Best version of Rafa at RG-

King No1e

G.O.A.T.
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In the same universe as 2018 and 2011.Too similar..
Not all blue outfits are created equal for me. None of these are bad, but I just like the 2015 one so much more because it's absolutely coordinated with the neon blue unlike the RG11 one, and a more striking color against the clay than either of the others. 2018 is probably my next favorite of Nadal's RG kits, though.
 

mike danny

Bionic Poster
He was pretty darn spectacular for about 8 games.

And if not for weather conditions, Soderling probably never beats Nadal. That match with Djokovic turned before the weather got seriously bad anyway. Most of Nadal's big matches at RG happened when it was warm and sunny, fortunately for him, because he's not as great in opposite conditions.
When exactly did the weather start to turn? Because Nadal was 2 sets and a break up.
 

mike danny

Bionic Poster
He was pretty darn spectacular for about 8 games.

And if not for weather conditions, Soderling probably never beats Nadal. That match with Djokovic turned before the weather got seriously bad anyway. Most of Nadal's big matches at RG happened when it was warm and sunny, fortunately for him, because he's not as great in opposite conditions.
So you think Fed could do well against Rafa in dump clay conditions?
 

NoleFam

Bionic Poster
When exactly did the weather start to turn? Because Nadal was 2 sets and a break up.
The weather was damp the whole time, and drizzling on and off. It wasn't like the weather just changed once he was up 2 sets and a break. I don't remember the exact moment it got much worse but that was after Djokovic had turned the match around.
So you think Fed could do well against Rafa in dump clay conditions?
Yes.
 

rUDin 21

Hall of Fame
Not all blue outfits are created equal for me. None of these are bad, but I just like the 2015 one so much more because it's absolutely coordinated with the neon blue unlike the RG11 one, and a more striking color against the clay than either of the others. 2018 is probably my next favorite of Nadal's RG kits, though.
No these are not bad outfits, but Nadal has worn them so often that it got boring for me i guess.
 

FiReFTW

Legend
2008

7:5 6:3 6:1 Belucci
6:4 6:0 6:1 Devilder
6:1 6:3 6:1 Nieminen
6:1 6:0 6:2 v Verdasco
6:1 6:1 6:1 v Almagro
6:4 6:2 7:6 v Djokovic
6:1 6:3 6:0 v Federer
 

CHillTennis

Hall of Fame
When did Rafa play his best?

What version of Rafa wins?

05-08 span of RG vs 10-14 span of RG vs 17-19 span of RG

I actually back young Rafa. He was quicker and more physical, and just as brutal with the forehand. The older version would be second because of experience and tactical nous.

It's a bit difficult to categorize it this way as Nadal's performance at Roland Garros tends to vary year by year.

Probably the best that I've ever seen from him would be at RG 2008 and 2012.

He's become a more offensive player over the course of his career and his serve has improved a lot from those early days.

I think the 2010-14 Nadal would be very tough to beat. Even for the Nadal of today.
 

ForehandCross

G.O.A.T.
2008 is better than anything.

2012 comes close second.

2007 ,2010,2017 is around the same. I think 2017 might be better , but he really had no one testing him.

2005-08 RG Rafael = 2010-14 Rafael> 2015-19 Rafael.
 
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