Better net game: Blake versus Nadal

[krnboijunsung]

Who has the better net game between Blake and Nadal?

A friend and I disagreed, and I said Blake has a better net game, or even actually HAS a net game. Nadal is a baseliner, who rarely plays net, and occasionally goes up there to finish a shot off. But what player doesn't?

My friends point is that Nadal has a high percentage in net points won, obviously that's true because he only goes up there when its a putaway.

Part of James Blake's game is the net game, he doesn't go up there just to put away shots, but goes up there occasionally to mix it up. He's not a S&V but he does go up there as much as Federer does, and has a decent volley.

But to say that Nadal has a better net game just cause of percentage doesn't make sense, cause Nadal doesn't even have a net game in his repertoire and has only a net game every other player on tour does which is to go there when it's a weak shot with an open court to volley in.

I may be wrong, what're your guys opinions?

 

[lucky leprechaun]

Blake obviously because he actually USES his net game to impose himself on the other player. Rafa doesn't do that. YOu can't really look at percentages in this case. That said, I may be only one of the few too, I really think nadal's got more talent in those hands. If he decides I think he can develop a real nice net game, whether serve and volleying or just simply coming in more behind that uppercut forehand of his.

 

[VictorS.]

I would give the nod to Blake also being that he incorporates coming into the net into his game strategy.

One thing that really surprised me in the Nadal-Baghdatis match is Nadal's slice backhand...which was surprisingly effective. I wouldn't be surprised if Nadal has a good net game, but just doesn't use it that much in matches.

 

[theazneyes]

Yes, I have to give the nod to James Blake all the way. Nadal may have a net game, but he doesn't use it at all. So no one can necessarily say he has a better net game than Blake, who actually uses his net game.

So does it mean that Blake would be a better net player if he stopped coming to net just cause we SUSPECT he's good at net? That's wrong assumption. Until Nadal even starts coming to net as a part of his game like Blake does, there's no comparison.

 

[krnboijunsung]

Any moreeeeeee opinions?

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

Any moreeeeeee opinions?

blake has a better netgame !

 

[Alexandros]

Blake has a better net game by virtue of the fact that Nadal doesn't HAVE a net game. Or at the least, he never chooses to employ it, aside from the occasional net finish or when he's dragged in there via dropshot.

In terms of technique, Blake is more solid than Nadal in all aspects - forehand and backhand volleys and overheads.