Predict Nadal's 2013 season

[90's Clay]

He didn't get knee surgery did he? So obviously the knee issues aren't to that point yet.. I expect him to pick up where he left off in the french last year after a few matches under his belt winning a 1-2 clay tourneys on the lead up to the French and taking the French again. Then defending that horrible early round loss at Wimbledon this year and taking him the crown at wimbledon next year.

The USO is up in the air at this point.. I'm not sure who wins it.. Mainly because the scheduling is such a dang mess

I definitely see nadal pushing hard for that YEC next year since its eluded him all these years.. he gonna have to go hard for that one more time at least before he calls it a career.


I will give Nadal 2 slams next year (maybe 3 depending on how he is around North American HC season time) and a YEC. Since its doubtful he will be ready to go by AO time

I'm gonna go with

AO-Djoker
RG-Nadal
Wimb-Nadal
USO-Not sure
YEC-Nadal

 

[MurrayMyInspiration]

Runner up in Australian Fishing Open
Winner of French Poker Open
He will then retire and assume a position on the Spanish Anti-Doping Association :twisted:

 

[Alchemy-Z]

Calendar slam...all finals include 1 golden set

10vamoses lol

 

[AnotherTennisProdigy]

AO- semis
FO- winner
Wimby- semi
US open- semi
WTF- loses in round robin

I think he'll still dominate clay but won't be a big factor in the others (except maybe wimby)

 

[MTF07]

lol, 2 possibly 3 slams?

Talk about a pipe dream.

 

[kishnabe]

2013 Australian Open Champion D. Murray
2013 French Open Runner Up (L. Federer/Djokovic)
2013 Wimbledon Semifinalist (L.Murray)
2013 US Open Runner Up ( L. Djokovic)
Skips YEC.

 

[SStrikerR]

QF or SF in the AO, dominate clay including the French, SF or F at Wimbledon, QF or SF at USO.

I think the best indicator of a Nadal decline is monte Carlo. If he ever loses there, we'll know he's definitely on his way out.

 

[Clarky21]

No slams for him. Not sure just how he will do at the masters,but I don't hold out much hope there,either.

 

[augustobt]

It depends a lot how RN will return, of course, but I don't see any chances at USO and Wimb.

 

[tudwell]

I think he'll win the French again and one or two clay Masters. Outside of clay, he'll probably make it deep (semis/finals) in a lot of tourneys but mostly fall short.

 

[rommil]

Overplay.
Play unnecessary exhos.
Complain about being tired.
Injury excuse after loss.
Twitter,facebook, gazillion pressers.
Rinse and repeat

 

[NadalAgassi]

It depends a lot how RN will return, of course, but I don't see any chances at USO and Wimb.

Oh please, if RN is in shape Wimbledon his 2nd best chance to win a major outside the French. Who is the unstoppable force there. Federer who although he won Wimbledon this year isnt going to dominate that event at this stage of his career. Djokovic who is a much weaker grass courter than Nadal even though he beat him in 2011 during his all time ownage of Nadal. Murray who has yet to beat Nadal on a natural surface, and is better on hard courts.

People forget before this years Wimbledon most people were expecting Nadal to win, in fact Nadal was the favorite to win Wimbledon each of the last 3 years (even if he only won 1, but 1 win and 1 other final is still more than anyone else those 3 years). His grass record is far superior to Murray and Djokovic. Also until this year his overall Wimbledon record since (and including) 2008 was easily better than Federer, and even now he has won 2 of 4 and made 3 of 4 finals of Wimbledons he played since then, a better ratio than anyone including Federer in that span. He isnt a lock of course, but a huge LOL to the idea he has no chance at all to win Wimbledon amongst the current field unless he is in terrible form.

The only slam he might have close to no shape of winning, again if he is back in shape, is the U.S Open, and even there he won and made the final the last 2 years he played.

 

[mental midget]

i think he's sick of tennis and needs to rediscover his love for it on his own terms. when he announced he wasn't playing the olympics i mentioned to a friend that i wouldn't be surprised if he wound up sitting the rest of the year out. the fact is he's been a walking complaint for quite a while now—season's too long, ranking system needs work, too many hardcourt tourneys, etc. Tennis has given him an awful lot but its many gifts have stopped short of giving him an identity that is truly of his own making.
the guy's an absolute animal when he's fit and motivated but i think there's no question that it takes a lot out of him, and i'm not sure how much longer his engine can run fueled by uncle toni's ambition.
no idea where he goes from here, but i think this hiatus is more than a knee issue and has been a long time coming. jmho.

 

[papertank]

I think he will win the AO and the French next year. Semis at Wimbledon and an early exit at the USO.

 

[Clarky21]

i think he's sick of tennis and needs to rediscover his love for it on his own terms. when he announced he wasn't playing the olympics i mentioned to a friend that i wouldn't be surprised if he wound up sitting the rest of the year out. the fact is he's been a walking complaint for quite a while now—season's too long, ranking system needs work, too many hardcourt tourneys, etc. Tennis has given him an awful lot but its many gifts have stopped short of giving him an identity that is truly of his own making.
the guy's an absolute animal when he's fit and motivated but i think there's no question that it takes a lot out of him, and i'm not sure how much longer his engine can run fueled by uncle toni's ambition.
no idea where he goes from here, but i think this hiatus is more than a knee issue and has been a long time coming. jmho.

There might be some truth to this which is why I am not so sure he will even be back. I don't think he's had the passion or desire to play tennis for the past few years now. It was never more apparent than last year where looked like he would rather be anywhere but on a tennis court. He never loved the sport anyway,so that makes him more likely to call it a day earlier than a guy like Fed who actually loves tennis. It also makes him less likely to continue to play through pain year after year.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Im reserving judgement to see his form when he gets back. I suspect if/when he returns though, it will be because he is 100%

 

[JustBob]

Nadal will finish where he started, as a clay court specialist. I give him a 50% chance of winning RG in 2013, and that would be his last slam if he wins.

 

[Sentinel]

AO - may play but won't be match fit (QF or round of 16)

RG - most likely winner (or lose to Nole in tight match)

WO - semis or final.

Realistically, don't expect his knees to hold out all year, so i see him resting/taking it easy after that

USO - can't say, don't expect much

WTF - don't expect much, it's not important for someone with chronic knee issues

YE #1 - not important (just as WTF).

Basically one (or 2 slams) and hopefully will try to keep schedule light.

Runner up in Australian Fishing Open
Winner of French Poker Open
He will then retire and assume a position on the Spanish Anti-Doping Association :twisted:

LOL

 

[CMM]

Not sure why people think he's going to win RG next year when his motivation to win any of the other Slams should be much higher.
He already surpassed Borg at the French Open so if he fails to win there next year it won't be such a big deal.
Next month he should start practicing so he's got plenty of time to arrive in good shape at the AO.

 

[Mick]

it all depends on how his knees heal up. If they don't heal completely, all the practice time in world wouldn't do Nadal any good. I hope he will recover completely.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

I see him winning 0 - 2 Majors, with 1 being the most likely (RG).

 

[Agassifan]

No slams for him. Not sure just how he will do at the masters,but I don't hold out much hope there,either.

You gotta give it up at some point. He will be the huge favorite to repeat at the French and if he is healthy and lucky, could steal one of the other 3.

I'd give him a 70% chance of winning at least one slam and a 20% chance of winning two.

 

[CMM]

 

[The_Order]

With Fed never really being a threat to Rafa, Nole dropping off from his 2011 form, Murray is the player who poses the biggest threat at AO.

But if Rafa is confident, he'll beat Murray.

Roland Garros, no explanation needed, barring injury the title's his.

Wimbledon, well he will be burning about losing in the second round last time and so that will motivate him to get to the final and he'll most likely win it unless the roof has to be shut, that would make things tricky for him.

USO, the only real threat I see for him there is Novak or possibly Del Potro.

Any way we look at it, Rafa is the most likely of the big 4 who could win all 4 majors.

 

[Hawkeye7]

With Fed never really being a threat to Rafa, Nole dropping off from his 2011 form, Murray is the player who poses the biggest threat at AO.

But if Rafa is confident, he'll beat Murray.

Roland Garros, no explanation needed, barring injury the title's his.

Wimbledon, well he will be burning about losing in the second round last time and so that will motivate him to get to the final and he'll most likely win it unless the roof has to be shut, that would make things tricky for him.

USO, the only real threat I see for him there is Novak or possibly Del Potro.

Any way we look at it, Rafa is the most likely of the big 4 who could win all 4 majors.

Both Murray and Djokovic are better hard court players. Doesn't seem likely at all. Plus the condition of his knees is a mystery at this point.

 

[TennisCJC]

AO- semis
FO- winner
Wimby- semi
US open- semi
WTF- loses in round robin

I think he'll still dominate clay but won't be a big factor in the others (except maybe wimby)

+1, maybe loses earlier at Wimby and/or USO.

Also, will show weakness on clay for 1st time - may not win French

Once guys like Nadal lose a bit physically, the guys that dominated on clay usually fall fast when the body begins to go because so much of their game is running and grinding.

 

[RF20Lennon]

He will come back with full vengeance and win every tournament no?

 

[cknobman]

Im suprised no one has put this up yet

 

[The_Order]

Both Murray and Djokovic are better hard court players. Doesn't seem likely at all. Plus the condition of his knees is a mystery at this point.

So Murray wins one major on a HC and he is now better than Rafa? Djoker is better than Rafa on HC, but Rafa has beaten Djoker at the USO in a final and he pushed him to the very limit at AO and this was when Novak was at FULL confidence.

Things have changed now, Novak not playing anywhere near AO 2012 level, Murray perhaps he will be the opponent in the final. RF no chance against Rafa at AO.

The surface at AO does favor Rafa over Murray...

Then there's RG we al know Rafa will win that unless he cops an injury.

Wimbledon, I'd take Rafa over Novak, Murray and Fed, Raf just has to make sure he gets himself into the second week.

Then the USO, Rafa made the final past 2 times he played there. Won it once, lost to a rampaging Novak the other time.

I'd say he has a good chance of winning it.

imo Rafa's chances at each major:

AO: 80%
RG: 90%
WIM: 75%
USO: 70%

Novak's:

AO: 85%
RG: 40%
WIM: 65%
USO: 85%

Fed's:

AO: 60%
RG: 50%
WIM: 70%
USO: 70%

Murray's:

AO: 75%
RG: 30%
WIM: 70%
USO: 75%

So going by that, (all those numbers I obviously made up and I could be incorrect but I don't care it's my opinion) Rafa has the better chance of winning all 4 in the year. He is a strong chance at every major whereas the other 3 don't have such a strong chance in at least one major. Strong chance >= 70%

 

[PrinceMoron]

The French, Wimbledon, the Australian, the US.....all open.

 

[NadalAgassi]

Not sure why people think he's going to win RG next year when his motivation to win any of the other Slams should be much higher.
He already surpassed Borg at the French Open so if he fails to win there next year it won't be such a big deal.
Next month he should start practicing so he's got plenty of time to arrive in good shape at the AO.

His confidence has always been based around clay. He needs to win on clay to have the confidence to possibly win on other surfaces as well. In the event he somehow loses the French (and I dont think he will if at all fit) I dont see him winning another major until next years French atleast. It is possible he could win the Australian before losing the French like 09, but he would not win another major after losing the French if that happened for quite awhile.

 

[Clarky21]

You gotta give it up at some point. He will be the huge favorite to repeat at the French and if he is healthy and lucky, could steal one of the other 3.

I'd give him a 70% chance of winning at least one slam and a 20% chance of winning two.

Not a chance.

 

[Retaliation]

(not so) Sorry to say, but he has a pretty good shot at RG, and not a very good shot at the other 3. I've read the previous posts, some have last year's facts, some have delusional opinions. He's on his last leg (or knee).

 

[Vamos Rafa]

Obviously I want him to win them all, but realistically it will be two slams at the absolute most: RG and possibly Wimby or AO but highly unlikely the USO. If he could get his USO10 serve again (Which sadly he won't) then anything's possible.

 

[beast of mallorca]

BEST post of the thread. May your dream be realized !!!

 

[ktid]

So Murray wins one major on a HC and he is now better than Rafa? Djoker is better than Rafa on HC, but Rafa has beaten Djoker at the USO in a final and he pushed him to the very limit at AO and this was when Novak was at FULL confidence.

Things have changed now, Novak not playing anywhere near AO 2012 level, Murray perhaps he will be the opponent in the final. RF no chance against Rafa at AO.

The surface at AO does favor Rafa over Murray...

Then there's RG we al know Rafa will win that unless he cops an injury.

Wimbledon, I'd take Rafa over Novak, Murray and Fed, Raf just has to make sure he gets himself into the second week.

Then the USO, Rafa made the final past 2 times he played there. Won it once, lost to a rampaging Novak the other time.

I'd say he has a good chance of winning it.

imo Rafa's chances at each major:

AO: 80%
RG: 90%
WIM: 75%
USO: 70%

Novak's:

AO: 85%
RG: 40%
WIM: 65%
USO: 85%

Fed's:

AO: 60%
RG: 50%
WIM: 70%
USO: 70%

Murray's:

AO: 75%
RG: 30%
WIM: 70%
USO: 75%

So going by that, (all those numbers I obviously made up and I could be incorrect but I don't care it's my opinion) Rafa has the better chance of winning all 4 in the year. He is a strong chance at every major whereas the other 3 don't have such a strong chance in at least one major. Strong chance >= 70%

Maths isn't your strong point is it?

 

[batz]

He didn't get knee surgery did he? So obviously the knee issues aren't to that point yet.. I expect him to pick up where he left off in the french last year after a few matches under his belt winning a 1-2 clay tourneys on the lead up to the French and taking the French again. Then defending that horrible early round loss at Wimbledon this year and taking him the crown at wimbledon next year.

The USO is up in the air at this point.. I'm not sure who wins it.. Mainly because the scheduling is such a dang mess

I definitely see nadal pushing hard for that YEC next year since its eluded him all these years.. he gonna have to go hard for that one more time at least before he calls it a career.


I will give Nadal 2 slams next year (maybe 3 depending on how he is around North American HC season time) and a YEC. Since its doubtful he will be ready to go by AO time

I'm gonna go with

AO-Djoker
RG-Nadal
Wimb-Nadal
USO-Not sure
YEC-Nadal

Do you have another Nadal in mind - maybe a Nadal with more than 1 indoor title out of 50?

 

[beast of mallorca]

Maths is your strong point is it?

No. His strong point is being a Rafa fan.

 

[beast of mallorca]

Do you have another Nadal in mind - maybe a Nadal with more than 1 indoor title out of 50?

Rafa has been to the finals. Really, it's not impossible. Highly unlikely, but not impossible nevertheless.

 

[NadalAgassi]

Nadal at the 2010 WTF beat both Djokovic and Murray and took an on fire Federer to 3 sets. He is definitely capable of wining a WTF if he plays up to his 2010 WTF level again. 2011 WTF his level was horrible, but no reason he cant get it back up again. Batz was even considering the possability of Murray having an outside shot to win the French earlier this year, and Nadal winning a WTF is WAY more likely than that ever happening.

 

[underground]

Just you wait and see, as a twist of fate Nadal will be drawn against Lukas Rosol in the 1st round of the French Open, losing in 5 sets, 6-7 7-6 6-2 0-6 6-3, where the match was postponed due to bad daylight after the demolishing 4th set.

 

[flyinghippos101]

AO - QF
FO- W
Wim - SF
USO - QF
WTF - SF

I think thats pretty reasonable. Rafa needs matches under his belt for match fitness. With him gone and missing a big chunk of the season, theres no way he'll be able to rack up enough match experience in time before Aussie.

 

[batz]

Nadal at the 2010 WTF beat both Djokovic and Murray and took an on fire Federer to 3 sets. He is definitely capable of wining a WTF if he plays up to his 2010 WTF level again. 2011 WTF his level was horrible, but no reason he cant get it back up again. Batz was even considering the possability of Murray having an outside shot to win the French earlier this year, and Nadal winning a WTF is WAY more likely than that ever happening.

Fair points.


I was? Must've been really stoned that night!

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

 

[The_Order]

Maths isn't your strong point is it?

Those percentages are not graded against each other. There are more than 4 players playing you know.

By saying for example that Rafa has a 90% chance of winning RG, that doesn't mean that Novak's chances are < 10%. They are based on each player's merits.

If I was to grade against each other I would rate them like this:

AO: Novak 40%, Rafa 30%, Murray 20%, Fed %10
RG: Novak 15%, Rafa 70%, Murray 5%, Fed %5
WIM: Novak 20%, Rafa 30%, Murray 25%, Fed %25
US: Novak 40%, Rafa 20%, Murray 30%, Fed %10

 

[namelessone]

Nadal at the 2010 WTF beat both Djokovic and Murray and took an on fire Federer to 3 sets. He is definitely capable of wining a WTF if he plays up to his 2010 WTF level again. 2011 WTF his level was horrible, but no reason he cant get it back up again. Batz was even considering the possability of Murray having an outside shot to win the French earlier this year, and Nadal winning a WTF is WAY more likely than that ever happening.

Correction, a one eyed Djokovic who had problems due to his contacts. I don't hold that victory in high regard due to the condition of the opponent.

The Murray match was sick though.