Rafael Nadal gives positive injury update and reacts to ‘strange’ Novak Djokovic fightback

Beckerserve

Legend
Nadal and Djokovic fans levy has finally broken after their years long unholy alliance against Federer fans

tenor.gif
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
 
So the semifinals will be like:

The Back Moral Champion vs The Mental Injury headcase Meddy

and

The Stomach Fiasco vs Thiem ( he's too nice for me to come up with something)
 

Amritia

Hall of Fame
Well, that was Novak opining right after the match. It may well be he thought it was worse than it will turn out to be. Btw, any updates on this?
Yeah but let's say you're in Raonic's shoes; and opponent says he knows he's torn a muscle based on personal experience, and may even withdraw. Would perhaps mentally affect Rao during preparations? And then if Djokovic did turn up and was at 100%, that premature post match speech would be quite bad gamesmanship.
I'm not saying the above will happen.

In fact I'm 99% sure Djokovic was being truthful. Some on TTW are misrepresenting the 5th set. It's not like Djokovic started running superbly. He just pulled the trigger early during rallies, while Fritz didn't have the tennis IQ or ability to move him around. Entirely consistent with pain relief kicking in, rather than a tear magically healing.
 

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
Whole locker room knows its not a tear. Djokovic embarrassed himself in that post match interview.

I'm not sure what to think

the last time I remember a prominent player suffering an abdominal tear during a slam was Nadal in 2009 and he got straight setted, didn't even get to play the final

Djokovic is claiming an abdominal tear but he seemed to get a second wind in that 5th set

can you just pick yourself up after such a grave injury during a professional tennis match?

only a physio could answer that question but that's my main point of contention, that 5th set comeback after supposedly suffering a tear
 

onyxrose81

Hall of Fame
Why did he drop a 2 set lead then? Every Novak detractor has failed to explain this
You’re absolutely correct. Everyone has opinions on the 5th set but he was leading 2-0. It’s not like Taylor played lights out tennis to get those sets. No detractor has any comment on that.

Do I think Novak is dramatic? Yes and I honestly wish he would reign himself a bit. But he obviously was hampered through much of that match after slipping. And people are acting like he put up a 2016 Doha clinic that last set. No, he just figured out what didn’t hurt as much, bumped up his serve and just started going for his shots. Fritz obliged him by being a dumbass who has no tennis IQ.
 

Amritia

Hall of Fame
Nadal and Djokovic fans levee has finally broken after their years long unholy alliance against Federer fans

tenor.gif
Rafa fans, like Rafa, are fair people.

I was very harsh on Djokovic a few days ago with thread about his COVID behaviour.
However, on this occasion, I think criticising Djokovic over faking injury is just wrong. Btw Nadal did not question the injury, he just said it was a strange match, which it was.
 

Fabresque

Legend
I’m not sure Nadal is the voice of reason here. He slept on the wrong side of the bed, woke up with a sore back, and pulled out of an entire tournament. Now POOF, he’s all of a sudden better.
 

maratha_warrior

Hall of Fame
Every slam is very important for big 3 .

Even if there is a minor injury or sprain ,these players might get hyper inorder to avoid losing opportunity to play Grandslam .

So ,if there was a minor back sprain and hence Nadal decided to suddenly pull out of ATP Cup and avoid Serve practice then how is Djokovic not allowed to get hyper or emotional if he got a abdominal sprain in middle of match ????

Maybe , Djokovic will lose in next few matches because of the injury or he will withdraw , that's fine...

But the hypocrisy of these certain fans who want Djoker to retire from matches or withdraw the moment Djokovic showed little emotion is too much.... They want him to retire inorder to secure their favourites's grand slam record :-D
It's like if he says he feels a bit pain , then fans of certain players will scream " retire or withdraw right now ,orelse I'll call you a faker sitting on my couch " ,as if he cares :happydevil:

I am sure , Djokovic will lose in next few matches but if he goes on to win the slam.. that would be special for TTW tennis fans .:cool:
 
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GabeT

G.O.A.T.
Yeah but let's say you're in Raonic's shoes; and opponent says he knows he's torn a muscle based on personal experience, and may even withdraw. Would perhaps mentally affect Rao during preparations? And then if Djokovic did turn up and was at 100%, that premature post match speech would be quite bad gamesmanship.
I'm not saying the above will happen.

In fact I'm 99% sure Djokovic was being truthful. Some on TTW are misrepresenting the 5th set. It's not like Djokovic started running superbly. He just pulled the trigger early during rallies, while Fritz didn't have the tennis IQ or ability to move him around. Entirely consistent with pain relief kicking in, rather than a tear magically healing.
I have a hard time imaging any player choosing to deceive on his physical condition during the post match interview, among other reasons because the player himself doesn’t know at the time what his true condition is. And even if that was Novak’s intent why would that affect Raonic? Raonic will need to be prepared no matter what.

I think the explanation is simpler. Novak tends to, for better or worse, share more of his views and feelings than many other players. We know of his views on vaccines or mental energy because he‘s shared that with us. Other players are much more circumspect.

if I were Novak. during the post match interview I would have simply said that I was injured during play, felt better towards the end, and would need to see a doctor to see how serious it was. And just leave it at that. He managed it differently.
 
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RF-18

Talk Tennis Guru
LOL, stop being so sensitive. Nadal is saying that for a while Novak looked like he was going to retire and then seemed fine in the fifth set. How is that any different from the truth? And how is it rude?

Just because somebody is your favourite player doesn't mean that you should defend them all the time at all costs or forget to be objective.

Dude, why is he calling it "strange as a spectator to witness" when he is also in this position himself? He has been going on since day 1 about his back issues and not being able to servebut he is still rolling his opponents. So he should know it's possible to still fight and win and that's why I think he could have formulated this better as a fellow collegue.

As I said, I don't know if It's just his english but for me this comes across as a shady remark towards Djokovic.
 

Thriller

Hall of Fame
I’m not sure Nadal is the voice of reason here. He slept on the wrong side of the bed, woke up with a sore back, and pulled out of an entire tournament. Now POOF, he’s all of a sudden better.

LOL, if you literally do nothing but take anti-inflammatories, most back injuries clear up by themselves within 2 weeks. No doubt, Rafa has been having intensive physio treatment every day and people are surprised that 11 days after pulling out of the ATP Cup, he is starting to feel better? #smh
 

Amritia

Hall of Fame
I have a hard time imaging any player choosing to deceive on his physical condition during the past match interview, among other reasons because the player himself doesn’t know at the time what his true condition is. And even if that was Novak’s intent why would that affect Raonic? Raonic will need to be prepared no matter what.

I think the explanation is simpler. Novak tends to, for better or worse, share more of his views and feelings than many other players. We know of his views on vaccines or mental energy because he‘s shared that with us. Other players are much more circumspect.

if I were Novak. during the post match interview I would have simply said that I was injured during play, felt better towards the end, and would need to see a doctor to see how serious it was. And just leave it at that. He managed it differently.
Yeah, fair points.

The only reason for suspicion if he did turn out to be completely okay, is that he said this feels like a tear based on a similar tear he had in the past. If it turns out not to be, I’ll be suspicious he exaggerated his certainty.
Also I know Raonic shouldn’t be affected, but he’s human and it would be hard not to be.

Anyway this is a hypothetical that won’t happen. I think if Djokovic does play against raonic he will be hindered. Then it will up for those who doubted the injury to acknowledge they were wrong.
 

ABCD

Hall of Fame
Rafael Nadal gives positive injury update and reacts to ‘strange’ Novak Djokovic fightback
George Bellshaw
Saturday 13 Feb 2021 2:05 pm


Rafael Nadal booked his spot in the last-16 of the Australian Open with a win over Cameron Norrie but said the ‘biggest victory’ came from the improvements in his back. Nadal, the second seed from Spain, enjoyed a solid win against the British No. 3, winning 7-5 6-2 7-5 on an empty Rod Laver Arena. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was the overwhelming favourite to move into the last-16, despite having been plagued with a back injury during the tournament so far. But he revealed that he had started making progress with the issue and he was able to serve closer to his normal level in Saturday’s victory.

‘No, the back was not getting better each day. Was getting better today,’ smiled Nadal. ‘But today is better, yeah. First day I feel an improvement, and that’s the most important thing for me today, more than any other thing.

‘I was not serving my normal serve for the last 15 days. Today is the first day that I started to serve again my normal serve. ‘But yesterday I didn’t practice, so today just warming up with the new, with the normal movement. So of course I didn’t serve bad, but I can do better, I think. And I’m looking forward to do it better, no? ‘It's been an important victory for me. The biggest victory is the back is better for the first day. So that’s the most important thing.’ While Nadal’s injury has improved, his great rival Novak Djokovic faces an anxious wait over his condition.

‘I don’t like to have a lot of opinions on other matches, no? Anyone has his personal feelings,’ said Nadal. ‘Of course it's been a very strange match. But I can’t have an opinion, because I don’t know what’s he’s feeling because for two sets looks like he’s going to retire and then in the fifth I think he played quite normal a lot of points.

‘I don’t know. A strange feeling for me like a spectator. But that’s it. He found a way to win, so well done.’ For Norrie, there were positives to take from running the second seed close in two of the three sets played but there was a sense of disappointment that he didn’t take advantage of good positions he found himself in. ‘It definitely gives me a lot of confidence that I could play close, but it was a bit frustrating,’ said Norrie.

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2021/02/13/rafa...notification&ci=77098&si=22969801?ito=cbshare

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My translation of Nadal statement is that he was disappointed Djokovic won. It looks like his hopes were raised in 3rd and 4th to be dashed in 5th.
 

zagor

Bionic Poster
Lemao, Nadal of all people is questioning a fellow player's injury :-D

You can't make this stuff up.

My translation of Nadal statement is that he was disappointed Djokovic won. It looks like his hopes were raised in 3rd and 4th to be dashed in 5th.

For once, we completely agree.

Good translation.
 

clayqueen

Talk Tennis Guru
Yeah, fair points.

The only reason for suspicion if he did turn out to be completely okay, is that he said this feels like a tear based on a similar tear he had in the past. If it turns out not to be, I’ll be suspicious he exaggerated his certainty.
Also I know Raonic shouldn’t be affected, but he’s human and it would be hard not to be.

Anyway this is a hypothetical that won’t happen. I think if Djokovic does play against raonic he will be hindered. Then it will up for those who doubted the injury to acknowledge they were wrong.
He told Mats that the physio/doctor had confirmed that it was a tear.
 

zagor

Bionic Poster
Dude, why is he calling it "strange as a spectator to witness" when he is also in this position himself? He has been going on since day 1 about his back issues and not being able to servebut he is still rolling his opponents. So he should know it's possible to still fight and win and that's why I think he could have formulated this better as a fellow collegue.

As I said, I don't know if It's just his english but for me this comes across as a shady remark towards Djokovic.

Because he's being a d1ck. He's also not in the same position, Novak's injury actually affected his play on court while Nadal is rolling over opponents easily.
 

Amritia

Hall of Fame
He told Mats that the physio/doctor had confirmed that it was a tear.
Yeah, along with saying it felt like a tear he had previously. So if it isn't, he has some serious explaining to do. But I still think he was right, so let's see.
 

abmk

Bionic Poster
How has Nadal glorified his injuries over the years? By missing half of the season almost every year from 2012-2019 and being absent from 9 slams whilst sidelined with injury?

the only 2 years Nadal missed half the seasons in 12-19 were 2012 and 2014.
he missed AO in 13, played full season in 15, missed 2 months in 16, played close to full season in 17,18 and 19.
 

DRII

G.O.A.T.
the only 2 years Nadal missed half the seasons in 12-19 were 2012 and 2014.
he missed AO in 13, played full season in 15, missed 2 months in 16, played close to full season in 17,18 and 19.
Please!

Think how many slams Nadal would have if he had the health history of either of his 2 major rivals!
 
Wow. Just shut up, Nadal. You had like 100 injuries that were nothing serious.

Nadal often had injuries and I don't like that he is using it as an excuse when he loses but unlike novak Nadal usually loses when he has a MTO and looks injured.

Maybe Nadal over dramatizes some injuries but if he has that he rarely comes back in that match (for example that AO final against stan).

The difference with novak is that he often had an MTO and then comes back stronger than he was before and decimates his opponent.

Maybe he really has great ability to come back but it is indeed unusual that someone comes back stronger out of a MTO and dominates his opponent. That is why some player like roddick accused him of using MTOs tactically.
 

Beckerserve

Legend
I'm not sure what to think

the last time I remember a prominent player suffering an abdominal tear during a slam was Nadal in 2009 and he got straight setted, didn't even get to play the final

Djokovic is claiming an abdominal tear but he seemed to get a second wind in that 5th set

can you just pick yourself up after such a grave injury during a professional tennis match?

only a physio could answer that question but that's my main point of contention, that 5th set comeback after supposedly suffering a tear
No way anyone can play like Djokovic did with a tear and definitely impossible to arch back and roar like he did.
 

maratha_warrior

Hall of Fame
Yeah, along with saying it felt like a tear he had previously. So if it isn't, he has some serious explaining to do. But I still think he was right, so let's see.

Novak needs to do explanation to whom ?? Nadal /fed fans ?

If he felt pain and thought that he had a tear , and he expressed it openly ,so he needs to explain it ? Wtf
He was rolling over opponent and was leading 2-0 and he felt pain and he expressed his emotions . Thats it .

If he gets beaten up in next few matches or he withdraws , or he overcomes injury and reaches semis /finals , he doesn't need to explain it to anyone for them to give him clean chit .

By that logic , should Rafa explain how is he rolling over opponents inspite of back strain /back pain ?? And also give explanation for 1000 injuries in career ??

I don't think he needs to explain anyone but maybe Nadal needs to explain too if Nadal fans seek explanation from other top players . (y)

It's like , fans of certain players want Djokovic to retire or withdraw the moment he said he had injury . Haha:-D
 

abmk

Bionic Poster
Please!

Think how many slams Nadal would have if he had the health history of either of his 2 major rivals!

I stated the facts there regarding Nadal in 12-19, lol. Go be annoyed at the facts if you want.
Federer has missed winning chances at slams as many as Nadal if not more due to health issues - AO 08, USO 17, Wim 10, Wim 16, Wim 18
 

maratha_warrior

Hall of Fame
You can read between lines over a number of months what players say.

If players were so pro Rafa or pro Novak , there wouldn't be a divide between players about various issues .
Certain players clearly prefer certain players based on where they come from .
By that logic , there are lot many players who like Novak and are friends with him and same with Rafa .
 
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