Nadal's Propensity for Classics

[triforce defender]

Why is Nadal involved in an inordinate amount of significant-to-historically classic matches? Nadal was involved in the greatest matches ever played on hard courts (2012 AO Final), clay (2013 FO SF), and grass (2008 Wimbledon Final). In addition, he was involved in 2006 Rome Final, 2009 AO SF, 2009 AO Final, and 2007 Wimbledon Final. That's 7 all-time classics.

In contrast, the number of classic GS matches not involving Nadal during the Big 4 era among all other players is seven. They are:

2012 AO SF (Djokovic vs. Murray)
2010 and 2011 USO SF (Djokovic vs. Federer both times)
2012 Olympic SF (Federer vs. Del Potro)
2013 Wimbledon SF (Djokovic vs. Del Potro)
2013 AO 4R (Djokovic vs Wawrinka)
and 2014 AO QF (Djokovic vs. Wawrinka)

What makes Nadal so special that causes him to be part of as many classic matches as all other players combined?

 

[SpinToWin]

I call...

 

[tennisaddict]

Why is Nadal involved in an inordinate amount of significant-to-historically classic matches? Nadal was involved in the greatest matches ever played on hard courts (2012 AO Final), clay (2013 FO SF), and grass (2008 Wimbledon Final). In addition, he was involved in 2006 Rome Final, 2009 AO SF, 2009 AO Final, and 2007 Wimbledon Final. That's 7 all-time classics.

In contrast, the number of classic GS matches not involving Nadal during the Big 4 era among all other players is seven. They are:

2012 AO SF (Djokovic vs. Murray)
2010 and 2011 USO SF (Djokovic vs. Federer both times)
2012 Olympic SF (Federer vs. Del Potro)
2013 Wimbledon SF (Djokovic vs. Del Potro)
2013 AO 4R (Djokovic vs Wawrinka)
and 2014 AO QF (Djokovic vs. Wawrinka)

What makes Nadal so special that causes him to be part of as many classic matches as all other players combined?

Even going by your own post, you listed 7 classics of Federer, same as Nadal,

 

[Mustard]

That's Nadal for you, and why it's great to have been a fan of his all these years.

 

[triforce defender]

That's Nadal for you, and why it's great to have been a fan of his all these years.

Agreed. Nadal has a sense of the moment and a taste for the dramatic finish just like Tiger Woods used to in golf.

 

[Enigma]

Even going by your own post, you listed 7 classics of Federer, same as Nadal,

And 8 for Djokovic!

 

[gambitt]

Because unlike the others he can't put his opponents away in 3 or 4 sets? :-?

 

[NADALRECORD]

Because unlike the others he can't put his opponents away in 3 or 4 sets? :-?

Nadal hardly ever plays a 5-setter.

Only 2 five-setters ever at Roland Garros (2011 vs Isner, 2013 vs Djokovic).

And only ONE 5-setter at US Open (2004 vs Heuberger).

Only one 5-setter at Australian Open since 2009.

Wimbledon is the only slam he has regular 5-setters at.

 

[monfed]

Most of the matches are classics because of his opponent who was typically making all the moves. Nadal just stands 10 feet behind the baseline and blocks everything back. Nothing exciting about that unless you have a single digit IQ.

 

[NADALRECORD]

Most of the matches are classics because of his opponent who was typically making all the moves. Nadal just stands 10 feet behind the baseline and blocks everything back. Nothing exciting about that unless you have a single digit IQ.

Nadal hit 22 winners in the 5th set of 2013 RG semi (Djokovic whereas had 13). And that match is the best Roland Garros match ever.

2009 AO SF vs Verdasco: Nadal hit 52 winners, 25 unforced errors.
2009 AO Final vs Federer: Nadal hit 50 winners, 41 unforced errors.

2007 Wimbledon Final: Nadal hit 50 winners, 24 unforced errors.
2008 Wimbledon Final: Nadal hit 60 winners, 27 unforced errors.

 

[TeamOB]

Most of the matches are classics because of his opponent who was typically making all the moves. Nadal just stands 10 feet behind the baseline and blocks everything back. Nothing exciting about that unless you have a single digit IQ.

Yup, Nadal hits with such pathetic blocking strokes. Even club level pushers can develop more racquet speed then this miserable hack.

 

[Skarter]

In your list Djokovic has more classic matches - 8 to Nadals 7.

 

[monfed]

Yup, Nadal hits with such pathetic blocking strokes. Even club level pushers can develop more racquet speed then this miserable hack.

Man why do Nadal fans have such an inferiority complex? Look Nadal scores less winners than his opponent almost always to win, why can't you just accept that? Seriously you guys are absolutely ridiculous, can't even deal with facts. Just pathetic, worst fanbase of any sportsman I've seen.

 

[FedFanBoy]

Because Nadal has an insane amount of stamina and long matches at the latter stages of a tournament are automatically "classics" LOL

 

[NADALRECORD]

Look Nadal scores less winners than his opponent almost always to win, why can't you just accept that?

You mean against all opponents he beats, or just Federer? Because if you look at the match stats of most of Nadal's wins, he regularly has more winners than the opponent.

 

[helloworld]

Why is Nadal involved in an inordinate amount of significant-to-historically classic matches? Nadal was involved in the greatest matches ever played on hard courts (2012 AO Final), clay (2013 FO SF), and grass (2008 Wimbledon Final). In addition, he was involved in 2006 Rome Final, 2009 AO SF, 2009 AO Final, and 2007 Wimbledon Final. That's 7 all-time classics.

In contrast, the number of classic GS matches not involving Nadal during the Big 4 era among all other players is seven. They are:

2012 AO SF (Djokovic vs. Murray)
2010 and 2011 USO SF (Djokovic vs. Federer both times)
2012 Olympic SF (Federer vs. Del Potro)
2013 Wimbledon SF (Djokovic vs. Del Potro)
2013 AO 4R (Djokovic vs Wawrinka)
and 2014 AO QF (Djokovic vs. Wawrinka)

What makes Nadal so special that causes him to be part of as many classic matches as all other players combined?

According to you, Djokovic and Federer seem to have just as many classic matches as well. Might as well create 2 other threads about Djokovic and Federer's propensity for classics? :roll:

 

[monfed]

Nadal fans don't want Nadal to be called a grinder when he even outpushed Simon for crying out loud that too on clay. Are you gonna post some video showing me his FH for that? Cmon quit stalling.

 

[SpinToWin]

You mean against all opponents he beats, or just Federer? Because if you look at the match stats of most of Nadal's wins, he regularly has more winners than the opponent.

… or Djokovic… Or Murray… Or Soderling… Or Simon(!!!!)… Really now, don't try to make him into something he isn't.

 

[NADALRECORD]

… or Djokovic… Or Murray… Or Soderling… Or Simon(!!!!)… Really now, don't try to make him into something he isn't.

But Nadal has more winners than his opponent in more than 50% of the matches he wins.

Heck, even Federer only has a few more winners than Nadal at 2014 AO: Nadal 26, Federer 33.

2010 French Open Final:
Nadal 28 winners.
Soderling 32 winners.

So even the aggressive guys you list, don't have much more than Nadal.

 

[monfed]

… or Djokovic… Or Murray… Or Soderling… Or Simon(!!!!)… Really now, don't try to make him into something he isn't.

It's funny if anyone dares to question Nadal's supposed GOAT status on clay, then they'll flame you.

 

[TeamOB]

Nadal fans don't want Nadal to be called a grinder when he even outpushed Simon for crying out loud that too on clay. Are you gonna post some video showing me his FH for that? Cmon quit stalling.

Nadal can grind but he can also hit the crap out of the ball. He's actually very versatile when it comes to his level of aggressiveness. And stop with the blind hate. It is just as bad as the blind love of the Nadal fanboys.

 

[Agassifan]

And 8 for Djokovic!

LOL...............

 

[monfed]

Nadal can grind but he can also hit the crap out of the ball. He's actually very versatile when it comes to his level of aggressiveness. And stop with the blind hate. It is just as bad as the blind love of the Nadal fanboys.

Yet he chooses to moonball in matches. I don't care what he does in his practice videos or in the shower, that's for the Ralph news thread.

 

[bullfan]

Yet he chooses to moonball in matches. I don't care what he does in his practice videos or in the shower, that's for the Ralph news thread.

You luv Nadal....... You are obsessed.......

 

[firepanda]

Yet he chooses to moonball in matches. I don't care what he does in his practice videos or in the shower, that's for the Ralph news thread.

Monfed, you've been so good recently as well.

You were saying he stands 10 feet behind the baseline and blocks. Understandably, the Rafans got a tad upset and showed you some evidence otherwise. You then switched the argument that he doesn't hit winners, a more defensible position. Everyone knows he doesn't hit clear winners much. Please try to be consistent, or maybe just stop making such exaggerated claims.

Oh, and supposed GOAT on clay status? I'm pretty sure most people would agree he's the best ever on clay. Only Borg got close to his RG count and he never had the same absurd dominance.

 

[JohnKramer]

Most of the matches are classics because of his opponent who was typically making all the moves. Nadal just stands 10 feet behind the baseline and blocks everything back. Nothing exciting about that unless you have a single digit IQ.

Again this is a shameless post.
You should seriously stop trolling.
The beautiful forehands of Nadal and never say die attitude makes the matches more interesting.

Most of the matches played by federer are boring.

Tennis is lucky to have players like Nadal and djokovic.

 

[1477aces]

why is 2009W Final not a classic?

 

[JohnKramer]

Man why do Nadal fans have such an inferiority complex? Look Nadal scores less winners than his opponent almost always to win, why can't you just accept that? Seriously you guys are absolutely ridiculous, can't even deal with facts. Just pathetic, worst fanbase of any sportsman I've seen.

God, you are seriously a ******, aka *******.

You are abusing on Nadal fans?

As a tennis fan I observed Nadal fans are the best, all they do is answer federer fans ridiculous posts, posted by morons.


Federer fans are the worst in the entire world and a disgrace to tennis community.

You disrespect other players and other player fans.

Whole world is watching how you fedtrolls attack Nadal, day in and day out.
All this hatred towards Nadal is due to that BS player ******* crying on that day right?

Its not Nadals mistake to win against federer.
Stop these nonsensical posts you federer fans.

 

[helloworld]

why is 2009W Final not a classic?

It's a classic servefest, which reminds me of the 90s tennis lite version.

 

[JohnKramer]

… or Djokovic… Or Murray… Or Soderling… Or Simon(!!!!)… Really now, don't try to make him into something he isn't.

NO you are wrong.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Because, he always wants to bring it on the biggest stage and give the fans the best show possible.

 

[JohnKramer]

I call...

 

[Russeljones]

Why is Nadal involved in an inordinate amount of significant-to-historically classic matches? Nadal was involved in the greatest matches ever played on hard courts (2012 AO Final), clay (2013 FO SF), and grass (2008 Wimbledon Final). In addition, he was involved in 2006 Rome Final, 2009 AO SF, 2009 AO Final, and 2007 Wimbledon Final. That's 7 all-time classics.

In contrast, the number of classic GS matches not involving Nadal during the Big 4 era among all other players is seven. They are:

2012 AO SF (Djokovic vs. Murray)
2010 and 2011 USO SF (Djokovic vs. Federer both times)
2012 Olympic SF (Federer vs. Del Potro)
2013 Wimbledon SF (Djokovic vs. Del Potro)
2013 AO 4R (Djokovic vs Wawrinka)
and 2014 AO QF (Djokovic vs. Wawrinka)

What makes Nadal so special that causes him to be part of as many classic matches as all other players combined?

Wow. If you only knew how good tennis was before Federer and Nadal. This thread is very sad.

 

[JohnKramer]

Wow. If you only knew how good tennis was before Federer and Nadal. This thread is very sad.

He was talking only about the generation from Federer and beyond.
Everybody knows before them borg/mcenroe/sampras...we all love them.

However considering Nadal being involved in such classics is a tribute to Nadal.

This is a good thread.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

As other have pointed out. It takes two to tango, and many of those matches you mentioned also belong to Federer and Djokovic.

Federer has plenty of Non-Nadal classics. Safin AO 05, Nalbandian TMC 05, Roddick W 09 come to mind straight away.

 

[NatF]

This thread is a fail, the OP has demonstrated that Nadal does not have a greater propensity for classic than either Federer or Djokovic.

OP, you forgot Rome 2005 as well.

 

[clayqueen]

Why is Nadal involved in an inordinate amount of significant-to-historically classic matches? Nadal was involved in the greatest matches ever played on hard courts (2012 AO Final), clay (2013 FO SF), and grass (2008 Wimbledon Final). In addition, he was involved in 2006 Rome Final, 2009 AO SF, 2009 AO Final, and 2007 Wimbledon Final. That's 7 all-time classics.

In contrast, the number of classic GS matches not involving Nadal during the Big 4 era among all other players is seven. They are:

2012 AO SF (Djokovic vs. Murray)
2010 and 2011 USO SF (Djokovic vs. Federer both times)
2012 Olympic SF (Federer vs. Del Potro)
2013 Wimbledon SF (Djokovic vs. Del Potro)
2013 AO 4R (Djokovic vs Wawrinka)
and 2014 AO QF (Djokovic vs. Wawrinka)

What makes Nadal so special that causes him to be part of as many classic matches as all other players combined?

You missed out the AO 2009 SF Nadal vs Verdasco. The 2012 AO final was not a classic, it was just a boring 5 setter.

 

[Russeljones]

You missed out the AO 2009 SF Nadal vs Verdasco. The 2012 AO final was not a classic, it was just a boring 5 setter.

The only Slam final I ever fell asleep while watching. Not just boring. The epitome of boring.

 

[Boom-Boom]

Most of the matches are classics because of his opponent who was typically making all the moves. Nadal just stands 10 feet behind the baseline and blocks everything back. Nothing exciting about that unless you have a single digit IQ.

Lol. Fair analysis.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

You missed out the AO 2009 SF Nadal vs Verdasco. The 2012 AO final was not a classic, it was just a boring 5 setter.

No he didn't. Take a closer look....

 

[NatF]

I found the AO 2012 final exciting...I wouldn't watch it again it's too long but drama was really high.