2014 Roland Garros Final: Nadal vs. Djokovic

[Kieran]

You too, Broken, you lost faith in your boy. I don't wanna sound like I'm banging my own drum, but this match had Rafa in four written all over since Wednesday, but very few of us backed him. He didn't play great today but he was still too strong.

I never ever lost faith. For a while, I just didn't think he'd win it (there's a difference), until the second week of the FO. My fears weren't exactly unjustified though, because Nadal wasn't playing well. Nevertheless, I maintained, way before the tournament that Nadal will be playing Djokovic in the final, and said that "I'm slightly leaning towards Djokovic, but I might change my mind as the tournament progresses" (that post was in reply to GSM's awful predictions. Where is he btw?). That's not exactly losing faith one bit. I even laughed off the manner in which Nadal was getting shrugged off in most people's predictions. Give me more credit than that, buddy.

Any time I read your posts, you were writing him off. I saw only posts where you said he wasn't winning and if he faces Nole, he won't win. Perhaps you posted somewhere a post that said he'd win. You know, through the summer I told you there were improvements, but throughout Paris, we could actually see his mood lift, and for the last six sets he played before the final, he was rampant.

But anyhow, I know what you mean about others completely writing him off. GSM's Unnamed Player was a Latvian, by the way... :snigger

 

[Fiero425]

I like him at Wimbo if he can get through the first rounds - and if his back is fine. He can't stoop for low balls on grass with a severe backache. it's an issue, but one he overcame here. But at what cost? I never seen Rafa so affected by a victory before...

I bet any amount of money that Rafa will either skip Wimbledon or get upset rather early! All too often he's quite satisfied with his FO and relaxes; hence only having 2 titles!

 

[huntingyou]

Nole isn't beating Rafa at RG, he has only been competitive once in 6 matches and his career has been in the tubes since RG 2013.

You are becoming trolling with this attitude. Roger 2004-2007 gave you a skewed view of what reality looks like at the highest level of professional sports.

Slams are the gold standard but 4 tournaments a tennis season is not nor players legacy are built only on those four tournaments.

I though what Novak did in the fall last year was inhuman and quite frankly a great achievement in itself. He is an all time great and he will win more slams outside the AO and perhaps Paris. Roger couldn't deal with young Rafa on clay.....at least Novak gives us a match in Paris.

 

[Front242]

You too, Broken, you lost faith in your boy. I don't wanna sound like I'm banging my own drum, but this match had Rafa in four written all over since Wednesday, but very few of us backed him. He didn't play great today but he was still too strong.

I never ever lost faith. For a while, I just didn't think he'd win it (there's a difference), until the second week of the FO. My fears weren't exactly unjustified though, because Nadal wasn't playing well. Nevertheless, I maintained, way before the tournament that Nadal will be playing Djokovic in the final, and said that "I'm slightly leaning towards Djokovic, but I might change my mind as the tournament progresses" (that post was in reply to GSM's awful predictions. Where is he btw?). That's not exactly losing faith one bit. I even laughed off the manner in which Nadal was getting shrugged off in most people's predictions. Give me more credit than that, buddy.

Any time I read your posts, you were writing him off. I saw only posts where you said he wasn't winning and if he faces Nole, he won't win. Perhaps you posted somewhere a post that said he'd win. You know, through the summer I told you there were improvements, but throughout Paris, we could actually see his mood lift, and for the last six sets he played before the final, he was rampant.

But anyhow, I know what you mean about others completely writing him off. GSM's Unnamed Player was a Latvian, by the way... :snigger

LOL no offense but you sound like AP there. I mean congrats to Nadal but those last 6 sets he played before the final were rampant?! Ferrer said in his press conference he didn't even try and the scoreline reflects that and Murray was even worse than Novak today. Nadal didn't need to do anything to win those 2 matches. A little more today but still from 5-6 2nd set when Novak dumped that game like a complete tool I knew the match was over. His mood was lifted by all the pathetic performances he's faced last 3 matches.

 

[brokenshoelace]

You too, Broken, you lost faith in your boy. I don't wanna sound like I'm banging my own drum, but this match had Rafa in four written all over since Wednesday, but very few of us backed him. He didn't play great today but he was still too strong.

I never ever lost faith. For a while, I just didn't think he'd win it (there's a difference), until the second week of the FO. My fears weren't exactly unjustified though, because Nadal wasn't playing well. Nevertheless, I maintained, way before the tournament that Nadal will be playing Djokovic in the final, and said that "I'm slightly leaning towards Djokovic, but I might change my mind as the tournament progresses" (that post was in reply to GSM's awful predictions. Where is he btw?). That's not exactly losing faith one bit. I even laughed off the manner in which Nadal was getting shrugged off in most people's predictions. Give me more credit than that, buddy.

Any time I read your posts, you were writing him off. I saw only posts where you said he wasn't winning and if he faces Nole, he won't win. Perhaps you posted somewhere a post that said he'd win. You know, through the summer I told you there were improvements, but throughout Paris, we could actually see his mood lift, and for the last six sets he played before the final, he was rampant.

But anyhow, I know what you mean about others completely writing him off. GSM's Unnamed Player was a Latvian, by the way... :snigger

I think there's a difference between saying I don't think he'll beat Novak and "writing him off." I also changed my tune considerably after the 2nd week. I came around eventually, by the way (I'll PM you about this, and someone can back me up). But, since you want a public apology: I was wrong to ever doubt Rafa at the French Open, even if I ended up changing my mind. Happy, you stubborn Irish bastard?

 

[huntingyou]

I like him at Wimbo if he can get through the first rounds - and if his back is fine. He can't stoop for low balls on grass with a severe backache. it's an issue, but one he overcame here. But at what cost? I never seen Rafa so affected by a victory before...

I bet any amount of money that Rafa will either skip Wimbledon or get upset rather early! All too often he's quite satisfied with his FO and relaxes; hence only having 2 titles!

5 consecutive finals

 

[brokenshoelace]

You too, Broken, you lost faith in your boy. I don't wanna sound like I'm banging my own drum, but this match had Rafa in four written all over since Wednesday, but very few of us backed him. He didn't play great today but he was still too strong.

I never ever lost faith. For a while, I just didn't think he'd win it (there's a difference), until the second week of the FO. My fears weren't exactly unjustified though, because Nadal wasn't playing well. Nevertheless, I maintained, way before the tournament that Nadal will be playing Djokovic in the final, and said that "I'm slightly leaning towards Djokovic, but I might change my mind as the tournament progresses" (that post was in reply to GSM's awful predictions. Where is he btw?). That's not exactly losing faith one bit. I even laughed off the manner in which Nadal was getting shrugged off in most people's predictions. Give me more credit than that, buddy.

Any time I read your posts, you were writing him off. I saw only posts where you said he wasn't winning and if he faces Nole, he won't win. Perhaps you posted somewhere a post that said he'd win. You know, through the summer I told you there were improvements, but throughout Paris, we could actually see his mood lift, and for the last six sets he played before the final, he was rampant.

But anyhow, I know what you mean about others completely writing him off. GSM's Unnamed Player was a Latvian, by the way... :snigger

LOL no offense but you sound like AP there. I mean congrats to Nadal but those last 6 sets he played before the final were rampant?! Ferrer said in his press conference he didn't even try and the scoreline reflects that and Murray was even worse than Novak today. Nadal didn't need to do anything to win those 2 matches. A little more today but still from 5-6 2nd set when Novak dumped that game like a complete tool I knew the match was over. His mood was lifted by all the pathetic performances he's faced last 3 matches.

Murray was pretty bad but you don't lose that badly if you're an elite player unless your opponent was playing some pretty spectacular tennis. Nadal was. I agree about the Ferrer match though.

 

[Denis]

Oh I believe others have the ability to beat Rafa in Paris

I respectfully disagree.

Well, Djokovic has the ability but he's so far never produced it except in the mickey mouse clay events prior to RG. I think a number of players out there if given the chance would've done better today.

Rome, Monaco and Madrid mickey mouse clay events? :laydownlaughing

Yeah of course in the grand scheme of things. You don't think he'd trade all those wins for a RG title?

True. I wouldn't belittle those titles though. These are big tourney's just below the GS's.

Anyway, which players did you have in mind? David Ferrer? Roger Federer? lol

 

[Front242]

You too, Broken, you lost faith in your boy. I don't wanna sound like I'm banging my own drum, but this match had Rafa in four written all over since Wednesday, but very few of us backed him. He didn't play great today but he was still too strong.

I never ever lost faith. For a while, I just didn't think he'd win it (there's a difference), until the second week of the FO. My fears weren't exactly unjustified though, because Nadal wasn't playing well. Nevertheless, I maintained, way before the tournament that Nadal will be playing Djokovic in the final, and said that "I'm slightly leaning towards Djokovic, but I might change my mind as the tournament progresses" (that post was in reply to GSM's awful predictions. Where is he btw?). That's not exactly losing faith one bit. I even laughed off the manner in which Nadal was getting shrugged off in most people's predictions. Give me more credit than that, buddy.

Any time I read your posts, you were writing him off. I saw only posts where you said he wasn't winning and if he faces Nole, he won't win. Perhaps you posted somewhere a post that said he'd win. You know, through the summer I told you there were improvements, but throughout Paris, we could actually see his mood lift, and for the last six sets he played before the final, he was rampant.

But anyhow, I know what you mean about others completely writing him off. GSM's Unnamed Player was a Latvian, by the way... :snigger

LOL no offense but you sound like AP there. I mean congrats to Nadal but those last 6 sets he played before the final were rampant?! Ferrer said in his press conference he didn't even try and the scoreline reflects that and Murray was even worse than Novak today. Nadal didn't need to do anything to win those 2 matches. A little more today but still from 5-6 2nd set when Novak dumped that game like a complete tool I knew the match was over. His mood was lifted by all the pathetic performances he's faced last 3 matches.

Murray was pretty bad but you don't lose that badly if you're an elite player unless your opponent was playing some pretty spectacular tennis. Nadal was. I agree about the Ferrer match though.

Nadal was indeed very good against Murray. Today so so but that was enough as Novak was crap after he gifted away set 2. Against Ferrer he had to do zilch after Ferrer inexplicably and admittedly by he himself, gave up after 4-4 set 2. Pitiful by Ferrer.

 

[huntingyou]

You too, Broken, you lost faith in your boy. I don't wanna sound like I'm banging my own drum, but this match had Rafa in four written all over since Wednesday, but very few of us backed him. He didn't play great today but he was still too strong.

I never ever lost faith. For a while, I just didn't think he'd win it (there's a difference), until the second week of the FO. My fears weren't exactly unjustified though, because Nadal wasn't playing well. Nevertheless, I maintained, way before the tournament that Nadal will be playing Djokovic in the final, and said that "I'm slightly leaning towards Djokovic, but I might change my mind as the tournament progresses" (that post was in reply to GSM's awful predictions. Where is he btw?). That's not exactly losing faith one bit. I even laughed off the manner in which Nadal was getting shrugged off in most people's predictions. Give me more credit than that, buddy.

Any time I read your posts, you were writing him off. I saw only posts where you said he wasn't winning and if he faces Nole, he won't win. Perhaps you posted somewhere a post that said he'd win. You know, through the summer I told you there were improvements, but throughout Paris, we could actually see his mood lift, and for the last six sets he played before the final, he was rampant.

But anyhow, I know what you mean about others completely writing him off. GSM's Unnamed Player was a Latvian, by the way... :snigger

LOL no offense but you sound like AP there. I mean congrats to Nadal but those last 6 sets he played before the final were rampant?! Ferrer said in his press conference he didn't even try and the scoreline reflects that and Murray was even worse than Novak today. Nadal didn't need to do anything to win those 2 matches. A little more today but still from 5-6 2nd set when Novak dumped that game like a complete tool I knew the match was over. His mood was lifted by all the pathetic performances he's faced last 3 matches.

BS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Players gift matches to Rafa at RG? I believe you really have no understanding of what Nadal brings to the court in this particular venue.

 

[Fiero425]

I like him at Wimbo if he can get through the first rounds - and if his back is fine. He can't stoop for low balls on grass with a severe backache. it's an issue, but one he overcame here. But at what cost? I never seen Rafa so affected by a victory before...

I bet any amount of money that Rafa will either skip Wimbledon or get upset rather early! All too often he's quite satisfied with his FO and relaxes; hence only having 2 titles!

5 consecutive finals

As I've been saying, that's more due to the gutless play of the rest of the men; unable to finish him off! They've made the grass more friendly to baseliners, but he should have been upset a lot more if the rest of the tour played smarter and didn't allow him to get away with that type of defensive play! That's what made Borg great, but even he attacked more back then making 6 finals in a row; winning 5! And he did it without grass warm-ups and less time to prepare! We had a lot more grass court specialist back then, but his will to win overcame their ability to put him on the defensive! As great as Lendl was, attacking all the way, he only got by the also-rans! The true grass courters like Becker, Cash, and McEnroe were just a few players that took him down on a surface he was clueless on!

 

[Front242]

I respectfully disagree.

Well, Djokovic has the ability but he's so far never produced it except in the mickey mouse clay events prior to RG. I think a number of players out there if given the chance would've done better today.

Rome, Monaco and Madrid mickey mouse clay events? :laydownlaughing

Yeah of course in the grand scheme of things. You don't think he'd trade all those wins for a RG title?

True. I wouldn't belittle those titles though. These are big tourney's just below the GS's.

Anyway, which players did you have in mind? David Ferrer? Roger Federer? lol

No, if fit and made it to the final Nishikori or Gulbis. They would've done better and still ultimately most likely have lost but imo they would've done better today than the flat out poor performance from Novak with the emphasis on flat and poor.

 

[rafanoy1992]

What is amazing about Nadal in this venue especially in the final is that he has never played a five setter in all nine finals he has played in. That's pretty remarkable accomplishment right there.

 

[tented]

It could also be easy rubbed in on the Rafa fans who kept insisting he wouldn't win the FO. I'm looking at you, Tented, you went galloping for the hills even in pm's when I told you after the Ferrer match, Nadal will drop one more set - max - in this tourney. You insisted he would lose.

Who paid you off, brother, that's all I want to know, and how much did they pay you? :snigger

Yep, I was wrong. I can still barely believe it. Rafa has been so poor (relatively speaking, of course) all clay season, only winning Madrid because Kei retired.

Plus, Novak has had the upper-hand in their most recent meetings, so the combination pointed to Novak winning. Again, wrong.

I do agree with Denisovich, however, that Novak will win RG, if not next year, perhaps the year after. It seems inevitable. Rafa can't do this forever -- barely got through today before his body broke down -- and there's no one else who stands out as the guy who will beat Novak in Paris. Not Roger. Not Murray. Wawrinka couldn't get out of the first round. So, who else?

 

[Front242]

The rest are too poor or haven't the endurance to even reach the final though I was impressed as hell by Gulbis and hope he doesn't disappear the rest of the year and stays top 10.

 

[DarthFed]

Nole isn't beating Rafa at RG, he has only been competitive once in 6 matches and his career has been in the tubes since RG 2013.

You are becoming trolling with this attitude. Roger 2004-2007 gave you a skewed view of what reality looks like at the highest level of professional sports.

Slams are the gold standard but 4 tournaments a tennis season is not nor players legacy are built only on those four tournaments.

I though what Novak did in the fall last year was inhuman and quite frankly a great achievement in itself. He is an all time great and he will win more slams outside the AO and perhaps Paris. Roger couldn't deal with young Rafa on clay.....at least Novak gives us a match in Paris.

Nole can win as many YEC's and MS events as he wants but that doesn't equal slams, and in slams he has not gotten it done in well over a year now. He is now the player everyone is hoping to see in GS finals. Novak gave Nadal one match in Paris. Other than that it looks a lot like Roger.

 

[rafanoy1992]

By the way, Djokovic looked sick out there. I wonder if he had illness or did the heat affected him a little bit. John McEnroe said Djokovic threw up a couple times.

 

[Denis]

Well, Djokovic has the ability but he's so far never produced it except in the mickey mouse clay events prior to RG. I think a number of players out there if given the chance would've done better today.

Rome, Monaco and Madrid mickey mouse clay events? :laydownlaughing

Yeah of course in the grand scheme of things. You don't think he'd trade all those wins for a RG title?

True. I wouldn't belittle those titles though. These are big tourney's just below the GS's.

Anyway, which players did you have in mind? David Ferrer? Roger Federer? lol

No, if fit and made it to the final Nishikori or Gulbis. They would've done better and still ultimately most likely have lost but imo they would've done better today than the flat out poor performance from Novak with the emphasis on flat and poor.

Not sure. It was boiling hot out there and it was a GS final. But yes, potentially, if they would have severely overachieved.

 

[Front242]

Rome, Monaco and Madrid mickey mouse clay events? :laydownlaughing

Yeah of course in the grand scheme of things. You don't think he'd trade all those wins for a RG title?

True. I wouldn't belittle those titles though. These are big tourney's just below the GS's.

Anyway, which players did you have in mind? David Ferrer? Roger Federer? lol

No, if fit and made it to the final Nishikori or Gulbis. They would've done better and still ultimately most likely have lost but imo they would've done better today than the flat out poor performance from Novak with the emphasis on flat and poor.

Not sure. It was boiling hot out there and it was a GS final. But yes, potentially, if they would have severely overachieved.

If it weren't for the fact that he's injury prone as hell, Nishikori of late (only talking this year really) has proven to be a cleaner ball striker under pressure than Djokovic. Well, he's always been a very clean ball striker like Davydenko but with his serve and attacking powers he showed in Madrid I believe he'd have put up a very good fight today. Again, all pure speculation and hypothetical as the guy is always injured unfortunately.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Yeah of course in the grand scheme of things. You don't think he'd trade all those wins for a RG title?

True. I wouldn't belittle those titles though. These are big tourney's just below the GS's.

Anyway, which players did you have in mind? David Ferrer? Roger Federer? lol

No, if fit and made it to the final Nishikori or Gulbis. They would've done better and still ultimately most likely have lost but imo they would've done better today than the flat out poor performance from Novak with the emphasis on flat and poor.

Not sure. It was boiling hot out there and it was a GS final. But yes, potentially, if they would have severely overachieved.

If it weren't for the fact that he's injury prone as hell, Nishikori of late (only talking this year really) has proven to be a cleaner ball striker under pressure than Djokovic. Well, he's always been a very clean ball striker like Davydenko but with his serve and attacking powers he showed in Madrid I believe he'd have put up a very good fight today. Again, all pure speculation and hypothetical as the guy is always injured unfortunately.

Seriously, I think this tournament was seriously lacking because of Nishikori's early loss. I think he was probably still injured, but he finished the match so I won't say that definitively. He may have simply been outplayed. But man I was hoping he'd make it to Djokovic. I definitely gave him a chance against Djokovic and the rest of the field. I may be jumping on his bandwagon too hard. But I could see him in the final giving Rafa a run for his money. I really thought it was possible. I mean, I really was cautious precisely because of his injury in Madrid. But I was just hoping he wasn't injured and I would really give him a chance. Then he lost his first match. I was rather disappointed. I hope he was injured. And I hope he heals up now.