2015 French Open QF: Djokovic v. Nadal

[kro2488]

btw thinking about Nadal's serve, why doesn't he change the mechanics or toss the ball higher? Seems to me he would get more first serves in...

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

Well, Kieran will be back with us tomorrow it seems.

why does he not poast during majors ?..superstitious ?.

 

[Front242]

Novak and his fans can buy these at a discount price.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Great win and all, Nole still has room to improve from today. I was not thrilled with the usually reliable DTL backhand.

...but I will give him a pass today. Go enjoy win Nole.

 

[Moxie]

Somehow knew the double fault was coming. Well done Novak!

Believe it or not I called that DF! Rafa's serves have been dragging the bottom of the net! I really expected a DF at this crucial stage! No big comeback this time! "Congrat Nole! Stay in the moment and keep focus!"

I'll say it...I don't believe it.

 

[DarthFed]

Congrats to Nole, some performance to destroy Rafa at RG like that even in his current form! Hoping he takes the title, if not him let it be a Stanimal.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Bad day at the office for Rafael, he really have a challenge to regain his championship desire. Congrats to Novak, he is by far the best tennis player today. Somewhere in the world, the Sun is setting but will rise elsewhere. Not a surprise but I was disappointed that he really didn't have any answers for Novak today.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Set 3 differential: Novak +6 Rafa -5

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Overall Match Differential: Novak +15 Rafa -14

That is a difference of 29 in the differential between the two players.

Novak had 45 winners to Rafa's 16. Both had 30 UFE.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

notice how the new calm djokoviic acted like it was just another win..

 

[nehmeth]

 

[nehmeth]

notice how the new calm djokoviic acted like it was just another win..

Exactly. Then he will be kicking himself in the locker room that he didn't figure this out three years ago. :snicker

 

[Front242]

notice how the new calm djokoviic acted like it was just another win..

Fair play to him on that note. A bit of respect goes a long way. Wouldn't have been the time to rip his shirt off.

 

[Kieran]

Well done to Nole, been exceptional all year, all tourney. :clap

Weathered the storm when Rafa thundered back in the first. I felt Rafa didn't hammer that home and became timid again, and when the match was competitive (up to 3-3 in the second) Nole was the aggressor on the big points. Nole didn't buckle, and it only became harder for Rafa then. Rafa still isn't the man he was, and there's some signs in his game and movement to worry about going forward, but this is a milestone in the sport, and a genuinely great chance for Novak to get his mitts on the RG cup.

Nothing lasts forever, people! Second slam in a row where Fedal haven't one member in the semis. They're looking old. They're getting brushed aside now, becoming notches on the bedpost. Kinda sad to see, but we've seen it with every great player who ever played the game...

 

[Front242]

You cruel b@$taRd :snicker

 

[DarthFed]

The King (of Clay) is Dead. Long Live the King.

Now you're turning into Nole's mommy :laydownlaughing

It will be interesting to see how Rafa rebounds. This is a different kind of adversity to any he's faced before, (losing as a 23 year old to Sod in 2009 is not the same thing). This is kind of like late 2010 - early 2011 for Roger when even he had to realize "I ain't close to being what I once was and the big wins will be limited from here on out" RG was always his safe haven...not anymore.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Meh, Nadal was never going to beat Djokovic at this level. Got bossed way to much despite Novak not being particularly sharp. Difference is the last two years Nadal found his backhand and more importantly, his forehand down the line. The winners numbers are quite revealing in that regard.

Nadal was moving well and playing with energy but he hasn't felt the ball well all year, and he wasn't suddenly going to do it against the best player in the world. Expected result that still had to be delivered, so props to Novak for a business-like match.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

Well done to Nole, been exceptional all year, all tourney. :clap

Weathered the storm when Rafa thundered back in the first. I felt Rafa didn't hammer that home and became timid again, and when the match was competitive (up to 3-3 in the second) Nole was the aggressor on the big points. Nole didn't buckle, and it only became harder for Rafa then. Rafa still isn't the man he was, and there's some signs in his game and movement to worry about going forward, but this is a milestone in the sport, and a genuinely great chance for Novak to get his mitts on the RG cup.

Nothing lasts forever, people! Second slam in a row where Fedal haven't one member in the semis. They're looking old. They're getting brushed aside now, becoming notches on the bedpost. Kinda sad to see, but we've seen it with every great player who ever played the game...

why no poast during majors then old bean ?. is it a rafa thing ?.

 

[Kieran]

Oh brother, I thought you liked Rafa. I'd expect that from some others round here...

 

[nehmeth]

You cruel b@$taRd :snicker

Novak likes to give the Spanish these kind of presents. Did it to Ferrer on his birthday earlier this year.