USO 2004 Federer vs USO 2010 Nadal - who would win?

[KINGROGER]

You mean prime Nadal that done nothing in the 5 tournaments before this meeting in 07?
The guy who last won a title in July that year ( a 500 event ), and this match was 4 months later.
Nice try, but that was not anywhere near prime Nadal on HC

It doesn’t matter what year it is, match up wise, Nadal was at his defensive peak and he was helpless vs Federer both years in 06-07 on that surface.

Superior offence Nadal wouldn’t work either, as we saw him utterly dismantled by grandpa in 2017.

 

[Pheasant]

A high peak can't be expressed against a 5'10'' tall player in the 2000s. He just can't push you to the limit.

5 ft 10 154 lb Davydenko went 6-1 vs Nadal on hard courts with his first win occurring in 2008, the year Rafa ended up world #1. I wouldn't dismiss a guy due to his size. There are a few exceptions.

2004 Fed vs 2010 Nadal. This would be the classic of all classics. I recently watched both of these matches again. Here are a few pointers made about each player by the commentators during these matches:

2004: McEnroe and Carillo both said that we were witnessing perhaps the greatest tennis player of all time. Federer's well-disguised pin-point serving, along with his massive forehand were something that we hadn't seen before. Going into the final, Hewitt had a 16 match winning streak on hard courts and hadn't dropped a set during the USO tourney. Hewitt was destroying his opponents with ease. And yet, Federer dished two bagels against Hewitt. Federer was ridiculous during those 2 sets en route to a straight-set blowout.

2010: The announcers mentioned that Nadal was serving 10 mph faster than he was a year earlier. I read somewhere that Nadal hired a coach that taught him how to serve with much more pace. I saw Nadal's serves break 130 mph during that tourney. Nadal dropped only 1 set during this entire tournament. This was clearly the best that I've ever seen Nadal play on hard courts. It's tough to bet against this version of Nadal on hard courts, one that I haven't seen since. This coach later left Nadal and Nadal hasn't served as well since. He also hasn't had that type of speed and agility since then either.

On the faster USO court, I'd give this to Federer in 4 sets. On the slower USO court, I'd give this to Nadal in a 5 set classic.

Food for thought: Federer's thrashing of Hewitt in the 2004 USO final marked his 11th consecutive win in championship matches. Federer would add another 13 to end with 24 consecutive championship match wins, a record that'll never be broken. Federer's severely sprained ankle is probably the reason that this streak ended at 24. Federer was on crutches just a couple of weeks before the WTF started.His sprained ankle caused him to miss 3 consecutive hard court tournaments. Federer somehow made it to the finals before losing a tight 5-setter to Nalbandian.

It would have taken a Herculean effort to beat this version of Fed. The only player that could have done it is 2010 USO Nadal playing on a slower surface.

 

[fedmagic]

Nadal is a headache opponent for Fred so he'll probably win one set, two if Fed's choking but overall Fed in 4.

 

[titoelcolombiano]

You should have just called this poll - Who is your favourite player?

 

[kevaninho]

Fast courts
Young age
Explosive FH
Incredible serve
Amazing footwork
Topspin moonballs having no effect on fast court
Young federer's ability to hit FH winners on many of the opponent's directed-to-BH shots....

Ok lets look at this. If Nadal has won the USO 3 times, how can you say his game has no effect on fast courts? LOL
Plus Nadal has beaten Federer at Miami twice, Dubai, AO 3 times, Indian Wells, Cincinatti and The WTF London. They are all HC and they were at various times throughout their H2H over the years. Some may not be 'fast' Hard courts, but its silly to claim that Nadals game doesn't work against Fed on a hard court.
Nadal also has and Explosive FH and amazing footwork, especially if you want to mention youth.
Then when you mention 'young' Federers ability to hit FH winners on many of the opponents directed to BH shots, are you for real? LOL
Nadals H2H was ridiculous over Federer remember up until 2017. Young Federer had no answer for Nadals directed BH shots up until 2017....

 

[kevaninho]

It doesn’t matter what year it is, match up wise, Nadal was at his defensive peak and he was helpless vs Federer both years in 06-07 on that surface.

Superior offence Nadal wouldn’t work either, as we saw him utterly dismantled by grandpa in 2017.

That surface wasn't the USO LOL Nadal has never won the YEC, so your point is feeble. Loads of players 'dismantled' Nadal there LOL
He does have 3 USO titles though

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Ok lets look at this. If Nadal has won the USO 3 times, how can you say his game has no effect on fast courts? LOL
Plus Nadal has beaten Federer at Miami twice, Dubai, AO 3 times, Indian Wells, Cincinatti and The WTF London. They are all HC and they were at various times throughout their H2H over the years. Some may not be 'fast' Hard courts, but its silly to claim that Nadals game doesn't work against Fed on a hard court.
Nadal also has and Explosive FH and amazing footwork, especially if you want to mention youth.
Then when you mention 'young' Federers ability to hit FH winners on many of the opponents directed to BH shots, are you for real? LOL
Nadals H2H was ridiculous over Federer remember up until 2017. Young Federer had no answer for Nadals directed BH shots up until 2017....

Lol those IW, Cincinnati and WTF wins happened during Fed's worst year. Fed normally routines RAFA in IW and WTF. Would have done the same in Cincy but RAFA never gets far enough to meet him, lmao.

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

Who would win?

The best performance Federer has ever shown at USO was the 2004 final against Hewitt. Is that enough for Nadal?

My favourite male tennis idol would win.
.​

 

[tarutani]

Nadal leads their H2H on Decoturf-2(USO surface) by 2-0. 2006 Dubai and 2013 Cincinnatti.Nadal won both


The fact is, if your life depended on it, you would all bet on Nadal. You can claim how you would choose Federer and I believe you, afterall you're his fans and it's only logical to support and believe in your favourite player, but if the **** went down, if this match really had an impact on your REAL life, you'd bet on Nadal.

 

[kevaninho]

Lol those IW, Cincinnati and WTF wins happened during Fed's worst year. Fed normally routines RAFA in IW and WTF. Would have done the same in Cincy but RAFA never gets far enough to meet him, lmao.

Ohhh I see. Rafa only wins when Federer isn't playing well . Always an excuse.

And for the record, Nadal usually goes to the QF or SF in his peak years. Take a look

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Ohhh I see. Rafa only wins when Federer isn't playing well . Always an excuse.

I thought RAFA's losses against Novak in 2015-2016 was due to his poor form but it doesn't apply to Fed apparently, who was losing to everybody that year from Stakhovsky to Robredo.

Before and after 2013 Fed straight setted RAFA in IW. Before 2013 RAFA won 1 set in four meetings at the YEC (they didn't meet after 2013 due to RAFA sucking or being MIA). In 2012 and 2015 Fed didn't face a single BP against Murray and Djoker (the best returners of the game) but RAFA was nowhere to be found (okay he funnily enough lost to Lopez one match before their projetcted meeting in 2015).

 

[Deleted member 757377]

Nadal leads their H2H on Decoturf-2(USO surface) by 2-0. 2006 Dubai and 2013 Cincinnatti.Nadal won both


The fact is, if your life depended on it, you would all bet on Nadal. You can claim how you would choose Federer and I believe you, afterall you're his fans and it's only logical to support and believe in your favourite player, but if the **** went down, if this match really had an impact on your REAL life, you'd bet on Nadal.

Why are you not counting all the imaginary time travel wins of Roger???

 

[ADuck]

Depends upon what year they play this imaginary match. In 2017-18, Fed beats any HC version of Nadal easily because he had smashed through the mental block. Before then, Nadal wins any match they play post-2007 at the USO even if you have 2006 peak Fed. Roger's mental issues with Rafa were the reason he lost so frequently to him, not level of play.

That's bullocks. Nadal got in Federer's head because of his insane ability to return multiple of Federer's shots that were supposed to be winners, then counter-attack with passing shots from impossible positions/angles, as well as his powerful cross-court forehand lathered with topspin. The abilities that Nadal used to demoralize Federer are no longer a part of his game or have deteriorated and therefore have allowed Federer to overcome his so called mental block.

 

[mike danny]

Nadal leads their H2H on Decoturf-2(USO surface) by 2-0. 2006 Dubai and 2013 Cincinnatti.Nadal won both


The fact is, if your life depended on it, you would all bet on Nadal. You can claim how you would choose Federer and I believe you, afterall you're his fans and it's only logical to support and believe in your favourite player, but if the **** went down, if this match really had an impact on your REAL life, you'd bet on Nadal.

All this "impact on your real life" schtick is just ludicrous.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

Federer wouldn't annihilate that Nadal, get real. Would have been a spectacular encounter if you ask me.

 

[Pheasant]

In a previous post, I had 2004 Federer and 2010 Rafa splitting, with Fed winning on the fast USO surface and Nadal winning on the slower surface. I believe that I was extremely generous to Nadal. I think that I might have been overly-generous to Nadal. But his 2010 USO performance was insane. I may end up switching that to 2-0 in favor of Federer. Federer's hard court stats simply blow Nadal's out of the water. And this is despite the fact that Fed's stats after the age of 30 aren't close to what peak-Fed did

Here are their USO stats for their careers:

Federer
78-11, .876 overall
16-6, .727 vs top 10
5 titles, 7 finals, 10 semis

Nadal
43-9, .826 overall
5-4, .556 vs top 10
3 titles, 4 finals, 6 semis

The USO is a small sample size of hard court play. If we look at their overall hard court records, then the gap widens substantially.

Most people have forgotten that Federer owns the longest winning streak on hard courts, which is 56 straight. That record is unfathomable. Even in his old age, Federer is a beast on hard courts. Consider how unbeatable Djokovic was on hard courts in 2015. That year, Djoker lost the Cinci final to Federer. He then reeled off an impressive 24 consecutive hard court victories before having it snapped by the 34 year Federer. As as matter of fact, old Fed went 3-3 vs Djokovic on hard courts in 2015. That is seems impossible for an old man. Djokovic against the rest of the field went 56-2 on hard courts in 2015. Federer is a beast on hard courts, even as a dinosaur. And lastly, Federer from August of 2004 to February of 2007 went 137-3 on hard courts during that 2 1/2 year span. This is perhaps the most ridiculous run of dominance in history, outside of Nadal on clay.

Edit: That's 5 titles, 7 finals, and 10 semis for Fed at the USO

 

[ForumMember]

So a 2004 Fed who got beaten by an 17 years old Rafa on HC would have disdainfully dismissed a 2010 mature Rafa if he has to play him on HC. Hmmm..

Blindness caused by fanboyism is so incurable.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

@Pheasant Fed has had 7 finals/two runner-ups.

 

[ADuck]

In a previous post, I had 2004 Federer and 2010 Rafa splitting, with Fed winning on the fast USO surface and Nadal winning on the slower surface. I believe that I was extremely generous to Nadal. I think that I might have been overly-generous to Nadal. But his 2010 USO performance was insane. I may end up switching that to 2-0 in favor of Federer. Federer's hard court stats simply blow Nadal's out of the water. And this is despite the fact that Fed's stats after the age of 30 aren't close to what peak-Fed did

Here are their USO stats for their careers:

Federer
78-11, .876 overall
16-6, .727 vs top 10
5 titles, 6 finals, 13 semis

Nadal
43-9, .826 overall
5-4, .556 vs top 10
3 titles, 4 finals, 6 semis

The USO is a small sample size of hard court play. If we look at their overall hard court records, then the gap widens substantially.

Most people have forgotten that Federer owns the longest winning streak on hard courts, which is 56 straight. That record is unfathomable. Even in his old age, Federer is a beast on hard courts. Consider how unbeatable Djokovic was on hard courts in 2015. That year, Djoker lost the Cinci final to Federer. He then reeled off an impressive 24 consecutive hard court victories before having it snapped by the 34 year Federer. As as matter of fact, old Fed went 3-3 vs Djokovic on hard courts in 2015. That is seems impossible for an old man. Djokovic against the rest of the field went 56-2 on hard courts in 2015. Federer is a beast on hard courts, even as a dinosaur. And lastly, Federer from August of 2004 to February of 2007 went 137-3 on hard courts during that 2 1/2 year span. This is perhaps the most ridiculous run of dominance in history, outside of Nadal on clay.

I thought you were gonna list stats that were actually related to the hypothetical.

 

[KINGROGER]

That surface wasn't the USO LOL Nadal has never won the YEC, so your point is feeble. Loads of players 'dismantled' Nadal there LOL
He does have 3 USO titles though

Yes it was. Same decoturf surface as USO same speed.

Loads dismantled Nadal at the USO too. He needed cakewalks and 2 x below par Djokovic to win 3 of them! If he had to face prime Fed or 2015 Djokovic it would’ve been a beatdown.

 

[KINGROGER]

Nadal leads their H2H on Decoturf-2(USO surface) by 2-0. 2006 Dubai and 2013 Cincinnatti.Nadal won both


The fact is, if your life depended on it, you would all bet on Nadal. You can claim how you would choose Federer and I believe you, afterall you're his fans and it's only logical to support and believe in your favourite player, but if the **** went down, if this match really had an impact on your REAL life, you'd bet on Nadal.

Factually wrong, Federer destroyed Nadal on their 2 most relevant decoturf matches (06-07 YEC)

1 Mickey Mouse tournament win or a win over 2013erer doesn’t indicate anything... in fact that Fed went to 3 sets vs absolutely peak Rafa there and was unlucky so lord knows what 07, 09, 12 versions would’ve done lol.

Also depends on the surface. If the HC is medium fast or above I’d bet my life savings on Federer.

If it’s slow enough where Rafa can chase down winners (Miami, plexicushion AO pre 2017) then I’d probably go for Rafa, just.

 

[HetTheGreaterer]

Ok lets look at this. If Nadal has won the USO 3 times, how can you say his game has no effect on fast courts? LOL
Plus Nadal has beaten Federer at Miami twice, Dubai, AO 3 times, Indian Wells, Cincinatti and The WTF London. They are all HC and they were at various times throughout their H2H over the years. Some may not be 'fast' Hard courts, but its silly to claim that Nadals game doesn't work against Fed on a hard court.
Nadal also has and Explosive FH and amazing footwork, especially if you want to mention youth.
Then when you mention 'young' Federers ability to hit FH winners on many of the opponents directed to BH shots, are you for real? LOL
Nadals H2H was ridiculous over Federer remember up until 2017. Young Federer had no answer for Nadals directed BH shots up until 2017....

Remove slump years of fedr in 2008 and 2013 and see h2h then..
Young federer had everything vs rafa as he was 5-2 vs rafa everywhere else expect on clay...
It is not fed's fault if rafa was not able to reach him more than he was reaching rafa on clay...
Also nadal's 2/3 uso had been in absolutely joke draws

 

[kishnabe]

Federer in straights with a Bagel and Breadstick, no version of Nadal could beat 2004 US Open Federer. Forehand was spanking everywhere.....

 

[TheMaestro1990]

Federer's forehand would destroy Nadal

 

[kevaninho]

I thought RAFA's losses against Novak in 2015-2016 was due to his poor form but it doesn't apply to Fed apparently, who was losing to everybody that year from Stakhovsky to Robredo.

Before and after 2013 Fed straight setted RAFA in IW. Before 2013 RAFA won 1 set in four meetings at the YEC (they didn't meet after 2013 due to RAFA sucking or being MIA). In 2012 and 2015 Fed didn't face a single BP against Murray and Djoker (the best returners of the game) but RAFA was nowhere to be found (okay he funnily enough lost to Lopez one match before their projetcted meeting in 2015).

Nope, Rafas losses to Novak in 15-16 were because Novak was the best player in the world att he time LOL Certain people can admit when another player is better at that time.
Pretty much the same as Nadal has been better than Federer their whole career till 2017

 

[kevaninho]

Remove slump years of fedr in 2008 and 2013 and see h2h then..
Young federer had everything vs rafa as he was 5-2 vs rafa everywhere else expect on clay...
It is not fed's fault if rafa was not able to reach him more than he was reaching rafa on clay...
Also nadal's 2/3 uso had been in absolutely joke draws

Joke draws? Like most of Federers slam wins before Nadal and Djokovic appeared LOL

 

[kevaninho]

Yes it was. Same decoturf surface as USO same speed.

Loads dismantled Nadal at the USO too. He needed cakewalks and 2 x below par Djokovic to win 3 of them! If he had to face prime Fed or 2015 Djokovic it would’ve been a beatdown.

As above, id say Federers USO wins before the other big 2 appeared, were way more of joke draws, than any Nadal faced...

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Nope, Rafas losses to Novak in 15-16 were because Novak was the best player in the world att he time LOL Certain people can admit when another player is better at that time.
Pretty much the same as Nadal has been better than Federer their whole career till 2017

 

[KINGROGER]

As above, id say Federers USO wins before the other big 2 appeared, were way more of joke draws, than any Nadal faced...

Just no lol.

 

[kevaninho]

Just no lol.

So what were Feds hard draws like? LOL
Nadals in 2017 was pathetic, but if Fed had gotten to him, then it would've been like any normal draw these days. Where its a stroll until the last 2 matches.

 

[KINGROGER]

So what were Feds hard draws like? LOL
Nadals in 2017 was pathetic, but if Fed had gotten to him, then it would've been like any normal draw these days. Where its a stroll until the last 2 matches.

04 Agassi was very solid and he dismantled a well playing Hewitt. Again, Hewitt Agassi in 05, Davydenko Roddick in 06, Djokovic in 07-08 was about same playing level as 2010 or 2013.

 

[tennis_pro]

Who did Nadal beat in 2010? Only Djokovic who was playing at 50% of his capabilities and pushed him for 2,5 sets.

Federer beat Agassi in tornado like conditions and threw 2 bagels for Hewitt.

On a proper fast hard court Nadal would never beat Federer at his best which he was in 2004. He barely did that at his own peak vs past his prime broken back mono Federer.

 

[kevaninho]

Agassi in 04 was 34 years old, and way past his best LOL
I think y'all need to stop sugar coating Feds easy slam days LOL
Hewitt

 

[kevaninho]

04 Agassi was very solid and he dismantled a well playing Hewitt. Again, Hewitt Agassi in 05, Davydenko Roddick in 06, Djokovic in 07-08 was about same playing level as 2010 or 2013.

Davydenko? LOL A guy who never even reached a slam final, yet hes a tough opponent for the best player ever? Right...

 

[kevaninho]

Who did Nadal beat in 2010? Only Djokovic who was playing at 50% of his capabilities and pushed him for 2,5 sets.

Federer beat Agassi in tornado like conditions and threw 2 bagels for Hewitt.

On a proper fast hard court Nadal would never beat Federer at his best which he was in 2004. He barely did that at his own peak vs past his prime broken back mono Federer.

50% of his capabilities? Where do people get this rubbish from?

 

[KINGROGER]

Davydenko? LOL A guy who never even reached a slam final, yet hes a tough opponent for the best player ever? Right...

6-1 vs Nadal on HC LOL what does that say about Nadal losing so much to a mug like that???

 

[kevaninho]

6-1 vs Nadal on HC LOL what does that say about Nadal losing so much to a mug like that???

Exactly, that's the only reason people say Davydenko is a good player LOL Hes not.
Nadal can lose to anybody on grass or HC, no big deal.
Its very easy to flip it and say Nadal beat him with ease on clay, but no one cares except Fed fans who want to use Davydenko as some example of Fed having tough competition cos he beat nadal several times LOL

 

[mike danny]

As above, id say Federers USO wins before the other big 2 appeared, were way more of joke draws, than any Nadal faced...

Seriously, I hope you're just trolling because you were provoked, in which case I could understand.

 

[mike danny]

Nope, Rafas losses to Novak in 15-16 were because Novak was the best player in the world att he time LOL Certain people can admit when another player is better at that time.
Pretty much the same as Nadal has been better than Federer their whole career till 2017

Laughable.

 

[tennis_pro]

50% of his capabilities? Where do people get this rubbish from?

2011 Djokovic would smoke 2010 US Open Djokovic. Djokovic played 1 great match in the entire 2010 season - in the US SF against Federer and he had little left for the final.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Fed is going to the woodshed.

 

[Deleted member 512391]

Federer in four.

His massive forehand helped by his big serve would be too much for Rafa on a fast surface, imo. Federer's court coverage and movement on hc were incredible back then and he was able to play for several hours if it's necessary and to be involved in a grueling match without surrendering physically. He had also the ability to hit the winners from any position on the court, even against the elite defenders (his demolition of Hewitt is underrated, knowing how great defender, returner Lleyton was and how great passing shots he used to hit), so Nadal would find it very hard to drag him into those endless rallies so typical for him.
I have no doubts that Nadal would try to pin Roger to the ad court and force him to hit as much backhands as he can, but I don't think it would be enough. Federer would still have the control over the majority of the rallies on his serve and there would be a big pressure on Rafa's service games.

I've read many comments about Agassi's ability to push Federer in that 2005 final, by going repeatedly to his BH, as a final proof that Nadal would do better since nobody else exploits Roger's BH as good as him, but Andre managed to do it due to his incredible return, so his starting position was much better than Rafa's would've been, whose return was never an elite shot on hc (the fast one in particular) and that would make a huge difference.

 

[tennis_pro]

Exactly, that's the only reason people say Davydenko is a good player LOL Hes not.
Nadal can lose to anybody on grass or HC, no big deal.
Its very easy to flip it and say Nadal beat him with ease on clay, but no one cares except Fed fans who want to use Davydenko as some example of Fed having tough competition cos he beat nadal several times LOL

If Nadal can lose to anybody on grass or HC how is he the best ever? Davydenko was beating Nadal in his best years, not in 2003.

 

[Nadalgaenger]

I think 2017 Fed actually would have a better chance against 2010 Nadal and no I’m not joking!

 

[Nadalgaenger]

2004 Fed was the best avatar of Fed in a USO final, but what happened to him in the QF?

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

I think 2017 Fed actually would have a better chance against 2010 Nadal and no I’m not joking!

Well sure. All the old weak era mugs were beating RAFA that year.

2004 Fed was the best avatar of Fed in a USO final, but what happened to him in the QF?

Windy as hell.

 

[HetTheGreaterer]

Joke draws? Like most of Federers slam wins before Nadal and Djokovic appeared LOL

One more weak era robot spotted

So basically if fed doesn't defeat nadal and/or djoker in every slam his draws are joke?? Was it his fault that nadal despite being early bloomer could not reach federer outside of clay much untill federer's peak ended...
I am talking on the ranking basis, federer has not won a single slam w/o not playing a top 25 player in his whole career.... Nads has many many cakewalk draw and the cakest of them was USO17..

And you think the draws including gonzalez, david nalbandian, safin, hewitt, agassi, roddick, etc were joke draws???
These players would have handily murdered the competition which your so called *strong era champs* nadovic faced in form of almighty kei nishikori, grigor dimitrov, milos raonic, gael monfils etc...lol at your lack of common knowledge...... Federer just destroyed them all in his peak to make them look ordinary players and infact any of those in good form would easily create troubles and frequently beat nadovic unlike the lost gen who are in dilemma against them 90% of the time..
Remember clearly, federer in his peak never allowed the journeymen like wawarinka, cilic etc to win slams or even masters.......
Once he fell out of peak and nadovic took charge, all these has happened

The truth which nadovic fans aren't ready to accept is, "The competition federer faced in his peak in form of nextgen(other big 3, birdman etc) and his own generation (roddick, hewitt, saffin, nalby, etc) was far far tougher than what nadovic faced in form of lost gen and even nextgen

Federer had 2 ATGs, 5-6 years younger than him to stop and slow him down and still his march isn't completely stopped..

 

[mike danny]

So what were Feds hard draws like? LOL
Nadals in 2017 was pathetic, but if Fed had gotten to him, then it would've been like any normal draw these days. Where its a stroll until the last 2 matches.

Nadal has beaten just 5 top 10 players in his entire career at the USO. Fed has beaten 16.

If I were a Nadal fan, I wouldn't start talking about USO draws because I would lose the argument every day and every night.

 

[HetTheGreaterer]

Windy as hell.

And also agassi still good and a clean hitter

 

[Deleted member 757377]

Djokovic in 07-08 was about same playing level as 2013.

wins over top-10:

2007: 6
2008: 11
2013: 24