pedro94
Semi-Pro
Yesterday I was rewatching 2016 FO Final highlights, incredible tennis from both Novak and Andy. I remember being so happy for Novak to finally win the title after 3 lost finals (it would be a travesty if he didn't manage to get the career grand slam).
That being said.. if Rafa didn't injure his wrist, would he have a chance at the title? He had an extreme drop in form in 2015 and 2016, however I remember his form slowly picking up halfway through 2016, with titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. However he then lost to Murray in Madrid and Djokovic in Rome. Though we all know that even if Rafa wins bugger all during the clay season he always brings his A-game to FO.
How was Rafa's level of play at the FO the first 2 rounds that he played? Would he have gone far if his wrist was fine? He'd have to play Granollers, Thiem, Goffin and then Djokovic in the SF. Thiem was still too young and I doubt he'd pose a threat to Rafa if he was healthy, even if his form wasn't great. However Djokovic in the SF would be a tough ask. Was he good enough at that tournament (barring the wrist injury) to beat Djokovic in his current form? What would be the implications had he won the title and Djokovic never won FO until now?
That being said.. if Rafa didn't injure his wrist, would he have a chance at the title? He had an extreme drop in form in 2015 and 2016, however I remember his form slowly picking up halfway through 2016, with titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. However he then lost to Murray in Madrid and Djokovic in Rome. Though we all know that even if Rafa wins bugger all during the clay season he always brings his A-game to FO.
How was Rafa's level of play at the FO the first 2 rounds that he played? Would he have gone far if his wrist was fine? He'd have to play Granollers, Thiem, Goffin and then Djokovic in the SF. Thiem was still too young and I doubt he'd pose a threat to Rafa if he was healthy, even if his form wasn't great. However Djokovic in the SF would be a tough ask. Was he good enough at that tournament (barring the wrist injury) to beat Djokovic in his current form? What would be the implications had he won the title and Djokovic never won FO until now?