Can Nadal Sustain his Level of Play?

[DashaandSafin]

Just watching Nadal makes me a bit tired. He runs for everything and has a grinding style which i think is great, but can it lead to an early burnout? His taxing style of play (full western Forehand whip) could lead to potential arm problems. Look at his swing, he's a wrist injury waiting to happen with all that spin. Grinders and Counter punchers are known to burn or fade out a bit after they hit the tour with force (Hewitt, Chang) to name a couple. Im just wondering if this youngster..only 19...can sustain that level of play for 10+ more years. It just seems so highly unlikely.

 

[Boy Wonder]

I say yes. Notice Nadal has put in a lot of work recently to stay in healthy shape. I hear so many people say Nadal's labor extensive style will do him in. If he continues to put in the work that helps him stay healthy and play like this, again, yes. It seems to be working this season. We'll see...

 

[ATXtennisaddict]

I almost made a thread on this too. I was also wondering if,as he gets older,will he be able to sustain the "hit every single ball back" attitude. Would he still have that desire,hunger,to chase every ball down, no matter how much of a winner it looks.

 

[FedererUberAlles]

Somethings got to give; I think something is going to break down that will prevent him from being a topspin lamer.

 

[Superior_Forehand]

Are you pissed that nadal beat federer Uber?

 

[GOOOOOGA]

nadal will be a great tennis player, some1 thats gonna be remembered. but, he wont have great success on faster surfaces. just for the reason that he wont be able to run down as many balls and wont be able to hit those ridiculous passing shots on the run. i hope that im wrong, tho. alot of fun to watch.

 

[Andy Hewitt]

Naawwww... his legs will fall off and he will go blind.

 

[FedererUberAlles]

Are you pissed that nadal beat federer Uber?

No, I'm just thinking realistically. Do you really think Nadal will be able to sustain this energy level throughout his career?

 

[Superior_Forehand]

No, I doubt he will. I agree with you there.

 

[verdasco67]

he needs to stop playing so many tournys...or he will burn out.

 

[Dilettante]

A player, by time, replaces energy wasting with experience and wisdom.

Many youngsters run a lot. But some years from now, Nadal, as anybody, will be a slighty different player. Experience allows you to save yourself from some unnecessary wastes.

In fact, Nadal WILL NEED to slow down a little bit, I think. But he's 19 yo now, this is the moment for him to run and fight like a lion.

 

[DashaandSafin]

True...nadal will need to slow down a bit. Can you still see him at Agassi's age(35) and run like that?

 

[Boy Wonder]

As of now, it sure doesn't seem like Nadal will let up. It really shows since he is eager to play Halle after going through a whole two weeks of a slam and not only playing singles but doubles also, which I feel more players should add to their schedule. As I said in previous post, Rafa knows what he is doing and is making sure to taking care of himself.

 

[DariusRaiden]

Nadal is certainly a competitor and is great fun to watch. I honestly do not want to see him burn out, but look at players with similar games. Michael Chang is a classic case. He made a huge splash as a teenager, and he was always a contender at slams, but once he turned about 26 he was done, and he only won one major and was never a major contender on faster surfaces.

Also Jim Courier. He dominated tennis on slower surfaces, winning the RG title twice and the AO twice as well, but after the age of 22 he never won another major and was basically never a contender after the age of 24 or 25.

Nadal is more entertaining than both of them and I want to see him around for a long time. With that said, his game is taxing on the mind and body and only time will tell if he was a flash in the pan or a player of elite status.

 

[goober]

The bigger question is Can Nadal sustain the level of his Capris? I say no. I think they are slow going to inch up till they are above his knees and he his relegated to wearing burmudas.

 

[MichaelNadal]

nadal will be a great tennis player, some1 thats gonna be remembered. but, he wont have great success on faster surfaces. just for the reason that he wont be able to run down as many balls and wont be able to hit those ridiculous passing shots on the run. i hope that im wrong, tho. alot of fun to watch.

Epic win

 

[Bud]

2005 FO winner

Epic win

It appears this thread was created the day Nadal won his first FO title and first GS tournament

Too bad we don't have the archives from 2000-2003 when Federer was still struggling

 

[aphex]

The bigger question is Can Nadal sustain the level of his Capris? I say no. I think they are slow going to inch up till they are above his knees and he his relegated to wearing burmudas.

Awesome prediction!

 

[Xemi666]

Nice bump. Yes, Nadal not only sustained his level of play, he improved it.

 

[jackson vile]

Nice bump. Yes, Nadal not only sustained his level of play, he improved it.

Amazing, No?

 

[TheTruth]

Ahh, I love a good bump! Good job, guys.

 

[Totai]

The bigger question is Can Nadal sustain the level of his Capris? I say no. I think they are slow going to inch up till they are above his knees and he his relegated to wearing burmudas.

This guy nailed it