The 2014 clay season.... the most interesting in years?

[Russeljones]

The AO put the zap on Nadal's brain a bit. He's admitted as much, in his own discreet, downplayed way in a few recent interviews. He wasn't right in IW and he wasn't right in Miami. And right means playing with the tenacity that has defined his career.

I just don't feel that much energy coming from Nadal or his fans. Perhaps it's a hangover from 2013, which is undoubtedly the greatest year of his career.

I stand by my prediction from early last year; the only way Nadal is going to pick up more slams is if Nole gets knocked out periodically. And there it sat in Melbourne. Nadal can't keep beating Nole consistently at slams. RG 2013 and USO 2014 were two of the greatest victories of his career. Pulling victory from the jaws of defeat in both cases. I keep saying this, but it bears repeating: Roger won his last six slams, Six! without have to go through Nadal. That was really, really fortunate. Nadal is not going to be able to squeak our two more slams, let alone five to pass Fed, if he has to go through Nole each time.

Nole's level has dropped from 2011, obviously, but Nadal's level has dropped a lot from last year. I have a feeling that this might be the end of Nadal's reign at RG.

I doubt the year of his most unceremonious Slam exit (since he began winning them) can ever be considered the "undoubtedly greatest".

 

[Beryl]

Novak wins Rome and Roland Garros
Gulbinho finally wins against Nadal in Rome, hitting 100 winners in the process
Nadal wins Barcelona and Madrid

 

[Fiji]

Djokovic will win RG.

 

[stringertom]

I'm interested if The Dog can keep his upward path. He will be a tough out for anyone (buon giorno, Fabio!) and may take out a favorite to reach deep into week 2 @RG.

It seems the CampFed Dubai experience this winter has really paid off for him!

 

[kOaMaster]

depends what kind definition you have for "interesting" tenniswise

exciting matches?
unexpected outcomes?
new upcoming winners?
some comebacks?
battle between two top players?

in terms of interesting, the 2011 clay season was pretty awesome with djokovic, nadal and federer intercepting

 

[stringertom]

Just got a bit more interesting today with the M-C WC for Rogi. Add in how the due date for Mirka's pregnancy could affect his schedule, Wawa's mini-slump, rising Dog, Djok cresting, Nadal sliding...yeah, it could be an interesting couple of months.

 

[blazing101]

A lot of people said Federer would win Wimbledon in 2008 even though Nadal obviously was closing the gap on grass after their 2006 and 2007 finals. But Nadal took it in 2008. After watching 2012 finals and 2103 semis in Roland Garros I think Djokovic will take Nadal down this year at the French too (assuming there are no injury factors in play)

 

[Fiji]

A lot of people said Federer would win Wimbledon in 2008 even though Nadal obviously was closing the gap on grass after their 2006 and 2007 finals. But Nadal took it in 2008. After watching 2012 finals and 2103 semis in Roland Garros I think Djokovic will take Nadal down this year at the French too (assuming there are no injury factors in play)

That should be the trend.

 

[LazyNinja19]

Interesting surprise winner in the first Masters. Rafa better get his head in the game!

Djoker & Stan are eager to dethrone the King of Clay.