Rafa will still win French

[McEnborg]

The reason? Because as good as his physical conditioning has become, I still don't see Novak being able to handle the rigors of many best of 5 matches on clay the way Rafa can.

If they meet in the final, I think Rafa's endurance will wear Novak down. If you look at each player after long points, Novak is clearly more physically taxed then Rafa, who lost the match yesterday, primarily because of his serving struggles.

On the red clay at Roland Garros, Novak won't be able to hit some of those down the line winners with the same effectiveness. And Rafa's incredible lower body strength will prevail over long rallies, especially late in the match. Just my opinion. It just seems to me that Rafa has greater endurance and overally, is physically stronger.

 

[CMM]

If you look at each player after long points, Novak is clearly more physically taxed then Rafa, who lost the match yesterday, primarily because of his serving struggles.

Yeah, he was breathing hard in the first and second set.
But when the score turned in his favour in the third set, he miraculously felt much better and stopped breathing hard.

 

[namelessone]

Yeah, he was breathing hard in the first and second set.
But when the score turned in his favour in the third set, he miraculously felt much better and stopped breathing hard.

Novak has that breathing problem plus it's allergy season.

There is also a mental aspect here. Nadal was suffocating him with good serving and great game off the ground for one and a half sets. When Nadal's serve went AWOL that allowed Novak more breathing space and he got into every Nadal service game from then on. If Nadal managed to consolidate that re-break at 3-4 in the second, it could have gone both ways but with Nadal's serve deserting him from that point on, Novak had a lot more breathing space and got his confidence back.

To answer the OP, Rafa is big favourite in a potential meeting with Djoker in RG not cause he can outlast him but because his balls are way more lively in a clay setting(better offensive), serve isn't such a big factor and he can defend better there. Djoker has improved but I'd like to see his clay game before I make any assumptions. Djoker has always been a very good HC player. I'd like to see this new Djoker on clay.

 

[single_handed_champion]

Djokovic is great on clay, but he let a 3-set match in 2009 (Madrid SF), a loss to Nadal, derail his RG chances spectacularly, when he lost tamely to Kohlschreiber. That was a brilliant claycourt season, but he still could not beat Nadal, who himself fizzled out at RG. Nadal is an overwhelming favorite no matter what happens leading into RG: 5 titles to no finals is all you need to know.

 

[hoodjem]

Maybe it'll be a great match, and we'll have to wait and see who wins.

 

[stanton warrior]

I'm not so sure.
Indian Wells is the hardcourt closest to a clay court on the tour. On a hot day I could even imagine Roland Garros being a little bit faster, if they are still using those lighter balls.

Nadal's the clear favorite, but I wouldn't be shocked if Djokovic won the French.

 

[Sentinel]

If Rafa is not injured, he wins it in straights. Otherwise, there are others too such as Robin.

 

[Carsomyr]

Hopefully it will (possibly) be more interesting than their past meetings in which Djokovic was trounced. The victory over Nadal in a big final should be huge confidence booster. I don't think Federer will be a serious factor on clay anymore, though Agassi did win his French Open at 29, so you never know.

 

[kishnabe]

Like in 2009 right,? I mean yes he is the dominant clay courter but nothing is for granted till it happens. We will see....and look back and see....oh just the usal Nadal conquers the French or like omg Nadal got upset.

 

[Speranza]

Watson: Both Holmes and I mentioned this a short while ago, we don't think Ralph will take it this year. Djokovic is not the reason for doubting Ralph, it's just a gut feeling... Which to all intent and purpose is useless in a discussion, but it has been a gut feeling that's been there a while. Same gut feeling we had prior to the US Open of 2009 that Del Potro would take it.

 

[bolo]

Here's what will convince regarding djokovic's chances of taking nadal at RG.

Make 3 CC finals before RG and take a match vs. Nadal. If not odds are djokovic doesn't even make the final at RG.

 

[RedHotRafa]

Nadal will trounce Djokovic if Djokovic even makes the final. You guys there is always hype, After Nadal won USO, he was suddenly headed for a CYGS in 2012, Fed after WTF was suddenly back to GOAT 2004 -2007 status, obviously Djokovic is playing very well, but really this great run has all come on hardcourt. He's had some very lucky matches with midmatch brainfarts from both Federer and surprisingly Nadal (11 missed 1st serves in a row, 25% second set 1st serve, 42% overall) I don't think I've ever seen Nadal serve that poorly, Djokovic could have easily lost that match in straight had Nadal maintained first set form. Djokovic is no Prime Federer, he cannot challenge Rafa at the French, Look even Prime Fed who is 1000x times better then this Djokovic could only take a set off Rafa and he hadn't even reached Prime yet, we saw what happened when Prime Nadal went up against Fed at RG 6-1 6-3 6-0, so yes Nole is doing great but it won't last forever don't believe me? Look at this http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Novak-Djokovic.aspx?t=pa&y=2008&m=s&e=0
I forsee a very very similar season, a great one for Novak

 

[Fiji]

Watson: Both Holmes and I mentioned this a short while ago, we don't think Ralph will take it this year. Djokovic is not the reason for doubting Ralph, it's just a gut feeling... Which to all intent and purpose is useless in a discussion, but it has been a gut feeling that's been there a while. Same gut feeling we had prior to the US Open of 2009 that Del Potro would take it.

My gut feeling: Slamless year for Fedal.

Nole and Del Potro will win all 4 slams.

 

[Legend of Borg]

Watson: Both Holmes and I mentioned this a short while ago, we don't think Ralph will take it this year. Djokovic is not the reason for doubting Ralph, it's just a gut feeling... Which to all intent and purpose is useless in a discussion, but it has been a gut feeling that's been there a while. Same gut feeling we had prior to the US Open of 2009 that Del Potro would take it.

A riveting thought gentlemen.

This would make for a very intriguing RG 2011.

 

[Fiji]

2011 slams winners:

AO: Nole
FO: Del Potro
Wimbledon: Nole
USO: Del Potro

 

[Speranza]

A riveting thought gentlemen.

This would make for a very intriguing RG 2011.

Watson: Wouldn't it just? And we're Fed fans too, but wouldn't mind seeing more than Fedal in the running.

My gut feeling: Slamless year for Fedal.

Nole and Del Potro will win all 4 slams.

Watson: Ditto my comment above, it'd definitely be interesting. I can see Djokovic doing well at Wimbledon this year, because of his own serving and his excellent returning of serve. That said, it will be the closest of the slams between him, Ralph and Roger, not to mention Berdych and Murray, Roddick - if the latter 3 pick up their level of play.

Holmes: But still sticking to a surprise at Roland Garros with someone else other than Ralph taking it.

 

[RedHotRafa]

Slam winners,
AO: Nole
RG:Rafa
WB: Rafa
US: Delpo, Nole, Rafa. (If it starts out 110 degrees like last years first week we could see an earlier round upset for Nole.)

 

[All-rounder]

My gut feeling: Slamless year for Federer.

Nole and Nadal will win all 4 slams.

Fixed :roll:

 

[drakulie]

To answer the OP:

Rafa is undefeated when he wins.

 

[rommil]

If Rafa is not injured, he wins it in straights. Otherwise, there are others too such as Robin.

So you saying it's possible it will be a Buttman and Robin showdown?

 

[yellowoctopus]

Rafa will still win French

Captain obvious is in the room.

 

[Whitelight]

I don't think I've ever seen Nadal serve that poorly, Djokovic could have easily lost that match in straight had Nadal maintained first set form.

Bla,bla.bla. Nadal has won more points on second serve and I remember the commentator wondered that Djokovic has more problems with Nadal's second service other than the first. So you are talking nonsence, Novak won because he is a better player than nadal on HC.

 

[david93]

Of course he'll win the FO.
Did anyone doubt that?

 

[rommil]

Rafa will definitely win the FO if they use a ping pong net.

 

[pmerk34]

Of course he'll win the FO.
Did anyone doubt that?

No one doubted it in 2009

 

[sureshs]

Rafa will win the FO if he is not injured.

If he does not win the FO, then he must be injured.

 

[slice bh compliment]

... Buttman and Robin...

Laughing out loud...I had not heard that before. Did you make it up?

 

[pmerk34]

Rafa will win the FO if he is not injured.

If he does not win the FO, then he must be injured.

Correct, can you imagine if Rafa missed the 2009 FO?? His worshippers would have awarded it to him de facto!

 

[rommil]

Laughing out loud...I had not heard that before. Did you make it up?

Well when Senti mentioned Robin then Nadal, I got the idea. I dont remember reading that somewhere before.

 

[TMF]

Rafa will win the FO if he is not injured.

If he does not win the FO, then he must be injured.

Rafa was on a tear in 2009 until he met an on fire Soderling. There’s nothing Rafa can do b/c Robin was "too good" that day. It could happen again and it maybe someone else.

 

[jackson vile]

Let's wait and see how the clay season unfolds. Once again the only thing that is going to stop Nadal from dominating clay again is injury or a player in "god mode".

Otherwise many may pose a challenge, but none will win.

 

[Xemi666]

Agreed. When the clay court season starts the Nadal haters will once again start *****ing and moaning when their stupidity at writing Rafa off is exposed once again. Basically, the same that happens every year.

 

[pmerk34]

Let's wait and see how the clay season unfolds. Once again the only thing that is going to stop Nadal from dominating clay again is injury or a player in "god mode".

Otherwise many may pose a challenge, but none will win.

If he loses he's injured, if he wins he's injured. When is this guy not injured?

 

[CDestroyer]

2011 slams winners:

AO: Nole
FO: Del Potro
Wimbledon: Nole
USO: Del Potro

Sounds like a good prediction to me.

 

[TennisFan3]

Bookmarked this thread..to bring up after the F.O.
A lot of folks here will be heating humble pie.

Underestimate Nadal on the clay at your own risk. Clay is the wellspring from which he flows. He's at least twice as good on clay as he is on hardcourts. Wait till he gets some dirt beneath his shoes..

 

[pmerk34]

Bookmarked this thread..to bring up after the F.O.
A lot of folks here will be heating humble pie.

Underestimate Nadal on the clay at your own risk. Clay is the wellspring from which he flows. He's at least twice as good on clay as he is on hardcourts. Wait till he gets some dirt beneath his shoes..

How can we not eat humble pie? If he wins you will say he's a beast who rules on clay and if he loses you will say he was injured so it doesn't count anyway.

 

[Blue Cat]

Rafa was on a tear in 2009 until he met an on fire Soderling. There’s nothing Rafa can do b/c Robin was "too good" that day. It could happen again and it maybe someone else.

The only other person who has the right gameplan to beat Nadal on clay is JMDP. Soderling and JMDP are the only people who can really power past Nadal on both wings if they are feeling it. But even those guys are more likely to go down to Nadal in straights if they meet. JMDP is the guy who I see challenging Nadal to some degree in the future when he gets back to fully fitness and gets match-tough. No one else, not Djokovic, not Federer, not Raonic (his fans seem to believe he's some kind of tennis god at 20 when he's not), not anyone other than those two have a glimmer of hope.

 

[Omega_7000]

Let's wait and see how the clay season unfolds. Once again the only thing that is going to stop Nadal from dominating clay again is injury or a player in "god mode".

Otherwise many may pose a challenge, but none will win.

"God Mode" ? More like my man crush cannot lose without being injured, so the only other explanation is that his opponent must have played the absolute best he has ever played in his entire life. :roll:

Pathetic *******s!

 

[TennisFan3]

The only other person who has the right gameplan to beat Nadal on clay is JMDP. Soderling and JMDP are the only people who can really power past Nadal on both wings if they are feeling it. But even those guys are more likely to go down to Nadal in straights if they meet. JMDP is the guy who I see challenging Nadal to some degree in the future when he gets back to fully fitness and gets match-tough. No one else, not Djokovic, not Federer, not Raonic (his fans seem to believe he's some kind of tennis god at 20 when he's not), not anyone other than those two have a glimmer of hope.

Agree 100%.

The only guy who can "POSSIBLY" challenge Nadal on clay is peak Delpo. And even then it would be a grueling match, and anyone could win..

 

[jackson vile]

If he loses he's injured, if he wins he's injured. When is this guy not injured?

I don't know, why don't you ask Roger. He seems to have a leg up on the game injury back, mono, he's just old now etc...

 

[QueenSeles]

Let's wait and see how the clay season unfold. Then let's not wait and declare Rafa the winner regardless. Why is the sky blue?

 

[pmerk34]

I don't know, why don't you ask Roger. He seems to have a leg up on the game injury back, mono, he's just old now etc...

Sorry but Federer doesn't have nearly as many dedicated posters here who count off injury excuses for every match the guy ever lost as opposed to this Nadal contingent,

 

[All-rounder]

I don't know, why don't you ask Roger. He seems to have a leg up on the game injury back, mono, he's just old now etc...

:lol: Nadal is the only player I know that can be completely healthy and injured in the same match. It's amazing.

 

[pmerk34]

Well Federer sure got the beat down last year at the French, I am sure you have a boat load of excuses. He looked completely impotent out there. LOL

****s are so sour, Roger is over; deal with it!

Federer is old for a male tennis pro he gets beaten a lot more these days. Nadal has never lost a match period if you take away injuries he must be undefeated!

 

[pmerk34]

No you are way way! Wrong LOL My back, my ankle, mono, I'm too old now, etc

Just look at the BS Roger said about Novak, "he escaped"? No Roger got his @$$ beat again by Novak, you are as poor sport as Roger.

You are missing the point. I;m not talking about what the players themselves say I am talking about their apologists on these boards

 

[pmerk34]

Really, you fools sure were talking up the WTF finals and how amazing he is.

What happend to all of that???

****s are just as bad if not worse than Nards when it comes to excuses.

Both of you make me sick!

I'm not a "****" for one. I stated over a year ago that Federer would never beat Nadal in a 5 setter again and that Nadal IMO was the best player in the world in 2008, was better than Fed in 2009 and was the best in 2010. I also stated on these boards about a year ago I think while he was having his serving woes that Djokovic would be be the next number 1 player in the world at some point within the next 3 years.

 

[jackson vile]

I'm not a "****" for one. I stated over a year ago that Federer would never beat Nadal in a 5 setter again and that Nadal IMO was the best player in the world in 2008, was better than Fed in 2009 and was the best in 2010. I also stated on these boards about a year ago I think while he was having his serving woes that Djokovic would be be the next number 1 player in the world at some point within the next 3 years.

Here you go; http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=373211

Federer's back!

Federer has commented on his back problems over MANY years.

Pot v. Kettle

 

[cork_screw]

No sh it, why wouldn't he. Was Indian Wells or Aussie Open on clay? More trends, just because he loses at Indian Wells doesn't mean he can't win on clay.

 

[mcenroefan]

Rafa will be the favorite to win the FO....does anyone seriously debate this proposition?

Sure, he might lose to a Soderling or Delpo but he most definitely is the favorite...assuming he's healthy.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Rafa is the favorite, but it is still to early to tell.

The guy is very injury prone.