If Federer had lost to Monfils in 2008 French Open semifinal

[McEnroeisanartist]

Sometimes, you have to wonder, if Federer had lost to Monfils in the 2008 French Open semifinals, would his career, or at least his rivalry with Nadal been better off?

Of course, he won the match, then got thrashed by Nadal in the French Open final.

A month later, it is difficult to imagine that this thrashing wasn't in his mind when he met Nadal in the Wimbledon final.

After losing 9-7 in the fifth of the Wimbledon final, he probably remembered how devastated he was while choking in the 2009 Australian Open final.

After losing that match, a match, he should have won, it must have been in his head when he lost the 2012 Australian Open semifinal and 2014 Australian Open semifinals, again two matches that based on his form, he could have won.

 

[Fed_Djoker_Fan]

Sometimes, you have to wonder, if Federer had lost to Monfils in the 2008 French Open semifinals, would his career, or at least his rivalry with Nadal been better off?

Of course, he won the match, then got thrashed by Nadal in the French Open final.

A month later, it is difficult to imagine that this thrashing wasn't in his mind when he met Nadal in the Wimbledon final.

After losing 9-7 in the fifth of the Wimbledon final, he probably remembered how devastated he was while choking in the 2009 Australian Open final.

After losing that match, a match, he should have won, it must have been in his head when he lost the 2012 Australian Open semifinal and 2014 Australian Open semifinals, again two matches that based on his form, he could have won.

If he never touched the tennis Racquet, he will never get a beatdown by Nadal. Next.

 

[RF20Lennon]

Maybe....except for the fact that Federer had bp to serve for the match in wimby 2008. Had a bazillion bp's in the 4th set of the 2009 Australian Open and didn't convert. Should have wrapped that in 4. Was up 5-2 in the first set of RG 2011 and should have won that. Was up a set and a break in the 2012 AO semi and still couldn't get it done.

Verdict of the story- despite numerous opportunities, when it matters most Federer crumbles and Nadal is just so tough that he just keeps putting the balls back and makes Federer crack.

With any other player Federer was mentally tough. Hung in there to beat Roddick at 2009 AO, has come down numerous times from 0-2 down. But at the end of the day I think its physically impossible to beat Nadal with Federer's game. It has some to do with mentality for sure but PHYSICALLY in today's conditions it is impossible to beat Nadal with Federer's game.

 

[Chanwan]

Sometimes, you have to wonder, if Federer had lost to Monfils in the 2008 French Open semifinals, would his career, or at least his rivalry with Nadal been better off?

Of course, he won the match, then got thrashed by Nadal in the French Open final.

A month later, it is difficult to imagine that this thrashing wasn't in his mind when he met Nadal in the Wimbledon final.

After losing 9-7 in the fifth of the Wimbledon final, he probably remembered how devastated he was while choking in the 2009 Australian Open final.

After losing that match, a match, he should have won, it must have been in his head when he lost the 2012 Australian Open semifinal and 2014 Australian Open semifinals, again two matches that based on his form, he could have won.

it's not impossible. Both Wimbledon 08 and Aus 09 were decided by a few points. Had Fed had more confidence in those two matches vs. Rafa, it might have turned out differently. Or had he won Rome in 2006, losing MP, he might have won the French as well. And had better chances in 07 and 11 then.

Alas, it's another would have, could have, what if. What happened, happened. But there's no doubt Nadal has pulled out as a winner of the majority of their close battles. Because he wins the biggest points, Fed has him in his head and he has loads of confidence vs. Fed.

 

[Chanwan]

Maybe....except for the fact that Federer had bp to serve for the match in wimby 2008. Had a bazillion bp's in the 4th set of the 2009 Australian Open and didn't convert. Should have wrapped that in 4. Was up 5-2 in the first set of RG 2011 and should have won that. Was up a set and a break in the 2012 AO semi and still couldn't get it done.

Verdict of the story- despite numerous opportunities, when it matters most Federer crumbles and Nadal is just so tough that he just keeps putting the balls back and makes Federer crack.

With any other player Federer was mentally tough. Hung in there to beat Roddick at 2009 AO, has come down numerous times from 0-2 down. But at the end of the day I think its physically impossible to beat Nadal with Federer's game. It has some to do with mentality for sure but PHYSICALLY in today's conditions it is impossible to beat Nadal with Federer's game.

see my point above - because the matches were so close, it's possible that a little more confidence would have been enough. And it's possible Fed would never have gone down 0-2 in sets at Wimbledon, had he not got his arse kicked at the FO. But it's all pure speculation

 

[RF20Lennon]

see my point above - because the matches were so close, it's possible that a little more confidence would have been enough. And it's possible Fed would never have gone down 0-2 in sets at Wimbledon, had he not got his arse kicked at the FO. But it's all pure speculation

I agree with your post above! Another thing I forgot to mention. Fed was up 4-1 in the second set at wimby 2008. Managed to lose it 6-4.

 

[ollinger]

See the film "Sliding Doors," from 1998, in which two parallel stories are told, one where the heroine catches a train, one where she just missed it. Let's just say that ultimately it makes no difference. Likewise the OP's preposterous point. For all we know, losing to Monfils would have given Monfils greater confidence and results in the future against Fed with the result being a different sort of sabotage of Fed's results down the road. I'm concerned about the OP, who sounds deeply depressed about all of this and who seems to be cranking out threads mindlesssly to console himself. We are here for you.

 

[Chanwan]

I agree with your post above! Another thing I forgot to mention. Fed was up 4-1 in the second set at wimby 2008. Managed to lose it 6-4.

Ah yes, I feel like inviting Janowitz into my living room and watching the next Fed-Nadal match with me. Then whenever Fed blows a lead/an easy forehand/dumbs a backhand into the net/misses a big opportunity/gifts a break or a set away or doesn't capitalize, I'll have Jercy yell: HOW MANY TIMES, HOW MANY TIMES, HOW MANY????!!!!

 

[KillerServe]

Federer is simply a mental midget when it comes to Nadal

 

[Magnetite]

Maybe .. maybe not tho

 

[The Harkleroad]

See the film "Sliding Doors," from 1998, in which two parallel stories are told, one where the heroine catches a train, one where she just missed it. Let's just say that ultimately it makes no difference. Likewise the OP's preposterous point. For all we know, losing to Monfils would have given Monfils greater confidence and results in the future against Fed with the result being a different sort of sabotage of Fed's results down the road. I'm concerned about the OP, who sounds deeply depressed about all of this and who seems to be cranking out threads mindlesssly to console himself. We are here for you.

:twisted:

Had Monfils won against Federer it would have given him enormous confidence like Djokovic beating Federer at the 2008 Australian Open. Monfils would then beat Rafa in the 2008 Final. Monfils would have also won 6 slams like Djokovic did. Aside from 2008 RG, Monfils would also win 2009 RG, 2009 W, 2009 USO, 2010 RG and 2013 RG.

We would have a BIG 5- Fed, Rafa, Novak, Andy and La Monf...

 

[RF20Lennon]

Ah yes, I feel like inviting Janowitz into my living room and watching the next Fed-Nadal match with me. Then whenever Fed blows a lead/an easy forehand/dumbs a backhand into the net/misses a big opportunity/gifts a break or a set away or doesn't capitalize, I'll have Jercy yell: HOW MANY TIMES, HOW MANY TIMES, HOW MANY????!!!!

LOL! Janowitz would lose his voice

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

WOW this thread actually reminded us Monfils reached a grand slam SF ! totally forgot about it!

 

[Alchemist]

WOW this thread actually reminded us Monfils reached a grand slam SF ! totally forgot about it!

and you're French:lol: