2018 Wimbledon men’s SF: Djokovic v Nadal

[atttomole]

Of all of your points, the bolded above is completely subjective. I'm not sure what it means, but if it's winners, Nadal had a better w:ufe ration in his match than Djoker did in his. It seems like you just prefer Novak's style of play. That's fine, but it's not going to sway the match between them.

I know you know what flair means. Here, I mean that Djokovic can do more things better on grass than Nadal, as I mentioned. You are right that I prefer Djokovic's style of play, but more significantly, he plays the important shots better on grass. However, I also said that Nadal can find a way to win because he can make adjustments and play by fighting for every point, which can negate Djokovic's superior game.

 

[Jelenafan]

Novak is playing well but I still haven’t seen flat out sustained brilliance like we did a couple of years ago at his peak. He’s sputtered at times even at W.

If it’s a long drawn out battle I’m picking Rafa. Hell even a shorter battle as of now I think Rafa has the mental edge.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I don’t know who will win, but I think a win for Djokovic and a title here would go a long way to reinserting his name in the conversation. I loved that he kept Nadal and Federer from adding to their collection. He is a very nice foil to their stories as a competitor. I think he is pissed he had to miss so much time because he was in a position to catch Nadal and Federer in the numbers, but now that isn’t a given, so I think there is motivation to claim this title and get back on track to get close to their numbers.

 

[roberto]

At this level it's part skill but mostly psychological. While Rafa certainly has motivation to narrow the gap in GS wins with Fed to 2, Djokovic REALLY wants to reassert himself at the top. While it's a toss-up, I think Novak wants it more.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

The odds for this match alone are as follows.

1. Novak 22/23
2. Rafa 11/10

Works out to approximately 52% chance for Novak and 48% chance for Rafa.

 

[imjimmy]

I don't feel happy about it, but I have to go with Djokovic in 4. Perhaps even in 3 sets.
I'm not being pessimistic, but I don't see how Nadal could win unless Djokovic decides to play the worst match of his grass court campaign this year.

Problem with Djokovic-Nadal is the matchup. Which basically means that Nadal's patterns of play, the depth, trajectory and bounce of his shots - feed right into Djokovic's game. So you might have Djokovic playing lackluster tennis, but he will look like a world beater against Nadal. Conversely, Rafa might be playing very well, but would look fairly pedestrian against Djokovic.

To Nadal's credit, he's mitigated some of the matchup issues. The first is on clay - but even there he has to play really well to beat Djokovic. And at the DecoTurf in the UsOpen - most recently in 2013 when Nadal was steam-rolling with confidence and still the match was close. On grass however, recalling their 2011 Wimbledon Final, Nadal was playing much better tennis then, but still lost very tamely to Djokovic. Even the one set he won in that match was likely because of it being Djokovic's first Wimbledon major.

So what does Rafa need to do to win? He has to play better than ever. As good, or better than, the 2007-2010 level for ex. The problem is that Nadal is nowhere that level. He isn't even playing as good as last year (2017). His serve looks worse, his forehand lacks pace and penetration, on the backhand he is loath to flatten it out DTL and is mostly going cross court or just trying to run around it. His I/O forehand is usually played safe and he makes a UFE if he goes for too much. Nadal's used some tactical acumen and great determination to get so far, plus luck of the draw. But the thing is that his serve + ground game is just not up to the mark. It's been the case in 2018. Even on clay and even compared to last year (forget about prime Rafa)

So, I really don't see how Nadal could hurt Djokovic. The familiar patterns of CC forehand to backhand + cc backhand to forehand, were even costly against Delpo. Djokovic is a master and redirecting the ball and making Rafa pay. Also there is no one else who looks more comfortable rallying with Rafa's forehand than Novak Djokovic.

 

[Denis]

I don't feel happy about it, but I have to go with Djokovic in 4. Perhaps even in 3 sets.
I'm not being pessimistic, but I don't see how Nadal could win unless Djokovic decides to play the worst match of his grass court campaign this year.

Problem with Djokovic-Nadal is the matchup. Which basically means that Nadal's patterns of play, the depth, trajectory and bounce of his shots - feed right into Djokovic's game. So you might have Djokovic playing lackluster tennis, but he will look like a world beater against Nadal. Conversely, Rafa might be playing very well, but would look fairly pedestrian against Djokovic.

To Nadal's credit, he's mitigated some of the matchup issues. The first is on clay - but even there he has to play really well to beat Djokovic. And at the DecoTurf in the UsOpen - most recently in 2013 when Nadal was steam-rolling with confidence and still the match was close. On grass however, recalling their 2011 Wimbledon Final, Nadal was playing much better tennis then, but still lost very tamely to Djokovic. Even the one set he won in that match was likely because of it being Djokovic's first Wimbledon major.

So what does Rafa need to do to win? He has to play better than ever. As good, or better than, the 2007-2010 level for ex. The problem is that Nadal is nowhere that level. He isn't even playing as good as last year (2017). His serve looks worse, his forehand lacks pace and penetration, on the backhand he is loath to flatten it out DTL and is mostly going cross court or just trying to run around it. His I/O forehand is usually played safe and he makes a UFE if he goes for too much. Nadal's used some tactical acumen and great determination to get so far, plus luck of the draw. But the thing is that his serve + ground game is just not up to the mark. It's been the case in 2018. Even on clay and even compared to last year (forget about prime Rafa)

So, I really don't see how Nadal could hurt Djokovic. The familiar patterns of CC forehand to backhand + cc backhand to forehand, were even costly against Delpo. Djokovic is a master and redirecting the ball and making Rafa pay. Also there is no one else who looks more comfortable rallying with Rafa's forehand than Novak Djokovic.

Amen!

 

[Fiero425]

I don't feel happy about it, but I have to go with Djokovic in 4. Perhaps even in 3 sets.
I'm not being pessimistic, but I don't see how Nadal could win unless Djokovic decides to play the worst match of his grass court campaign this year.

Problem with Djokovic-Nadal is the matchup. Which basically means that Nadal's patterns of play, the depth, trajectory and bounce of his shots - feed right into Djokovic's game. So you might have Djokovic playing lackluster tennis, but he will look like a world beater against Nadal. Conversely, Rafa might be playing very well, but would look fairly pedestrian against Djokovic.

To Nadal's credit, he's mitigated some of the matchup issues. The first is on clay - but even there he has to play really well to beat Djokovic. And at the DecoTurf in the UsOpen - most recently in 2013 when Nadal was steam-rolling with confidence and still the match was close. On grass however, recalling their 2011 Wimbledon Final, Nadal was playing much better tennis then, but still lost very tamely to Djokovic. Even the one set he won in that match was likely because of it being Djokovic's first Wimbledon major.

So what does Rafa need to do to win? He has to play better than ever. As good, or better than, the 2007-2010 level for ex. The problem is that Nadal is nowhere that level. He isn't even playing as good as last year (2017). His serve looks worse, his forehand lacks pace and penetration, on the backhand he is loath to flatten it out DTL and is mostly going cross court or just trying to run around it. His I/O forehand is usually played safe and he makes a UFE if he goes for too much. Nadal's used some tactical acumen and great determination to get so far, plus luck of the draw. But the thing is that his serve + ground game is just not up to the mark. It's been the case in 2018. Even on clay and even compared to last year (forget about prime Rafa)

So, I really don't see how Nadal could hurt Djokovic. The familiar patterns of CC forehand to backhand + cc backhand to forehand, were even costly against Delpo. Djokovic is a master at redirecting the ball and making Rafa pay. Also there is no one else who looks more comfortable rallying with Rafa's forehand than Novak Djokovic.

Well I hope you're right! It would be so COSMIC to have all of the "Big 3" leave the tour and seeming to be done, all come back to win majors! Novak's already in the conversation; pretty much ready to overcome Nadal but for his elbow issue! It was evident something was wrong months before, but somehow held it together to complete his Nole-Slam! Whoever wins this match should win the tourney! :whistle:

 

[Jelenafan]

At this level it's part skill but mostly psychological. While Rafa certainly has motivation to narrow the gap in GS wins with Fed to 2, Djokovic REALLY wants to reassert himself at the top. While it's a toss-up, I think Novak wants it more.

Djokovic is back as a contender, the question to be answered is if he’s completely “back” as in ready to wrest the Majors away from others now.

One thing working in his favor is that Djokovic, rightly or wrongly, seems to play best with a chip on his shoulder as to how much respect he gets from the crowd, the tennis Powers, the other players (the tension between himself and Roger is hilarious, both trying to keep their bitchiness at bay ), etc, etc. He THRIVES on that, and I’m sure he’s noted every perceived slight in the last 24 months when he’s dipped. I love that he bitched about centre court scheduling, it is so Djokovic!

Having said that, he hasn’t played a high stakes SF or Finals Major match in quite a while, so there may be some lingering mental rust.

So while it’s not a shocker to me if he wins, I’m keeping it Rafa 51/49 for now as far as chances to win this SF.

Either way, I like both players so it’s win/win for me...

 

[Moxie]

I don't feel happy about it, but I have to go with Djokovic in 4. Perhaps even in 3 sets.
I'm not being pessimistic, but I don't see how Nadal could win unless Djokovic decides to play the worst match of his grass court campaign this year.

Problem with Djokovic-Nadal is the matchup. Which basically means that Nadal's patterns of play, the depth, trajectory and bounce of his shots - feed right into Djokovic's game. So you might have Djokovic playing lackluster tennis, but he will look like a world beater against Nadal. Conversely, Rafa might be playing very well, but would look fairly pedestrian against Djokovic.

To Nadal's credit, he's mitigated some of the matchup issues. The first is on clay - but even there he has to play really well to beat Djokovic. And at the DecoTurf in the UsOpen - most recently in 2013 when Nadal was steam-rolling with confidence and still the match was close. On grass however, recalling their 2011 Wimbledon Final, Nadal was playing much better tennis then, but still lost very tamely to Djokovic. Even the one set he won in that match was likely because of it being Djokovic's first Wimbledon major.

So what does Rafa need to do to win? He has to play better than ever. As good, or better than, the 2007-2010 level for ex. The problem is that Nadal is nowhere that level. He isn't even playing as good as last year (2017). His serve looks worse, his forehand lacks pace and penetration, on the backhand he is loath to flatten it out DTL and is mostly going cross court or just trying to run around it. His I/O forehand is usually played safe and he makes a UFE if he goes for too much. Nadal's used some tactical acumen and great determination to get so far, plus luck of the draw. But the thing is that his serve + ground game is just not up to the mark. It's been the case in 2018. Even on clay and even compared to last year (forget about prime Rafa)

So, I really don't see how Nadal could hurt Djokovic. The familiar patterns of CC forehand to backhand + cc backhand to forehand, were even costly against Delpo. Djokovic is a master and redirecting the ball and making Rafa pay. Also there is no one else who looks more comfortable rallying with Rafa's forehand than Novak Djokovic.

Nice to see you back, @imjimmy. I appreciate your analysis of the match-up, and I understand your, yes, pessimism, but I have a few qualms and counters:

(As to bolded above): The 2011 Wimbledon final was played with Novak lodged firmly in Nadal's brain and his confidence was low. I'd argue he should otherwise have won that match, without the scar tissue. But you say that he lost that match "tamely," while you say 2013 USO final was "close." I'll agree that Rafa was more meek in the Wimbledon final than Djoker was in the USO one, but here are the score lines: Wimbledon '11 final: 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3; USO '13 final: 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. They aren't vastly different, certainly not to call one a "tame" loss and the other "close."

Also, I would remind folks of this: Novak hasn't been to the SF of a Major in 2 years, and he's barely played elite players in the intervening 2 years. The last time he contested a title v. Big 4 was Murray end of '16 and early '17. He hasn't played Roger in all that time. He's lost to Rafa twice (on clay) in straights. I recognize that he knows intellectually how to beat Rafa, but I will suggest that he's unlikely to be physically and emotionally ready to do it tomorrow. He'll have to get right up on Nadal and not let him feel confident, which will mean winning the first, and winning rather quickly. He has often started slowly against Nadal, and if he lets him get a jump, or the rallies and sets get protracted, he's going to start to suffer. I'm by far not the only one to say that.

Everyone is acting like this is the old Djokovic and Nadal meeting tomorrow, but they are in very different places at the moment. I'm not putting as much weight on the fact that Novak has begun to look like his old self for just a few weeks and matches. And I'm thinking that, while Rafa knows he'll have to bring his best tennis tomorrow, he can probably leave the mental baggage behind.

 

[Moxie]

Djokovic is back as a contender, the question to be answered is if he’s completely “back” as in ready to wrest the Majors away from others now.

One thing working in his favor is that Djokovic, rightly or wrongly, seems to play best with a chip on his shoulder as to how much respect he gets from the crowd, the tennis Powers, the other players (the tension between himself and Roger is hilarious, both trying to keep their bitchiness at bay ), etc, etc. He THRIVES on that, and I’m sure he’s noted every perceived slight in the last 24 months when he’s dipped. I love that he bitched about centre court scheduling, it is so Djokovic!

Having said that, he hasn’t played a high stakes SF or Finals Major match in quite a while, so there may be some lingering mental rust.

So while it’s not a shocker to me if he wins, I’m keeping it Rafa 51/49 for now as far as chances to win this SF.

Either way, I like both players so it’s win/win for me...

We were sort of posting the same thing at the same time, Jelenafan, but I agree with your version. Except that sometimes that chip on the shoulder doesn't work for Djokovic, and he can get in his own way, emotionally. If he gets out of sorts tomorrow, or upset with the crowd, he'll be his own worst enemy.

 

[Jelenafan]

We were sort of posting the same thing at the same time, Jelenafan, but I agree with your version. Except that sometimes that chip on the shoulder doesn't work for Djokovic, and he can get in his own way, emotionally. If he gets out of sorts tomorrow, or upset with the crowd, he'll be his own worst enemy.

Definitely Moxie, but I guess I'm lumping mental rust as when he lets these things distract him too much. That's happened several times this year, whereas peak Djokovic would bitch/moan and still play better.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Nice to see you back, @imjimmy. I appreciate your analysis of the match-up, and I understand your, yes, pessimism, but I have a few qualms and counters:

(As to bolded above): The 2011 Wimbledon final was played with Novak lodged firmly in Nadal's brain and his confidence was low. I'd argue he should otherwise have won that match, without the scar tissue. But you say that he lost that match "tamely," while you say 2013 USO final was "close." I'll agree that Rafa was more meek in the Wimbledon final than Djoker was in the USO one, but here are the score lines: Wimbledon '11 final: 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3; USO '13 final: 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. They aren't vastly different, certainly not to call one a "tame" loss and the other "close."

Also, I would remind folks of this: Novak hasn't been to the SF of a Major in 2 years, and he's barely played elite players in the intervening 2 years. The last time he contested a title v. Big 4 was Murray end of '16 and early '17. He hasn't played Roger in all that time. He's lost to Rafa twice (on clay) in straights. I recognize that he knows intellectually how to beat Rafa, but I will suggest that he's unlikely to be physically and emotionally ready to do it tomorrow. He'll have to get right up on Nadal and not let him feel confident, which will mean winning the first, and winning rather quickly. He has often started slowly against Nadal, and if he lets him get a jump, or the rallies and sets get protracted, he's going to start to suffer. I'm by far not the only one to say that.

Everyone is acting like this is the old Djokovic and Nadal meeting tomorrow, but they are in very different places at the moment. I'm not putting as much weight on the fact that Novak has begun to look like his old self for just a few weeks and matches. And I'm thinking that, while Rafa knows he'll have to bring his best tennis tomorrow, he can probably leave the mental baggage behind.

Moxie, you hit all the point sista! The thing about tomorrow's match up that makes it compelling is that their state of mind is fairly even at this point. Yes, Nadal will always have match up issues with Djokovic but for him it is about his own mentality. Like I said before, since the start of Wimbledon, Nadal seems very focus or intent to win the whole thing. Even during the press conferences, his demeanor is serious like he expects to win the whole thing. Heck, even during the match against Delpo, while he was nervous, he seem very determined not to lose you could say he was "amped" up to "suffer."

In a way, he was kinda glad that he had that kind of match against Delpo to mentally prepare for Djokovic this Friday. He knows Djokovic is playing well again AND he knows this is best chance (probably last chance) to win Wimbledon. He is ready mentally to go to "war" against Djokovic.

 

[Moxie]

Definitely Moxie, but I guess I'm lumping mental rust as when he lets these things distract him too much. That's happened several times this year, whereas peak Djokovic would bitch/moan and still play better.

At the top of his game, even he couldn't get in his own way with the griping...at least not enough to lose. But he's not yet back to the top of his game, and that kind of wasting of his own energy has often cost him. But at least he seems to have started caring again, rather than going away.

 

[monfed]

fakervic wants this more so I'm going for him in 4

 

[imjimmy]

Nice to see you back, @imjimmy. I appreciate your analysis of the match-up, and I understand your, yes, pessimism, but I have a few qualms and counters:

(As to bolded above): The 2011 Wimbledon final was played with Novak lodged firmly in Nadal's brain and his confidence was low. I'd argue he should otherwise have won that match, without the scar tissue. But you say that he lost that match "tamely," while you say 2013 USO final was "close." I'll agree that Rafa was more meek in the Wimbledon final than Djoker was in the USO one, but here are the score lines: Wimbledon '11 final: 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3; USO '13 final: 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. They aren't vastly different, certainly not to call one a "tame" loss and the other "close."

Also, I would remind folks of this: Novak hasn't been to the SF of a Major in 2 years, and he's barely played elite players in the intervening 2 years. The last time he contested a title v. Big 4 was Murray end of '16 and early '17. He hasn't played Roger in all that time. He's lost to Rafa twice (on clay) in straights. I recognize that he knows intellectually how to beat Rafa, but I will suggest that he's unlikely to be physically and emotionally ready to do it tomorrow. He'll have to get right up on Nadal and not let him feel confident, which will mean winning the first, and winning rather quickly. He has often started slowly against Nadal, and if he lets him get a jump, or the rallies and sets get protracted, he's going to start to suffer. I'm by far not the only one to say that.

Everyone is acting like this is the old Djokovic and Nadal meeting tomorrow, but they are in very different places at the moment. I'm not putting as much weight on the fact that Novak has begun to look like his old self for just a few weeks and matches. And I'm thinking that, while Rafa knows he'll have to bring his best tennis tomorrow, he can probably leave the mental baggage behind.

Thanks Moxie. To your first point about comparing the matches - in Wimb 2011 the winner won the first 2 sets. In UsOpen 2013, the first 2 sets were split. In Wimb 2011, after set 2, the winner was NEVER in doubt. There was no way Rafa was winning 3 more. However in UsOpen it wasn't until the end of set 3, that Rafa had the edge. Even in set 3, Novak looked more dominant. Rafa was down 0-40 (with that infamous fall while retreating back) on serve at 4-4, but he won that game courageously. And in the next game, pulled off an "epicdal" moment, when he broke Novak by hitting a strong DTL forehand, grabbing the one lone set point he had. He just stole the set from Novak and swung the match decisively, but it was very close.

Anyway, my whole point is this: that Nadal can, and has in the past, beaten Djokovic. Even a prime Djokovic. But for that to happen, Rafa needs to be playing very very well and close his own prime. Which, IMO, he is not this year. Certainly very far from his prime, but not even as good as last year. Yes, his results are better this Wimbledon, but I would argue he was far better in the 2017 edition. And obviously significantly better between 2007-2011.
Hypothetically speaking: The 2017 Nadal (for instance) would have never gone 5 sets with Delpo in the QF. And the 2007-2011 Nadal would likely win in straights. They did play in 2011 Wimbledon R4, where Rafa, despite a foot injury, dominated Delpo and winning in 4.

So unless Nadal magically improves for the SF, I don't know if he is playing at a level to beat Djokovic, given the matchup disadvantage. I think his wins right now are more because of his tenacity, mental strength and the will to win (which is incredible), than because of actual form. I do see merit in your argument that Djokovic is not in his prime either, and might not be fully back. But to my eyes, Djokovic's level this tournament, and at Queens, has looked to be very high. And on that reason, I gave my prediction, assuming both men play to the form so far. Even Andy Murray picked Novak to win the tournament. And I would have picked Novak over Federer too (had the Swiss not lost).

Now, of course, I would love Rafa to play better than I expect, and be more competitive, perhaps even win. But I really doubt it will happen. I fully expect this match to be much less closer than a lot of people think.

 

[Moxie]

Moxie, you hit all the point sista! The thing about tomorrow's match up that makes it compelling is that their state of mind is fairly even at this point. Yes, Nadal will always have match up issues with Djokovic but for him it is about his own mentality. Like I said before, since the start of Wimbledon, Nadal seems very focus or intent to win the whole thing. Even during the press conferences, his demeanor is serious like he expects to win the whole thing. Heck, even during the match against Delpo, while he was nervous, he seem very determined not to lose you could say he was "amped" up to "suffer."

In a way, he was kinda glad that he had that kind of match against Delpo to mentally prepare for Djokovic this Friday. He knows Djokovic is playing well again AND he knows this is best chance (probably last chance) to win Wimbledon. He is ready mentally to go to "war" against Djokovic.

Nadal said some interesting things in his presser after the del Potro match. One was that he regretted blowing that lead (6-3) in the 2nd set TB, and therefore had to spend a lot more time on court. Another is that he talked about JMDP getting the "adrenaline" in the 3rd set. When they switched to Spanish, he was asked about "tactics" and he said, "this isn't clay. It all happens much faster. There isn't much time for tactics, just adrenaline." That he tried to stay aggressive, and really focused. I'm sure some people will disagree, or find it a key to his lack of grass success over the last several years that he don't find grass as "tactical" as clay, but it's an interesting insight into him, I thought. Anyway, yes, I think the battle in the 5th could work in his favor. His sword is sharpened for the fight.

This is the Wimbledon interview: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/video/interviews.html

 

[Moxie]

fakervic wants this more so I'm going for him in 4

Of all the reasons to go for Novak in 4, I would think this is one of the least valid. How does he want it more than Rafa does?

 

[Moxie]

Thanks Moxie. To your first point about comparing the matches - in Wimb 2011 the winner won the first 2 sets. In UsOpen 2013, the first 2 sets were split. In Wimb 2011, after set 2, the winner was NEVER in doubt. There was no way Rafa was winning 3 more. However in UsOpen it wasn't until the end of set 3, that Rafa had the edge. Even in set 3, Novak looked more dominant. Rafa was down 0-40 (with that infamous fall while retreating back) on serve at 4-4, but he won that game courageously. And in the next game, pulled off an "epicdal" moment, when he broke Novak by hitting a strong DTL forehand, grabbing the one lone set point he had. He just stole the set from Novak and swung the match decisively, but it was very close.

Anyway, my whole point is this: that Nadal can, and has in the past, beaten Djokovic. Even a prime Djokovic. But for that to happen, Rafa needs to be playing very very well and close his own prime. Which, IMO, he is not this year. Certainly very far from his prime, but not even as good as last year. Yes, his results are better this Wimbledon, but I would argue he was far better in the 2017 edition. And obviously significantly better between 2007-2011.
Hypothetically speaking: The 2017 Nadal (for instance) would have never gone 5 sets with Delpo in the QF. And the 2007-2011 Nadal would likely win in straights. They did play in 2011 Wimbledon R4, where Rafa, despite a foot injury, dominated Delpo and winning in 4.

So unless Nadal magically improves for the SF, I don't know if he is playing at a level to beat Djokovic, given the matchup disadvantage. I think his wins right now are more because of his tenacity, mental strength and the will to win (which is incredible), than because of actual form. I do see merit in your argument that Djokovic is not in his prime either, and might not be fully back. But to my eyes, Djokovic's level this tournament, and at Queens, has looked to be very high. And on that reason, I gave my prediction, assuming both men play to the form so far. Even Andy Murray picked Novak to win the tournament. And I would have picked Novak over Federer too (had the Swiss not lost).

Now, of course, I would love Rafa to play better than I expect, and be more competitive, perhaps even win. But I really doubt it will happen. I fully expect this match to be much less closer than a lot of people think.

I take your points about W '11 v. USO '13. As I said, by an observation it was closer. But you don't account for my point that Djokovic is only newly rounding into form on his own comeback. I'm fine if you want to make a prognostication, and that your assessment is that it won't be close. But you're not willing to take into account that this isn't '11-'12 Djokovic or the '15-'16 version?

 

[Jelenafan]

Nadal said some interesting things in his presser after the del Potro match. One was that he regretted blowing that lead (6-3) in the 2nd set TB, and therefore had to spend a lot more time on court.

Credit to Rafa that he overcame that mental letwdon, because at the time I though “Oh Sh****’, since he let the opportunity quickly to put Del Potro away slip through his fingers.

Talking about “chips” I think Rafa had a big one coming into the tournament, that practically everyone had written him off as not ever again being effective on grass and a contender. Many of the pundits doubted he would get out out of the first week, and Rafa pointed out that in 15/16 he was contending with bad years overall, not just on grass. So yes, he’s definitely motivated.