Is Nadal's 2011 thus far equivalent to Federer's 2008?

[flyinghippos101]

The parallels between Federer's 2008 and Nadal's year so far are very striking; assuming Nadal does not win the US Open which is a very good possibility. The most obvious similarities I can think of include:

- Both men dominating the previous season and was going into their respective years as the undisputed #1s
- Both men are upset at the Australian Open, both going into it as huge favorites.
- Both losing successive finals to a single player: Fed (Rafa), Rafa (Djok)
- Both men losing their #1 rankings by Wimbledon's end
- Both only win one slam (so far for Rafy)
- Both guys' rivals are taken out in the semi-finals of the slams they won.
- Both guys make a number of finals only to lose most of them.
- Both players produce very high level tennis that would've otherwise won them titles had they not encountered their on-form rival.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Well, you've convinced me.

 

[DragonBlaze]

The parallels between Federer's 2008 and Nadal's year so far are very striking; assuming Nadal does not win the US Open which is a very good possibility. The most obvious similarities I can think of include:

- Both men dominating the previous season and was going into their respective years as the undisputed #1s
- Both men are upset at the Australian Open, both going into it as huge favorites.
- Both losing successive finals to a single player: Fed (Rafa), Rafa (Djok)
- Both men losing their #1 rankings by Wimbledon's end
- Both only win one slam (so far for Rafy)
- Both guys' rivals are taken out in the semi-finals of the slams they won.
- Both guys make a number of finals only to lose most of them.
- Both players produce very high level tennis that would've otherwise won them titles had they not encountered their on-form rival.

I agree, except that I feel Nadal's form this year has been better than Fed's in 2008. He was very up and down, whereas Rafa has been very consistent (however many finals in a row) atleast.

 

[flyinghippos101]

Well, you've convinced me.

Glad to hear, I just got owned in World tour mode by Becker and felt I needed to vent my frustration into an analysis on Federer and Nadal on TT.

 

[mandy01]

Roger lost his no.1 ranking at Cincy. And unlike Roger, Nadal has made the finals of last eight events he's played. Roger was losing to Fish, Stepanek, Karlovic et al that year.
Roger also didn't win a single Masters event (with or without Nadal) in 2008. He won a total of 4 titles. Nadal has already won three and the only big title Roger won was at the USO-the others were Halle, Basel and Estoril.
So while there are few parallels, there are also some stark distinctions. Nadal so far has only lost to three players. Roger by Wimbledon had lost to Djokovic, Murray, Fish, Roddick, Stepanek and Nadal.

 

[FedExpress 333]

LOL I dont understand how Becker can be on world tour?

And tbh, Feds 2008 was much worse than rafas 2011.

 

[flyinghippos101]

LOL I dont understand how Becker can be on world tour?

Typo, 2K Open*

 

[myalterego]

Fed's 08 season was awful. Rafa has had an excellent season. A FO title, QF at AO, F at W, more clay titles and several HC finals. Not bad. Fed's 08 season was pitiful!

 

[RCizzle65]

Nadal's season is still better I think, besides maybe Ferrer, he isn't losing to anyone that he shouldn't be, Djokovic is having the season of his life right now. He did have a rocky French Open in the start, (which I guess you could parallel to Federer nowadays), but he still won it.

 

[hunter121]

Nadal is the best.

 

[zagor]

2008? Not at all.

Consider this, Nadal has never been as conistent in reaching finals as he is this year so we have to ask ourselves in which year was Fed most consistant in reaching finals? The answer is 2006.

So basically Nadal's 2011 thus far is the equivalent to Fed's 2006.


Overall I'd say it's amazing how much Nadal improved his tennis compared to last year. Last year he was losing in IW/Miami to weak era bums like Ljubicic and Roddick, was gettting pushed to five sets in Wimbledon by some no namers while this year he even beat mighty Delpo in 4 etc. He's playing some of the best tennis of his career.

 

[powerangle]

I see the comparisons you're making, OP, but I disagree. Overall (and the reasons have already been brought up in this thread) Nadal's 2011 is much better than Fed's 2008. Nadal needs a handful of uncharacteristic losses to lower ranked players to make the comparison more equal. Nadal also has to lose earlier in events out of the blue.

 

[mandy01]

2008? Not at all.

Consider this, Nadal has never been as conistent in reaching finals as he is this year so we have to ask ourselves in which year was Fed most consistant in reaching finals? The answer is 2006.

So basically Nadal's 2011 thus far is the equivalent to Fed's 2006.

Excellent post. Amazing how much truth there is in it. You are the greatest poster.

 

[zagor]

Excellent post. Amazing how much truth there is in it. You are the greatest poster.

Thank you so very much, you're the greatest poster too(for as long as we share the same view of course).

 

[mandy01]

Thank you so very much, you're the greatest poster too(for as long as we share the same view of course).

I'm so pleased we can have 'respectful dialogue' here like the diplomats of two countries do.

 

[nadal_slam_king]

The parallels between Federer's 2008 and Nadal's year so far are very striking; assuming Nadal does not win the US Open which is a very good possibility. The most obvious similarities I can think of include:

Judging by their Miami match this year (final set tie-breaker), a Rafa-Djok US Open Final would be a 50/50 proposition. And there is also the strong possibility Federer will beat Djokovic in the SF should they meet. Federer is the favorite in that match-up except for in Australia.

 

[Smasher08]

Judging by their Miami match this year (final set tie-breaker), a Rafa-Djok US Open Final would be a 50/50 proposition.

I disagree only because of what's happened between them since then: Djoker straight setting Rafa back to back on Rafa's backyard surface. As the SW19 proved, it got into Rafa's head and went straight to Djoker's confidence. And for Rafa, losing SW19 can only have burrowed it even deeper into his psyche.

If they meet at Flushing Meadow, I'd fully expect another demolition to be handed to Rafa, and I'd put the odds of it at a minimum of 80-20.

 

[Deleted member 21996]

2008? Not at all.

Consider this, Nadal has never been as conistent in reaching finals as he is this year so we have to ask ourselves in which year was Fed most consistant in reaching finals? The answer is 2006.

So basically Nadal's 2011 thus far is the equivalent to Fed's 2006.


Overall I'd say it's amazing how much Nadal improved his tennis compared to last year. Last year he was losing in IW/Miami to weak era bums like Ljubicic and Roddick, was gettting pushed to five sets in Wimbledon by some no namers while this year he even beat mighty Delpo in 4 etc. He's playing some of the best tennis of his career.

one could argue that Nadal is right now at his maximum peak, while getting owned by his new nemesis... that is a huge stain in one's goathood... (tt ******* logic redux)

Excellent post. Amazing how much truth there is in it. You are the greatest poster.

omg we are such great poasters

Thank you so very much, you're the greatest poster too(for as long as we share the same view of course).

so true. and also max mirnyi sucks and fed is a crybaby - these last observations are not in context but it comes handy to use as smoke and mirrors....

I'm so pleased we can have 'respectful dialogue' here like the diplomats of two countries do.

now you just need to learn to respect kittehs & lolcatz and we will all join in a great happy united ****nation

 

[Sid_Vicious]

one could argue that Nadal is right now at his maximum peak, while getting owned by his new nemesis... that is a huge stain in one's goathood... (tt ******* logic redux)



omg we are such great poasters



so true. and also max mirnyi sucks and fed is a crybaby - these last observations are not in context but it comes handy to use as smoke and mirrors....



now you just need to learn to respect kittehs & lolcatz and we will all join in a great happy united ****nation

You guys are great poasters but the guy in my signature is the GOAT poaster

 

[nadal_slam_king]

I disagree only because of what's happened between them since then: Djoker straight setting Rafa back to back on Rafa's backyard surface. As the SW19 proved, it got into Rafa's head and went straight to Djoker's confidence. And for Rafa, losing SW19 can only have burrowed it even deeper into his psyche.

If they meet at Flushing Meadow, I'd fully expect another demolition to be handed to Rafa, and I'd put the odds of it at a minimum of 80-20.

It's interesting isn't it.....Djokovic finds Rafa more difficult on hardcourt. Few would have predicted that. Then again, Rafa looked better at the Australian Open this year (not dropping a set until the torn muscle) than Roland Garros (almost losing in round one and never looking confident). Looks like Rafa's game no longer is suited to clay as much as it is hard. However because the field isn't deep on clay he still wins Roland Garros anyway, despite his relatively poor play.

All we saw at Wimbledon was Djokovic play poorly and Rafa play even worse. If Djokovic needs that to win slams I don't like his chances. It didn't work at Roland Garros.

 

[FedExpress 333]

^^^^^^^^^^

God I hate Djokovics parents.......

 

[nadal_slam_king]

^^^^^^^^^^

God I hate Djokovics parents.......

Me too, Rafa has the classier entourage.

 

[pringles]

Judging by their Miami match this year (final set tie-breaker), a Rafa-Djok US Open Final would be a 50/50 proposition. And there is also the strong possibility Federer will beat Djokovic in the SF should they meet. Federer is the favorite in that match-up except for in Australia.

Judging by the other 4 matches they played this year most likely it would be a straight set beatdown, possibly the Nadal taking a set 6-2 after Djokovic wins the first 2 and loses focus for a while

 

[nadal_slam_king]

Judging by the other 4 matches they played this year most likely it would be a straight set beatdown, possibly the Nadal taking a set 6-2 after Djokovic wins the first 2 and loses focus for a while

Speaking of lost focus, in the Wimbledon Final Rafa was far from focused in the 1st set with about 10 unforced errors, and some seriously questionable play in the 4th set, especially the last time he lost serve, which included a double-fault to begin the game. Let's face it, was probably the worst Wimbledon Final of this millennium.

 

[Mustard]

)- Both men losing their #1 rankings by Wimbledon's end

Nadal didn't take over from Federer as world number 1 until the 18th August 2008. The match that clinched the world number 1 ranking for Nadal was his quarter final win over Lapentti at 2008 Cincinnati, which took place on the 1st August 2008. After Federer's loss to Karlovic in the Round of 16 of that 2008 Cincinnati tournament, Nadal's quarter final win over Lapentti guaranteed that Nadal would become number 1 by the 18th August. Had Nadal won his semi final against Djokovic, he would have guaranteed the number 1 ranking by the 11th August, and had he won the tournament, he would have got the number 1 ranking on the 4th August. As it turned out, Djokovic beat Nadal in the semi finals to end Nadal's 32 match winning streak, so Nadal had to wait until the 18th August, after his Beijing Olympic triumph, to become world number 1.

 

[TMF]

Like Fed in 2006, Nadal 2011 is consistently making all the finals. Fed 2008 was consistently losing in the early rounds to players he used to own.

At prime level:
Fed 2006 = Nadal 2011

Nadal has not decline yet and there's nothing to compare him to Fed 2008. Maybe in the next upcoming years we've have a better picture.


This isn't even worth a debate.

 

[Tammo]

No Nadal's 2011 is the best besides Novak's. Nadal has only lost to3 others beside Novak.

Federer's 08' he lost matches he should have won, or had trouble with them.

 

[TMF]

No Nadal's 2011 is the best besides Novak's. Nadal has only lost to3 others beside Novak.

Federer's 08' he lost matches he should have won, or had trouble with them.

That what I mean...losing players he use to owned during his prime years.

Prime Murray can't take a set out of past prime Federer at the slam. But Safin was able to beat prime Fed at the slam. Hewitt, Roddick were able to push prime Fed to 4 including 5 sets. Big difference.

2008: 66-15 or 81%


2005: 81-4, or 95%
2006: 92-5 or 95%

 

[got spin?]

other than the fact that it is impossible for Djok and Fed to meet in any thing but a final at the US Open assuming Djok stays no. 1 and Fed dosent drop to no. 4 AND rafa plays the US Open

 

[Mustard]

Like Fed in 2006, Nadal 2011 is consistently making all the finals. Fed 2008 was consistently losing in the early rounds to players he used to own.

At prime level:
Fed 2006 = Nadal 2011.

LOL, what? Nadal's best level of play was in 2008. That's obvious by just watching the matches.

 

[AM95]

except federer had mono ...duh

 

[Omega_7000]

Me too, Rafa has the classier entourage.

At least Djokovic doesn't get illegal coaching from his entourage...

 

[Clarky21]

LOL, what? Nadal's best level of play was in 2008. That's obvious by just watching the matches.

Yep. He clearly peaked in 2008,and hasn't played anywhere close to that level again. He has been a mere shadow of the player he was in 2008 this year. It's ridiculous to say otherwise.

 

[TMF]

LOL, what? Nadal's best level of play was in 2008. That's obvious by just watching the matches.

Fed 2006 & Nadal 2011 pretty are at the same age.

And 2008 AO he got roasted by Tsonga, and Murray beat him at USO, who Nadal today is likely to beat him at the USO.

 

[Mustard]

Fed 2006 & Nadal 2011 pretty are at the same age.

Nadal was an earlier bloomer than Federer and he has a much more physically demanding style of game. Nadal is an old 25 year old, reflected in his "it feels like I've been playing on the tour for 100 years" comment.

And 2008 AO he got roasted by Tsonga, and Murray beat him at USO, who Nadal today is likely to beat him at the USO.

In the 4 month period between April and August 2008, Nadal won 8 tournaments and won 48 out of 50 matches. That was peak Nadal. He was much better with his footwork, ran around the court more, and hit his cross-court backhand with much more authority.

 

[sarmpas]

Me too, Rafa has the classier entourage.

Tony's been warned for coaching and would be more often if the officials had balls.

 

[Manus Domini]

2008? Not at all.

Consider this, Nadal has never been as conistent in reaching finals as he is this year so we have to ask ourselves in which year was Fed most consistant in reaching finals? The answer is 2006.

So basically Nadal's 2011 thus far is the equivalent to Fed's 2006.

Yup, the year that Federer only lost a slam at RG is easily compared to the year Nadal will only win a slam at RG :roll:

 

[Mustard]

2008? Not at all.

Consider this, Nadal has never been as conistent in reaching finals as he is this year so we have to ask ourselves in which year was Fed most consistant in reaching finals? The answer is 2006.

So basically Nadal's 2011 thus far is the equivalent to Fed's 2006.

As I've said, Nadal won 48 out of 50 matches during a 4 month period in 2008, which included 8 tournaments wins. Not even Federer or Djokovic have won 8 tournaments in a 4 month period. It's taken Djokovic more than 6 months to get 8 tournament wins in 2011.

 

[TMF]

As I've said, Nadal won 48 out of 50 matches during a 4 month period in 2008, which included 8 tournaments wins. Not even Federer or Djokovic have won 8 tournaments in a 4 month period. It's taken Djokovic more than 6 months to get 8 tournament wins in 2011.

There's 12 months in a year, not 4. If you want to compare his 2008 to 2011, we will have to wait til the end of the year.

And you rafa fans keep saying to yourself the competition today is tougher back then. I'm using you guys own theory that went against your argument here. LOL

 

[Mustard]

There's 12 months in a year, not 4. If you want to compare his 2008 to 2011, we will have to wait til the end of the year.

Nadal's best level of play was in that 4 month period in 2008. That's fact.

 

[OddJack]

This guy is missing.

Last seen at center court with his father who has checked in for anger management.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Nadal was an earlier bloomer than Federer and he has a much more physically demanding style of game. Nadal is an old 25 year old, reflected in his "it feels like I've been playing on the tour for 100 years" comment.



In the 4 month period between April and August 2008, Nadal won 8 tournaments and won 48 out of 50 matches. That was peak Nadal. He was much better with his footwork, ran around the court more, and hit his cross-court backhand with much more authority.

Tell em Mustard, tell em.

 

[vllaznia]

Nadal's best level of play was in that 4 month period in 2008. That's fact.

No that is not a fact its your opinion. From Indian Wells to RG Nadal reached 7 consecutive finals if it wasn't for Djokovic he would have 7 consecutive wins in finals something that even in his stellar 2008 did not achieve.

 

[MichaelNadal]

No that is not a fact its your opinion. From Indian Wells to RG Nadal reached 7 consecutive finals if it wasn't for Djokovic he would have 7 consecutive wins in finals something that even in his stellar 2008 did not achieve.

There is a difference between being consistent, and scraping by opponents, and not dropping a set at the FO, etc. His LEVEL OF PLAY was best in 2008. Don't worry, no one is trying to say he isn't in his prime still now. I'm not, because to me he still is. But it's undeniable that 2008 was his best LEVEL OF PLAY.

 

[vllaznia]

There is a difference between being consistent, and scraping by opponents, and not dropping a set at the FO, etc. His LEVEL OF PLAY was best in 2008. Don't worry, no one is trying to say he isn't in his prime still now. I'm not, because to me he still is. But it's undeniable that 2008 was his best LEVEL OF PLAY.

Listen i was replying to mustard who said his level of play was best in 2008 as being a fact. Rating the level of play can not be a fact its just an opinion.

 

[Cup8489]

other than the fact that it is impossible for Djok and Fed to meet in any thing but a final at the US Open assuming Djok stays no. 1 and Fed dosent drop to no. 4 AND rafa plays the US Open

Uh, they can definitely meet in the semis of the USO. Federer is ranked number 3., not 2.

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

Listen i was replying to mustard who said his level of play was best in 2008 as being a fact. Rating the level of play can not be a fact its just an opinion.

Quoted for truth. The ****s can't seem to distinguish between fact and opinion. The only fact is that the opinion that Nadal's best level of play was in some handpicked period in 2008 is not a fact.

 

[Mustard]

Listen i was replying to mustard who said his level of play was best in 2008 as being a fact. Rating the level of play can not be a fact its just an opinion.

It's a fact that Nadal had better footwork, a better backhand and more mobility in 2008, you just have to watch the matches to see this. It's a fact that Nadal won 8 tournaments and 48 out of 50 matches in a 4 month period in 2008.

 

[TennisFan3]

Overall I'd say it's amazing how much Nadal improved his tennis compared to last year. ..He's playing some of the best tennis of his career.

 

[Hood_Man]

Nadal's 2011 would look amazing if he wasn't playing Djokovic in almost every final.

Imagine how Federer's 2006 would have looked if every tournament he entered was on clay and he met Nadal in the final?

Completely hypothetical, but it wouldn't have looked as amazing.