French Open Final: [1] Rafa Nadal vs [7] Dominic Thiem

[Poisoned Slice]

Bricktop told me he is going down in 4.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Sure, just not this year.

Would be the most epic moment in tennis history if he did that though, AO 2017 would pale in comparison.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

You mean you didn't feel moved to say it last year when he completed La Décima?

Not really.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Would be the most epic moment in tennis history if he did that though, AO 2017 would pale in comparison.

Well, the last and only time he lost to a first time slam finalist, it was the single backhanded Wawrinka.

 

[tennis_pro]

It's still 17. He has absolutely savaged RG for over a decade, and each one of those counts. He knows his shot at the slam record, the only record that matters and the one that will define the GOAT, is by racking up as many RG as he can. They all count the same...

How can you be the GOAT when you've won 75% of your Slams at one Slam? That's crazy.

 

[Mainad]

Not really.

You're a Hardman, Hitman.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Well, the last and only time he lost to a first time slam finalist, it was the single backhanded Wawrinka.

And that was on HC.

Thiem winning is a big ask and if I’m being honest he probably won’t win but I’ll stand by him and root for him until the last point.

 

[tennis_pro]

Look, I know taht you are one of the notorious Nadal-haters (or at least strong dislikers?), but if you take Djokovic for example, I believe 5 of his first 7 slams were on HC right? YOu will probably tell me now that they are not the same surfaces or something, but the stat remains.

Don't blend the FO and hard courts, there are 2 Slams played on a completely different hard courts - AO and USO.

Or are you faulting Nadal for being more dominant on clay over the compettiion than Djokovic and Fed were over the competition on HC and grass, respectively?

I'm pointing that Nadal is propping up his numbers from clay alone.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

How can you be the GOAT when you've won 75% of your Slams at one Slam? That's crazy.

You do know that what we are witnessing here is all unprecedented, right? This is a once in a life time freakish occurrence in tennis, and GOAT parameters are being redefined before our very eyes.

 

[tennis_pro]

You do know that what we are witnessing here is all unprecedented, right? This is a once in a life time freakish occurrence in tennis, and GOAT parameters are being redefined before our very eyes.

I don't see no excitement or buzz around. It's just another FO that Nadal wins, same old boring story and another FO won by same old boring Nadal.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

And that was on HC.

Thiem winning is a big ask and if I’m being honest he probably won’t win but I’ll stand by him and root for him until the last point.

It's good you stand by him. I like Thiem also, he's really fun for watch when he is on, but horrible to watch when he is off. Sadly he has always laid eggs in big matches, and this is the biggest challenge of them all.

I kind feel Nadal is unfairly winning all these trophies...I mean, he hasn't exactly beaten himself for any of them, he just beat guys who simply didn't measure up, I mean, if Nadal had to play peak Rafa every year, I think we would see a couple of losses on his resume.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

I don't see no excitement or buzz around. It's just another FO that Nadal wins, same old boring story and another FO won by same old boring Nadal.

Yes, but you are looking at the immediate future. 17 slams keeps Nadal in the hunt, and you can bet even if the next three are RG titles, there will be a buzz if he is about to equal Federer, should it happen....he may do it in a boring way, but many found Pete boring also, didn't stop him from becoming the man.

 

[EloQuent]

Look, I know taht you are one of the notorious Nadal-haters (or at least strong dislikers?), but if you take Djokovic for example, I believe 5 of his first 7 slams were on HC right? YOu will probably tell me now that they are not the same surfaces or something, but the stat remains.
Or are you faulting Nadal for being more dominant on clay over the compettiion than Djokovic and Fed were over the competition on HC and grass, respectively?

Federer's slam count apperas the most balanced, that's obvious.

Getting tired of Nadal and Federer fans trying to belittle the other players' achievements to make their favorite seem superior

5/7 on HC isn't that unbalanced considering that 2/4 of slams are HC. The better comparison is probably Sampras, 7/14 on grass and zero on clay.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Yes, but you are looking at the immediate future. 17 slams keeps Nadal in the hunt, and you can bet even if the next three are RG titles, there will be a buzz if he is about to equal Federer, should it happen....he may do it in a boring way, but many found Pete boring also, didn't stop him from becoming the man.

Who do you think will win the slam race? It’s amazing to me that Nadal’s body didn’t completely break at 27-30..

 

[duaneeo]

A: I stand by my original prediction that Nadal won't win #17, meaning I have to have faith in Thiem.
B: I change my mind. Nadal to win #17.

'A' it is! No question Thiem has the physical game, and perhaps making his first slam final will be the result that propels his mental game. Beating Nadal in a RG final is the most daunting task in mens tennis, but Nadal's level of play hasn't been impressive. And, it's been 13 years since Rafa won his first title. If challenged, keeping his mental composure won't be so easy.

 

[Mainad]

I kind feel Nadal is unfairly winning all these trophies...I mean, he hasn't exactly beaten himself for any of them, he just beat guys who simply didn't measure up, I mean, if Nadal had to play peak Rafa every year, I think we would see a couple of losses on his resume.

Check out this thread

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...d-garros-with-this-draw.618220/#post-12341899

 

[tennis_pro]

5/7 on HC isn't that unbalanced considering that 2/4 of slams are HC. The better comparison is probably Sampras, 7/14 on grass and zero on clay.

Nadal won't get to 20 Slams (or more) on the French Open alone, please. Assuming Federer doesn't win anything more and Nadal won't win a Slam outside of clay he'd have to win the FO this year and in 2019, 2020 and 2021 to equal Fed. Not gonna happen. If Fed wins Wimbledon this year Nadal would have to also win the FO in 2022 at the age of 36, this is some imaginary mommy read me a story fairytale voodoo Nadal fan wet dream that is as far from reality as Kevin Anderson winning the CYGS next year.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Who you rooting for?

I know you’re a Nadal fan and that’s cool but can you be just a bit more on the Thiem Train on Sunday? It’s best for business.

Nadal losing #1 is def not best for business

 

[EloQuent]

Nadal won't get to 20 Slams (or more) on the French Open alone, please. Assuming Federer doesn't win anything more and Nadal won't win a Slam outside of clay he'd have to win the FO this year and in 2019, 2020 and 2021 to equal Fed. Not gonna happen. If Fed wins Wimbledon this year Nadal would have to also win the FO in 2022, this is some imaginary mommy read me a story fairytale voodoo Nadal fan wet dream.

oh agreed. My guess is that Federer wins slams after Nadal is done. Just commenting about the balance question.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Nadal losing #1 is def not best for business

Young star beating geriatric is best for business.

@Meles

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Who do you think will win the slam race? It’s amazing to me that Nadal’s body didn’t completely break at 27-30..

Federer has to stop winning slams as of right now, simple. If Federer wins Wimbledon or USO, more likely the former, then I feel Federer will not be passed by Nadal. The slam gap will be back to four, and Nadal will be 33 by the time the next RG comes around. He will need five slams post W, should Federer win in SW19 to take over the record, at best, and it is pushing it, he will equal. If Federer wins two more, Nadal is done 100 percent.

As for Nadal's body, yes, it hasn't broken down completely, but it's not exactly a shiny new model coming out of the showroom either...he is carrying several injuries and serious amounts of wear and tear, and I have to say it, despite still being superior to the others on clay, he is starting more and more to show his age...that is something he cannot reverse, only slowdown.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Nadal losing #1 is def not best for business

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Nadal losing #1 is def not best for business

Actually it is EPIC for business. Vamos.

 

[Mustard]

He had 4 5-set matches at the FO? I only remember the 2 against Djokovic and Isner, what are the others?

2005 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Lars Burgsmuller (6-1, 7-6, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Xavier Malisse (6-2, 6-2, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Richard Gasquet (6-4, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Sebastien Grosjean (6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (7-5, 6-2, 6-0)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Mariano Puerta (6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5)

2006 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-2, 7-5, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Kevin Kim (6-2, 6-1, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Paul-Henri Mathieu (5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-2, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-4, ret.)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Ivan Ljubicic (6-4, 6-2, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6)

2007 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Martin del Potro (7-5, 6-3, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Flavio Cipolla (6-2, 6-1, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Albert Montanes (6-1, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-3, 6-1, 7-6)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Carlos Moya (6-4, 6-3, 6-0)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (7-5, 6-4, 6-2)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4)

2008 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Thomaz Bellucci (7-5, 6-3, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Devilder (6-4, 6-0, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Jarkko Nieminen (6-1, 6-3, 6-1)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Fernando Verdasco (6-1, 6-0, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (6-1, 6-1, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-2, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-1, 6-3, 6-0)

2009 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Marcos Daniel (7-5, 6-4, 6-3)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Teymuraz Gabashvili (6-1, 6-4, 6-2)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-1, 6-3, 6-1)
R16: Robin Soderling def. Rafael Nadal (6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6)

2010 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Gianni Mina (6-2, 6-2, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Horacio Zeballos (6-2, 6-2, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-3, 6-4, 6-3)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Thomaz Bellucci (6-2, 7-5, 6-4)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (7-6, 7-6, 6-4)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Jurgen Melzer (6-2, 6-3, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-4, 6-2, 6-4)

2011 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. John Isner (6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Pablo Andujar (7-5, 6-3, 7-6)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Antonio Veic (6-1, 6-3, 6-0)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Ivan Ljubicic (7-5, 6-3, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-4, 6-1, 7-6)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-4, 7-5, 6-4)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1)

2012 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Simone Bolelli (6-2, 6-2, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Denis Istomin (6-2, 6-2, 6-0)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Eduardo Schwank (6-1, 6-3, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Monaco (6-2, 6-0, 6-0)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (7-6, 6-2, 6-3)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (6-2, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5)

2013 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Daniel Brands (4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-3)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Martin Klizan (4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Fabio Fognini (7-6, 6-4, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Kei Nishikori (6-4, 6-1, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Stanislas Wawrinka (6-2, 6-3, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (6-3, 6-2, 6-3)

2014 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Robby Ginepri (6-0, 6-3, 6-0)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-2, 6-2, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Leonardo Mayer (6-2, 7-5, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Dusan Lajovic (6-1, 6-2, 6-1)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (4-6, 6-4, 6-0, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-3, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4)

2015 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Quentin Halys (6-3, 6-3, 6-4)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (6-4, 6-3, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Andrey Kuznetsov (6-1, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Jack Sock (6-3, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2)
QF: Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal (7-5, 6-3, 6-1)

2016 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Sam Groth (6-1, 6-1, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Facundo Bagnis (6-3, 6-0, 6-3)
R32: Marcel Granollers def. Rafael Nadal (Walkover)

2017 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Benoit Paire (6-1, 6-4, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Haase (6-1, 6-4, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Nikoloz Basilashvili (6-0, 6-1, 6-0)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Roberto Bautista Agut (6-1, 6-2, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Pablo Carreno Busta (6-2, 2-0 ret.)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-3, 6-4, 6-0)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Stanislas Wawrinka (6-2, 6-3, 6-1)

2018 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Simone Bolelli (6-4, 6-3, 7-6)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Guido Pella (6-2, 6-1, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Richard Gasquet (6-3, 6-2, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Maximilian Marterer (6-3, 6-2, 7-6)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Diego Schwartzman (4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Martin del Potro (6-4, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal vs. Dominic Thiem


So, going by the statistics above:

Nadal has played 87 matches at the French Open
Nadal has won 66 matches in 3 sets
Nadal has won 2 matches after his opponent retired in the second or third set
Nadal has won 15 matches in 4 sets
Nadal has won 2 matches in 5 sets
Nadal has lost 1 match in 4 sets
Nadal has lost 1 match in 3 sets

 

[duaneeo]

If Federer wins Wimbledon or USO...

USO?! LOL!

 

[EloQuent]

Federer has to stop winning slams as of right now, simple. If Federer wins Wimbledon or USO, more likely the former, then I feel Federer will not be passed by Nadal. The slam gap will be back to four, and Nadal will be 33 by the time the next RG comes around. He will need five slams post W, should Federer win in SW19 to take over the record, at best, and it is pushing it, he will equal. If Federer wins two more, Nadal is done 100 percent.

As for Nadal's body, yes, it hasn't broken down completely, but it's not exactly a shiny new model coming out of the showroom either...he is carrying several injuries and serious amounts of wear and tear, and I have to say it, despite still being superior to the others on clay, he is starting more and more to show his age...that is something he cannot reverse, only slowdown.

Good summary. It's highly unlikely that Rafa is in competitive shape off clay this year. And with another year of wear and tear and young guns like Zverev and Tsitsipas still improving, it feels like this is his last slam.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

USO?! LOL!

You saw the draw Nadal got last year right, give that same draw to a healthy Federer and he gets the job done also. With the state of the tour, mug draws are a plenty.

 

[EloQuent]

USO?! LOL!

Yes lol why assume that a player who reached the SF, F, QF in his last 3 tries has a chance at winning the US Open how silly

 

[mike danny]

Yeah he sure disappeared at the USO last year, unlike everyone else who showed up.

He didn't disappear last USO. Everyone else did.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Good summary. It's highly unlikely that Rafa is in competitive shape off clay this year. And with another year of wear and tear and young guns like Zverev and Tsitsipas still improving, it feels like this is his last slam.

Nadal has looked worn down to me this clay season, he was fresh in MC and Barcelona, because he didn't play since Jan, so he had many weeks off from competitive play, but just by his third event in, he had dropped his level, legs not moving as well. It is his superior overall level that is getting him through, along with his legendary aura of being the greatest on clay...that alone is a couple of games per match. However physically he looks like his body has taken some hits, and when he gets to surfaces that do not favor his style and cannot hide his weaknesses, it will become that much more difficult. He was on the verge of losing to Zverev in Rome before the rain saved him...some no named players have made him work hard for his wins here, relatively to what we all expected. USO, he has to win, a loss there will hurt him, he needs to not only keep pace with Federer, but go faster.

Remember, winning RG only allows Nadal to keep up with Federer, he has not gained any ground since his rejuvenation. Back in 2014, when he was 28, he was three slams behind, he is now 32, he will still be three slams behind...with Federer's favorite slam coming up which could push the gap back out.

The two slams that hurt Nadal were AO 2017 and AO 2018, Federer winning those could be what stops Nadal from achieving his life long professional goal of being the GOAT.

 

[mike danny]

2 vs. 5 at the FO, it's not like it's that skewed

When there are 3 slams outside the FO? It kinda is.

 

[World Beater]

just hope he puts a better fight than wawa last year...

 

[mike danny]

How can you be the GOAT when you've won 75% of your Slams at one Slam? That's crazy.

People will only look at the slam count and declare Nadal the GOAT. It is what it is. There are crazier things in life than this.

 

[EloQuent]

Nadal has looked worn down to me this clay season, he was fresh in MC and Barcelona, because he didn't play since Jan, so he had many weeks off from competitive play, but just by his third event in, he had dropped his level, legs not moving as well. It is his superior overall level that is getting him through, along with his legendary aura of being the greatest on clay...that alone is a couple of games per match. However physically he looks like his body has taken some hits, and when he gets to surfaces that do not favor his style and cannot hide his weaknesses, it will become that much more difficult. He was on the verge of losing to Zverev in Rome before the rain saved him...some no named players have made him work hard for his wins here, relatively to what we all expected. USO, he has to win, a loss there will hurt him, he needs to not only keep pace with Federer, but go faster.

Remember, winning RG only allows Nadal to keep up with Federer, he has not gained any ground since his rejuvenation. Back in 2014, when he was 28, he was three slams behind, he is now 32, he will still be three slams behind...with Federer's favorite slam coming up which could push the gap back out.

The two slams that hurt Nadal were AO 2017 and AO 2018, Federer winning those could be what stops Nadal from achieving his life long professional goal of being the GOAT.

AO 2017 was the moment. It would have been 17-15, and 18-17 by year's end.

And while Federer is old and has to slow down his schedule, considering how he's broken the mold for longevity, we have no idea how many seasons he has. Could be another 4-5 years.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Thiem’s chance of winning:

 

[Deleted member 77403]

just hope he puts a better fight than wawa last year...

Wawrinka literally was on his last knees last year. He played one more match and then went for knee surgery. Thiem is 100 percent fit and healthy, Stan wasn't if he was one match away from surgery. The match will be better, Nadal also is not playing at the destructive level of last year.

 

[tennis_pro]

People will only look at the slam count an declare Nadal the GOAT. It is what it is. There are crazier things in life than this.

like what

 

[Deleted member 756486]

like what

Zverev being considered a better player than Safin, Murray and Wawrinka because he has more slams.

This will happen one day...god help us.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

AO 2017 was the moment. It would have been 17-15, and 18-17 by year's end.

And while Federer is old and has to slow down his schedule, considering how he's broken the mold for longevity, we have no idea how many seasons he has. Could be another 4-5 years.

Well, that AO 2017 match probably will be their most important one if Federer holds Nadal off, because that was the match that won it for him. But Federer winning number 20 this year also is a massive blow to Nadal, it means his RG win doesn't get him any closer to Federer...he would have two behind him had Federer failed to defend his title...

 

[tennis_pro]

Zverev being considered a better player than Safin, Murray and Wawrinka because he has more slams.

This will happen one day...god help us.

Zverev's best Slam run consisted of 3 consecutive 5 set match wins against mugs before being mauled by Thiem so I ain't losing sleep over that yet.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Well, that AO 2017 match probably will be their most important one if Federer holds Nadal off, because that was the match that won it for him. But Federer winning number 20 this year also is a massive blow to Nadal, it means his RG win doesn't get him any closer to Federer...he would have two behind him had Federer failed to defend his title...

So your pick is Federer to finish with more slams? I hope so and I’m mildly confident Fed will finish with more but there’s still doubts..

Thiem winning would destroy all doubts.

 

[Fedole]

And that was on HC.

Thiem winning is a big ask and if I’m being honest he probably won’t win but I’ll stand by him and root for him until the last point.

Dominic's future is bright, don't be disheartened if the inevitable happens on Sunday! Nadal won't be around forever, even if sometimes it feels like he will

Thiem has to be ready to take the mantle at Roland Garros as soon as the chance arises. He must stay above others like Zverev.

 

[mike danny]

like what

War. Poverty. Hunger.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

So your pick is Federer to finish with more slams? I hope so and I’m mildly confident Fed will finish with more but there’s still doubts..

Thiem winning would destroy all doubts.

ONLY if Federer wins one more slam. If Federer stops winning slams, then Nadal has a chance to overtake.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Dominic's future is bright, don't be disheartened if the inevitable happens on Sunday! Nadal won't be around forever, even if sometimes it feels like he will

Thiem has to be ready to take the mantle at Roland Garros as soon as the chance arises. He must stay above others like Zverev.

Yeah that’s what concerns me, what if Thiem is in his peak right now and will suffer in the future because Nadal held him off? I just want to see him win a slam one day, couldn’t think of a nicer guy to win one.

 

[tennis_pro]

oh agreed. My guess is that Federer wins slams after Nadal is done. Just commenting about the balance question.

My guess is that Nadal doesn't go beyond 18 Slams.

 

[tennis_pro]

War. Poverty. Hunger.

You can't eliminate that.

But you can eliminate Nadal from the Slam race.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

I think Fed will finish with 21 and Nadal will finish with 19.

Fed will win Wimbledon, Nadal will win RG this year and next year plus another USO.

 

[EloQuent]

My guess is that Nadal doesn't go beyond 18 Slams.

Sunday and then maybe one more FO.

 

[Fedole]

My guess is that Nadal doesn't go beyond 18 Slams.

Federer winning Aussie '17 was the killer for Nadal. To me, this year at least, Nadal doesn't have options to win either Wimbledon or USO, although I'm obviously not that sure on the latter. So I think those of us that prefer Feddy can relax. Obviously the bigger the gap the better.

Your profile pic is superb, btw. Can't stop grinning when I see it