StrongRule
Talk Tennis Guru
Lol, not counting what happened before 2011 but counting 2014-2016 (the worst period of Nadal's career) is just peak level cherry picking.
Roland Garros 2020 Final: Novak Djokovic [1] vs Rafael Nadal [2]
- Thread starter Yugram
- Start date
malbaker86
Hall of Fame
best of 5 vs best of 3 are very much different, no?
Djokinho
Rookie
Not counting? You dont see "beetween 2006 and 2009" in my post?
In 2010 there was no game in clay.
I only pointed out that 17/7 should be seen as two phases: one of Nadal's dominance 9/0 and the other balanced 8/7.
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
Go Rafa! When Djokovic fakes an injury, pretend you feel for him and the first game afterwards, Rafa; play like you never play before in your life to win that game! 
StrongRule
Talk Tennis Guru
No, I don't see why Djokovic fans always talk about "before 2011" and "after 2011". So it only matters when Djokovic improves, but the form of other players don't matter? 2014-2016 was Nadal's worst period.
Tennis_Freak99
Legend
I'll give a rational prediction: Nadal hasn't won a clay tournament this year. He will be super focused to get this one in the bag.
The level is going to be otherworldly from him
Nadal in 3
6-4, 6-2, 7-5
The level is going to be otherworldly from him
Nadal in 3
6-4, 6-2, 7-5
Djokinho
Rookie
Although the whole world knows that Djokovic has reached another level since 2011. It was not because of this, but because 2011 was the year of his first victory.
If you want you can read: before and after Novak's first victory over Nadal on clay.
Genie Of the Bank
Hall of Fame
Rafa in 4 sets, Novak isn't feeling 100%. 6/3, 6/2, 5/7 ,6/4
Djokodal Fan
Hall of Fame
As much as my heart wants Novak to win, I simply can't get off the fact that Nadal owns this court and has 12 titles. Yes they may not have met here after 2014 with both at peak forms, but my mind clearly puts Rafa as title winner.
Novak, please do something. You gotta believe in yourself like how you did it in wimbledon 2018 and pull this off. You can do this. You know rafa's game better than anyone else in the tour. For the love of God, do this one last time....
Novak, please do something. You gotta believe in yourself like how you did it in wimbledon 2018 and pull this off. You can do this. You know rafa's game better than anyone else in the tour. For the love of God, do this one last time....
BackhandDTL
Hall of Fame
Djokovic in 3 sets.
6-3, 6-4, 6-3
If Djokovic is not 100%:
6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6–2
I don’t have to comment on Nadal’s level because everyone knows post prime Nadal is very mediocre in GS finals.
6-3, 6-4, 6-3
If Djokovic is not 100%:
6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6–2
I don’t have to comment on Nadal’s level because everyone knows post prime Nadal is very mediocre in GS finals.
Third Serve
Talk Tennis Guru
He sure as hell wasn’t mediocre in the last three RG finals.
Gonzo_style
Hall of Fame
This is the first time that Djokovic will play against Nadal at RG as a former champion. He will be more relaxed for sure... Going with Novak in 3 or 4
BeatlesFan
Bionic Poster
Though is really doesn't matter, the American crew except for Navratilova also picked Djoker. Courier, John McEnroe and Gilbert all pick Djoker, Martina says Nadal in four.
We'll soon see.
BeatlesFan
Bionic Poster
PCB and Tsits weren't playing Djokovic in a slam final. Hell, Thiem dominated portions of the AO final this year, but still came up a loser.
Let's look at the last time Nadal dominated a match against Djokovic. This means Djoker didn't win a set and was steamrolled. It was in 2017 in Madrid, three years ago. And 2017 Nadal was a hell of a lot better than the version we see now, especially in movement. And 2017 Djokovic was a shell of what he is now.
Djokinho
Rookie
Do you think Nadal will be under a lot of pressure? Perhaps it is one of the last chances to reach Federer.
Every year the RG title is certain, but next year he will be 35 years old, and if he loses he will no longer be seen as invincible. In the other Slams, he hasn't been the main favorite for years.
Every year the RG title is certain, but next year he will be 35 years old, and if he loses he will no longer be seen as invincible. In the other Slams, he hasn't been the main favorite for years.
weakera
Talk Tennis Guru
One of the cringiest posts I have ever read.
weakera
Talk Tennis Guru
-NN-
G.O.A.T.
I want a real slaughter. Something embarrassing like say... 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. That would be ideal.
GabeT
G.O.A.T.
StrongRule
Talk Tennis Guru
Nadal beat one of these "much tougher opponents" 6-1 6-1 in Rome. Tsitsipas is also massively overrated. He played 2 decent sets and 3 terrible sets yesterday.Djokovic in 5 , Djokovic has played much tougher opponents in the last 2 rounds, Nadal has eaten cake the last two rounds this will toll..
I'll catch match detail on api/upi as work calls this day.
Cheers
3fees
Duncan Donuts
Professional
My head says:
Nadal 6-1,6-3,6-3
My heart says:
Djokovic 6-4,7-6,2-6,7-5
Nadal 6-1,6-3,6-3
My heart says:
Djokovic 6-4,7-6,2-6,7-5
clayqueen
Talk Tennis Guru
But Nadal has won 2 of the last 3 USO titles and retired injured in the SF of the one he didn't win in 2018.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I voted for Rafa in 4 sets because that seems to be the most common occurrence during his RG finals. It is hard to take him to even five sets. To be honest, I have no idea what is going to happen in these strange, new conditions of a Fall RG. I wouldn’t be too surprised if it is a straight-sets win for either of them or an epic 5-set struggle.
Djokovic has been winning every match all year, but has not looked unbeatable in most of them and has just played well enough in the deciding set to clinch a lot of wins. Everyone says Nadal’s topspin is negatively affected by the cold weather, but he has not lost a set in this tournament and seems to be playing dominant defense particularly on long points.
Djokovic has been winning every match all year, but has not looked unbeatable in most of them and has just played well enough in the deciding set to clinch a lot of wins. Everyone says Nadal’s topspin is negatively affected by the cold weather, but he has not lost a set in this tournament and seems to be playing dominant defense particularly on long points.
TennisFan3
Talk Tennis Guru
Almost every tennis expert is picking Djokovic over Nadal. Except Martina as you noted above. For good reason, based on current form, a Djokovic win is nothing less than inevitable.
I guess the only question is whether Nadal can play at his older self. Some ATGs have done in the past. Pete did it. Fed did as well. So far, Nadal hasn't shown any evidence of being close to his prime level.
But then even Pete did not have to face Djokovic. I mean it's almost crazy on how nearly impossible it is to beat Novak in a slam these days. It literally needs a superhuman performance.
I remember most about the Wimb 2019 Final. Djokovic's mental strength is unreal. He won because he almost willed it against a much better player that day. It doesn't matter what the dynamic of the game are, Djokovic dominates his opponents mentally almost without exception. That usually makes all the difference at this level of the game.
maratha_warrior
Hall of Fame
what's the match time ??
alexio
G.O.A.T.
same as today (15.00 paris time)
weakera
Talk Tennis Guru
Why does your head say that? Probably the most severe prediction in this thread.
StrongRule
Talk Tennis Guru
And what is your prediction?
weakera
Talk Tennis Guru
Not sure yet, but any prediction I might make, I won't feel confident in. I voted Nadal/5 FWIW
Krish872007
Talk Tennis Guru
3pm CET (Paris time)
Nadal_King
Hall of Fame
Excited and Nervous at the same time, cannot even think predicting anything this time, such matches don't allow me to have peace in my mind
The bookies don’t know what to think about this match and neither do I. Nadal is better than Djokovic on clay but Djokovic is better than Nadal. At the moment Nole is far better but is that enough difference to beat Nadal at RG I’m just not sure.
If Nadal wins this will show how far ahead he is and has been on clay during his career because level overall he is a good bit behind this Nole.
As 2015 Djokovic needs to be far better overall to beat Nadal here and I don’t know if he is.This won’t end in 3 but I feel Nole needs the 1st set much more. Hopefully he can pull through.
If Nadal wins this will show how far ahead he is and has been on clay during his career because level overall he is a good bit behind this Nole.
As 2015 Djokovic needs to be far better overall to beat Nadal here and I don’t know if he is.This won’t end in 3 but I feel Nole needs the 1st set much more. Hopefully he can pull through.
Tennis Rules
Semi-Pro
fingers crossed for nadal of course.
but it will be a very very tough one. nadal needs to gear up, needs improve his serve, needs confidence to go down the line with forhand and backhand - before djokovic got this idea, needs deepth in his shots...
i wish that he wins titel 13 with win 100 and ties federers grandslam record
vamos rafa
but it will be a very very tough one. nadal needs to gear up, needs improve his serve, needs confidence to go down the line with forhand and backhand - before djokovic got this idea, needs deepth in his shots...
i wish that he wins titel 13 with win 100 and ties federers grandslam record
vamos rafa
Gazelle
G.O.A.T.
Yes, look how fat he is, practically a whale,
Skinnyfat
D
Deleted member 369227
Guest
alexio
G.O.A.T.
what the bookies company this screenshot is from?..also, 1,67 is not a clear fav..but favBookies know what to think, Rafa is a clear favorite.
Nadal at 1.67 in a RG final is madness, he is favourite rightfully so but 4/6 is only less than 60% so they really don’t know what to think. Nadal is slight favourite onlyBookies know what to think, Rafa is a clear favorite.
Hahaha you got there before me exactly what I was saying he is fav but only slight favouritewhat the bookies company this screenshot is from?..also, 1,67 is not a clear fav..but fav
Duncan Donuts
Professional
I’m basically expecting the 2019 AO Final, but in reverse. Djokovic will look like he doesn’t belong and Nadal will feast.
weakera
Talk Tennis Guru
Ok, but why? What based on form going in makes you think it is such a mismatch?
Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil
Talk Tennis Guru
Not sure what to think about this one. Djokovic has a chance but I don't want to get my hopes up.
Best of luck, EMW. A victory here would be huge...
Best of luck, EMW. A victory here would be huge...
hardcourt fan
New User
5set thriller lol. More like 5 set slog
Duncan Donuts
Professional
fair enough, allow me to elaborate.
Djokovic has played a lot of tennis in recent months, and I feel like it’s catching up with him. He played 5 sets in his SF. Rafa is fresh and has looked like his usual self after his loss in Rome.
Also have to wonder about Novak’s health. How is that shoulder holding up?
Finally, the last time these guys fought on clay....Djokovic needed a rabbits foot, a genie, and a 7 leaf clover just to win 1 set. Rome 2019, to me, is an indication of a bigger problem for Djokovic. He can’t scare Nadal on clay anymore (much like Nadal can’t scare Djokovic on hard courts anymore).
StrongRule
Talk Tennis Guru
Nadal's semifinal was just 40 minutes shorter and was arguably a more physical match. Djokovic is 100% healthy and didn't look tired at all after his semifinal.
