Match Stats/Report - Nadal vs Djokovic, Rome final, 2019

[Waspsting]

Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Rome final, 2019 on clay

It was Nadal's first title of the season, 9th in Rome and he would go onto win the upcoming French Open. Djokovic had won the previous Masters event in Madrid and beaten Nadal in the Australian Open final earlier in the year. Djokovic was ranked 1, Nadal 2

Nadal won 92 points, Djokovic 70

Serve Stats
Nadal...
- 1st serve percentage (48/66) 73%
- 1st serve points won (35/48) 73%
- 2nd serve points won (11/18) 61%
- Unreturned Serve Percentage (11/66) 17%

Djokovic...
- 1st serve percentage (72/96) 75%
- 1st serve points won (43/72) 60%
- 2nd serve points won (7/24) 29%
- Aces 7
- Double Faults 1
- Unreturned Serve Percentage (15/96) 16%

Serve Pattern
Nadal served...
- to FH 15%
- to BH 80%
- to Body 5%

Djokovic served...
- to FH 40%
- to BH 60%

Return Stats
Nadal made...
- 80 (33 FH, 47 BH), including 5 runaround FHs
- 1 Winner (1 BH)
- 8 Errors, comprising...
- 3 Unforced (2 FH, 1 BH), including 1 runaround FH
- 5 Forced (2 FH, 3 BH)
- Return Rate (80/95) 84%

Djokovic made...
- 55 (12 FH, 43 BH), including 1 runaround FH
- 2 Winners (1 FH, 1 BH)
- 11 Errors, comprising...
- 7 Unforced (1 FH, 6 BH)
- 4 Forced (4 BH)
- Return Rate (55/66) 83%

Break Points
Nadal 6/17 (9 games)
Djokovic 1/2 (2 games)

Winners (including returns, excluding aces)
Nadal 31 (21 FH, 8 BH, 2 OH)
Djokovic 26 (12 FH, 10 BH, 1 FHV, 1 BHV, 2 OH)

Nadal's FHs - 4 cc (1 at net), 6 dtl (1 at net), 3 inside-out, 4 inside-in, 2 longline and 1 drop shot
- BHs - 2 cc (1 pass - a return), 6 dtl (3 passes - 2 at net)

- both OHs were on the bounce - 1 from no-man's land and not a not a net point

Djokovic's FHs - 2 cc (1 at net, 1 effectively a drop shot), 2 dtl, 5 inside-out (1 return) and 3 inside-in (1 at net)
- BHs - 2 cc, 3 dtl (1 return), 4 drop shots and 1 net chord dribbler

- 1 OH was on the bounce

Errors (excluding returns and serves)
Nadal 29
- 17 Unforced (13 FH, 4 BH)
- 12 Forced (3 FH, 9 BH)
Unforced Error Forcefulness Index 46.5

Djokovic 49
- 39 Unforced (11 FH, 24 BH, 2 BHV, 2 OH)
- 10 Forced (7 FH, 2 BH, 1 FHV)
Unforced Error Forcefulness Index 49.5

(Note 1: all half-volleys refer to such shots played at net. Half -volleys played from other parts of the court are included within relevant groundstroke counts)

(Note 2: the Unforced Error Forcefulness Index is an indicator of how aggressive the average UE was. The numbers presented for these two matches are keyed on 4 categories - 20 defensive, 40 neutral, 50 attacking and 60 winner attempt)

Net Points & Serve-Volley
Nadal was...
- 8/10 (80%) at net, with...
- 3/4 (75%) forced back/retreated

Djokovic was...
- 14/28 (50%) at net, including...
- 1/2 serve-volleying, both 1st serves
---
- 0/4 forced back/retreated

Match Report
Play is more in line with a typical hardcourt action than clay with Nadal impressively commanding, while Djokovic is flat

31 winners from Nadal in 23 games comes to 1.35 per game, which is about double his mode for matches between the two on clay. 31 winners to 17 UEs would be an exceptional figure even on grass, let alone clay. Clearly, Nadal isn't leaving matters to outlasting or out-steadying Djokovic as he was wont to do in earlier years

Not that out-steadying Djokovic would be too difficult. He has 39 UEs. High UEFI of 49.5 indicates that's largely due to being aggressive, but that's only partly truly. Just taking neutral UEs (the best measure of players natural error rate, independent of how attackingly they're playing), he has 14 to Nadal's 7 (+1 defensive error)

Despite this, Djoko's stats don't look as bad as the scoreline might suggest. 75% first serves in, winning 60% are good numbers even. He does have the albatross of 29% second serve points won hanging round his neck... but with 75% first serves, one wouldn't expect him to be on receiving end of bagel and breadstick at least. His serving a full 59% of all points indicate that he at least was able to prolong service games

Another indicator to that effect is Djoko winning 52% of his service points, despite being broken 6 times while holding 4

Serve & Return
Good serving and returning from both, especially the returning

Nadal's 0 aces and 73% first serves in would might served gently, but that's not accurate. He doesn't serve strong certainly, but stronger than gentle at least. Good job by Djokovic to put 83% returns in play

Best indicator of quality of Nadal's serve is Djokovic's inability to make initiative grabbing returns. Nadal hits a big chunk of third ball winners, set up for him by the serve. Djoko's far from his best on return, but a decent job... more credit to his return than Nadal's serve and more credit to Nadal's attacking groundshots (more on that later) than discredit to Djoko's return

Note Nadal serving 80% to the BH. That's new. He usually keeps it about 50-50, with majority to FH, which is generally more error prone though also more potentially dangerous. Choice probably has a hand in Djoko's high return rate

7 aces from Djoko is best indicator of how well he served. Just 8 errors and 84% return rate from Nadal is about how consistently he returned. Nadal's in all out, full back returning position all match. It doesn't seem necessary. Both power and depth of Nadal's returns are good... even with his return position, the combination works to minimize Djoko's third ball initiative. That's a perfect outcome for Nadal's style... maximum benefit (extra time to see the serve, thus reducing errors), minimum cost (not leave Djoko in complete charge off third ball)

 

[Waspsting]

Play - Baseline (& Net)
In a very simple nutshell, Nadal plays well, Djokovic doesn't

Nadal's on the attack and looks to finish points or take full charge of them off third ball, including with the BH. After making returns, he's more neutral and content to see what comes up

FH is the spearhead and seems to scare Djokovic. In their most competitive matches, Djoko's attack was invariably centered on attacking Nadal FH side, which Rafa tended to leave half-open by leaning over to BH side of court, in line with his preference for running around FHs... none of that holds for this match

First, Nadal maintains orthodox, near central position and doesn't look to play runaround FHs. This helps him reach Djoko's shots to the FH corner (and Djoko's shots aren't too hard hit)… and he belts FHs dtl when he reaches them. With 21 FH winners, its easy to understand why Djoko would give up on going to that side.

Note also the variety of Nadal's FH winners - 4 cc, 7 dtl, 2 longline, 3 inside-out, 4 inside-in, 1 drop shot. He's hitting them every which way but dtl is the chief shaper of play. It keeps Djoko from going that direction - or going there so strongly that it leads to errors

The strength of the BH stands out more in terms of its superiority from years past. He hits hard and flat, and goes dtl aggressively with it to. Not just a shield as 8 winners attest to. He hits them so hard that standard Djoko FH - Nadal BH would make a competitive rally. Not much of it is on show because Nadal controls play primarily to the tune of moving Djoko around and when stationary, hitting FH cc's to Djoko's BH. When play is along the other diagnol, Nadal switches at will with hard BH dtl… this is exactly what Djokovic used to do to him(!)

Defensively and of movement, Nadal's still good, though he's more often dictating. Footspeed is down from prior years but that ability to take balls late and somewhat off-balance are still on show. He's also apt to go for aggressive shots from defensive positions, especially running FH dtl

Djokovic's play is not good. For most of match, his movements are weary. Commentators make much of his having played 2 long matches coming into the final. His neutral shots are lighter than Nadal's and depth is average - which is a come down for him. Hard to say if Nadal dictating play is due to Djoko's level allowing it or Nadal dictating play keeps Djoko pinned back... I'd lean on the former

Nadal keeps neutral balls to Djoko's BH. Its both error prone in neutral situation and Djoko goes for and misses sharp angled attacking cc shots (less so dtl). 24 UEs from the Djoko BH

And drop shots. Lots of stupid drop shots. He has 4 winners but loses far more points than he wins, making errors or Nadal swatting the ball away. Nadal has 3 winners at net against drop shots that he reaches and can play orthodox shot to, as opposed to guided, hitting up running-down-drop-shots. Balls are usually there for the shot, but Djoko mostly misses. Nor were they high percentage shots. Nor were the ones makes particularly good - about 50-50

And that OH. The 2 UEs he makes are on points Nadal is lobbed away from net as Djoko approaches and Nadal hits over-shoulder-back-to-net retrievals from baseline. Easy as you can get... and Djoko nets the balls. Also loses another point after not being able to putaway an OH

Djoko has a good FH day too with 12 winners, 11 UEs (which is 2 less than Nadal). Its usually not up to him whether he gets to use it though. And defensively and of movement, he's average... the high 7 FH FEs come out of Nadal's power BH cc's and FH dtl's. They aren't flagrantly forced errors - a good playing Djoko would likely get them back in play

Djoko does smartly look to take net, to get relief from the baseline battles which aren't going his way. Nadal being strong on the pass, Djoko average on the volley (and terrible on the OH) and a number of bad drop-shot/approaches that Nadal can easily reach results in him winning just 50% points up front

Its not all bad from Djoko. First set he's flat, but in second, he matches Nadal in first strike tennis. His movement and regulation shots are at their best in the third, but strangely, he keeps missing attacking shots to short balls (often with the drop shot)

Match Progression
First set is a competitive bagel, with Djoko winning 16 points. Its the first bagel in 142 sets that the pair have played, according to commentary

The two players combine for 11 winners (including an ace) in 16 point 8th game. Nadal excels in first strike and 1-2 combo tennis and has 12 winners, 4 UEs for the set. Djoko is flat and doesn't move well. The power of Nadal's BHs stands out (taking as a given his abilities on the FH). His taking-it-late defensive shots are also good - though Djoko's attacking shots aren't too heavy

Second set is good one, with both excelling in first strike tennis. Nadal for once, blinks. Up 0-40, h makes 3 FH UEs (2 returns) and misses another makeable return as Djoko holds. He has break point next return game also

Djoko breaks to take the set and again, its the Nadal FH that gives way. He starts with 2 third ball FH errors and ends with 2 more after medium length rallies

Nadal opens the third with a break on the back of some horrendous errors from Djoko to short balls. He hasn't been demonstrative at all but spectacularly breaks his racquet. Horrendous Djoko errors from moderately advantageous positions turns out to be the staple of the set. Of movement and cleanliness of hitting routine shots, he's at his best for the match, but the attacking errors keeps coming, with Nadal zinging the odd winner by for good measure

Summing up, simple as you can get - Nadal plays well, Djokovic doesn't play well in about equal measure. Good, attacking outlook from Nadal though and he's clearly up for a fight. Djoko doesn't seem to be

 

[HetTheGreaterer]

Play - Baseline (& Net)
In a very simple nutshell, Nadal plays well, Djokovic doesn't

Nadal's on the attack and looks to finish points or take full charge of them off third ball, including with the BH. After making returns, he's more neutral and content to see what comes up

FH is the spearhead and seems to scare Djokovic. In their most competitive matches, Djoko's attack was invariably centered on attacking Nadal FH side, which Rafa tended to leave half-open by leaning over to BH side of court, in line with his preference for running around FHs... none of that holds for this match

First, Nadal maintains orthodox, near central position and doesn't look to play runaround FHs. This helps him reach Djoko's shots to the FH corner (and Djoko's shots aren't too hard hit)… and he belts FHs dtl when he reaches them. With 21 FH winners, its easy to understand why Djoko would give up on going to that side.

Note also the variety of Nadal's FH winners - 4 cc, 7 dtl, 2 longline, 3 inside-out, 4 inside-in, 1 drop shot. He's hitting them every which way but dtl is the chief shaper of play. It keeps Djoko from going that direction - or going there so strongly that it leads to errors

The strength of the BH stands out more in terms of its superiority from years past. He hits hard and flat, and goes dtl aggressively with it to. Not just a shield as 8 winners attest to. He hits them so hard that standard Djoko FH - Nadal BH would make a competitive rally. Not much of it is on show because Nadal controls play primarily to the tune of moving Djoko around and when stationary, hitting FH cc's to Djoko's BH. When play is along the other diagnol, Nadal switches at will with hard BH dtl… this is exactly what Djokovic used to do to him(!)

Defensively and of movement, Nadal's still good, though he's more often dictating. Footspeed is down from prior years but that ability to take balls late and somewhat off-balance are still on show. He's also apt to go for aggressive shots from defensive positions, especially running FH dtl

Djokovic's play is not good. For most of match, his movements are weary. Commentators make much of his having played 2 long matches coming into the final. His neutral shots are lighter than Nadal's and depth is average - which is a come down for him. Hard to say if Nadal dictating play is due to Djoko's level allowing it or Nadal dictating play keeps Djoko pinned back... I'd lean on the former

Nadal keeps neutral balls to Djoko's BH. Its both error prone in neutral situation and Djoko goes for and misses sharp angled attacking cc shots (less so dtl). 24 UEs from the Djoko BH

And drop shots. Lots of stupid drop shots. He has 4 winners but loses far more points than he wins, making errors or Nadal swatting the ball away. Nadal has 3 winners at net against drop shots that he reaches and can play orthodox shot to, as opposed to guided, hitting up running-down-drop-shots. Balls are usually there for the shot, but Djoko mostly misses. Nor were they high percentage shots. Nor were the ones makes particularly good - about 50-50

And that OH. The 2 UEs he makes are on points Nadal is lobbed away from net as Djoko approaches and Nadal hits over-shoulder-back-to-net retrievals from baseline. Easy as you can get... and Djoko nets the balls. Also loses another point after not being able to putaway an OH

Djoko has a good FH day too with 12 winners, 11 UEs (which is 2 less than Nadal). Its usually not up to him whether he gets to use it though. And defensively and of movement, he's average... the high 7 FH FEs come out of Nadal's power BH cc's and FH dtl's. They aren't flagrantly forced errors - a good playing Djoko would likely get them back in play

Djoko does smartly look to take net, to get relief from the baseline battles which aren't going his way. Nadal being strong on the pass, Djoko average on the volley (and terrible on the OH) and a number of bad drop-shot/approaches that Nadal can easily reach results in him winning just 50% points up front

Its not all bad from Djoko. First set he's flat, but in second, he matches Nadal in first strike tennis. His movement and regulation shots are at their best in the third, but strangely, he keeps missing attacking shots to short balls (often with the drop shot)

Match Progression
First set is a competitive bagel, with Djoko winning 16 points. Its the first bagel in 142 sets that the pair have played, according to commentary

The two players combine for 11 winners (including an ace) in 16 point 8th game. Nadal excels in first strike and 1-2 combo tennis and has 12 winners, 4 UEs for the set. Djoko is flat and doesn't move well. The power of Nadal's BHs stands out (taking as a given his abilities on the FH). His taking-it-late defensive shots are also good - though Djoko's attacking shots aren't too heavy

Second set is good one, with both excelling in first strike tennis. Nadal for once, blinks. Up 0-40, h makes 3 FH UEs (2 returns) and misses another makeable return as Djoko holds. He has break point next return game also

Djoko breaks to take the set and again, its the Nadal FH that gives way. He starts with 2 third ball FH errors and ends with 2 more after medium length rallies

Nadal opens the third with a break on the back of some horrendous errors from Djoko to short balls. He hasn't been demonstrative at all but spectacularly breaks his racquet. Horrendous Djoko errors from moderately advantageous positions turns out to be the staple of the set. Of movement and cleanliness of hitting routine shots, he's at his best for the match, but the attacking errors keeps coming, with Nadal zinging the odd winner by for good measure

Summing up, simple as you can get - Nadal plays well, Djokovic doesn't play well in about equal measure. Good, attacking outlook from Nadal though and he's clearly up for a fight. Djoko doesn't seem to be

@Waspsting would you please summarise madrid 2017 and rome 2018 matches of Djokodal rivalry in one thread as well?
These threads are like flashbacks and jewels of this forum.

 

[JaoSousa]

Example of a match where the score does not reflect how lopsided the match was.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Example of a match where the score does not reflect how lopsided the match was.

True, and Novak was totally gassed going in to the match. He'd played a three-setter against Diego the night before (very little rest between matches here), and a long three-setter with Del Po in the QF's. The fact a poorly-playing Djokovic took a set from Rafa was amazing and unexpected. I remember Hitman in the match thread thinking the second set would be a blowout for Rafa, instead Djoker pushed it to three sets.

A well-rested Novak wins this match, I think.

 

[HetTheGreaterer]

True, and Novak was totally gassed going in to the match. He'd played a three-setter against Diego the night before (very little rest between matches here), and a long three-setter with Del Po in the QF's. The fact a poorly-playing Djokovic took a set from Rafa was amazing and unexpected. I remember Hitman in the match thread thinking the second set would be a blowout for Rafa, instead Djoker pushed it to three sets.

A well-rested Novak wins this match, I think.

I'd still favour rafa.
A well rested Djokovic still hits much less penetrating and a lighter ball than rafa on clay, and defense-wise they're about equal on clay nowadays; probably rafa has an advantage because he can still hit awesome shots from awkward positions on clay.
If anything, Nadal's mental demons came in full flow, he could not just believe himself that he can finish djoker like 6-0 6-2, while he absolutely could do anything with novak that day.

 

[Bender]

Great thread, @Waspsting. Must have taken a lot of time too.

Definitely some of the best content on GPPD currently.