The pressure is on Nadal. I don't even want to think about it

[MixieP]

What if Rafa gets to play Nole in the French Open final? There will be massive pressure on Nadal and very little pressure on Djokovic.

By reaching the final Novak will have beaten McEnroe's record and everyone will expect his streak to end at some point. Sure it would be nice if he could win the RG trophy but it will be more like a bonus.

Rafael, on the other hand, will have everything to lose and very little to win. Despite his four losses to Novak many people still expect him to win Roland Garros, because that's proper clay, no fast Madrid clay or whatnot Rome clay - Paris has the real Rafa clay which is all the clay that counts, and it's five sets, Rafa is a beast etc etc.

Still, if Rafa is facing Novak in the final it will mean that... heck, Djokovic has disposed of some pretty strong players on the way, he is still in-form... and he has Rafa's number, he's beaten him four times in a row.

I just don't want to think about how nervous Rafa must be feeling at that point. "If I lose this final no one will ever call me the King of Clay again. My achievements will be buried under the triumphs of Nole. And I will officially be number two on Monday."

How will the ardent Nadal fans prepare themselves for a Nole/Rafa final - sedatives?

 

[Bud]

What if Rafa gets to play Nole in the French Open final? There will be massive pressure on Nadal and very little pressure on Djokovic.

By reaching the final Novak will have beaten McEnroe's record and everyone will expect his streak to end at some point. Sure it would be nice if he could win the RG trophy but it will be more like a bonus.

Rafael, on the other hand, will have everything to lose and very little to win. Despite his four losses to Novak many people still expect him to win Roland Garros, because that's proper clay, no fast Madrid clay or whatnot Rome clay - Paris has the real Rafa clay which is all the clay that counts, and it's five sets, Rafa is a beast etc etc.

Still, if Rafa is facing Novak in the final it will mean that... heck, Djokovic has disposed of some pretty strong players on the way, he is still in-form... and he has Rafa's number, he's beaten him four times in a row.

I just don't want to think about how nervous Rafa must be feeling at that point. "If I lose this final no one will ever call me the King of Clay again. My achievements will be buried under the triumphs of Nole. And I will officially be number two on Monday."

How will the ardent Nadal fans prepare themselves for a Nole/Rafa final - sedatives?

Very little pressure on Novak? It will be his first FO title and a chance to beat Vilas' winning streak. That's massive pressure.

Rafa would be winning the title for the 6th time with many more opportunities in the future. That's pressure but not nearly what Novak is facing.

May the best man win

 

[CMM]

I just don't want to think about how nervous Rafa must be feeling at that point. "If I lose this final no one will ever call me the King of Clay again. My achievements will be buried under the triumphs of Nole. And I will officially be number two on Monday."

http://i55.tinypic.com/68a4j4.gif

 

[8PAQ]

Fed had even more pressure on him in 2008 Wimbledon final. Otherwise he wouldn't be going down two sets to zero. I remember he was up a break in the 1st one. Maybe even the 2nd set. Anyway, that was pure nerves. When Fed finally snapped out of it it was too late and he couldn't win 3 sets in the row to complete the comeback.

It would be pretty sweet if Nadal went down two sets to love in the final against The King. Lets see if he can make it to 9-7 in the 5th like the GOAT did.

 

[Mustard]

Very little pressure on Novak? It will be his first FO title and a chance to beat Vilas' winning streak. That's massive pressure.

I was about to say that Djokovic would definitely be feeling pressure if he gets to the French Open final. Djokovic also has to win the French Open, without any walkovers, to equal Vilas' 46 wins in a row streak. He's currently on 39.

Rafa would be winning the title for the 6th time with many more opportunities in the future. That's pressure but not nearly what Novak is facing.

May the best man win

Yes, may the best man win

 

[namelessone]

What if Rafa gets to play Nole in the French Open final? There will be massive pressure on Nadal and very little pressure on Djokovic.

By reaching the final Novak will have beaten McEnroe's record and everyone will expect his streak to end at some point. Sure it would be nice if he could win the RG trophy but it will be more like a bonus.

Rafael, on the other hand, will have everything to lose and very little to win. Despite his four losses to Novak many people still expect him to win Roland Garros, because that's proper clay, no fast Madrid clay or whatnot Rome clay - Paris has the real Rafa clay which is all the clay that counts, and it's five sets, Rafa is a beast etc etc.

Still, if Rafa is facing Novak in the final it will mean that... heck, Djokovic has disposed of some pretty strong players on the way, he is still in-form... and he has Rafa's number, he's beaten him four times in a row.

I just don't want to think about how nervous Rafa must be feeling at that point. "If I lose this final no one will ever call me the King of Clay again. My achievements will be buried under the triumphs of Nole. And I will officially be number two on Monday."

How will the ardent Nadal fans prepare themselves for a Nole/Rafa final - sedatives?

All I can say is: bring it on!

 

[ivan_the_terrible]

Rafa fans will be rewarded for their failure to leave.
Don't worry, Rafa will be pumped up for the FO.
All of this lethargy will be a thing of the past, he has gone back to Mallorca to recharge his batteries (as he has done in the years gone by).
He will come back Bigger, Stronger, Faster. This is all a master plan, who cares about 1000 tournaments? The GS is what counts.

His team - Uncle Toni, Dr. Sanchez, conditioning coach (highschool gym teacher -no lie) has it all planned out.

Djoker's team really screwed up by having him peak so soon, they are noobs compared to Rafa's.

FO will show that Djoker's team are a bunch of amateurs when it comes to planning a run at a GS title.

 

[8PAQ]

One thing to remember is that if The King makes it to the final than Nadal loses #1 rank automatically so that pressure is off for both of them. So I can't really say who has more pressure. Both of them want to win FO. Nadal wan't Borg tying 6th. The King wants his first. Nadal wants to show he is still the man on clay. The King wants to show he can beat Nadal in a slam. Plus The King wants to consolidate his #1 spot and continue the streak. I say they both have plenty of pressure so it will come down to who is better on given day and not who has less pressure. It will be epic final if both get there!

 

[8PAQ]

Also, it would be great if they played similar number of hours to get to the final so the match is fair unlike Rome final.

 

[namelessone]

Rafa fans will be rewarded for their failure to leave.
Don't worry, Rafa will be pumped up for the FO.
All of this lethargy will be a thing of the past, he has gone back to Mallorca to recharge his batteries (as he has done in the years gone by).
He will come back Bigger, Stronger, Faster. This is all a master plan, who cares about 1000 tournaments? The GS is what counts.

His team - Uncle Toni, Dr. Sanchez, conditioning coach (highschool gym teacher -no lie) has it all planned out.

Djoker's team really screwed up by having him peak so soon, they are noobs compared to Rafa's.

FO will show that Djoker's team are a bunch of amateurs when it comes to planning a run at a GS title.

Leave where?

And damn, you would think that the Nadal doping team got their act together since March(first loss to Novak this year). We are in late May and still this cook Cetovic(or whatever his name is) from Serbia is beating them at the doping game.

What happened? I though that Spain was the biggest doping powerhouse. And yet here comes this guy from nowhere and beats them. Maybe he discovered something new?

If Tony Nadal is helping Nadal dope then I hope he is reading this: Yo Tony, get some of that substance into Nadal's BH. I mean it worked for Nadal's serve in the latter half of 2010, why not get some BH dope too as well?

Also, where are Novak's muscles? I thought the consensus among the doping squad was that you needed to have huge muscles(THASP style) to dope yet Novak is skinny as a twig. Cut, but not big at all.

 

[cknobman]

What I wonder is IF there is a Nadal/Djoker final how big of a role will the crowd play???

FO fans have a history of not particularly "loving" Nadal and if they openly and loudly support Nole especially in big moments will it bother and even negatively affect Nadal's play???

 

[ivan_the_terrible]

Leave where?

The fans, they are wringing their hands man!

And damn, you would think that the Nadal doping team got their act together since March(first loss to Novak this year). We are in late May and still this cook Cetovic(or whatever his name is) from Serbia is beating them at the doping game.
Nadal is taking it easy. Like I said, GS >>>1000

What happened? I though that Spain was the biggest doping powerhouse. And yet here comes this guy from nowhere and beats them. Maybe he discovered something new?

Doping? Well since you brought it up..maybe he's peaking too soon as stated above

If Tony Nadal is helping Nadal dope then I hope he is reading this: Yo Tony, get some of that substance into Nadal's BH. I mean it worked for Nadal's serve in the latter half of 2010, why not get some BH dope too as well?

See above
Also, where are Novak's muscles? I thought the consensus among the doping squad was that you needed to have huge muscles(THASP style) to dope yet Novak is skinny as a twig. Cut, but not big at all.

You obviously thought wrong. I'll drop a few names - Petr Korda, Floyd Landis, Contador. Then compare them to Barry Bonds, McGuire, Ben Johnson(he had a great doctor too) & I'll toss in Carrot Top for sh1ts and giggles

Team Rafa >>> team Djoker

 

[Lsmkenpo]

I suspect if Nadal does use PEDs he is timing their use for when it matters most, the 3 majors he has to defend not the masters. The body builds up a tolerance to these drugs it is best to use them off and on when you need them the most.

It wouldn't surprise me to see a suddenly rejuvenated Nadal now that it is the showtime of the season.

 

[Mustard]

What I wonder is IF there is a Nadal/Djoker final how big of a role will the crowd play???

FO fans have a history of not particularly "loving" Nadal and if they openly and loudly support Nole especially in big moments will it bother and even negatively affect Nadal's play???

When have the Roland Garros crowd ever been with Nadal? They've been against him ever since that Grosjean controversy in 2005 and how he beat Federer in 4 consecutive French Opens.

 

[namelessone]

When have the Roland Garros crowd ever been with Nadal? They've been against him ever since that Grosjean controversy in 2005 and how he beat Federer in 4 consecutive French Opens.

They weren't aggressive to him last year. The general attitude was "we don't like your dominance but we respect you"

It was funny to see guys like santoro and forget go on french tv and other media to praise Nadal before RG 2010. It looked like a desperate attempt to get the french to like Rafa. They were all like "he is a great player, legend, phenom on clay". Especially hilarious from Forget who said back in 2005 about Nadal - "we don't need construction workers on a tennis court" or something along those lines.

Honestly, I don't think Rafa expects rose petals in RG.

 

[Double_Fault]

There's no reason why Noleovic should lose the FO, or ever, for that matter. Only age or injury should stop him.

 

[Mustard]

Nadal seems to much prefer the crowds at Queen's Club and Wimbledon than he does at Roland Garros.

 

[namelessone]

Nadal seems to much prefer the crowds at Queen's Club and Wimbledon than he does at Roland Garros.

Maybe because those crowds prefer him ?

 

[Double_Fault]

The crowds at Queen's Club are boring. I prefer the French crowds.

 

[tenis1]

Very little pressure on Novak? It will be his first FO title and a chance to beat Vilas' winning streak. That's massive pressure.

Rafa would be winning the title for the 6th time with many more opportunities in the future. That's pressure but not nearly what Novak is facing.

May the best man win

I am more afraid of pressure Novak will feel in the SF if Nadal is still in the tournament. The SF win would give #1 ranking to Novak for the first time and I am not sure how will he cope with that.

Once if he is past that, with #1 secured, I think he will have less pressure than Nadal in the final.

 

[wilkinru]

What if Rafa gets to play Nole in the French Open final? There will be massive pressure on Nadal and very little pressure on Djokovic.

By reaching the final Novak will have beaten McEnroe's record and everyone will expect his streak to end at some point. Sure it would be nice if he could win the RG trophy but it will be more like a bonus.

Rafael, on the other hand, will have everything to lose and very little to win. Despite his four losses to Novak many people still expect him to win Roland Garros, because that's proper clay, no fast Madrid clay or whatnot Rome clay - Paris has the real Rafa clay which is all the clay that counts, and it's five sets, Rafa is a beast etc etc.

Huh? By ALL accounts I have read, Rome is as close to RG as it gets. A proper tune up.

 

[Mustard]

Maybe because those crowds prefer him ?

LOL, exactly

 

[TMF]

Nadal sound like it's a certain that Nole and him will be in the final, LOL

They have to reach the final first. Del Potro, Murray would rather be in rafa's half draw. With belief and confident, I think they know they can beat Nadal. Watch out !

 

[TennisFan3]

All I can say is: bring it on!

My guess is that for Nadal to win, Nole needs to get out to someone else (most likely Fed) before the final.

I've watched the Rome match 3 times now, and if Novak-Nadal meet in the final of RG - it could be ugly and Djokovic might run away in straight sets - assuming Nadal plays at the same level.

Right now, Rafa has nothing against Djokovic of the ground. He's being dominated off the baseline, and having to play out of his skin to even win points..

The pressure will be on Nadal big time. This is already his worst season, and a bad loss to Djokovic will put a dent to his "present" clay supremacy.

Rafa needs to improve and tighten up his game quickly..

 

[DRII]

2009 was worse for Nadal up to this point! Performance and results wise!

 

[cknobman]

delete post

 

[TMF]

^
Nadal should be concern about getting into the final first, then focus on who he will be playing in the final. Keep worrrying about Nole throughout the entire event will effect his focus/concentration.

 

[TMF]

2009 was worse for Nadal up to this point! Performance and results wise!

LOL...he won the AO in 2009. I would say 2008 - present he's at his best.

 

[TennisFan3]

^
Nadal should be concern about getting into the final first, then focus on who he will be playing in the final. Keep worrrying about Nole throughout the entire event will effect his focus/concentration.

Who will beat Nadal before the final?

While I acknowledge the Djokovic threat and the fact that he has Nadal's number, it is also true that Nadal can play his B game and get past everyone not named Djoker in RG.

The guy is a beast in Paris; he's only lost ONE 5 set clay match in his career.
Sure that may change if Djokovic-Nadal play - but honestly no one else has a chance.

If the Djoker gets out before the F.O - Nadal wins it. Guaranteed! And he's not losing to anyone else in Rolland Garros (assuming he's not injured).

 

[Sue]

I can't wait for the French Open to get started!!! Should Novak and Nadal meet in the final, I predict Novak to come out on top. However, we can't be sure Nadal isn't holding back a bit presently so he can peak at the finals. Surely he's learned a little since the AO. Should be interesting without a doubt.

And with the confidence Novak has right now, I don't think he will have trouble embracing the #1 spot and maintaining his level. I saw Novak win in 2007 at Sony and there was just no denying his talent at that early age. For those of us following him and liking him over the years, we all couldn't wait to see him reach this level of maturity, physically and mentally. And I don't know if this gluten free diet has made any difference or not, but it is definitely working for Djoker. He just has outstanding movement and flexibility on the court right now.

I also think Nadal's team might learn a thing or two from the schedule Novak is keeping, especially if Rafa is to have longevity in the sport and win more Majors.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Who will beat Nadal before the final?

While I acknowledge the Djokovic threat and the fact that he has Nadal's number, it is also true that Nadal can play his B game and get past everyone not named Djoker in RG.

The guy is a beast in Paris; he's only lost ONE 5 set clay match in his career.
Sure that may change if Djokovic-Nadal play - but honestly no one else has a chance.

If the Djoker gets out before the F.O - Nadal wins it. Guaranteed! And he's not losing to anyone else in Rolland Garros (assuming he's not injured).

Rafa is a shoe in for the final as far as im concerned. Who the hell is gonna take 3 sets off him on clay that isn't named Djokovic? Now once he gets to the final, if Novak happens to be there we will see what happens. I have a feeling Rafa is going to win though, dunno why. In straights at that.

 

[Tony48]

I feel now that Djokovic would pretty much PREFER that he have Nadal as his opponent in the final.

 

[NamRanger]

Rafa is a shoe in for the final as far as im concerned. Who the hell is gonna take 3 sets off him on clay that isn't named Djokovic? Now once he gets to the final, if Novak happens to be there we will see what happens. I have a feeling Rafa is going to win though, dunno why. In straights at that.

According to namelessone, injured Murray, old man Federer who can't hit a backhand, or any other decent claycourt player can beat Nadal the way he is playing right now.

 

[Dilettante]

I feel now that Djokovic would pretty much PREFER that he have Nadal as his opponent in the final.

Me too.

Also, Djokovic seems to have overcome his stamina issues, something important in a clay best of 5 match, and on the other hand Nadal's stamina seems to be not as good as before. This could change at any moment though.

 

[NamRanger]

Me too.

Also, Djokovic seems to have overcome his stamina issues, something important in a clay best of 5 match, and on the other hand Nadal's stamina seems to be not as good as before. This could change at any moment though.

Stamina does not suddenly disappear or reappear; it's a gradual process to gain or lose. The only time that would happen is if you were sick, injured, or you were using PEDs.

 

[ivan_the_terrible]

Me too.

Also, Djokovic seems to have overcome his stamina issues, something important in a clay best of 5 match, and on the other hand Nadal's stamina seems to be not as good as before. This could change at any moment though.

Does Nadal have a magic pill to cure stamina problems?

 

[Tony48]

Does Nadal have a magic pill to cure stamina problems?

More like a NEEDLE, AMIRITE? :roll:

 

[TennisFan3]

According to namelessone, injured Murray, old man Federer who can't hit a backhand, or any other decent claycourt player can beat Nadal the way he is playing right now.

That was in 3 set matches. Grand slam best of 5 is different.

Anyway I don't see the Nadal-Djoker final to be a straight set affair from Nadal. Not from what I saw in Rome, Madrid.

So let's see the probabilities for Nadal vs Djokovic on June 5th final:


Nadal in 3 sets: 5% ( if Nadal gets to the RG 2008 level -unlikely)

Djokovic in 3 sets: 20% ( Nadal doesn't improve, Djokovic plays as well/better than in Rome)

Djokovic in 4 sets: 30% (Most likely outcome)

Nadal in 4 sets: 10% ( Nadal improves more than Djoker)

Djokovic in 5 sets: 15%

Nadal in 5 sets: 20% (Have to favor Nadal slightly in 5 sets because of history).

 

[Legend of Borg]

Rafa is too humble to feel pressure.

To feel pressure would mean he has the expectation of people on him.

Rafa is just too down to Earth to engage in such arrogant acts.

I thought everyone knew this by now.

 

[Spider]

LOL at those saying Djokovic will be feeling the pressure, nothing can be further from the truth. We are talking about someone who has man handled Federer and Nadal 7 times this year, someone who has beaten every player there is to beat, someone who just won the first slam event of the year, and someone who has won all the tournaments this year.

Djokovic's confidence will be so high that there won't be any room for pressure. Djokovic will be playing like he always has this year -- expecting anything less is just 'hoping for miracles'.

 

[aceX]

Everyone predicting a hafalito vs dole final, who are the other semifinalists?

 

[Evan77]

Everyone predicting a hafalito vs dole final, who are the other semifinalists?

We'll find out (get an idea to be more precise) on Friday when the draw is out.

 

[ViscaB]

When you have won a tournament 5 times already there is little pressure. Ask Federer how much he was relieved to finally win RG after trying all these years.

There is more pressure for Nadal to add another Wimbledon and/or US open.

 

[rascaypica]

Fed had even more pressure on him in 2008 Wimbledon final. Otherwise he wouldn't be going down two sets to zero. I remember he was up a break in the 1st one. Maybe even the 2nd set. Anyway, that was pure nerves. When Fed finally snapped out of it it was too late and he couldn't win 3 sets in the row to complete the comeback.

It would be pretty sweet if Nadal went down two sets to love in the final against The King. Lets see if he can make it to 9-7 in the 5th like the GOAT did.

EPIC MATCH!!!

 

[rascaypica]

I do really belive, that Nadal will reach easily the final, and Nole will be more pressuredl... I have the feeling that Djoko will be out before SF.

But, in case they play each other in the final, will be a 3-1 for Nadal. Nole is playing at his best (outstanding performance), and Nadal can do better...and he will.

Nadal only needs to be little more agressive, and I thing he will be, and he is working on it.

He already did that in hard surfaces... he can change his playing...

And I am sure he is looking for the peak at the final.

 

[Slice&Smash]

It's all about Confidence!!

Pressure will only be of secondary importance to Nadal, and he's always handled pressure well (mainly by going for percentage play).

His biggest problem right now will be getting rid of the doubt creeping through his mind after losing 4 finals in a row. He had chances to change tactics, conditions, fitness, mind games, etc and still lost comprehensively. It wasn't even close.

This is like Federer loss in Rome 2006 ... he just knew afterwards he can't beat Nadal on Clay.

I would say it is quite likely he will lose before RG final.

 

[namelessone]

According to namelessone, injured Murray, old man Federer who can't hit a backhand, or any other decent claycourt player can beat Nadal the way he is playing right now.

Murray would have won this match had it been not for his elbow acting up. He was close in the first set and almost breadsticked Rafa in the second. If you believe prime Nadal gets almost breadsticked by Murray on clay then I don't know what to tell you.

Prime Nadal handled a far better Federer, even while Roger is good matchup for Rafa. 2011 Rafa got turned around by almost 30 year old Fed who would have won if the line call didn't turn him into ******** from then on.

Oh, and didn't Nadal 2011("PRIME" NADAL, no?), just lose a set to nr.148 in the world on clay(not to mention that he was two games away from defeat)?

Yup, amazing this Nadal on clay in 2011.

 

[namelessone]

I do really belive, that Nadal will reach easily the final, and Nole will be more pressuredl... I have the feeling that Djoko will be out before SF.

But, in case they play each other in the final, will be a 3-1 for Nadal. Nole is playing at his best (outstanding performance), and Nadal can do better...and he will.

Nadal only needs to be little more agressive, and I thing he will be, and he is working on it.

He already did that in hard surfaces... he can change his playing...

And I am sure he is looking for the peak at the final.

Wrong.

If they both make finals, Nadal HAS TO WIN this or they write his obituary and his confidence gets blown to bits for WB.

If Novak fails to win this, he still has his historic streak for this year and beat the King of clay twice in one CC season. Not to mention getting the streak pressure off his back and swinging freely in WB and summer HC season, including USO.

 

[rascaypica]

Wrong.

If they both make finals, Nadal HAS TO WIN this or they write his obituary and his confidence gets blown to bits for WB.

If Novak fails to win this, he still has his historic streak for this year and beat the King of clay twice in one CC season. Not to mention getting the streak pressure off his back and swinging freely in WB and summer HC season, including USO.

Nadal, is the kind of player who improves with the pressure. He likes challengues. I also think that he dont see himself as a favourite, that is why he wont be so perssured.

 

[MixieP]

If they both make finals, Nadal HAS TO WIN this or they write his obituary and his confidence gets blown to bits for WB.

If Novak fails to win this, he still has his historic streak for this year and beat the King of clay twice in one CC season. Not to mention getting the streak pressure off his back and swinging freely in WB and summer HC season, including USO.

This is precisely what I was trying to say in my long-winded OP. I wasn't able to express it so succinctly. Bravo! as Nole says when his opponent hits a particularly spectacular shot. I like this about Novak, how he is always ready to give credit to his opponents during a match.