Huge advantage for being a lefty

[TMF]

Watching Fed vs. Falla exemplify how much a left handed player has over the righty(especially when he’s a one handed). Because that can only explain Falla can push Fed to a 5th set. A lefty player is not only awkward to play against, but it easy to attack Fed’s bh, and that’s including the serve.

This is not undermining Nadal, but it’s seem clear that Roger’s worst matchup is NOT Nadal, but against a left handed player. I believe Roger would have Rafa’s number if he was a righty. So many advantages that Nadal normally have would be wipe away!

 

[Blinkism]

Yup, you got it!

 

[dmt]

The real reason why Fella pushed federer to five was because federer's serve and even his groundstrokes were not good today. Even if federer brought his B game, he would have won the match in straights or in 4 sets. But to me it looked like he brought his C- game or something.

 

[TMF]

Yup, you got it!

Thank you for being honest.

 

[latinking]

In almost every sport playing against a lefty takes a long time to adjust to. And has advantages. Boxing, baseball pitcher, football (left footed), and NFL Quaterback. Its not something that people see very oftern and some guys know how to use it to thier advantage. Its always tricky for most people to be up against a lefty.

 

[TMF]

The real reason why Fella pushed federer to five was because federer's serve and even his groundstrokes were not good today. Even if federer brought his B game, he would have won the match in straights or in 4 sets. But to me it looked like he brought his C- game or something.

Yeah but I think playing against the lefty was also throwing him off rhythm. It was difficult to adjust especially in the first match. And Fella had nothing to lose and came out swinging. Want to play A game is not solely on Roger choice, but depend a lot on the opponent, and a lefty is a huge factor.

 

[RoddickAce]

The real reason why Fella pushed federer to five was because federer's serve and even his groundstrokes were not good today. Even if federer brought his B game, he would have won the match in straights or in 4 sets. But to me it looked like he brought his C- game or something.

Federer actually played ok today, his winner to error differences were quite nice. To the OP, it DID seem like Falla was pinning Fed to his backhand side with heavy forehands. Although that is obviously not the only reason why Nadal has a strong H2H vs Fed, it certainly seems like an important factor.

 

[sureshs]

Watching Fed vs. Falla exemplify how much a left handed player has over the righty(especially when he’s a one handed). Because that can only explain Falla can push Fed to a 5th set. A lefty player is not only awkward to play against, but it easy to attack Fed’s bh, and that’s including the serve.

This is not undermining Nadal, but it’s seem clear that Roger’s worst matchup is NOT Nadal, but against a left handed player. I believe Roger would have Rafa’s number if he was a righty. So many advantages that Nadal normally have would be wipe away!

Yeah we needed a solid excuse for the 7-14 head to head and now we have it.

 

[samboy01]

Isn't Nadal naturally a right handed person? So if he decided to go ahead with a left handed serve, then there's no reason why other right-handed people like Federer shouldn't go for a lefty serve if it's such a huge advantage. Nadal is right handed, he just has the tennis perfect game

 

[finchy]

Isn't Nadal naturally a right handed person? So if he decided to go ahead with a left handed serve, then there's no reason why other right-handed people like Federer shouldn't go for a lefty serve if it's such a huge advantage. Nadal is right handed, he just has the tennis perfect game

excluding his serve (the actual stroke, not the handedness) and how his movement has caused him 'injury' over the past few years, right? FAR from perfect. his uncle made him use his left hand because he knew it would pay dividends and give an advantage over the majority of players that are right handed.

 

[TMF]

Yeah we needed a solid excuse for the 7-14 head to head and now we have it.

Please watch some tennis, have some understanding instead of just looking at the box score.

 

[sureshs]

The fact that he is stronger, runs faster, and has the best topspin in the world has nothing to do with it LOL.

 

[dmt]

Well yes being a lefty is an advantage. I play at club level, and we only have a couple of leftys who i play against, and its always a little more awkward to deal with them. But Nadal becoming a lefty also had some disadvantages, in particular his serve. His serve would likely be much better if he was using his natural hand. So he had to work to get that advantage

 

[Berundi]

The fact that he is stronger, runs faster, and has the best topspin in the world has nothing to do with it LOL.

Wow, with all of those skills you'd think he would have won a USO by now. I wonder why he hasn't even reached a final?

 

[Andres]

This is not undermining Nadal, but it’s seem clear that Roger’s worst matchup is NOT Nadal, but against a left handed player

Match record against lefties:
68-24.

That's 61-10 minus Nadal. He's 11-0 against Lopez & Verdasco. 4-1 against Koubek, that lone loss being in 2001. Hasn't played Melzer.

Since 2004 (his rise to #1), he has lost against lefties (not counting Nadal) 0 times.

In 2003, he lost to Squillari. That's it. He hasn't lost to a lefty not named Nadal since January 2003.


Conclusion:


IT'S NADAL.

 

[Nadalfan89]

So having a 5000rpm forehand and being able to run like he does has nothing to do with it?

Wow, Nadal is bad!

 

[sureshs]

Match record against lefties:
68-24.

That's 61-10 minus Nadal. He's 11-0 against Lopez & Verdasco. 4-1 against Koubek, that lone loss being in 2001. Hasn't played Melzer.

Since 2004 (his rise to #1), he has lost against lefties (not counting Nadal) 0 times.

In 2003, he lost to Squillari. That's it. He hasn't lost to a lefty not named Nadal since January 2003.


Conclusion:


IT'S NADAL.

LOL don't waste use of logic on *******s. Logic is a precious commodity.

 

[TMF]

The heavy cross court fh would be a lot easier for roger to handle with his fh, but of course if the person is a righty. Here’s a few keys area I see a lefty have so much advantage.

1. The righty has to adjust, not the lefty. That will help the lefty get a good start at the beginning of the match
2. A lefty with a double handed is even a PLUS
3. The heavy fh cross court by the lefty is a HUGE plus
4. It force Fed to camp more on his bh side so he can hit his fh. Thus, leave the court wide open for getting pass for a winner
5. The serve out wide to Fed’s bh(how can we forget that). A safe serve for a lefty when he’s not a great server and/or facing 2nd serve
6. Roger’s best shot(inside out fh) will go to their fh instead of their bh.


Again, this is not a knock on Nadal, but being lefty makes the difference between winning and losing.

 

[Blinkism]

Thank you for being honest.

 

[Gemini]

The heavy cross court fh would be a lot easier for roger to handle with his fh, but of course if the person is a righty. Here’s a few keys area I see a lefty have so much advantage.

1. The righty has to adjust, not the lefty. That will help the lefty get a good start at the beginning of the match
2. A lefty with a double handed is even a PLUS
3. The heavy fh cross court by the lefty is a HUGE plus
4. It force Fed to camp more on his bh side so he can hit his fh. Thus, leave the court wide open for getting pass for a winner
5. The serve out wide to Fed’s bh(how can we forget that). A safe serve for a lefty when he’s not a great server and/or facing 2nd serve
6. Roger’s best shot(inside out fh) will go to their fh instead of their bh.


Again, this is not a knock on Nadal, but being lefty makes the difference between winning and losing.

I think someone's already posted the stats for Federer against Lefties other than Nadal and it points out more to the fact that Federer's weaknesses is a Nadal in specific. Not Lefties in general.

 

[sureshs]

The heavy cross court fh would be a lot easier for roger to handle with his fh, but of course if the person is a righty. Here’s a few keys area I see a lefty have so much advantage.

1. The righty has to adjust, not the lefty. That will help the lefty get a good start at the beginning of the match
2. A lefty with a double handed is even a PLUS
3. The heavy fh cross court by the lefty is a HUGE plus
4. It force Fed to camp more on his bh side so he can hit his fh. Thus, leave the court wide open for getting pass for a winner
5. The serve out wide to Fed’s bh(how can we forget that). A safe serve for a lefty when he’s not a great server and/or facing 2nd serve
6. Roger’s best shot(inside out fh) will go to their fh instead of their bh.


Again, this is not a knock on Nadal, but being lefty makes the difference between winning and losing.

Like when he bageled Federer in the French? Sure 6 - 0 is very close and being a lefty made the difference LOL.

 

[TMF]

I think someone's already posted the stats for Federer against Lefties other than Nadal and it points out more to the fact that Federer's weaknesses is a Nadal in specific. Not Lefties in general.

Yes, are all of those players play one handed or 2 handed bh? Besids, I’m not saying those guys are equal to Nadal in talent and skill, but when you look at how Nadal barely beat Federer, he had so many advantages for being a lefty. I’m just saying take away a few(not necessary all) the matchup problems, then I think roger would come out on top most of the time. That’s all.

 

[TMF]

Like when he bageled Federer in the French? Sure 6 - 0 is very close and being a lefty made the difference LOL.

Oh, like Fed never bageled him before on his favorite surface?

Come on, the lefty is his allies, just admit it.

 

[Blinkism]

Oh, like Fed never bageled him before on his favorite surface?

Come on, the lefty is his allied, just admit it.

Yeah, sureshs, can't you see that "the lefty is his allied"?

Just admit it, already!

 

[sureshs]

Oh, like Fed never bageled him before on his favorite surface?

Come on, the lefty is his allied, just admit it.

When he was injured, yes.

It is not so much Nadal's leftiness or topsin, but more Fed's weak backhand and small racquet that is the problem.

 

[dmt]

Oh, like Fed never bageled him before on his favorite surface?

Come on, the lefty is his allied, just admit it.

yes but for a naturally right handed player, serving lefty isnt a hude advantage. Nadal would likely have a better serve if he was using his natural hand.

 

[swordtennis]

When he was injured, yes.

It is not so much Nadal's leftiness or topsin, but more Fed's weak backhand and small racquet that is the problem.

All Credibility lost. Was an interesting thread now it is done and dusted. Yet again ruined by Estrogen laden scuses.

 

[samboy01]

Nadal > Federer

He will prove it once again in this year's Wimbledon final...

 

[TMF]

When he was injured, yes.

It is not so much Nadal's leftiness or topsin, but more Fed's weak backhand and small racquet that is the problem.

Fed fh is >> than his bh. For Nadal’s cross court topspin going to Roger’s fh, it’s a difference story. But only if he was a righty. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you all.

 

[kraggy]

Match record against lefties:
68-24.

That's 61-10 minus Nadal. He's 11-0 against Lopez & Verdasco. 4-1 against Koubek, that lone loss being in 2001. Hasn't played Melzer.

Since 2004 (his rise to #1), he has lost against lefties (not counting Nadal) 0 times.

In 2003, he lost to Squillari. That's it. He hasn't lost to a lefty not named Nadal since January 2003.


Conclusion:


IT'S NADAL.

This should pretty much be the end of the discussion. Unbiased facts. If Fed was vulnerable to lefties in general, it would have shown in his record. This is not to prove that the left handedness doesn't help Nadal. But rather to prove that the lefthandedness by its own doesn't trouble Fed, it needs to be backed up by other qualities ( which only Nadal seems to possess).

 

[TMF]

All Credibility lost. Was an interesting thread now it is done and dusted. Yet again ruined by Estrogen laden scuses.

I’m not surprise for a ******* coming forward with the usual excuse. It’s just a feeling insecure when I came up with something so true that they don’t like.

 

[TMF]

This should pretty much be the end of the discussion. Unbiased facts. If Fed was vulnerable to lefties in general, it would have shown in his record. This is not to prove that the left handedness doesn't help Nadal. But rather to prove that the lefthandedness by its own doesn't trouble Fed, it needs to be backed up by other qualities ( which only Nadal seems to possess).

But a lot of matches between Rafa/Fed was close. would you agree his lefty play a huge role to overcome in those tight matches? I do.

You forgot that I mention being a lefty with a double handed > one handed.

Plus, Rafa had faced many defeats in front of him, but he managed to pull it off and I think the lefty sure help him.

 

[Six.One.Tour.90FAN]

lefties have the option to hit wide serves on game points more often(3)
40-0
40-30
adv-40

whereas righties...1
40-15

90

 

[Wolland]

I agree to some extent. When Federer is playing against a left-hander, he either mishits or nets the ball so many times from his backhand return. This mostly happens when the opponent is serving from the left side.

 

[coloskier]

One thing that is not being said is if Nadal didn't have a good BH it wouldn't matter. Fed could just hit everything to Nadal's BH if it was a poor stroke. In fact, Nadal didn't really start beating Fed until he improved his BH (except on clay, where he would just run around his BH).

 

[Kunohara]

When he was injured, yes.

It is not so much Nadal's leftiness or topsin, but more Fed's weak backhand and small racquet that is the problem.

Really?

Wasnt aware Nadal was injured in 2007 Hamburg.

Wasnt aware Nadal was injured in 2006 Wimby.

Ahhh what am I thinking... of course Nadal doesn't lose unless injured.

 

[Fate Archer]

Yeah, I felt that Falla had the lefty advantage going on for him today too.

Being able to serve at your best position on important points like 40-30 to close doors of opportunity against your opponents or 30-40 to save important breaks is a huge advantage.
That also means you can have the same kind of advantage if the game goes to deuce, consequently there is probably a greater chance that you're going to hold if you're a lefty.

That just considering the regular lefty vs righty matchup. If you add up to the matchup Federer's backhand return which is probably his weakest shot, then you can start to see a huge liability that his lefty opponent is obviously going to explore.

I don't remember one single 2nd serve aimed to the middle of the court, let alone Fed's right side. Falla was always spinning his 2nd serves on Fed's backhand. And it was working wonders, like it does when Nadal is playing Fed.

It's a difficult shot for Federer for the same reasons that he struggles with the heavy forehand to his backhand.
Returning a lefty serve with a lot of topspin-slice action with a one-handed backhand will always be an uphill battle for Roger.
It's hard to go for the flat-topspin crosscourt or DTL return because of timing, and if he tries to slice it, it will have a good chance to just reach the net (or not even that).

If the ball came flat or with more pace than action to his backhahand side, he could just block or use the slice return more effectively, like he does against Roddick or other big servers who try to serve to his backhand.

As a lefty, spinning a good 2nd serve to Fed's backhand alone is already a good strategy to setup a point.
And the fact that the lefty will have much more opportunities to serve in that advantaged position on important points, makes the matchup extremely unconfortable for Federer.

 

[jigar]

It is always hard to play lefty with blasting spin.

 

[deltox]

Isn't Nadal naturally a right handed person? So if he decided to go ahead with a left handed serve, then there's no reason why other right-handed people like Federer shouldn't go for a lefty serve if it's such a huge advantage. Nadal is right handed, he just has the tennis perfect game

you cant turn back the clock to when your 8 or 9 yrs old and try to learn tio use the other hand as the dominant one.

 

[spoilerpolice]

Watching Fed vs. Falla exemplify how much a left handed player has over the righty(especially when he’s a one handed). Because that can only explain Falla can push Fed to a 5th set.

That is a spoiler man. Take it to the results board. I didn't want to know Fed went to a 5th, until I watched it on TV tonight.

 

[piece]

The real reason why Fella pushed federer to five was because federer's serve and even his groundstrokes were not good today. Even if federer brought his B game, he would have won the match in straights or in 4 sets. But to me it looked like he brought his C- game or something.

Yeah that's probably true. But there was one obvious advantage I saw Falla enjoying - his lefty serve to the ad court on break points. He could induce a weak reply from Federer by swinging it way out wide to the backhand, or, because Federer was always leaning that way, go for a fairly conservative ace up the T and get it because all Fed's weight was on the wrong foot.

EDIT: The reason this is so effective, of course, is not just because Falla is a lefty, but also because Federer's backhand return is pretty poor and this weak point gets exaggerated when you pull him out wide for a backhand return.

 

[wangs78]

Watching Fed vs. Falla exemplify how much a left handed player has over the righty(especially when he’s a one handed). Because that can only explain Falla can push Fed to a 5th set. A lefty player is not only awkward to play against, but it easy to attack Fed’s bh, and that’s including the serve.

This is not undermining Nadal, but it’s seem clear that Roger’s worst matchup is NOT Nadal, but against a left handed player. I believe Roger would have Rafa’s number if he was a righty. So many advantages that Nadal normally have would be wipe away!

Absolutely true! That is why Roger's poor record against Rafa should have no bearing on his GOATNESS. It's purely a matchup problem. I guess Toni Nadal, who trained Rafa, who is a natural righty, to play tennis with his left hand was onto something and deserves 50% of Rafa's career earnings!

 

[Spider]

Nadal and his team made a smart decision when he was a kid. I am not sure if Nadal would own Federer like he does now, but he will still beat him on clay if he was a righty, no doubt. His strokes are very heavy and he can defend just about anything. And being righty he might actually have a great serve.

The fact is what it is.