2015 French Open QF: Djokovic v. Nadal

[brokenshoelace]

Rafa in 4 or 5. He will be ready on Wednesday. I didn't see the matches today but I am assuming both players were at the top of their games, correct?

Rafa hasn't been at the top of his game in over a year. So I'd say no.

 

[Denis]

Odds are around 3/8 for Novak and 5/2 for Nadal.

So Novak is pretty strongly favored by the bookies. A good sign.

 

[DarthFed]

Going with Rafa in 4. Stupid to bet against him until we see otherwise.

What?
I never thought I would see this kind of thing from you, especially not at RG. You have my upmost respect. A very sensible opinion. Some people here keep mentioning the conditions, as in Nadal can't even win a set if it is not hot and sunny. Please.
The 2012 final was a fluke, when Rafa lost focus, and completely let that set and a few more games after go. Djokovic is serving and returning much better than Wafa, but this has been going on for like years so I don't understand where all the hype is coming from. This is still very much on Nadal's racquet.

9 out of 10 speaks for itself. I've never denied he is amazing on clay and he should be amazing given his skill set. Where you'll see my sorrow is that he has somehow managed to win 5 slams off of clay where his skill set is way less. (thank Roger for helping him get going).

As for the matchup I disagree. Nole's backhand has the capability of neutralizing Rafa's strength and then some. He has done it on the smaller stages and he has done it in best of 3 which I actually think is more to Rafa's liking vs. Nole than best of 5 (in the sense that Rafa would likely tire out before Nole in a 5 setter at this point especially if he does most of the running).

It's the stage that has hurt Nole the most and lifted Rafa up the past few years. Nole is 0-6 at RG and Rafa is 9 time champion. Add it up and Rafa has the intangibles but Nole definitely has the upperhand as far as matchup and level of play go at this point.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

It incidentally happens that, Rafa's birthday 3rd June falls on Wednesday, the day of quarterfinals.
I am not saying that will have a bearing on the match.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

went for djokovic in straights..just don't see how rafa/wafa can win, given his level of play for almost a year, djokovic is statistically and from a viewing point of view at his 2011 level, and he is more in control mentally than he was back then when he used to half cry after every big win/final.

nadal might win a set, but he is slower now, that much is clear, confidence is shredded too, and the weather will be cool/part cloud, not hot/sunny (though even if it was hot it wouldn't make much difference for me).

 

[Federberg]

It incidentally happens that, Rafa's birthday 3rd June falls on Wednesday, the day of quarterfinals.
I am not saying that will have a bearing on the match.

It might not be birthday cake, but hopefully Novak can give him some baked goods

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

The problem for Novak will be focusing on himself and not worrying about what Rafa is or isn't doing. I think if he is going to beat Rafa it would be at a QF stage and not where Rafa can practically see that trophy.

 

[Denis]

It incidentally happens that, Rafa's birthday 3rd June falls on Wednesday, the day of quarterfinals.
I am not saying that will have a bearing on the match.

It might not be birthday cake, but hopefully Novak can give him some baked goods

 

[Kirijax]

It incidentally happens that, Rafa's birthday 3rd June falls on Wednesday, the day of quarterfinals.
I am not saying that will have a bearing on the match.

It might not be birthday cake, but hopefully Novak can give him some baked goods

Exactly what I was going to say. Three bagels would be delicious! One for me, one for you and one for later.

 

[Federberg]

In all seriousness, the fact that it's in the QF could be ideal for Novak. I really think it's the mental aspect that he has to worry about. But the fact it's not the final should help him just focus on getting through

 

[Denis]

In all seriousness, the fact that it's in the QF could be ideal for Novak. I really think it's the mental aspect that he has to worry about. But the fact it's not the final should help him just focus on getting through

Also because the forecast is that the weather will get much better after Wednesday. It's going to be scorching on Friday. So yeah, I'm happy they face each other in the projected conditions: 23 C and cloudy.

 

[nehmeth]

It incidentally happens that, Rafa's birthday 3rd June falls on Wednesday, the day of quarterfinals.
I am not saying that will have a bearing on the match.

Novak played Ferrer on his birthday too.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3024163/Novak-Djokovic-collision-course-Andy-Murray-world-No-1-beats-David-Ferrer-meet-semi-finals-Miami-Open.html

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

the 2005 fed/rafa sf was also on nadal's burfdayy.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Rafa in 4 or 5. He will be ready on Wednesday. I didn't see the matches today but I am assuming both players were at the top of their games, correct?

Rafa hasn't been at the top of his game in over a year. So I'd say no.

Today Broken , Rafa played very well early today not all year dude.

 

[Front242]

Taking a break from this QF match I see we have a match in a few hours between Na - Statham (ATP Challenger Gimcheon). Li Na v Jason Statham maybe? The mind boggles :s

 

[kro2488]

It doesn't matter how Rafa has played earlier in the year, what matters is how he plays Wednesday, if he is confident and not hitting balls short in the court I like his chances.

 

[Federberg]

Rafa in 4 or 5. He will be ready on Wednesday. I didn't see the matches today but I am assuming both players were at the top of their games, correct?

Rafa hasn't been at the top of his game in over a year. So I'd say no.

Today Broken , Rafa played very well early today not all year dude.

I'm not convinced. Beating on the likes of Sock isn't enough to tell me where Rafa's game is at. He did look better though. Some of those dtl forehands looked decent. But the quality Novak has taken care of has been better I think.

 

[Moxie]

I'm picking Novak in three. This is his now or never year. Needs to make a statement and then move on to Murray and Fed.

I don't believe this is a now or never year for Novak, though it will surely be disappointing when he doesn't get it done this year. :snicker Seriously, I would say he'll be a strong contender/favorite here for at least the next 2-3 years.

Rafa is going to have to find his best RG form, serve well, and start strong to win this match. And he can't afford not to close out a set like he did today. I think a longer match will favor Nadal, even though Novak is extremely fit. The frustration and the nerves that will be working on him, if Rafa is playing well and reaching deep into his resources. If Rafa gets his teeth in the match, he may well win. If it goes quickly, it won't be Nadal playing on Friday though.

 

[Moxie]

Rafa hasn't been at the top of his game in over a year. So I'd say no.

Today Broken , Rafa played very well early today not all year dude.

I'm not convinced. Beating on the likes of Sock isn't enough to tell me where Rafa's game is at. He did look better though. Some of those dtl forehands looked decent. But the quality Novak has taken care of has been better I think.

Nole has beaten a better level Rafa in best of 3, but last year he lost to a Nadal that didn't really look much sturdier, or at least until the Murray SF. This is where I agree with those who say that their meeting in the QFs favors Djoker. It would have been useful for Nadal to have had at least one more match under his belt before this one, and another on Chartrier, but they will be ready for each other, I guess.

 

[kro2488]

I missed the Nadal/Sock match...anywhere with a replay thats free? I dont see it on espn 3...hmm...