Rafael Nadal out of ATP Madrid Masters.

[AgassiSuperSlam11]

21-11 in slam matches and 11-7 in slam finals against Fedovic. Defended his kingdom like no other. That's enough for me.

24-12 in Bo5 matches against them as well.

 

[MeatTornado]

It's all about Karma. Last year Novak was banned from 2 mayors and 6 masters. Rafa was cashing in big titles in the first 6 months without his biggest rival .

Cashing in on big titles for 6 months? It was literally just Australia, no need for hyperbole.

He won Acapulco but that's not a big title and Novak normally plays Dubai anyway. Rafa didn't win Indian Wells and didn't even play Miami. When he finally won another title it was at RG, where not only was Novak in the draw, but Rafa had to go through him to win it.

And of course didn't win any of the North America summer events either.

 

[AgassiSuperSlam11]

Nadal likely would've won RG 2015 if not for Djokovic.

The guy (Wawrinka) who won RG that year had defeated Nadal in Rome. In fact, Nadal took losses to Murray in Madrid and even took losses to Fabio at Barcelona and Rio. The biggest clay win for Nadal up to that point was a 250 in Argentina in which he didn't beat one player inside the top 50. Of course, RG is a different place but I think that year is where he was the most vulnerable in clay.

 

[DSH]

Nadal likely would've won RG 2015 if not for Djokovic.

 

[Genie Of the Bank]

Cashing in on big titles for 6 months? It was literally just Australia, no need for hyperbole.

He won Acapulco but that's not a big title and Novak normally plays Dubai anyway. Rafa didn't win Indian Wells and didn't even play Miami. When he finally won another title it was at RG, where not only was Novak in the draw, but Rafa had to go through him to win it.

And of course didn't win any of the North America summer events either.

Long story short, Novak would have 23 slams and Rafa 21. Now they both are in bad shape for different reasons. Still i believe Novak 23 at Wimbledon. Rafa 23 at US Open if healthy.

 

[Hitman]

Long story short, Novak would have 23 slams and Rafa 21. Now they both are in bad shape for different reasons. Still i believe Novak 23 at Wimbledon. Rafa 23 at US Open if healthy.

The USO doesn't play the way it did when Nadal was winning it, the surface is much faster and lower bouncing. Alcaraz and the younger guys will be the likely winners of the USO from now on, not Nadal at plus 37 years of age.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

none of the stats you listed has anything to do with highest playing level. When both guys met on the biggest stage, Nadal won 11/18 matches that’s a fact. He has higher peak at 2/4 slams and at any single event

Yeah but that’s only RG and us open. Novak was at a higher level for Australia and Wimbledon. Therefore, it’s 2-2. Then Novak was better and higher level at more masters and atp finals. Therefore, even on higher level, Novak still marginally wins.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Long story short, Novak would have 23 slams and Rafa 21. Now they both are in bad shape for different reasons. Still i believe Novak 23 at Wimbledon. Rafa 23 at US Open if healthy.

Nadal isn’t winning another us open after the surface change. This isn’t decoturf. He isn’t as good on the faster new surface. It’s only RG left but I think this hip injury looks serious so it might the end of the road for him.

 

[RS]

If people are penalizing Federer for once being 16-1 in slams vs Djokovic, I believe Nadal should be penalized as well.

He was actually in a better position to stop Djokovic than Federer was since he is actually a direct contemporary of Djokovic. At one point, the slam count was 14-6 in Nadal's favor. Yes, he stopped Djokovic at RG repeatedly, but he needed to do much better than that when there were 3 more slams left on the table at which Djokovic was always a strong favorite.

Never thought of it like this. Fair point though.

 

[Hitman]

Nadal isn’t winning another us open after the surface change. This isn’t decoturf. He isn’t as good on the faster new surface. It’s only RG left but I think this hip injury looks serious so it might the end of the road for him.

Yes. The new surface is faser and lower bouncing, not good for Nadal, especially age 37. It is really RG left as it stands.

 

[DSH]

Nadal isn’t winning another us open after the surface change. This isn’t decoturf. He isn’t as good on the faster new surface. It’s only RG left but I think this hip injury looks serious so it might the end of the road for him.

The problem is not the surface, it is the age of Nadal.
After all, it is a GS tournament for the best of five sets, outdoors, where a player like the Spaniard always stands out.
A prime version of Nadal he would have no problem beating the current competition and a post prime version would be a little more difficult but he would still have a great chance to win the title there.
It is not comparable to the ATP Finals, the best of three sets, indoors, which is so difficult for the Spanish player.

 

[Mike Sams]

The guy (Wawrinka) who won RG that year had defeated Nadal in Rome. In fact, Nadal took losses to Murray in Madrid and even took losses to Fabio at Barcelona and Rio. The biggest clay win for Nadal up to that point was a 250 in Argentina in which he didn't beat one player inside the top 50. Of course, RG is a different place but I think that year is where he was the most vulnerable in clay.

True. Just feel stylewise and with the high bouncing clay at RG in hot humid weather, Stan struggles to control the Nadal FH when it's coming repeatedly to Stan's BH side. Djokovic is one of the few who can control it and even then he needs to be at top level and Nadal at less than his best. Nadal still carried the aura at RG 2015. Players were still timid.

 

[Mike Sams]

Long story short, Novak would have 23 slams and Rafa 21. Now they both are in bad shape for different reasons. Still i believe Novak 23 at Wimbledon. Rafa 23 at US Open if healthy.

RG and Wimbledon look interesting right this moment. The big 2 are more vulnerable now than ever before. Looking forward to seeing Alcaraz, Sinner, Rune, Medvedev, Zverev, etc push hard at RG and Wimbledon.

 

[Rattie]

It's all about Karma. Last year Novak was banned from 2 mayors and 6 masters. Rafa was cashing in big titles in the first 6 months without his biggest rival . Nadal fans were toxic in celebrating the demise and deportation from Australia and the whole North America swing. I told you all back then that Karma will balance the events out. Now Novak will probably win Wimbledon if he stays healthy and Rafa will win another major this year. Balance has been restored to the universe.

You write that as if Rafa is responsible for Novak’s absence which he was not! You can blame governments, politics or Novak’s choices but don’t lay this at Rafa’s feet as if he was only winning because Novak wasn’t there. Novak at least takes responsibility for his choices, it’s a shame some of his fans can’t. By your logic, Novak could be accused of ’cashing in’ when Rafa is out injured.
Awful post

 

[BGod]

Sad news he may announce his retirement at RG 23 in the presser. Looks like his body has decided he can’t go on.

"Nadal is never injured during clay season" "clay has healing powers for Nadal". Where are the haters that say that?

Nadal got about a decade more in his career than most thought 14 years ago. So yeah. Zero sadness. Like all of Fed's chokes costing him.

Guys like del Potro, Rafter, Becker wish they had this much sadness in their careers.

 

[AgassiSuperSlam11]

True. Just feel stylewise and with the high bouncing clay at RG in hot humid weather, Stan struggles to control the Nadal FH when it's coming repeatedly to Stan's BH side. Djokovic is one of the few who can control it and even then he needs to be at top level and Nadal at less than his best. Nadal still carried the aura at RG 2015. Players were still timid.

I would agree that the bounce due to the Wilson Tennis balls would be better at RG but I think Nadal's FH was struggling at the time. The infamous lasso whip FH winners were less frequent as he didn't generate the depth, accuracy, and spin as he usually did. His wrist since late 2014 was still not fully recovered and he was becoming more of a "pusher" at the time and not pulling the trigger as often. Even if Djokovic wasn't at the QF he then would've needed to beat both Murray and Wawrinka back-to-back and that version of Nadal had recently lost two both players recently who would've had more confidence in those potential matches. Nonetheless, Wawrinka played a great tournament including defeating Federer in straight sets and deserved to win.

 

[RS]

He had a punchers chance imo but Stan is the favourite

 

[DSH]

Nadal got about a decade more in his career than most thought 14 years ago. So yeah. Zero sadness. Like all of Fed's chokes costing him.

Guys like del Potro, Rafter, Becker wish they had this much sadness in their careers.

You are the classic religious fan of Federer who attributes the defeats of your idol to "chokes" instead of accepting defeats sportingly.
Now, if you enjoy his bad timing, that fades into the background and is pretty irrelevant, to be honest.

 

[DIMI_D]

Nadal got about a decade more in his career than most thought 14 years ago. So yeah. Zero sadness. Like all of Fed's chokes costing him.

Guys like del Potro, Rafter, Becker wish they had this much sadness in their careers.

Yes did come back so many times and defied the odds that’s why he is one of the ATG and legends of the game. Had the slam record for 12 months outright as well no one can take that away either… it’s still sad when a legendary career ends I’m still happy he out did what I thought and expected he will be missed and if it’s his time due to his body and Father Time which spares no soul so be it better than sticking around like Murray and getting beat by mugs

 

[Genie Of the Bank]

RG and Wimbledon look interesting right this moment. The big 2 are more vulnerable now than ever before. Looking forward to seeing Alcaraz, Sinner, Rune, Medvedev, Zverev, etc push hard at RG and Wimbledon.

Still believe if Rafa is 80% healthy he will win in Paris, the same with Novak in London. Maybe Alcaraz-Medvedev final at RG.

 

[Sampras-Bruguera 1993]

I'm not writing Rafa off for Wimbledon if he plays. Anyone can win there if Djokovic is hobbling. The grass field will always be open. No one knows how to play on it

 

[mike danny]

Still believe if Rafa is 80% healthy he will win in Paris, the same with Novak in London. Maybe Alcaraz-Medvedev final at RG.

You mean USO.

 

[Genie Of the Bank]

You write that as if Rafa is responsible for Novak’s absence which he was not! You can blame governments, politics or Novak’s choices but don’t lay this at Rafa’s feet as if he was only winning because Novak wasn’t there. Novak at least takes responsibility for his choices, it’s a shame some of his fans can’t. By your logic, Novak could be accused of ’cashing in’ when Rafa is out injured.
Awful post

Nope, Rafa fans were extremely toxic and celebrating Novak absence during Australian open, Wells and Miami + all North America patch. Injuries are a part of the sport so if any other player wins the titles it is ok. Lets be honest here, Novak is superior in the hard courts in AO, IW, Miami plus Shanghai, Paris, WTF not to mention the London grass. For Rafa fans it is difficult to accept that their champion will end up as the second best player in history. The most likely scenario that Novak will end up with the most majors ,masters, WTF, weeks at number one. Rafa is the best clay court player ever and one of the best on hard, but he doesn't have the records for the GOAT title.

 

[Genie Of the Bank]

You mean USO.

Maybe Zverev will find some form or Medved repeat. Carlos is the slight favorite but injury prone also.

 

[Rattie]

Nope, Rafa fans were extremely toxic and celebrating Novak absence during Australian open, Wells and Miami + all North America patch. Injuries are a part of the sport so if any other player wins the titles it is ok. Lets be honest here, Novak is superior in the hard courts in AO, IW, Miami plus Shanghai, Paris, WTF not to mention the London grass. For Rafa fans it is difficult to accept that their champion will end up as the second best player in history. The most likely scenario that Novak will end up with the most majors ,masters, WTF, weeks at number one. Rafa is the best clay court player ever and one of the best on hard, but his doesn't have the records for the GOAT title.

Well, Djokovic fans in here are just as toxic and celebratory whenever Rafa is beaten or injured imo. So I’m sorry but that doesn’t wash with me. If a player is absent for whatever reason, others can only play the player in front of them.
Rafa may end up being the second most successful player, but it doesn’t make Novak the GOAT. There is no such thing, no matter how often Djokovic fans insist that he is it.

 

[DSH]

Still believe if Rafa is 80% healthy he will win in Paris, the same with Novak in London. Maybe Alcaraz -Medvedev final at RG.

 

[Genie Of the Bank]

Danil is solid dark horse in Paris.

 

[DSH]

Danil is solid dark horse in Paris.

In Paris-Bercy, without a doubt.

 

[Genie Of the Bank]

Well, Djokovic fans in here are just as toxic and celebratory whenever Rafa is beaten or injured imo. So I’m sorry but that doesn’t wash with me. If a player is absent for whatever reason, others can only play the player in front of them.
Rafa may end up being the second most successful player, but it doesn’t make Novak the GOAT. There is no such thing, no matter how often Djokovic fans insist that he is it.

For me Jordan, Ali , Messi and Djokovic are Goats in their sports.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Nadal will be out of top 400 in ATP race to turin and clay season is almost over. He has 3000 pts to play for.

 

[octobrina10]

Nope, Rafa fans were extremely toxic and celebrating Novak absence during Australian open, Wells and Miami + all North America patch. Injuries are a part of the sport so if any other player wins the titles it is ok. Lets be honest here, Novak is superior in the hard courts in AO, IW, Miami plus Shanghai, Paris, WTF not to mention the London grass. For Rafa fans it is difficult to accept that their champion will end up as the second best player in history. The most likely scenario that Novak will end up with the most majors ,masters, WTF, weeks at number one. Rafa is the best clay court player ever and one of the best on hard, but he doesn't have the records for the GOAT title.

Djoko's absence from the tournaments you mentioned was a consequence of his voluntary choice.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Rafa 23 at US Open if healthy.

Extremely bold call. The court index speed at the USO is about 38 now, not 30 when Rafa won it last. His career is winding down, for him to win another USO at 37 would be nearly a miracle.

 

[Genie Of the Bank]

Djoko's absence from the tournaments you mentioned was a consequence of his voluntary choice.

Well you lose some battles and win others. I wish good health to Rafa, i want to see him to be ready for Paris. Paris without Rafa is like Melbourne without Novak.

 

[RS]

21-11 in slam matches and 11-7 in slam finals against Fedovic. Defended his kingdom like no other. That's enough for me.

The days Nadal was 23-10 vs Fed (line call from very possibly 24-9) , 23-19 vs Djokovic and 15-5 vs Murray

But he didn't have the same overall success/achievements as now tbh.

 

[Genie Of the Bank]

Extremely bold call. The court index speed at the USO is about 38 now, not 30 when Rafa won it last. His career is winding down, for him to win another USO at 37 would be nearly a miracle.

Well, Rafa can outhit young players on court with medium bounce . Grass and low bouncing indoors courts are his weakness.

 

[DSH]

Extremely bold call. The court index speed at the USO is about 38 now, not 30 when Rafa won it last. His career is winding down, for him to win another USO at 37 would be nearly a miracle.

Casper "the ATP 250 clay specialist" Ruud was a finalist on this fast surface at the US Open.
What does that tell us?

 

[AgassiSuperSlam11]

Interesting how this went off topic rather quickly. Both the NY Times and CNN are both reporting that Nadal may miss the entire clay season which includes the FO. It appears my post last year which got me reported for using the word degenerative (common term used in medical and legal jargon-not derogatory) is accurate.

This means he should consider one last true run at a 3rd Wimbledon title by doing a Grass 250/500 and then Wimbledon. He can play Queens or Mallorca (backyard) and then Wimbledon. Of course, if he accomplishes it he can brag that he is the only player in the Open Era to win three or more slams on each surface. Even if he fails I always respect an athlete for trying to make history. Physically it would be difficult to see him play both slams if his Psoas muscle condition isn't improving much. The radiating pain hurts multiple body parts as lower back, pelvis, hips, and gluteus maximus (won't use proper language as it may get me reported again for obscene language).

Wow NY Times right for once. Even a bad clock is right twice a day.

For those who are dubious one only needs to see that this is the first time in over 900 weeks he dropped outside of the Top 10. It's quite conspicuous to any rational and objective individual that he has multiple physical challenges at this point. I don't think he is going to Rome either. His body isn't responding to various treatments and his best hope might be to play the tune-up Lyon tournament then FO. However, even that is wishful thinking.

The magic healing power of the clay season i guess didn't work this time. Perhaps that trolling narrative will finally drop by the wayside.