The problem with Nadal is his game

[tonyg11]

It is also the reason by 25 he’s going to retire unless he takes on a much lighter schedule and settles for a lower ranking.

Nadal’s biggest problem and also his strength is that he plays %110 in every match. He rarely has an off day or a day where he looks a little slower than usual. If he’s not feeling too well he doesn’t have anything in his game to fall back on. His game as a counterpuncher leaves him open to being attacked and pushed around. Guys like Sampras could have off days and still fall back on serving bombs or going for winners. Agassi was the same. He could have an off day and get lucky teeing off flat groundstrokes for winners.

Lets compound this with the fact that players are finally learning how to play Nadal, how will Nadal do when he’s not longer at %110? What happens when he’s at %80?

 

[S H O W S T O P P E R !]

Most counterpunchers get injured. Hewitt, Monfils, etc. all had injury problems. It comes with the style of play.

 

[GameSampras]

If you have the right weapons, Nadal can be toppeled. He isnt smart with his scheduling and I believe its catching up with him as well. His smash mouth defensive, run every ball down and rely on pure speed and athleticism counterpunching routine can only last for so long. Not a smart way to achieve longevity. I mean hell.. Look what it is doing to him already? 4 time defending french Open champ and lost to a player he should have routinely destroyed, physical problems every few months, cant even finish an entire season healthy etc.

He wont last..

 

[LPShanet]

It is also the reason by 25 he’s going to retire unless he takes on a much lighter schedule and settles for a lower ranking.

Nadal’s biggest problem and also his strength is that he plays %110 in every match. He rarely has an off day or a day where he looks a little slower than usual. If he’s not feeling too well he doesn’t have anything in his game to fall back on. His game as a counterpuncher leaves him open to being attacked and pushed around. Guys like Sampras could have off days and still fall back on serving bombs or going for winners. Agassi was the same. He could have an off day and get lucky teeing off flat groundstrokes for winners.

Lets compound this with the fact that players are finally learning how to play Nadal, how will Nadal do when he’s not longer at %110? What happens when he’s at %80?

A lot of insightful statements in your post, except for one point. The bit about settling for a lower ranking. Rafa could play a considerably lighter schedule than he currently does without having ANY effect on his ranking. He already played several events this spring that had NO effect on his ranking at all regardless of whether he won them or lost first round. Under the current point system, he doesn't have to play nearly as much as he currently chooses to, and it's a mystery why he does this to himself each year. He has complained about the calendar more than once, but continues to play unneeded tourneys that he should be skipping. I'm not sure if this is desire for money, if he just likes to play a lot or if it's some part of Uncle Tony's plan.

 

[Feña14]

People have been saying it will all take it's toll on him for years now, at first I thought there might be something in it.

I think he will be at the very top of the game for years to come though if i'm honest. He might need to start playing a bit less but I still think he has the weapons and ability to adapt that will serve him well.