It’s just that I read Cincinnati has that surface too.
www.laykold.com
Ok I went onto the official Cincinnati site and they have in fact changed to laykold the same as the US open. So that advantageous for nadal to play on it. From the article you posted above it also says they do use the US open balls now as well which is also a positive meaning this event will play differently to what Rafa was use to in the past! I hope it bodes well for his US open assault VAMOS BULLIt’s just that I read Cincinnati has that surface too.
Eight of 13 top hard court tournaments choose Laykold — Laykold
BACK AT ASHE Pace precision and consistency continue to be key for US Open courts Following the 2020 US Open, played without its traditionally enthusiastic supporters, it’s shaping up to be a great 2021 tournament at Flushing Meadows, with crowds warmly welcomed back to Arthur Ashe Stadium. La
Thats great to know. Cinci should be a great warm up for Rafa.
it doesn't say that they use the same balls
I’m sure he prefers to have some match play prior to the USO rather than not and as Montreal couldn’t happen, it makes sense to play Cincinnati but as the USO has changed surface since he was last there, Cincinnati then becomes even more important due to having the same USO surface now. Let’s hope it works out for him.
Yes he hasn’t played on Laykold before so it’s good to have 1 lead up before the big event! I hope he is injury free this event! Would love to see 23I’m sure he prefers to have some match play prior to the USO rather than not and as Montreal couldn’t happen, it makes sense to play Cincinnati but as the USO has changed surface since he was last there, Cincinnati then becomes even more important due to having the same USO surface now. Let’s hope it works out for him.
Yes I’m not sure if they changed the balls I assumed they would have changed to the official US open balls to go along with the surface change so it’s uniform. Canada is as well laykold now not deco-turf which makes sense u want to have the same courts for the series and warm ups
for Rafa’s tennis centre in Greece!
The younger Rafa was so cuteFlashback to Previous Years
Rafa has always looked good.
Rafa, never did well in the second half of the season due to various injuries particularly his knees plus appendicitis and wrist.
In his Wimbledon kit I see.
The 1st session of the 2nd day of practice:
Rafa has proven himself a champion and master in all conditions. I wasn’t implying that he had to have these perfect conditions to do well. It was more of a reference to him mentioning previously he didn’t have positive feelings at cincy due to the balls and there was a reason it’s infact his worse masters by win percentage. I’m saying all that he won it anyway and has had some great victories there. For sure other factors like u mention played a role not just the balls the timing of the tournament and injuries etc. This tournament is pure prep for the big one USO and hoping nadal can SLAY!
I got what you were communicating and totally agree. This is a great development. Rafa thrives on confidence and his confidence is dependent on his perception of his preparations. This will go a long way.
Alcaraz is now the undisputed favourite, anywhere, any time, next to Djokovic.
That’s a bit premature ( I really like the kid), I know the bookmakers have Alcaraz as an early favourite for RG23 but let’s see Carlos’ progress and wait till the next clay season to see if he continues to improve and can really best Rafa and or Djoker in a clay best of 5…
If you ignore oddsmakers, expert commentators, amateur analysts and most tennis fans...yeah, Alcaraz is the undisputed favorite after Novak.
At this point and with the way the year has gone, I'll just be happy to see him leave Cincy (at any stage) injury-free.
I say a big AMEN to that..Nadal abt to be undefeated the rest of the season
That forehand!!! Even in practice, it's a thing of beauty
