MC 2011 F: [1] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [4] David Ferrer (ESP)

[FedererBestTennis]

This will be the 16th encounter between the two Spanish warriors, with Nadal leading the head-to-head 11-4. However, Ferrer won their last meeting which came at the Australian Open 6-4; 6-2; 6-3. To advance to the final, Nadal prevailed against Andy Murray 6-4; 2-6; 6-1. In the match before that, Ferrer downed Jurgen Melzer 6-3; 6-2. Should be a good one!

 

[Dutch-Guy]

Well given how bad Rafa played today, i'd say Ferrer in a major beatdown (Roland Garros 2008 style).

 

[niff]

Nadal in 2.

Melzer had a meltdown today, and Nadal's matchup with Ferrer is obviously different to Murray.

 

[FedererBestTennis]

Well given how bad Rafa played today, i'd say Ferrer in a major beatdown (Roland Garros 2008 style).

What makes you think Nadal played terribly? His UE count was high for his standards, but the grit and determination was fantastic!

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Nadal in two straight sets. It will be very straightforward imo. I'm going with 3 and 4.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I say Rafito in 2 tight sets. He didn't look tired at all at the end of the Murray match.

 

[Legend of Borg]

Nadal in 2.

 

[Tennis sensation]

Nadal in 2

 

[Devilito]

wake me when it's over

 

[MixieP]

Lord Ferrer in two.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

wake me when it's over

LOL!!! When the match is over, or when we get back onto the grass?

 

[Dutch-Guy]

What makes you think Nadal played terribly? His UE count was high for his standards, but the grit and determination was fantastic!

3/19 UEs in the 2nd set (18/33 overall) is playing good uh? Rafa shouldn't be losing a set (6-2 at that) to a weak clay courter like Murray.

 

[Devilito]

LOL!!! When the match is over, or when we get back onto the grass?

i don't hate clay, i just hate the people that keep winning on it

 

[Deleted member 77403]

i don't hate clay, i just hate the people that keep winning on it

Well...there is only one player that does that...

 

[TennisandMusic]

i don't hate clay, i just hate the people that keep winning on it

At least you admit it I guess.

 

[All-rounder]

LOL!!! When the match is over, or when we get back onto the grass?

Lol both

 

[Bud]

Well given how bad Rafa played today, i'd say Ferrer in a major beatdown (Roland Garros 2008 style).

Nadal rarely plays two poor matches in a row. However, in every tournament it seems he nearly always plays one really crummy match at some point. One good indicator is his very first serve of a match. If it goes into the middle of the net, he'll probably struggle that day (something I've noted)

Nadal may be completely on and firing, tomorrow. If so, Nadal in 2, otherwise Nadal in 3.

This is Ferrer's first MC final and he's only beaten Nadal one time on clay when Nadal was 17.. and that went 7-5 in the third set.

Should be a fun match

- -

This will be Nadal's 27th MS1000 final

 

[MagneticCurls]

If Ferrer can play his game, Nadal won't stand a chance even playing his best tennis.

 

[nadalbestclass]

If Ferrer can play his game, Nadal won't stand a chance even playing his best tennis.

Ferrer's best tennis>> Rafa's best tennis. That is quite the "new" for me.

 

[MagneticCurls]

Ferrer's best tennis>> Rafa's best tennis. That is quite the "new" for me.

Well at the very least we can definitely say that for 2011, Djoker's best tennis > Nadal's best tennis.

 

[ucr_tennis90]

Well at the very least we can definitely say that for 2011, Djoker's best tennis > Nadal's best tennis.

good comeback...

 

[Magnus]

Ferrer wins.............a total of 5 games.

 

[Magnus]

Rome should prove to be a more interesting event, with Joker back, Fed wanting (hopefully) to prove something, Murray putting on a good performance again, etc.

MC had very poor quality of matches in recent years and this year its just more of the same. Its not the Nadal domination, the matches are just bad. Almost all of them.

 

[namelessone]

Rome should prove to be a more interesting event, with Joker back, Fed wanting (hopefully) to prove something, Murray putting on a good performance again, etc.

MC had very poor quality of matches in recent years and this year its just more of the same. Its not the Nadal domination, the matches are just bad. Almost all of them.

It's because it's the first clay event for many of them and they don't have time enough to adjust to this surface. Also, MC is the slowest claycourt out there.

 

[Magnus]

It's because it's the first clay event for many of them and they don't have time enough to adjust to this surface. Also, MC is the slowest claycourt out there.

Yep, but it doesn't justify some of the poorest efforts I've seen from many players. Ljubo's performance against Nadal was downright horrific, Fed's level was meh, Tsonga, Monfils, Davy and Berdych - all pretty horrible as well. No Joker and no Soderling as well (where was Sod? Did he lose early or did he not participate?).

Truly ugly stuff , but you gotta give it to Nadal for winning it 7 times in a row, truly remarkable. I think he's going for 10.

 

[PED]

Rafa in 2, Ferrer looked really poor against Melzer for the first four games in the 1st set; Melzer's flatter shot and depth were giving him fits.

Plus, Rafa will be eager for some payback from the AO

 

[kishnabe]

Ferrer deserves a win over Rafa on clay.....Rafa looking weak this tourney....Murray should have won. Hope Ferrer wins.

 

[CCNM]

Goooooo David F. Take him to three sets.

 

[Ripster]

Nadal in straights. When Ferrer beat him in Australia he wasn't 100% and Ferrer's only win on clay came in 2004 when Nadal was only 17. Since then Nadal is 8-0 against Ferrer on clay. I hope this final is closer but whenever Nadal plays a fellow Spainard on clay it's usually pretty dull.

 

[Hood_Man]

I didn't expect him to be taken to three sets, never mind lose that set by two breaks, to Andy Murray, so I've gone for the upset, Ferrer in 2.

...

Given Nadals record... I'm already regretting that decision :lol:

 

[eidolonshinobi]

i hope ferrer ends rafa's streak, just because.

 

[Mustard]

Nadal in 2.

 

[rainingaces]

Nadal in 2.

I see your Nadal in 2 and I counter it with my Ferrer in 3.

 

[nadalbestclass]

I'll go with Rafa. I expect a tough match, because he's going to be crazy nervous and he's obviously not been thrilled with his match play. Might even drop a set. He's a fighter though, and I think he will come through.

 

[neesun]

This sexy beast to win.

 

[Bud]

Ferrer deserves a win over Rafa on clay.....Rafa looking weak this tourney....Murray should have won. Hope Ferrer wins.

How many times has Murray beat Nadal on clay and which clay tournaments (i.e. how many) has Murray won thus far in his career?

The answer: 0

As a matter of fact, Murray has never been in a clay court final. So, in essence, he essentially outperformed here in MC... especially considering his HC performance in early 2011.

 

[forthegame]

Nadal in 2 quick sets.

 

[Speranza]

Nadal in 2.

Melzer had a meltdown today, and Nadal's matchup with Ferrer is obviously different to Murray.

Holmes: This. Precisely.

 

[Beryl]

Nadal in 2. One close set, one where Ferrer falls apart.

 

[TheTruth]

Well at the very least we can definitely say that for 2011, Djoker's best tennis > Nadal's best tennis.

Actually, you could say...

Djoker's best tennis > The field (not just Rafa).

 

[NadalAgassi]

Actually, you could say...

Djoker's best tennis > The field (not just Rafa).

That is just on slow hard courts thus far too. The other surfaces can only be proven in the coming months.

 

[powerangle]

Don't think Ferrer will be able to stop Nadal from a 19th MS title.

 

[billnepill]

Rafi takes it in 2

sth like 7:5 6:2

 

[Mustard]

Rafi takes it in 2

sth like 7:5 6:2

That was the score when Nadal beat Ferrer in last year's Rome final.

 

[TheTruth]

That is just on slow hard courts thus far too. The other surfaces can only be proven in the coming months.

I know. Djoker has usually beaten Rafa on hc, so that's no big deal, but some of the exaggeration on this board is a bit over the top.

Recent topics on the board:

Murray should've won a match he lost 6-1 in the third.

Fed has dropped down to #3 in world, he should retire, even though he's still within spitting distance of Novak as far as the #2 ranking.

Rafa's on the way out since he lost a set in the first clay court tournament of 2011.

Raonic and Dolgopolov have been put on the back burner since only the most recent results matter around here.

 

[NadalAgassi]

I agree with all that and the funniest thing is that it should be expected Raonic and Dolgopolov wont do well on clay, yet suddenly they are yesterdays up and comers when they do poorly in a clay court event, LOL!

 

[oscar_2424]

Rafa in straight sets.

 

[Fedace]

Rafa is ONE guy in ATP tour that can actually over-power Ferrer on clay courts.

 

[danielrios]

heart says Ferrer in 3, mind says Nadalito in 2

 

[Sentinel]

This sexy beast to win.

Hey, the sexy beast lost yesterday in 3 sets.
Pic of sexy beast