him in final. You would have wanted Federer to beat Djokovic in SF which if that had happened would make Rafa v Roger final epic.

Now though we still dont know who is best.
 
As a Djokovic fan, this might sound crazy but I want a Federer v Nadal final! It would be the match of the ages! The biggest match in the GOAT debate so far. The atmosphere would be electric. Yes, either way Novak falls further behind but for the occasion and drama it would be amazing.

I would like to see Medvedev make a break through though. I looking to his match with Stan! It would be nice to see fed and Rafa pushed by others but I do want that final!
 

ChrisRF

Legend
It’s rather the opposite. Due to the Slam race it has a meaning much bigger than just a match, even a final.

A random winner would be totally irrelevant for anyone but this guy himself and his friends. It’s okay if it’s happening at a Masters here and there, but at a Slam? Would you really like someone winning there and then disappearing like Khachanov after Paris Masters?

I admit that I don’t see anyone deserving it or having a chance of making it a start of more great things to come. Even as a Federer fan who wants him to preserve his Slam record I somehow would rather like to see Nadal winning the US Open than some underdog, especially if it’s a "Next Gen" guy.

The end of the Fedal era is the end of almost everything in tennis. Also the US Open finally need that Fedal final. Because let’s face it, there wasn’t a really great US Open final for a few years now.

And finally I must say I’m quite convinced now that the final battle for the Slam race will be between Federer and Nadal. Djokovic will bounce back here and there, but he won’t go on top.
 
It’s rather the opposite. Due to the Slam race it has a meaning much bigger than just a match, even a final.

A random winner would be totally irrelevant for anyone but this guy himself and his friends. It’s okay if it’s happening at a Masters here and there, but at a Slam? Would you really like someone winning there and then disappearing like Khachanov after Paris Masters?

I admit that I don’t see anyone deserving it or having a chance of making it a start of more great things to come. Even as a Federer fan who wants him to preserve his Slam record I somehow would rather like to see Nadal winning the US Open than some underdog, especially if it’s a "Next Gen" guy.

The end of the Fedal era is the end of almost everything in tennis. Also the US Open finally need that Fedal final. Because let’s face it, there wasn’t a really great US Open final for a few years now.

And finally I must say I’m quite convinced now that the final battle for the Slam race will be between Federer and Nadal. Djokovic will bounce back here and there, but he won’t go on top.

I agree I think Djokovic will end up 3rd! Still a great run by him but yeah looks to be between fed and Rafa now!
 

ChrisRF

Legend
I agree I think Djokovic will end up 3rd! Still a great run by him but yeah looks to be between fed and Rafa now!
As a fan there is no need to give up hope though. He often has proven his critics wrong, so why not once more? ;)

It’s just a feeling I have because he seems to have lost the aura of invincibility off-clay which he got back during his run of 3 consecutive Slams.

Also Federer is absolutely capable of still winning 1 Slam per year, and who knows for how long. Nadal will seemingly win RG forever. So where is something to gain for Novak? Even if he wins the other 2 Slams, he would need years to catch up.

And MAYBE, just MAYBE....there will be a new Slam winner as well some day in between.
 

clayqueen

Talk Tennis Guru
The problem now is even a Nadal v federer final no matter who wins still begs the question can either beat a fit Djokovic on HC. In 2008 they were the best on every surface.

Losing Djokovic to injury is a bit of a sickener as i wanted Rafa to beat him in final. You would have wanted Federer to beat Djokovic in SF which if that had happened would make Rafa v Roger final epic.

Now though we still dont know who is best.
Rafa leads Djoker 2:1 at the USO.
 

Steve0904

Talk Tennis Guru
Honestly, I agree with the gist of the OP even though it was meant as a joke. I would love to see a new final featuring neither of Federer or Nadal, even if Stan is apart of it. A Fedal USO Final would be massive no doubt. Maybe even a great novelty that we should all get to see once in our lifetimes, but I'm tired of the hot takes that happen after all these slams. Tired of these "GOAT" deciding matches that are only GOAT deciding matches if Nadal wins them. Tired of the glee that some people here take in the failures of professional tennis players. It's too much about fanbase wars and not enough about actual appreciation for the 3/4 guys that made this era amazing.
 

MeatTornado

Talk Tennis Guru
As a Federer and Nadal fan I struggle with the fact that people continue to argue about Federer and RAFA. They are both juggernauts of the game. This was especially on display at the 2008 Wimbledon final on July 6th, 2008.

It was the pinnacle of tennis and undoubtedly came when the Big 3 + Murray were at their absolute best.

While I hope for a Nadal Federer final in the 2019 USO, I know that even if Federer wins it will not top the 2008 epic.

The 2007 vintage was against a Baby Nadal so it is quite far below the 2008 vintage for me.

That match solidified the Mallorcan as a multi dimensional multi surface threat.
You sly fox, you.
 

Sysyphus

Talk Tennis Guru
And the OP is no Fed or Rafa fan if he seriously prefers a Dimitrov-Rublev final. Who on earth besides these two guys (and their mothers) wants a slam final with those two in it? Why not start praying for an Isner-RBA final at the AO in January?

paging @Red Rick

I'm a bit lost here – is this what you call gatekeeping?
 

Pantera

Banned
Nadal is clay GOAT. He is a good player on other surfaces. That is about it.

Djokovic is too far behind Fed.
Lol Nadal 3-1 federer HC Majors and Nadal 3 USO wins Federer 0 when both peak at same time. If that makes Nadal good federer must be bang average.
 

fundrazer

G.O.A.T.
38 majors between these two guys.

Which man born from his mother would wanna see any other scenario than a 39th?

source.gif

Blue horseshoe loves

Ahh who am I kidding. No young gun is worth investing in at this point.
Although Grigolo isn't a young gun anymore. Hmmmm. :unsure::unsure::unsure:
 
Top