Rafa = Excitement generator in the men's game

[offensivebaseliner]

Was rewatching some of the classic matches the last 10 years...
I still find myself gravitating to AO 2009 SF, AO 2009 F, AO 2012 F, USO 2013 F, FO 2012 F, FO 2013 SF, Wimby 2008 F, as examplars of exciting matches.

It is very sad that Rafa is in such decline. He really makes tennis much more exciting when he is on form.

 

[Russeljones]

I think you fill find his losses generate the most excitement around here. As long as he is around, there will be fun to be had. One way or another. Vamos!

 

[Booger]

One less baseline bashing robot competing for GS titles. It can only be good for the game of tennis.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

I think you fill find his losses generate the most excitement around here. As long as he is around, there will be fun to be had. One way or another. Vamos!

win or loss, his matches (in the past) tend to be really exciting. like even though i am a die-hard rafa fan, i really enjoy watching AO 2012 F. or Wimbledon 2007 F. Those were all great matches.

I think rafa makes matches so exciting because he presents very unique matchups for almost any player. His southpaw stance, his unique forehand, his overall style.

 

[Russeljones]

@offensivebaseliner this view is shared by many here, sure. I don't like his tennis but I am an admirer of his spirit. It will take a while before the majority of fans fully come to terms with the decline of Federer and Nadal.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

@offensivebaseliner this view is shared by many here, sure. I don't like his tennis but I am an admirer of his spirit. It will take a while before the majority of fans fully come to terms with the decline of Federer and Nadal.

yeah i totally agree. as you pointed out, ditto for federer.
i know there are many excellent fed-djokovic matches too, but somehow, they never had the same kind of drama that rafa-fed or rafa-djokovic matches bring. the excitement and buildup. and almost inevitably the matches deliver in terms of excitement and quality. AO 2009 F for eg, what a match. seriously, what a match. And all the FO matches between rafa and djokovic.

 

[Russeljones]

yeah i totally agree. as you pointed out, ditto for federer.
i know there are many excellent fed-djokovic matches too, but somehow, they never had the same kind of drama that rafa-fed or rafa-djokovic matches bring. the excitement and buildup. and almost inevitably the matches deliver in terms of excitement and quality. AO 2009 F for eg, what a match. seriously, what a match. And all the FO matches between rafa and djokovic.

The more time passes, the more highly I regard the AO 2009 final.

 

[PMChambers]

It is very sad that Rafa is in such decline. He really makes tennis much more exciting when he is on form.

I agree, being one of the most polarising players in the last 15 years he's add a huge amount of excitement through either those wanting him to lose or those wishing him victory. There are few players that have this effect. Without someone to dislike and some on to like a match becomes mute. Nadal brought to the court a level of love and disdain that only a McEnroe or Agassi would bring. The Borg and Federer's of the world need these players more than anything. Hopefully he'll get better over the next 6 month to the pointy where he's a danger if only on clay or in big matches to add uncertainty again. Uncertainty makes a match interesting.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

The more time passes, the more highly I regard the AO 2009 final.

yeah me too. the tennis in the first 4 sets is really amazing. its a pity that fed did not play so well in the 5th but the tennis in the previous sets was really amazing. 2 players who really played well. i think AO 2009's tennis is definitely better than Wimbledon 2008 F.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Pump it up, Rafa.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

I agree, being one of the most polarising players in the last 15 years he's add a huge amount of excitement through either those wanting him to lose or those wishing him victory. There are few players that have this effect. Without someone to dislike and some on to like a match becomes mute. Nadal brought to the court a level of love and disdain that only a McEnroe or Agassi would bring. The Borg and Federer's of the world need these players more than anything. Hopefully he'll get better over the next 6 month to the pointy where he's a danger if only on clay or in big matches to add uncertainty again. Uncertainty makes a match interesting.

yes, totally agree. lets hope the US hardcourt circuit can galvanize him.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

bro, zagor is not talking about you.

he did not?! what does "(I'm sure you recognize yourself in this)." mean?

 

[MichaelNadal]

Well said OP. He'll give us something epic again, he wouldn't be Nadal if he didn't.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

Well said OP. He'll give us something epic again, he wouldn't be Nadal if he didn't.

i hope he does, but i really fear its over.

 

[mistik]

Well said OP. He'll give us something epic again, he wouldn't be Nadal if he didn't.

İt is sad to say for me but Dont hold your breath for that.

 

[Russeljones]

yeah me too. the tennis in the first 4 sets is really amazing. its a pity that fed did not play so well in the 5th but the tennis in the previous sets was really amazing. 2 players who really played well. i think AO 2009's tennis is definitely better than Wimbledon 2008 F.

Especially when you consider what was on the line for Roger and what Nadal had been through to make that final. It really does stand out.

 

[IamGroot]

Pushing, moonballing, winning points solely due to opponents UE, obnoxiously celebrating those errors, no variety and gamesmanship. So exciting to watch.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

LOL. Nadal being called a baseline bashing robot. The last thing Nadal is is a robot. Nadal has brought unprecedented passion to the man's game. Yes, look at the best, most epic matches of the last 15 years, and tell me which player has been a part of most of them.

Rome 2006 F, Wimbledon 2007 F, Wimbledon 2008 F, AO 2009 SF, AO 2012 F, RG 20013 SF, USO 2013 F.

The only people who don't want Nadal back are weak champion fans and resentful zealots.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Just before you rejoined there was this Indian poster, bright chap who could argue well. He kept arguing just this .. that Fed had not declined as you can visibly see, but only someone without any brain cells would say that Nadal has not declined terribly. Trying to recall his name ... he vanished just before or during WO.

ROFL

 

[IamGroot]

Also U.S. open 2013 is a ****ing awful match, how one earth can you call that a classic? Novak choking the third set and Nadal doing nothing to win it and playing terribly in the first and last sets. One of the worst finals of recent years.

I'm assuming it was a typo and you meant U.S. open 2011, which was epic from both guys, no denying it.

 

[MichaelNadal]

İt is sad to say for me but Dont hold your breath for that.

Come on guys, if Shawn Michaels can come back after 4 years and a back injury, with receding hair and be as good as ever, so can Nadal

 

[offensivebaseliner]

LOL. Nadal being called a baseline bashing robot. The last thing Nadal is is a robot. Nadal has brought unprecedented passion to the man's game. Yes, look at the best, most epic matches of the last 15 years, and tell me which player has been a part of most of them.

Rome 2006 F, Wimbledon 2007 F, Wimbledon 2008 F, AO 2009 SF, AO 2012 F, RG 20013 SF, USO 2013 F.

The only people who don't want Nadal back are weak champion fans and resentful zealots.

AO 2012 F. I remember that match almost like it was yesterday. the incredible drama. the tennis wasn't the best frankly. but the sheer drama was amazing.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Also U.S. open 2013 is a ******* awful match, how one earth can you call that a classic? Novak choking the third set and Nadal doing nothing to win it and playing terribly in the first and last sets. One of the worst finals of recent years.

I'm assuming it was a typo and you meant U.S. open 2011, which was epic from both guys, no denying it.

No, it wasn't a typo. USO 2011 was also epic, but ultimately a letdown as Nadal succumbed to Djokovic's usual possum tricks.

I suppose maybe only a true Nadal fan can appreciate USO 2013's epic nature. Nadal's slip up and his resurgence taking that set, culminating in the glorious lawn mower starting celebration are unforgetable. Djokovic knew it was all over at that very instant. MWAHAHAHAHA

 

[zagor]

LOL. Nadal being called a baseline bashing robot.

I think that compared to previous eras all big names in this era are essentially great baseliners though I'd hardly call any of them baseline bashers. I always considered Nadal's shotmaking and hands to be underrated, he wasn't just brute physicality, there's plenty of talent there.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

AO 2012 F. I remember that match almost like it was yesterday. the incredible drama. the tennis wasn't the best frankly. but the sheer drama was amazing.

Definitely!. I forgot to add AO 2009 F to the list, but it was truly another blockbuster. Just not to the level of the SF to Verdasco.

AO 2009 SF and F are probably the most epic consecutive matches ever played by anyone in the Open Era. I'm open for suggestions to the contrary.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

even the AO 2012 SF is amazing.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Also U.S. open 2013 is a ******* awful match, how one earth can you call that a classic? Novak choking the third set and Nadal doing nothing to win it and playing terribly in the first and last sets. One of the worst finals of recent years.

I'm assuming it was a typo and you meant U.S. open 2011, which was epic from both guys, no denying it.

No, it wasn't a typo. USO 2011 was also epic, but ultimately a letdown as Nadal succumbed to Djokovic's usual possum tricks.

I suppose maybe only a true Nadal fan can appreciate USO 2013's epic nature. Nadal's slip up and his resurgence taking that set, culminating in the glorious lawn mower starting celebration are unforgetable. Djokovic knew it was all over at that very instant. MWAHAHAHAHA

EXACTLY Rusty. He's lucky Nadal literally fell over and handed him break points anyway. The way he saved them with the ace, and the ridiculous FH-DTL and then broke Ultron in the next game for the set is up there with the FH from Wimby 08 up the line

 

[zep]

AO 2009 SF and F are probably the most epic consecutive matches ever played by anyone in the Open Era. I'm open for suggestions to the contrary.

Although Djokovic Murray match ups are not as exciting, Djokovic did play two back to back 5 hour matches to win the AO 2012.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

I think that compared to previous eras all big names in this era are essentially great baseliners though I'd hardly call any of them baseline bashers. I always considered Nadal's shotmaking and hands to be underrated, he wasn't just brute physicality, there's plenty of talent there.

Excellent point, zagor. I think discussions here always tend to derive in oversimplification and hyperbole. The truth is that all of Fed, Nadal, Djokovic, and even Murray, have outstanding qualities in almost all aspects of the game. An unbiased appraisal of their game easily confirms that.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

a "disclaimer" here: stan-djokovic matches are also epic. really exciting as well.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

EXACTLY Rusty. He's lucky Nadal literally fell over and handed him break points anyway. The way he saved them with the ace, and the ridiculous FH-DTL and then broke Ultron in the next game for the set is up there with the FH from Wimby 08 up the line

It still raises the hairs in the back of my neck.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

EXACTLY Rusty. He's lucky Nadal literally fell over and handed him break points anyway. The way he saved them with the ace, and the ridiculous FH-DTL and then broke Ultron in the next game for the set is up there with the FH from Wimby 08 up the line

to this day, i still have no idea how Nadal sneaked through the third set. it is really amazing. i was quite certain that rafa would be knocked out -- partly because i always genuinely think djokovic is a superior player to rafa in terms of peak tennis ability == but somehow rafa won. its really amazing.

 

[MichaelNadal]

to this day, i still have no idea how Nadal sneaked through the third set. it is really amazing. i was quite certain that rafa would be knocked out -- partly because i always genuinely think djokovic is a superior player to rafa in terms of peak tennis ability == but somehow rafa won. its really amazing.

The last stand up, out of my seat and fistpump and walk around the house shaking my head moment that Rafa has given me. In the highlights, the entire stadium stands up and cheers and laughs and the commentator goes "That was a Houdini job right there". It was fn epic.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Although Djokovic Murray match ups are not as exciting, Djokovic did play two back to back 5 hour matches to win the AO 2012.

Yes, long matches, yes. But a long match does not an epic match make, unfortunately. Saying Djokovic-Murray matchups are not as exciting is an understatement. For whatever reason, they can produce some of the most sopor-inducing matches ever. I have considered playing one of their best matches in the background on my laptop to combat my insomnia. I can get more engaged watching Mr Roger's Neighborhood reruns, literally.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

a "disclaimer" here: stan-djokovic matches are also epic. really exciting as well.

AO 2014 SF and RG 2015 F say yes.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

The last stand up, out of my seat and fistpump and walk around the house shaking my head moment that Rafa has given me.

yeah. i roared and probably shat in my pants a little. lol. my wife, who isn't a rafa fan nor even a tennis fan, was also really amazed. that's the kinda effect a Rafa on form uniquely brings to the table.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

The last stand up, out of my seat and fistpump and walk around the house shaking my head moment that Rafa has given me. In the highlights, the entire stadium stands up and cheers and laughs and the commentator goes "That was a Houdini job right there". It was fn epic.

Thank you, I thought I needed to check with a psychiatrist about this but I see I'm not alone.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Thank you, I thought I needed to check with a psychiatrist about this but I see I'm not alone.

Nadal had a real way of making me do that you literally walk around shaking your head like how in the hell did he do that? That's my boy!

 

[offensivebaseliner]

AO 2014 SF and RG 2015 F say yes.

i think t

Thank you, I thought I needed to check with a psychiatrist about this but I see I'm not alone.

another moment when i shat in my pants: rafa curling the ball around the netpost against verdasco.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

even when rafa's playing like ****, he still hits shots that pumps up the excitement factor a million fold.

 

[IamGroot]

No, it wasn't a typo. USO 2011 was also epic, but ultimately a letdown as Nadal succumbed to Djokovic's usual possum tricks.

I suppose maybe only a true Nadal fan can appreciate USO 2013's epic nature. Nadal's slip up and his resurgence taking that set, culminating in the glorious lawn mower starting celebration are unforgetable. Djokovic knew it was all over at that very instant. MWAHAHAHAHA

Oh right, you are a clear troll. Possum tricks? Nole was literally rolling his serves in and had to retire from the Davis cup in tears because of the injury he had in the final. You are just butthurt that injured Nole handed peak Rafa a breadstick. Unlike Nadal, Novak has genuine injuries and doesn't need strategic MTO's. Without that injury, Nole would have won in 3.

But keep lying. Won't change facts. Maybe get a life and priorities.

 

[offensivebaseliner]

for the record here and to prevent this thread from descending into another fan vs fan fight, i think novak djokovic is a better tennis player than rafael nadal in terms of peak tennis ability, player to player. i do think rafael nadal is a better player than roger federer in terms of peak tennis ability, player to player.

 

[Feather]

Just before you rejoined there was this Indian poster, bright chap who could argue well. He kept arguing just this .. that Fed had not declined as you can visibly see, but only someone without any brain cells would say that Nadal has not declined terribly. Trying to recall his name ... he vanished just before or during WO.

Was that Kandamrigam?

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

i think t


another moment when i shat in my pants: rafa curling the ball around the netpost against verdasco.

Yes, he was really in the zone during the AO 2009, but that match with Verdasco specifically, it is as if he was bending space-time to hit some of those shots.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Oh right, you are a clear troll. Possum tricks? Nole was literally rolling his serves in and had to retire from the Davis cup in tears because of the injury he had in the final. You are just butthurt that injured Nole handed peak Rafa a breadstick. Unlike Nadal, Novak has genuine injuries and doesn't need strategic MTO's. Without that injury, Nole would have won in 3.

But keep lying. Won't change facts. Maybe get a life and priorities.

Can you tell me how you did that? I need some help.

Please, if you don't think Djokovic likes to play possum we have nothing more to talk about. Him and Murray (with the hamstring grabs) are the worst in the circuit. It's not surprising that they are buddies and that they have trained together for hundreds of hours. I have yet to see Nadal play possum like that. Then again, I'm sure you will claim Nadal was just healthy in the AO 2014 final.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

for the record here and to prevent this thread from descending into another fan vs fan fight, i think novak djokovic is a better tennis player than rafael nadal in terms of peak tennis ability, player to player. i do think rafael nadal is a better player than roger federer in terms of peak tennis ability, player to player.

Talking about peaks is really tough, because what you see normally is a player beating another player because he happens to be better at that specific moment (and luck can also have a slight effect on very close matches). All that I know is that Nadal in 2008/2010/2013 is the best Nadal I have ever seen. Federer in 2004/2007, and even as recently as the Wimbledon 2015 SF this year, is absolutely awe inspiring. And Djokovic 2011 sometimes seemed almost unstoppable.

This year, I don't get any feeling from Djokovic that he is unstoppable like he was in 2011, sorry. He just happens to be the best of a field that is weaker than usual.

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

the nadal is an efficient time violation generator.

 

[IamGroot]

Can you tell me how you did that? I need some help.

Please, if you don't think Djokovic likes to play possum we have nothing more to talk about. Him and Murray (with the hamstring grabs) are the worst in the circuit. It's not surprising that they are buddies and that they have trained together for hundreds of hours. I have yet to see Nadal play possum like that. Then again, I'm sure you will claim Nadal was just healthy in the AO 2014 final.

Yet to see Nadal play possum? You have clearly never watched him play. You think he was injured in the AO final? Sure. My man Stan just kicked his ass and he pulled his usual cheating tricks.

Thanks for giving me a laugh mate. Djoker and Murray don't cheat. Nadal does. Fact. Google Nadal gamesmanship, strategic MTO's and fake injuries. Lots of fun reading for someone who has never watched the game.

 

[mistik]

You can always say Novaks game more suited for hard courts than Nadal. which ı agree but to say that his PEAK is the best ever in general is one of the most stupid thing ı have read on this forum.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

the nadal is an efficient time violation generator.

HAHAHAHA. Well, I'm not one to ignore blatant faults on my favorite players, and that's actually true. Not that I think he is using it as a form of gamemanship, just that he has troubles getting through his endless rituals in time to serve before 25 seconds have gone by.