Toni Nadal reacts to Federer's victory

[merlinpinpin]

That is because Federer is still playing, and it can be said, he is playing to put the record so far out of reach, that Nadal chasing Federer is actually helping Roger in the long run.

Bodo is essentially saying the same:

"This story is a darker one, because it's not like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, all of whom are over 30, are just running out of steam after enjoying great careers [you can include Stan Wawrinka in this group]. They're grappling with the perils of growing older in a punishing sport as they try to keep up with Federer. They've paid a high price, and it just may be that what they've really done is make The Mighty Fed look that much greater. If that's even possible." (emphasis mine)

And also, on success past 30: "Federer makes it seem that the conventional wisdom about age and athletic achievement is a fiction. In having to keep up with him, his peers are demonstrating that it most certainly is not. Enjoy it while you can."

Full article here: http://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/...derer-aussie-open-success-some-sobering-signs

Consider this:
- Fed was basically alone at the top before/at the beginning of the Big Four
- He was still relevant during the Big Four (although overshadowed by Nadal and Djokovic during their best years)
- He's the only one left standing after the Big Four fell apart

 

[heninfan99]

This is an interesting quote, since Nadal basically plays the same tennis as when he was 17 years old. Where is the evolution in the serve

Actually he's changed his serve a few times and greatly improved his volleys to mastery over the years.

 

[Meles]

“Each victory of Federer complicates things more for my nephew but, if the injuries steer clear, I hope I won’t see him abandon the fight mentally or accept things as they are.”

“Today, as Roger has moved away a little more from him, I share with many people the great value of this man and the magnitude of his achievements, but also today more than ever Rafael should want to fight to overcome his current setback and find the necessary conviction in his own passion.”

“When Roger Federer understood that he had to evolve the concepts of his game, he did and waited.”

“Good example of intelligence, patience and commitment.

“I believe that his tennis is more relentless today, although the points also seem less colourful to me as the epic longer and more disputed exchanges get lost along the way.

“Only a character subjected precisely to something as irrational as excessive passion and obsession for what one does is able to withstand what such a long and fruitful career involves.”


https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/912632/Rafael-Nadal-message-Roger-Federer-rivalry-uncle-Toni

Some kind of new and healthy salt Toni peddling?

 

[zagor]

Definitely. It's easy to understand why Toni would be a bit skeptical of Rafa's chances.

The gap between them isn't shrinking and Nadal is no threat at Wimbledon or seemingly the Australian Open.

As long as Federer is healthy, it's going to be all that he can do to stay with him.

Yeah, but Nadal has done better at USO than Fed lately. Even with a very reduced/light schedule not sure Fed can arrive at USO in good enough of a shape to contend there. He had a great run in 2015 there so it's possible I guess.

 

[Subway Tennis]

Bodo is essentially saying the same:

"This story is a darker one, because it's not like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, all of whom are over 30, are just running out of steam after enjoying great careers [you can include Stan Wawrinka in this group]. They're grappling with the perils of growing older in a punishing sport as they try to keep up with Federer. They've paid a high price, and it just may be that what they've really done is make The Mighty Fed look that much greater. If that's even possible." (emphasis mine)

And also, on success past 30: "Federer makes it seem that the conventional wisdom about age and athletic achievement is a fiction. In having to keep up with him, his peers are demonstrating that it most certainly is not. Enjoy it while you can."

Full article here: http://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/...derer-aussie-open-success-some-sobering-signs

Consider this:
- Fed was basically alone at the top before/at the beginning of the Big Four
- He was still relevant during the Big Four (although overshadowed by Nadal and Djokovic during their best years)
- He's the only one left standing after the Big Four

RE: "He's the only one left standing after the Big Four"

If the Big 4 is over as an entity (I hope it's not), is it quite right to say Federer is the only one left standing?

Do you just mean in terms of this Australian Open? or more broadly speaking?

Nadal is out for 3 weeks now, but all indications are he will be ready to go by Acapulco. Nadal finished 2017 YE#1 and also played more matches.

Federer is in an upswing at the moment but it would seem to me that he has the same frailties / late career injury concerns as the other three but has just been slightly more judicious / patient / lucky at harm minimisation (for which he should receive credit).

He is in an upswing currently but he will likely be absent for clay through the heart of the season and/or injured for a lot of the U.S. hardcourt swing like he was last year.

 

[The_Order]

Since Nadal won his first major until this year he has averaged 1.23 majors per year. That means that he has to maintain the same average in his last 4 years. I just don't see that happening and it would be unprecedented in the sport. Getting 3 at RG would also be about the same average he's had since his first major there until this year.

Yes but peak Federer and Novak aren't his foes there any more.

 

[The_Order]

I agree with all you say, but there is more of a chance that Federer wins one more, more than likely Wimbledon. I think 22 is a step too far for him personally. He will win more, but ultimately fall short. Federer gets a lot more cheap points on his serve that Nadal does not, he has to work harder.

Yes of course, that is more likely, he only has to win one more vs Rafa needing five more.

I reckon Nadal will end up with 19 tbh. I can't see him getting more than that but I certainly can see him ending up with less than that. If he does, then damn what an incredible career, to win 19 majors and be second only to Federer isn't a shame at all, especially if it's only by 1 or 2.

Fed is reaching his limit imo. This AO, he didn't really have to work hard (only in the final) but the eye test tells me he was not on the same level as last year. Just saying I'm seeing signs that he won't be in major winning form going forward. Age catches up with every man and at 36 going on 37, he will need a draw at Wimbledon similar to last year to win it. I can't see him winning RG ever again and tbh I don't see him winning the US Open again either. So this WIM will be his last shot imo.

Nadal otoh, same can be said about him at Wimbledon. Can't see him ever winning it again (maybe if he gets a very favorable draw being his only hope), but I can see him winning 1 more US Open or believe it or not, even 1 more AO but not both.

Realistically though, he probably gets 2 more RG and 1 more USO, hence the 19 prediction.

 

[NatF]

Yes of course, that is more likely, he only has to win one more vs Rafa needing five more.

I reckon Nadal will end up with 19 tbh. I can't see him getting more than that but I certainly can see him ending up with less than that. If he does, then damn what an incredible career, to win 19 majors and be second only to Federer isn't a shame at all, especially if it's only by 1 or 2.

Fed is reaching his limit imo. This AO, he didn't really have to work hard (only in the final) but the eye test tells me he was not on the same level as last year. Just saying I'm seeing signs that he won't be in major winning form going forward. Age catches up with every man and at 36 going on 37, he will need a draw at Wimbledon similar to last year to win it. I can't see him winning RG ever again and tbh I don't see him winning the US Open again either. So this WIM will be his last shot imo.

Nadal otoh, same can be said about him at Wimbledon. Can't see him ever winning it again (maybe if he gets a very favorable draw being his only hope), but I can see him winning 1 more US Open or believe it or not, even 1 more AO but not both.

Realistically though, he probably gets 2 more RG and 1 more USO, hence the 19 prediction.

Yeah I don't see Federer winning the USO either, I think it's too late in the year for him - I simply don't think he'll fresh enough to contend there going forward. If they keep the AO fast then Federer can probably be a darkhouse at least for a couple of years IMO and he'll forever be some sort of threat at Wimbledon. But realistically time has to be running out for him as far as competing for the top titles.

Nadal looked decent on grass last year, but as he's getting older I think he'll need something of a break after clay to be fully fit for the US HC's. Barring injury I think it will be 2019 before anyone can stop him at the FO.

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

Now, Nadal is a special player, no doubt, but he is also a lot more injury prone and looks a lot more beat up than Federer to me. He is about to turn 32, his game is still brutally violent, and it is taking a toll. As I stated, after US 2013, Nadal for me left his prime at AO 2014, since then, he has injured his back, his wrists, torn muscles, injured his knees...I know he is very strong willed and will continue to fight, but Federer will be out of his reach IMO. He hasn't caught him up his entire career, at his age, one serious injury and it could be game over at the top for good...or if a player from the next gen finally steps up and stops Fedal, Federer still wins.

Hell, that could even potentially be Earth's Mightiest Warrior; you never know.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Yeah I don't see Federer winning the USO either, I think it's too late in the year for him - I simply don't think he'll fresh enough to content there going forward. If they keep the AO fast then Federer can probably be a darkhouse at least for a couple of years IMO and he'll forever be some sort of threat at Wimbledon. But realistically time has to be running out for him as far as competing for the top titles.

Nadal looked decent on grass last year, but as he's getting older I think he'll need something of a break after clay to be fully fit for the US HC's. Barring injury I think it will be 2019 before anyone can stop him at the FO.

Fn Muller. Still irritating. He really did look like a contender.

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

Yeah I don't see Federer winning the USO either, I think it's too late in the year for him - I simply don't think he'll fresh enough to content there going forward. If they keep the AO fast then Federer can probably be a darkhouse at least for a couple of years IMO and he'll forever be some sort of threat at Wimbledon. But realistically time has to be running out for him as far as competing for the top titles.

Nadal looked decent on grass last year, but as he's getting older I think he'll need something of a break after clay to be fully fit for the US HC's. Barring injury I think it will be 2019 before anyone can stop him at the FO.

The only way I see Fed being fresh and hungry enough to potentially win the US is if he loses early at Wimbledon, which almost never happens.

 

[Sentinel]

Having re-read Tio Toni's words a few times, it has now become clear why there's been such an issue from the VB re. Federer's win on Sunday. If Tio feels it, the disciples are going to suffer it far more.

I think there is one more angle to why the VB is in such a state right now. Some of them were desperately wanting to have AO, so that they could play the DCS card and declare Nads to be the GOAT. They have been waiting years to be able to declare this. For them it surpasses any slam count Federer might have. Now they have to wait yet another year.
For them, if Nad can either win one WTF or a second AO, then he is the undisputed GOAT.

For them Nad being superior to Fed is of most importance. Somehow it pains them that someone else can be even in the GOAT discussion.

 

[FHtennisman]

Yeah, but Nadal has done better at USO than Fed lately. Even with a very reduced/light schedule not sure Fed can arrive at USO in good enough of a shape to contend there. He had a great run in 2015 there so it's possible I guess.

Why not?

If he has a good run at Wimbledon (Semis or better) and only plays Cincy, health permitting, I expect him to do well and to at least reach the Semis of the USO and most likely the final.

 

[NatF]

Fn Muller. Still irritating. He really did look like a contender.

He looked good to go a bit further (I felt the same way in 2014) but I don't know if he would have gotten by Cilic - even Querrey could have been difficult. I definitely think Federer is too much for him in the final personally. Still the only year where I think he was actually terrible on grass recently was 2013.

The only way I see Fed being fresh and hungry enough to potentially win the US is if he loses early at Wimbledon, which almost never happens.

Hopefully it never happens

 

[Deleted member 716271]

He looked good to go a bit further (I felt the same way in 2014) but I don't know if he would have gotten by Cilic - even Querrey could have been difficult. I definitely think Federer is too much for him in the final personally. Still the only year where I think he was actually terrible on grass recently was 2013.



Hopefully it never happens

It's already happened. Twice.

I think Federer is gonna win another slam this year.

 

[NatF]

It's already happened. Twice.

I think Federer is gonna win another slam this year.

I'm torn, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want Federer to put his slam total out of reach but I also feel tennis is a bit stale at the moment.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

I'm torn, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want Federer to put his slam total out of reach but I also feel tennis is a bit stale at the moment.

Would you rather another Wimbledon or US Open?

Yeah, but he's at an age where you won't know how much longer he can do this for so I'd take them. It's intriguing at his age at this point. It does show how pitiful the tour is. Not that Fed isnt deserving but it's just sad a 36 year old is tooling them like this.

 

[NatF]

Would you rather another Wimbledon or US Open?

Yeah, but he's at an age where you won't know how much longer he can do this for so I'd take them. It's intriguing at his age at this point. It does show how pitiful the tour is. Not that Fed isnt deserving but it's just sad a 36 year old is tooling them like this.

Generally I would nearly always say Wimbledon but I feel Federer has unfinished business at the USO after that 5 in a row. TBH anything would be fine

Yeah the tour is absolute garbage right now, still it's early yet in the new year hopefully it gets better. At least it's the best ever Fed doing the tooling

 

[Neurosis]

Do none of the Nadal fans ever feel bad for the guy?

Here is his rival, Roger, happily married with 2 sets of twins, enjoying his profession and making the most of what's left of his career. He makes sacrifices but he seems happy with the choices he's making finding the right balance of family, tennis and business commitments.

On the other hand, poor Nadal is losing his hair trying to chase down his uncle's vicarious dreams, unable to be with his BF, injured often and unhappy in the sadomasochistic pursuit that seems to get farther away every time he gets closer.

That is no way to live a life. Nor play a sport.

I had to log in just to agree with this post. I'd never thought of it like that.
I read Rafa and there are some really weird examples of Toni's micro-managing of Nadal's life. There's one situation where he insisted that Rafa walk in a certain position on the street so that the media didn't think he was being protected or some such

This guy has actually taken some of Rafa's youth. Rafa loves family and probably would love to have kids. He should have them soon so he can teach them tennis.
Poor guy

EDIT: And poster is also right about Andre and his pop.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Yes of course, that is more likely, he only has to win one more vs Rafa needing five more.

I reckon Nadal will end up with 19 tbh. I can't see him getting more than that but I certainly can see him ending up with less than that. If he does, then damn what an incredible career, to win 19 majors and be second only to Federer isn't a shame at all, especially if it's only by 1 or 2.

Fed is reaching his limit imo. This AO, he didn't really have to work hard (only in the final) but the eye test tells me he was not on the same level as last year. Just saying I'm seeing signs that he won't be in major winning form going forward. Age catches up with every man and at 36 going on 37, he will need a draw at Wimbledon similar to last year to win it. I can't see him winning RG ever again and tbh I don't see him winning the US Open again either. So this WIM will be his last shot imo.

Nadal otoh, same can be said about him at Wimbledon. Can't see him ever winning it again (maybe if he gets a very favorable draw being his only hope), but I can see him winning 1 more US Open or believe it or not, even 1 more AO but not both.

Realistically though, he probably gets 2 more RG and 1 more USO, hence the 19 prediction.

Yeah, I think Nadal falls short by one or two slams. Still an absurd amount.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Hell, that could even potentially be Earth's Mightiest Warrior; you never know.

If Earth's Mightiest returns, that will completely change the dynamic of the slam chase between Federer and Nadal.

 

[zagor]

Why not?

If he has a good run at Wimbledon (Semis or better) and only plays Cincy, health permitting, I expect him to do well and to at least reach the Semis of the USO and most likely the final.

Because he'll be 37 this year and USO is the last slam of the season. USO has always been kind of about the last man standing after a grueling season, even worse now when it's much slower than it has ever been.

Of course there's a possibility he might do well, I think he'll be extra careful this year after that huge Montreal blunder.

 

[zagor]

If Earth's Mightiest returns, that will completely change the dynamic of the slam chase between Federer and Nadal.

Do you think there's a chance Novak can still reach Nadal in the slam count? He seems to have had a surgery, though there's no official word from him or his team yet.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Fn Muller. Still irritating. He really did look like a contender.

Nadal shouldn't having been jumping up and down like a Jack Rabbit in the corridor, that bump on the head probably cost him the first two sets, and his shot at the slam record...

A truly epic way for it to end.

 

[zagor]

Would you rather another Wimbledon or US Open?

Yeah, but he's at an age where you won't know how much longer he can do this for so I'd take them. It's intriguing at his age at this point. It does show how pitiful the tour is. Not that Fed isnt deserving but it's just sad a 36 year old is tooling them like this.

Yeah, but 36 is the new 23, Fed is playing better than ever.

Just kidding, the tour is in the worst state I've ever seen.`Hopefully the next gen doesn't follow the lost gen example but I'm starting to have my doubts.

 

[yokied]

Of course there's a possibility he might do well, I think he'll be extra careful this year after that huge Montreal blunder.

A blunder that could turn out to be the highlight of Zverev's career...

Nadal shouldn't having been jumping up and down like a Jack Rabbit in the corridor, that bump on the head probably cost him the first two sets, and his shot at the slam record...

I think it's fair to say Muller was winning that match come what may. I also think it's fair to say Federer would have taken good care of Nadal wherever they met in the draw.

 

[Fedforever]

I had to log in just to agree with this post. I'd never thought of it like that.
I read Rafa and there are some really weird examples of Toni's micro-managing of Nadal's life. There's one situation where he insisted that Rafa walk in a certain position on the street so that the media didn't think he was being protected or some such

This guy has actually taken some of Rafa's youth. Rafa loves family and probably would love to have kids. He should have them soon so he can teach them tennis.
Poor guy

EDIT: And poster is also right about Andre and his pop.

It was a great post. @nikdom And I suppose we're all guilty of wanting for our heroes what we actually want for ourselves. But Rafa has said in his most recent interview that he is worried about what his body will be like when he stops playing. I've seen a similar comment from him before though not sure where now. Given this, and that the article sounds like Toni giving him a pep talk there has to be at least a question mark about how much Rafa wants to push himself over the next few years. And it should be HIS decision based on what he wants from HIS life, not Toni's, not Fed fans, not Nadal fans or anyone else.

 

[Pagoo]

Because he'll be 37 this year and USO is the last slam of the season. USO has always been kind of about the last man standing after a grueling season, even worse now when it's much slower than it has ever been.

Of course there's a possibility he might do well, I think he'll be extra careful this year after that huge Montreal blunder.

I think 2015 was his last chance. Don't see him winning it at 37. If he can grab another Wimbledon, I will be happy

 

[Pagoo]

Nadal shouldn't having been jumping up and down like a Jack Rabbit in the corridor, that bump on the head probably cost him the first two sets, and his shot at the slam record...

A truly epic way for it to end.

King of hyperbole and dramatics...

 

[Deleted member 716271]

Yeah, but 36 is the new 23, Fed is playing better than ever.

Just kidding, the tour is in the worst state I've ever seen.`Hopefully the next gen doesn't follow the lost gen example but I'm starting to have my doubts.

I think to play tennis at the level of a Fedovical you need a certain kind of hunger, discipline, and focus and a lust to win. I don't see that in the younger guys. Not sure if there are societal influences at play or it's just coincidence.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

A blunder that could turn out to be the highlight of Zverev's career...



I think it's fair to say Muller was winning that match come what may. I also think it's fair to say Federer would have taken good care of Nadal wherever they met in the draw.

I'm just messing with MN.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Do you think there's a chance Novak can still reach Nadal in the slam count? He seems to have had a surgery, though there's no official word from him or his team yet.

Yes. He does have a chance. I think it is good he has had the surgery and can just move forward. His chance of course is not quite as good as it was back in 2016, but he is still in with a shot, should he recover fully. But I think if Nadal gets 18, Djokovic probably loses his chance, the way things stand now.

 

[zagor]

I think to play tennis at the level of a Fedovical you need a certain kind of hunger, discipline, and focus and a lust to win. I don't see that in the younger guys. Not sure if there are societal influences at play or it's just coincidence.

Thing is, I never compare them to Fedovical, those are not the standards I expect them to meet.

I do however expect them to take the fight to the aging greats like Hewitt, Safin, Chang, Courier and Ivanisevic did (all 2nd tier players compared to the big three). Yet these days young players rarely even get to meet them, Zverev can't beat a top 50 player in a slam.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

Thing is, I never compare them to Fedovical, those are not the standards I expect them to meet.

I do however expect them to take the fight to the aging greats like Hewitt, Safin, Chang, Courier and Ivanisevic did (all 2nd tier players compared to the big three). Yet these days young players rarely even get to meet them, Zverev can't beat a top 50 player in a slam.

Good point, there isn't even 1 of them that seems on the trajectory of the 2nd or 3rd tier greats. I think while we will likely have parity and diverse winners, one or 2 of these guys might have achievements on par with these greats, since someone has to even if he is only slightly better than his peers. But it will be pretty uninspiring I think.

 

[FHtennisman]

Because he'll be 37 this year and USO is the last slam of the season. USO has always been kind of about the last man standing after a grueling season, even worse now when it's much slower than it has ever been.

Of course there's a possibility he might do well, I think he'll be extra careful this year after that huge Montreal blunder.

That's why I said health permitting, if he's healthy which would mean probably only playing 6 or 7 tournaments in total before the USO - there's no reason why he should not be able to contend IMO.

 

[mike danny]

It makes some fans dislike Rafa strongly for chasing their Lord Federer's Slam record. It was Novak who got the hate more from the Fedr fanatics, now it's Rafa again after winning two Slams last year. As long as the Fedr fanatics hate on Rafa, it's a good thing for Nadal and fans. It means he is doing great.

Not as great as Fed though

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

He looked good to go a bit further (I felt the same way in 2014) but I don't know if he would have gotten by Cilic - even Querrey could have been difficult. I definitely think Federer is too much for him in the final personally. Still the only year where I think he was actually terrible on grass recently was 2013.



Hopefully it never happens

Indeed, I'll pretty much always take Wimbledon over the US, even if 9-5 with a last win in 08 for the 5 may not look as well rounded as 8-6, coupled with GOAT status at both events. Honestly, it's a difficult choice because I want it all.

 

[mike danny]

Yes. He does have a chance. I think it is good he has had the surgery and can just move forward. His chance of course is not quite as good as it was back in 2016, but he is still in with a shot, should he recover fully. But I think if Nadal gets 18, Djokovic probably loses his chance, the way things stand now.

Wait, when did he have the surgery? It's the first time I'm hearing it.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Wait, when did he have the surgery? It's the first time I'm hearing it.

It has not been confirmed, but take a look at the latest photos. It looks like he has.

 

[FHtennisman]

I think 2015 was his last chance. Don't see him winning it at 37. If he can grab another Wimbledon, I will be happy

I'd think any Fed fan would settle for that.

 

[FHtennisman]

It has not been confirmed, but take a look at the latest photos. It looks like he has.

Will be interesting to see how long he takes out of the game now - 6 months is already a long period and at least another 6 months would mean missing two more Majors and maybe even the USO if he's not match ready by then.

 

[Luckydog]

Yeah,another Nadal.But something is shared between them.

 

[Pagoo]

It has not been confirmed, but take a look at the latest photos. It looks like he has.

I saw a pic of Djokovic on twitter and his right hand was wrapped up. I don't understand why? I thought the elbow was the problem? Well, guess we won't know until he says something.

 

[Soul_Evisceration]

I'm curious as to how Nadal is going to perform in slam matches that go the distance.

In the past, Rafa was nearly unbeatable in 5-setters. I remember at one time, Rafa was 15-3 in 5 setters. He has let a few slip away lately, maybe because of nerves. I didn't expect Federer or Muller to take the 5th set off of him. I saw the match where Fognini came back from 2 sets down to win in 5. Nadal is maybe winning half of his 5-set matches since the days when he shut everybody down in the 5th set.

My guess is that his 4 slam deficit to Federer and his age will make it tougher winning the 5th set of major from this point on. And I'm not even counting the 5th set loss to Cilic, even though that technically counts.

I am curious to find out who now has the best 5th set win loss record

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Everyone is all acting here that changing one's game in the twilight of his career is such a flippantly easy thing to do. It's not. Nadal has always been a physical beast. Sadly that kind of tennis game doesn't promote longevity. It's a testament to Nadal's fighting spirit that he is still playing at 32 at such a high level playing his sort of game. Nadal doesn't have the pure tennis talent that Fed does to just suddenly change his playing style after decades of grinding. Nadal winning RG this year is almost a given, but if he can't win either Wimbledon or the USO, then it will be basically impossible for him to ever catch Federer in the slam count. Relying on just winning RG for the next 5 years to catch Fed is a losers proposition. He can keep winning RG for at least a few years, but his chances of winning non-clay slams is fading fast. If he can't do it this year then all chances are lost IMO.

Some of the implications in this post are cringeworthy.

1) "Nadal's game doesn't promote Longevity": well, guess what >>>> he is frecking 32 and a current holder of two Majors titles.

"All because of his will power" I hear you say: so, why did he quit in the 5th, if will power is enough to move you forward (let's assume that his problem was more than a normal niggle that all tennis players play with all the time and not being desperate and thus feeling whatever his problem was much more intensely)?

2) "Nadal doesn't have the talent", well, I have never seen such a talentless player dominate so thoroughly a surface.

Which is more ironical, his talent is exactly the one to play exactly that grinding game, so the exact opposite of what you here claim.

You also admit that you see him winning RG for a few more years, which shows how flawed your whole logic and starting points really are.

 

[OddJack]

"...complicate things for my nephew..."???

No dude, it's very simple. Your nephew is now trying to be the second best player ever. The Best ever is taken.

heh, complicated things.... as if his nephew had a disease and now he has been diagnosed with colon inflammation too.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

"...complicate things for my nephew..."???

No dude, it's very simple. Your nephew is now trying to be the second best player ever. The Best ever is taken.

heh, complicated things.... as if his nephew had a disease and now he has been diagnosed with colon inflammation too.

Lol

I just love how Tio talks as if they had some schedule and were in control of what is happening, since they had it all figured out.

I wouldn't be surprised if he even made the dummy believe in such a thing.

 

[natalia]

I’ve got nothing but respect for Rafa but Uncle Toni is a twat.

Well, I think you’re too generous...

I despise them both - the (carb)uncle for teaching rafi to cheat and rafi, for executing all the cheating.

 

[tenisdecente]

Actually he's changed his serve a few times and greatly improved his volleys to mastery over the years.

I concede you that, he has improved vastly in the volley department. However, dont feel his serve has really improved from his early days

 

[heninfan99]

I concede you that, he has improved vastly in the volley department. However, dont feel his serve has really improved from his early days

He had that run at the US Open where he changed his serve and was serving much bigger. There was a Sky Pad interview with Rafa post a WTF match where he says that he only served fast at the US Open for that one run and that he purposely has slowed down his serve for his game though I suspect the real reason was maybe an injury. Perhaps you can view Sky Pad interviews in Europe, I can't in the states. It was one with Barry Cowan.

Also here's a clip Rafa trying to change his serve.

It seems he's since reverted back to an older motion but not his orignal motion. When he was first on the tour as a kid he would bring his racquet arm way back and away from his body.