The reason why Nadal fans are freaking out right now.

[andrewski]

Most of Fed's slams were not against Nadal. Nadal has beaten Fed most of the times he played and won quite a few slams against Federer. Between Fed and Nadal - the record books will show their head-to-head as that Nadal is the greater player. Federer was terrific against all others - and was in a weak era before Nadal came on the scene too. Federer will go down as one of the greatest players - who was never able to beat his main rival - Nadal.

What I say now, and many people said, I am sure, before, will never register with you, bet let's try.

Most of the wins against Federer Nadal has are on clay. Without it the head to head would be much closer.

Basically, following your logic, if Fed was slightly worse on clay (let say Sampras, Agassi or Becker like) and did not meet in the clay finals with Nadal, he would be better player because his had to head with Nadal was better?

You forget as well that Fed in his prime could not notch up more wins against young Nadal because Nadal was never good enough to get to the finals to face Federer.

Federer rarely (never?) lost to random nobodies outside top 100 like Nadal did in his last 3 Wimbies between ages 25 and 28.

His one comparable loss was to Stakhovsky last year when he was 32.

Nodal has 5 GSs outside clay, worse than Becker, Edberg and Agassi.

Nadal never won WTF i.e. matches between 8 best players in a given season. This is pathetic.

Many others like Fed, Sampras, Lendl, Djokovic won it many times and clay courters like Kuerten won as well.

You claim that Nadal is greater player than Federer is straight from Nadal fan-boys club cut out book.

Greatness is about more than titles, it is about style, range of shot making, being consistent across all surfaces.

And final point: If Fed was left handed he would be still great player. Nadal playing his style right handed would had not much success apart from clay court titles.

I am not saying that Nadal can not match Roger record of GSs by winning more RGs.

But it still makes him who he is already: best ever clay courter with extras.

 

[JohnnyMac Fan!]

Maybe, but they are mostly talking about easy draw for Federer which is near the peak of hypocrisy for them given 2010 USO and 2013 USO. Peak of hypocrisy for Nadal fans is of course when they complain about excessive celebration from Djokovic. That easily takes the cake.

I like le Raf, but I enjoy Noles antics! He is funny (destroy shirt celebration)

 

[Fiji]

Roger winning is the worst case scenario for Nadal fans. Nole is never reaching 14. But with 18 slams, Nadal will have it almost impossible now to reach Federer.

 

[Down_the_line]

Roger winning is the worst case scenario for Nadal fans. Nole is never reaching 14. But with 18 slams, Nadal will have it almost impossible now to reach Federer.

Not to mention the fact that inability on grass and inconsistent results henceforth on hard courts will also limit Nadal's weeks and consecutive weeks at #1.

Nadal could still end up being the greatest ever, but the clock is ticking.

 

[Brett UK]

Is because they have a lose/lose outcome on Sunday:

1. Novak wins = Nadal loses his #1 rank and probably will never catch up to Federer number of weeks at number 1 especially with the 4000 points he has to defend on hard courts in North America.

2. Fed wins his 18th slam = Nadal stays number 1 for couple months longer maybe but slam gap increases and to keep up with slam count Federer had at the same age in 2009 Nadal needs to win USO this year.

Solution to both would be for Nadal to defend 4000 points on hard courts which would be a first time that Nadal ever defended a non clay title and to do it back to back 3 times.

and if Djokovic wins, he gets GS confidence back and could go on a tear. Win, Win for Fed fans.

 

[Smasher08]

 

[mellowyellow]

A lot of people view it that way. Fair enough. I still think between the 2 players - even Fed would say that he has never been able to consistently beat his main rival Nadal....I'm just saying between the 2 players - Nadal tops Fed.

Yes, especially after Fed had to play the tougher semi 95% of the time....

 

[Tenez101]

As a Djokodal fan, I admit this thread is partially true. Fed winning screws both of my favorite players: Novak loses yet another slam final, and Rafa is one slam farther from catching/breaking the record.

 

[Vrad]

A lot of people view it that way. Fair enough. I still think between the 2 players - even Fed would say that he has never been able to consistently beat his main rival Nadal....I'm just saying between the 2 players - Nadal tops Fed.

Because when Nadal isn't at his peak he loses to scrubs and never makes it far enough to federer to lose to him.

Federer almost never loses to scrubs nvm age or form.

 

[PeteD]

Freaking out because if he keeps losing some sponsors may drop him

 

[Nostradamus]

RAFA don't care, now he is 2014 french open champ

Is because they have a lose/lose outcome on Sunday:

1. Novak wins = Nadal loses his #1 rank and probably will never catch up to Federer number of weeks at number 1 especially with the 4000 points he has to defend on hard courts in North America.

2. Fed wins his 18th slam = Nadal stays number 1 for couple months longer maybe but slam gap increases and to keep up with slam count Federer had at the same age in 2009 Nadal needs to win USO this year.

Solution to both would be for Nadal to defend 4000 points on hard courts which would be a first time that Nadal ever defended a non clay title and to do it back to back 3 times.

Rafa is not interested in catching Roger's slam record. He said this himself in the interview. Rafa also not interested in rankings. He has said that Only French open matter to him and now that he won it again this year, he is relaxed and not worried Whatever happens rest of the year now.

 

[Fed881981]

Rafa is not interested in catching Roger's slam record. He said this himself in the interview. Rafa also not interested in rankings. He has said that Only French open matter to him and now that he won it again this year, he is relaxed and not worried Whatever happens rest of the year now.

I said yesterday that I don't want to win the lottery.

The fact that he said it does not mean he means it. Only the FO matters? LOL

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Is because they have a lose/lose outcome on Sunday:

1. Novak wins = Nadal loses his #1 rank and probably will never catch up to Federer number of weeks at number 1 especially with the 4000 points he has to defend on hard courts in North America.

2. Fed wins his 18th slam = Nadal stays number 1 for couple months longer maybe but slam gap increases and to keep up with slam count Federer had at the same age in 2009 Nadal needs to win USO this year.

Solution to both would be for Nadal to defend 4000 points on hard courts which would be a first time that Nadal ever defended a non clay title and to do it back to back 3 times.

First of all, I don't think you should generalize the fans of Nadal. Some might be neutral, and some might genuinely be happy for either or both. Yes, there are crazed fans, but which top player doesn't have them? All that matters is Federer and Djokovic are playing the biggest match of the year, the Wimbledon final, it was long over due and Sunday is about them, not Nadal...he's enjoying himself by the beach or playing golf. Let him be.

 

[tennisaddict]

If i am a Nadal fan, I will root for Fed. It is more dangerous to let Novak go on a tear.

On the contrary, Fed winning may just be a bigger difference in slam count in the immediate future, but Nadal will then be just dealing with a heavily shaky Novak.

 

[newpball]

Solution to both would be for Nadal to defend 4000 points on hard courts which would be a first time that Nadal ever defended a non clay title and to do it back to back 3 times.

You are painting it too negative, if Djokovic wins Sunday he will take a lead of 600 points in the race that is pretty close.

 

[Brett UK]

What I say now, and many people said, I am sure, before, will never register with you, bet let's try.

Most of the wins against Federer Nadal has are on clay. Without it the head to head would be much closer.

Basically, following your logic, if Fed was slightly worse on clay (let say Sampras, Agassi or Becker like) and did not meet in the clay finals with Nadal, he would be better player because his had to head with Nadal was better?

You forget as well that Fed in his prime could not notch up more wins against young Nadal because Nadal was never good enough to get to the finals to face Federer.

Federer rarely (never?) lost to random nobodies outside top 100 like Nadal did in his last 3 Wimbies between ages 25 and 28.

His one comparable loss was to Stakhovsky last year when he was 32.

Nodal has 5 GSs outside clay, worse than Becker, Edberg and Agassi.

Nadal never won WTF i.e. matches between 8 best players in a given season. This is pathetic.

Many others like Fed, Sampras, Lendl, Djokovic won it many times and clay courters like Kuerten won as well.

You claim that Nadal is greater player than Federer is straight from Nadal fan-boys club cut out book.

Greatness is about more than titles, it is about style, range of shot making, being consistent across all surfaces.

And final point: If Fed was left handed he would be still great player. Nadal playing his style right handed would had not much success apart from clay court titles.

I am not saying that Nadal can not match Roger record of GSs by winning more RGs.

But it still makes him who he is already: best ever clay courter with extras.

great post. Too analytical for most but it is right that Federer was good enough in his prime to get to clay finals to play Rafa but not good enough to win them, Rafa was not good enough during these years to make many hard court finals. It was only post prime of Fed that they start to get some hard court games so I find the h2h totally overrated. Better to look at accomplishments and you can see that Nadal is better on clay` Fed on grass, Fed on hard court, and Fed indoors.

 

[Mustard]

Only the FO matters? LOL

Anything else is a bonus.

 

[ttbrowne]

Well, Nadal's loss is good news for Rafa fans because it keeps the H2H right where it is. If Fed would have not made it to the RG meetings with Rafa, the H2H would be different but Fed at least reaches finals on clay whereas Rafa can't seem to figure out grass...of course he is the GOAT and he is not expected to figure it out. Just like indoor.

 

[PeteD]

If i am a Nadal fan, I will root for Fed. It is more dangerous to let Novak go on a tear.

On the contrary, Fed winning may just be a bigger difference in slam count in the immediate future, but Nadal will then be just dealing with a heavily shaky Novak.

You are correct but such logical thinking does not pan out in practice. Nadal fans can't root for Fed even when a Fed win helps them. Nadal reaches his fans via the dark, chaotic reptilian midbrain. Federer appeals to the light, orderly, reasoning forebrain. Djok is somewhere in between, more accessible to Nadal fans.

 

[tennisaddict]

You are correct but such logical thinking does not pan out in practice. Nadal fans can't root for Fed even when a Fed win helps them. Nadal reaches his fans via the dark, chaotic reptilian midbrain. Federer appeals to the light, orderly, reasoning forebrain. Djok is somewhere in between, more accessible to Nadal fans.

If they are not too serious, this final is a win- win situation for Nadal fans.

Fed loses, they can make fun of *******

Novak loses, they can make fun of chokovic..

 

[FanOfLu]

Why should Nadal fans be freaking right now. Last year, Nadal got thrashed in the first round of Wimbledon,and didn't even play the AO but then went on to win the US Open. This year he has made the final of AO and made it to the fourth round in Wimbledon but got unlucky in the two tie breakers. His run of misfortune is bound to end soon.

 

[Mustard]

Well, Nadal's loss is good news for Rafa fans because it keeps the H2H right where it is. If Fed would have not made it to the RG meetings with Rafa, the H2H would be different but Fed at least reaches finals on clay whereas Rafa can't seem to figure out grass...of course he is the GOAT and he is not expected to figure it out. Just like indoor.

1. Nadal is a 2-time Wimbledon champion, not a rookie
2. Nadal did just as well at this Wimbledon as Federer did at the French Open last month
3. Nadal has beaten Federer in big events on all surfaces, including at Wimbledon.

 

[Backspin1183]

This Nadal fan will be rooting for the Fed express.

 

[moonballs]

The realistic and knowledgeable Nadal fans will be rooting for Federer, because Nadal's no. 1 competition is Djokovic and it is so important to keep Djokovic's confidence down. I think this would be a minority of them.

The majority of them will be rooting for Djokovic, because they don't want Fed to reach 18. In 12 months' time they will all concede that Nadal is not getting 17 anyway.

 

[moonballs]

Rafa is not interested in catching Roger's slam record. He said this himself in the interview. Rafa also not interested in rankings. He has said that Only French open matter to him and now that he won it again this year, he is relaxed and not worried Whatever happens rest of the year now.

Even that's how Rafa really feels, it has nothing to do with how his fans feel.

 

[aleexxxxx]

The realistic and knowledgeable Nadal fans will be rooting for Federer, because Nadal's no. 1 competition is Djokovic and it is so important to keep Djokovic's confidence down. I think this would be a minority of them.

The majority of them will be rooting for Djokovic, because they don't want Fed to reach 18. In 12 months' time they will all concede that Nadal is not getting 17 anyway.

This is spot on

 

[Rhino]

Imagine what Nadal himself is thinking.

"Oh no. I'm not sure I can win another FOUR grand slams!!".

 

[oaba09]

Im a nadal fan but Im rooting for roger...it's just a sport....im gonna enjoy watching 2 all time greats slug it out....i don't care about records or the no 1 ranking...rafa like roger and novak have nothing left to prove...

 

[bullfan]

This Nadal fan picked Djokovic to win before the tournament, figuring Novak was likely to get over his Grand Slam slump.

And, FYI, I knew that would mean Novak got number 1.

If Fed wins, good for him, if Novak wins good for him. It's going to be warm with no roof.

 

[bullfan]

The realistic and knowledgeable Nadal fans will be rooting for Federer, because Nadal's no. 1 competition is Djokovic and it is so important to keep Djokovic's confidence down. I think this would be a minority of them.

The majority of them will be rooting for Djokovic, because they don't want Fed to reach 18. In 12 months' time they will all concede that Nadal is not getting 17 anyway.

Many didn't see him getting there no matter what. I'd be shocked if Nadal beats Rogers records.

This is coming from a Nadal fan....

 

[cc0509]

The realistic and knowledgeable Nadal fans will be rooting for Federer, because Nadal's no. 1 competition is Djokovic and it is so important to keep Djokovic's confidence down. I think this would be a minority of them.

The majority of them will be rooting for Djokovic, because they don't want Fed to reach 18. In 12 months' time they will all concede that Nadal is not getting 17 anyway.

It sure will be a lot harder for Nadal to catch Federer if Federer can win the number 18 insurance slam. That is why it is hard to see how Federer will lose this final. He ain't stupid. But who knows, Fed-error could show up.

 

[Backspin1183]

The realistic and knowledgeable Nadal fans will be rooting for Federer, because Nadal's no. 1 competition is Djokovic and it is so important to keep Djokovic's confidence down. I think this would be a minority of them.

The majority of them will be rooting for Djokovic, because they don't want Fed to reach 18. In 12 months' time they will all concede that Nadal is not getting 17 anyway.

My support for Federer has nothing to do with Nadal. Nadal's journey is different. I would choose Federer because I prefer him over Novak Djokovic any time. I like watching his tennis the most after Rafa Nadal.
As for the Grand Slam record, if Rafa is really meant to be the best of the current era, he'll get there. If not, I don't see a problem in coming second to Roger Federer. I'd say the same for Fed if Nadal actually goes on to win more. There's no shame in coming second to the best in history.

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

It sure will be a lot harder for Nadal to catch Federer if Federer can win the number 18 insurance slam. That is why it is hard to see how Federer will lose this final. He ain't stupid.

Hello and sorry but I am not buying that "hungry" argument, why would Federer be more hungry than Djokovic ? That makes no sense, this is a grand slam final. If Djokovic is not hungry on sunday he may just quit tennis!

 

[AngieB]

In order for Rafa to catch-up or surpass Roger in grand slam singles titles he would have to win at least two more non-clay grand slam tournaments. It will be a tall order for him going forward, given his age increasingly erratic play. Oddly enough, it will be Novak and Andy who will decide Roger's tennis history based upon their ability to stop Rafa in the major tournaments.

The earlier round losses for Rafa in the major events will begin creeping in soon as it does for most aging champions. Considering clay is Rafa's dominating surface, expect earlier than expected losses at the major tournaments not the French Open. Rafa is not an all-surface great, which hinders his march towards history. His fans should begin preparing for this natural progression. For Rafa, his inability to regularly penetrate and win non-clay grand slam tournaments will ultimately decide his history.

AngieB

 

[cc0509]

Hello and sorry but I am not buying that "hungry" argument, why would Federer be more hungry than Djokovic ? That makes no sense, this is a grand slam final. If Djokovic is not hungry on sunday he may just quit tennis!

Djokovic will be just as hungry as Federer but hopefully Fed's better grass court skills will get the job done! :twisted:

The problem for Federer is he is five years younger and you never know which version is going to show up from match to match whereas Djokovic is always pretty consistent.

 

[Netspirit]

Rafa is not an all-surface great, which hinders his march towards history.

He is the greatest clay-court tennis player who ever lived. Those who think there is only 1 place in tennis history worth competing for (and speaking about) need to grow up.

 

[Day Tripper]

If Federer wins Wimbledon this year he will hold the record at tennis' most prestigious slam and joint records for the uS Open and Aust Open.

Nadal can win 20 French Opens for all I care but he will never be greater than Federer due to his woeful (for a supposed GOAT contendor) record at the other three slams.

 

[Nostradamus]

Even that's how Rafa really feels, it has nothing to do with how his fans feel.

LOL, how true. they only live vicariously thru RAFA. no wonder NIKE sold so many of those court ballistecs even at ridiculously high price

 

[Netspirit]

Nadal can win 20 French Opens for all I care but he will never be greater than Federer due to his woeful (for a supposed GOAT contendor) record at the other three slams.

One sign of needing to grow up is trying to compare apples with oranges.

 

[dudeski]

Rafa is not interested in catching Roger's slam record. He said this himself in the interview. Rafa also not interested in rankings. He has said that Only French open matter to him and now that he won it again this year, he is relaxed and not worried Whatever happens rest of the year now.

Nadal said many things in the past too.

 

[DRII]

Is because they have a lose/lose outcome on Sunday:

1. Novak wins = Nadal loses his #1 rank and probably will never catch up to Federer number of weeks at number 1 especially with the 4000 points he has to defend on hard courts in North America.

2. Fed wins his 18th slam = Nadal stays number 1 for couple months longer maybe but slam gap increases and to keep up with slam count Federer had at the same age in 2009 Nadal needs to win USO this year.

Solution to both would be for Nadal to defend 4000 points on hard courts which would be a first time that Nadal ever defended a non clay title and to do it back to back 3 times.

few Nadal fans think he has any chance at catching Federer's weeks at #1, and most of us don't really care about that! Nadal's issues with injuries throughout his career, and Federer's incredible luck with health, pretty much precludes any such occurrence.

from a purely selfish POV, it would be better for Nole to win on Sunday.

personally i feel Nole is more deserving of the title given his incredible consistency in the slams, yet with no trophies lately. i said the same during RG this year...

 

[DRII]

If Federer wins Wimbledon this year he will hold the record at tennis' most prestigious slam and joint records for the uS Open and Aust Open.

Nadal can win 20 French Opens for all I care but he will never be greater than Federer due to his woeful (for a supposed GOAT contendor) record at the other three slams.

sure thing…

but its ok for the GOAT in your eyes to not have won multiple times on every slam surface or not have achieved the career golden slam?

 

[Nostradamus]

RAFA don't care about you fanboys. he only cares about humble Mallorcan life he has.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Believe it or not, tennis isn't a GOAT race some of us really don't care. I want Fed to win.

 

[Sentinel]

Believe it or not, tennis isn't a GOAT race some of us really don't care. I want Fed to win.

You guys don't have to worry about Nole. I doubt that he will ever reach 2011 levels.

Even if Fed wins this, I think it would be his last major win. Nadal has defied all odds and predictions of his "demise". Murray and Nole are not doing too well.

To me it looks like Rafa will still win more slams. Maybe the Wimbledon thing (big server on grass) is a weakness of Rafa, just like Rafa was a matchup issue for Roger. Rafa's Achilles heel ?? We have to accept it and not put it as a blot against either of them. Like Roger, there are three slams where he still can win.

 

[stringertom]

Is because they have a lose/lose outcome on Sunday:

1. Novak wins = Nadal loses his #1 rank and probably will never catch up to Federer number of weeks at number 1 especially with the 4000 points he has to defend on hard courts in North America.

2. Fed wins his 18th slam = Nadal stays number 1 for couple months longer maybe but slam gap increases and to keep up with slam count Federer had at the same age in 2009 Nadal needs to win USO this year.

Solution to both would be for Nadal to defend 4000 points on hard courts which would be a first time that Nadal ever defended a non clay title and to do it back to back 3 times.

Clearly he's rooting for Djok...he likes #2!

 

[Wynter]

Most of Fed's slams were not against Nadal. Nadal has beaten Fed most of the times he played and won quite a few slams against Federer. Between Fed and Nadal - the record books will show their head-to-head as that Nadal is the greater player. Federer was terrific against all others - and was in a weak era before Nadal came on the scene too. Federer will go down as one of the greatest players - who was never able to beat his main rival - Nadal.

Yes because Nadal was incapable of making finals off clay, if Hewitt etc; were beating him consistently, how was he going to make a match with Fed? Slam H2H woud be closer.

 

[PrinceMoron]

All the records are exactly what you would expect. It could not be any other way.

All we need to learn now is if and how quickly Nadal declines.

 

[Rafaisdabest]

All i wanted was Nadal or Kyrgios to get to the final and win for my 30th Birthday which is today but now it's Djokovic v Federer worst nightmare but s... happens!! Sport is a very unpredictable thing i'm used to it being a tennis fan and an AFL fan and a Motogp fan and an F1 fan you never know what's guna happen!!!!

 

[tennis4jags]

My support for Federer has nothing to do with Nadal. Nadal's journey is different. I would choose Federer because I prefer him over Novak Djokovic any time. I like watching his tennis the most after Rafa Nadal.
As for the Grand Slam record, if Rafa is really meant to be the best of the current era, he'll get there. If not, I don't see a problem in coming second to Roger Federer. I'd say the same for Fed if Nadal actually goes on to win more. There's no shame in coming second to the best in history.

Well said!! I do too support for Federer for his finesse style of Tennis play. RF wins means more business to the Tennis. I and most of the tennis fans do not agree the kind of Djokovic chest pumping and his team's celebration style. That shows such a very low grade act and devalue the opponent.

As a Rafa fan, I still believe that 18 major will not be problem for him to achieve. Mark it my words, next three majors belongs to Nadal.