has there ever been any one like nadal in tennis history?

[ken1d]

In todays interview he was asked how could he improved so fast on grass? he said that the reason he improved so well so fast is becuase he puts his best on every practice every match and every point, he said he is playing with lots of concentration and big motivation. he also said he puts it all on the the court always.

Lot to be admired about this guy nadal. Not only he has the mountain high talent he also has the heart of a lion.

do you guys think this kid is putting too much too soon? it looks as if he fuel is the motivation but what if the motivation run out? I mean im not tennis historian but has there been any one like this guy? Tym!, rabiat or any one else has any takes on this?

 

[typingchamp]

As long as he has a rival such as Federer, Nadal can't really lose motivation I don't think.

And Borg was also a clay courter who many thought couldn't adapt to grass. Not to compare Nadal to Borg just yet though. But if Nadal wins on Sunday then comparison is fair, if premature.

I can't think of anyone else he reminds he me . . . except Becker . . . but in a different way. Nadal brings such a physicality that has never been seen before . . . and personality and intensity . . . just like Becker.

 

[verker-er]

Would it be unfair to see Nadal as a cross between Becker and Courier multiplied a few times.

 

[typingchamp]

Would it be unfair to see Nadal as a cross between Becker and Courier multiplied a few times.

I can see that a bit . . . but add in left-handed, best defense ever, and crazy newly invented topspin . . . but I see what you're getting at.

If only Nadal could have Becker's serves and volleys . . . or if Becker could have had Nadal's baseline game and defense . . . we'd have a genetic mutant who would be undisputed king of everything.

 

[morten]

muster.......

 

[austro]

Nadal is to tennis today what Lendl was to tennis in the 80s. Bringing a new degree of athleticism to the sport (while making for a more boring style to watch).

 

[irishbanger]

I can agree with most of what has been said about Nadal's physical gifts---but personality?

 

[kicker75]

A great tennis player is a great tennis player...that's why I think Nadal can play on grass and Federer can play on clay. Unfortunately for Nadal, Federer is better on grass, and unfortunately for Federer, Nadal is better on clay. ...my point is that these guys could play on snow and still be the best.

 

[sotua]

Borg, anyone?

In todays interview he was asked how could he improved so fast on grass? he said that the reason he improved so well so fast is becuase he puts his best on every practice every match and every point, he said he is playing with lots of concentration and big motivation. he also said he puts it all on the the court always.

Lot to be admired about this guy nadal. Not only he has the mountain high talent he also has the heart of a lion.

do you guys think this kid is putting too much too soon? it looks as if he fuel is the motivation but what if the motivation run out? I mean im not tennis historian but has there been any one like this guy? Tym!, rabiat or any one else has any takes on this?

You might have heard of one Bjorn Borg...

(sure, he was unflappable and icy instead of fiery on court, but he did kick some serious ass)

 

[Tchocky]

Nadal is to tennis today what Lendl was to tennis in the 80s. Bringing a new degree of athleticism to the sport (while making for a more boring style to watch).

I couldn't disagree more. Federer is much more like Lendl. Nadal is a completely different animal. Nadal is more like Becker physically.

 

[Grimjack]

In todays interview he was asked how could he improved so fast on grass? he said that the reason he improved so well so fast is becuase he puts his best on every practice every match and every point, he said he is playing with lots of concentration and big motivation. he also said he puts it all on the the court always.

Lot to be admired about this guy nadal. Not only he has the mountain high talent he also has the heart of a lion.

do you guys think this kid is putting too much too soon? it looks as if he fuel is the motivation but what if the motivation run out? I mean im not tennis historian but has there been any one like this guy? Tym!, rabiat or any one else has any takes on this?

He's obviously telling the truth, and it shines through in his play. He IS giving 100% (or damn near it) on every point of every match. He never, for a second, lets down his intensity level, considers letting a ball that's humanly reachable "just go," or allows himself to accept even a moment's physical or psychological downtime.

And that's why he'll be done as an athlete very soon.

Nobody can give maximal effort all the time. The human mind can't handle it, and the human body can't handle it. It's a GREAT way to get an edge over your opponents, because very few people are willing or able to muster this kind of intensity even for a little while. But it's not a way to build a lasting career. It destroys you -- menatally and physically.

Nadal's having great results -- surprisingly great, I'd say. But he's not going to have them for long, no matter how he attempts to boost his recovery.

 

[Grimjack]

Would it be unfair to see Nadal as a cross between Becker and Courier multiplied a few times.

It would be AWFULLY unfair to Becker and Courier, both of whom had far greater careers than Nadal has had so far.

This is why people hate Nadal. Not because of him, but because his supporters are nauseating.

Nadal is a great claycourter, and has earned the right to be mentioned in the same breat as a guy like Gustavo Kuerten, who won the French a few times, and had some decent results at other big venues.

He has NOT earned the right to earn a favorable comparison to Courier -- who won four grand slams, reached six finals, and became # 1 in the world. He has NOT earned the right to earn a favorable comparison to Becker -- who won six slams, reached ten finals, added a ton more semis, won the Masters, reached the final there a bunch more times, and spent a lifetime in the top ten.

He hasn't earned the right to draw a favorable comparison to either guy, under any circumstance. But here we are, forcing upon these legends of the game the indignity of saying Nadal is both of them, put together, then multiplied several times over?

This is why I'll be glad when this kid inevitably flames out.

 

[typingchamp]

It would be AWFULLY unfair to Becker and Courier, both of whom had far greater careers than Nadal has had so far.

This is why people hate Nadal. Not because of him, but because his supporters are nauseating.

Nadal is a great claycourter, and has earned the right to be mentioned in the same breat as a guy like Gustavo Kuerten, who won the French a few times, and had some decent results at other big venues.

He has NOT earned the right to earn a favorable comparison to Courier -- who won four grand slams, reached six finals, and became # 1 in the world. He has NOT earned the right to earn a favorable comparison to Becker -- who won six slams, reached ten finals, added a ton more semis, won the Masters, reached the final there a bunch more times, and spent a lifetime in the top ten.

He hasn't earned the right to draw a favorable comparison to either guy, under any circumstance. But here we are, forcing upon these legends of the game the indignity of saying Nadal is both of them, put together, then multiplied several times over?

This is why I'll be glad when this kid inevitably flames out.

Gee . . .

Anyhow, here's some direct comparisons.

Nadal won two French Opens . . . so far . . . same as Courier (and Nadal is still only 20).

Nadal won his FIRST EVER French Open . . . that is favourable comparison to the other two.

Nadal making to third round on his first Wimbledon was the youngest player to make it that far since Becker.

Comparisons are fair. People compare Federer as being greatest of all time . . . and I think that's fair . . . because even though he hasn't achieved it yet, the way he's going, it sure looks that way.

So this argument holds true for Nadal too. Though he hasn't reached what those other two have reached doesn't mean we can't discuss him in the same breath. Or else people need to stop calling Federer GoaT (which they shouldn't because he may very well be).

 

[Rob_C]

Gee . . .

Anyhow, here's some direct comparisons.

Nadal won two French Opens . . . so far . . . same as Courier (and Nadal is still only 20).

Nadal won his FIRST EVER French Open . . . that is favourable comparison to the other two.

Nadal making to third round on his first Wimbledon was the youngest player to make it that far since Becker.

Comparisons are fair. People compare Federer as being greatest of all time . . . and I think that's fair . . . because even though he hasn't achieved it yet, the way he's going, it sure looks that way.

So this argument holds true for Nadal too. Though he hasn't reached what those other two have reached doesn't mean we can't discuss him in the same breath. Or else people need to stop calling Federer GoaT (which they shouldn't because he may very well be).

The Won his first ever French Open should have an asterisk. He was ranked high enough to get in the previous two years but he was hurt. That applies to Wimby also. By the time he finally was healthy enough to play, he was also the best clay courter with a few clay TMS shields. So he was used to big matches by then.

 

[newrevolution]

another point is that their have been alot of players to start fast and burn out quickly. roddick as of recent. he played all points and hit with all his might when he was 18-19 and look at what has hapened. bruguera was a 2 time champ, and finalist at the FO and played pete tough at the USO semis 1 year. he also hit the ball when young with everything, everytime he swung. he unfortunately was never the same after the ankle injury, and seemed to be wore out physically. he will lose his desire soon just like roddick and be a contender, but never a great player. physicality doesnt usually lead to longevity.

 

[jhhachamp]

Borg, Wilander, and Vilas.

 

[pound cat]

In todays interview he was asked how could he improved so fast on grass? he said that the reason he improved so well so fast is becuase he puts his best on every practice every match and every point, he said he is playing with lots of concentration and big motivation. he also said he puts it all on the the court always.

Lot to be admired about this guy nadal. Not only he has the mountain high talent he also has the heart of a lion.

do you guys think this kid is putting too much too soon? it looks as if he fuel is the motivation but what if the motivation run out? I mean im not tennis historian but has there been any one like this guy? Tym!, rabiat or any one else has any takes on this?

His mother says he has been like this since the day he started to walk. non-stop energy and competitive spirit. It's genetic