2013 French Open F: Nadal vs. Ferrer

[rafanoy1992]

Let's hope Ferrer doesn't go too anxious or doesn't get too nervous.

 

[Moxie]

Let's hope Ferrer doesn't go too anxious or doesn't get too nervous.

He's sure to be nervous, but here's where being 31 helps, I think. It may be his first Major final, but he's made his (late) career on being mature, patient, and opportunistic. Maybe the "moment" will lose him the first set, but, unless Nadal completely runs rough-shod over him, he could out-fox Nadal in some big points, if he holds his wits. However, Nadal will try to have a big serving day. There I don't know if David can keep up with him.

 

[Iona16]

I think people are being harsh on the match. Their last two clay court meetings have been pretty entertaining, with the Rome match being a particularly good display of clay court tennis.

With that said, unless Nadal is physically exhausted, the outcome won't be in doubt. However, Ferrer is someone who can physically challenge him. He will track down balls, defend, and even make Nadal move quite a lot. If he keeps hitting his backhand as well as he's been doing all clay court season, in addition to his great inside out forehand, he will make Nadal move, which is his only chance of winning this match.

If Rafa's physically up for it, and is hitting his ground strokes as sharp as he was against Novak, he wins this in straights. I'll go with 4 sets, to be safe.

Agree 100%

Acapulco was a blowout but their other clay meetings this year have been close. I'm going with Rafa in 3 or 4.

Ferrer is my 3rd favourite player after Murray and Nadal so I would not be too disappointed if he were to win. Still backing Rafa 100% though.

My theory about Acapulco was that Ferrer was trying a new tactic, and got skunked. The last 2 matches between them were much more characteristic of Ferrer's play, and he was much closer. I'm thrilled for Ferrer to get this milestone, but I still think it's a mountain to climb v. Nadal. His game is Rafa-lite. That's why he doesn't beat him on clay. Unless today's match took too much out of Nadal, physically/emotionally, Nadal in 3 or 4. But Ferrer has nothing to lose. This is almost certain to be the highlight of his career. He will leave blood, sweat and tears on the court.

Not doubting that for a second.

Did you see what Tsonga said about Ferrer?

"I was surprised by how fast Ferrer moves around the court. He returned really well too."

Should that really come as a surprise? I could have told him that.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

watch out for the dodgy weather again..a low pressure system tracking up from further south is threatening paris on sunday..

so something similar to last years final could be on the cards maybe.

 

[rafanoy1992]

The only bad thing that could happen on Sunday is rain. I just looked at the weather forecast for Sunday, and it doesn't look good. There's a 70% chance of rain. Let's hope they could start and finish the match on Sunday. Monday does look sunny though.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

ferrer goes above nadal in the world rankings again on Monday..

nadal could be seeded 5 for Wimbledon depending on this n that n the other.

 

[Srini]

This will be a boring match but better than Fedal matches on clay. With the benefit of hindsight, i am happy Fed lost.

I feel Ferrer will try hard and take a set.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Funny tweet from Nadal's parody twitter account:

Not Rafa Nadal ‏@PseudoRafa 17m

I know nobody ever won the same slam 8 times. That's why I'll be forever grateful that I played in the same era as Roger, no?

 

[Didi]

I'm really very bad at predicting matches but I'll give it another try. I think this final might be a lot closer than many think. I just rewatched the Madrid and Rome matches and noticed how Ferrer changed his approach and some patterns against Nadal compared to past years. He pinned Nadal back in almost all BH to FH crosscourt exchanges and was way more agressive with his inside out. His point construction was spot on. Controlled aggressiveness in a patient and clever way. He didn't stay passive or reverted to just grinding and retrieving. In fact he stepped into the court and took the initiative for most of the time.

Now this is a Slam Final and Ferrer might be over overwhelmed by the occasion. I expect him to get a bit tight at the beginning and then settle down later. And of course it has a lot to do with how Nadal plays. Just rewatching the final set with Djokovic yesterday, Nadal was incredibly calm with a remarkable swagger. He seems fine within himself, even under the highest pressure. Can see this going something like 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 to Nadal. Tight scoreline, yet the outcome never in doubt.

 

[Moxie]

^ I think your scoreline is not improbable, Didi. I find it hard to imagine that this is the moment when David finds the solution to Rafa on clay, but I do hope he plays well and makes a respectable show of it. A lot depends on Nadal, I think. If he's soaring with confidence after beating Djokovic on Friday, there may be little room for Ferrer to get in. But there is the pressure of such an historic win, and he could be a little tired...he just played his first 5-setter in a year. Will the knee be a little sore? Weather looks a bit iffy, but I don't think that benefits Ferrer the way it would Djokovic, as he and Nadal both play with spin. And Nadal's ball doesn't have to get up as high on David. For David, the problem is more weight of shot.

 

[BalaryKar]

I am tuning in watch just the award ceremony. Just want to watch a guy break two records: 8 th FO, and 9th consecutive year of GS win.

 

[rafanoy1992]

I am tuning in watch just the award ceremony. Just want to watch a guy break two records: 8 th FO, and 9th consecutive year of GS win.

Balarykary, I like the 9th consecutive year of at least winning one slam record. Just to think of this, in order to achieve that record you have to be consistently good and you have to have longevity. Just think of this: Djokovic currently has three straight years of winning at least one slam. In order for him to reach that record, he has to win at least one slam for the next five or six years. So, it is an incredible feat and the scary thing is Nadal could win at least one slam for the next 2-3 years.

 

[BalaryKar]

May be if Nadal had already won AO, I would not mind Ferrer winning this one. Let there be no doubt: Ferrer does deserve one slam. Unfortunately, deserving and winning are two different things and Ferrer is well aware of it. It is the built that has limited Ferrer who otherwise may have won a slam earlier. If I look at this man, it was in 07 WTF finals that he face Federer. It is really long six years and for Ferrer to make a final itself gives credibility that he needs to have a FO.

Moreover, if anybody feels Nadal should not win the finals, can't be more wrong. Just watch the last match. Nole was full mode on. And yet it was simply the second time Nadal was drawn to 5 sets in the last 9 years. Take a bow Nadal

 

[the AntiPusher]

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

 

[BalaryKar]

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

And Nadal's parents are too bored to turn up for the finals

 

[the AntiPusher]

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

And Nadal's parents are too bored to turn up for the finals

So am I, I promised herios if Ferrer made it to the finals I would go teach Sunday School and volunteer to assist with Bingo with the senior citizens.. clap

 

[BalaryKar]

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

And Nadal's parents are too bored to turn up for the finals

So am I, I promised herios if Ferrer made it to the finals I would go teach Sunday School and volunteer to assist with Bingo with the senior citizens.. clap

You need to double that. Ferrer made it with style.

And that is the reason why I hate Berdych and Tsonga. No problems if you want to win whole thing (or reach the finals in the least), but don't stop Fed if ur intent is otherwise

 

[herios]

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

And Nadal's parents are too bored to turn up for the finals

So am I, I promised herios if Ferrer made it to the finals I would go teach Sunday School and volunteer to assist with Bingo with the senior citizens.. clap

You need to double that. Ferrer made it with style.

And that is the reason why I hate Berdych and Tsonga. No problems if you want to win whole thing (or reach the finals in the least), but don't stop Fed if ur intent is otherwise

Common now, Roger didn't show up for this event. And David did.
I m fed up with the trash David got on all our 3 sites for years. Enough already.

---

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

And Nadal's parents are too bored to turn up for the finals

So am I, I promised herios if Ferrer made it to the finals I would go teach Sunday School and volunteer to assist with Bingo with the senior citizens.. clap

So how is going with that project?

 

[the AntiPusher]

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

And Nadal's parents are too bored to turn up for the finals

So am I, I promised herios if Ferrer made it to the finals I would go teach Sunday School and volunteer to assist with Bingo with the senior citizens.. clap

You need to double that. Ferrer made it with style.

And that is the reason why I hate Berdych and Tsonga. No problems if you want to win whole thing (or reach the finals in the least), but don't stop Fed if ur intent is otherwise

Common now, Roger didn't show up for this event. And David did.
I m fed up with the trash David got on all our 3 sites for years. Enough already.

---

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

And Nadal's parents are too bored to turn up for the finals

So am I, I promised herios if Ferrer made it to the finals I would go teach Sunday School and volunteer to assist with Bingo with the senior citizens.. clap

So how is going with that project?

---

I am heading to church in an hour.. I am quite sure you will keep me updated on the match.. I am sure it will be a great clay court battle..

 

[BalaryKar]

My peeps in Vegas said that Ferrer's parents put down 10k on Rafa in straight sets:blush:

And Nadal's parents are too bored to turn up for the finals

So am I, I promised herios if Ferrer made it to the finals I would go teach Sunday School and volunteer to assist with Bingo with the senior citizens.. clap

You need to double that. Ferrer made it with style.

And that is the reason why I hate Berdych and Tsonga. No problems if you want to win whole thing (or reach the finals in the least), but don't stop Fed if ur intent is otherwise

Common now, Roger didn't show up for this event. And David did.
I m fed up with the trash David got on all our 3 sites for years. Enough already.

Stop it! Stop being serious now