2019 Men’s Wimbledon SF: Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal

[Moxie]

Halep’s in the final. Isn’t that enough evidence that the grass is playing slow?

Um, no.

 

[Ricardo]

Experts are saying so. Bethany Mattek-Sands, who played until last year, if I am not mistaken, said it was slower this year. Who knows, maybe she is trying to belittle Nadal.

over here we have only self-appointed experts, who don't and never will play at Wimbledon but they'd tell the pros to piss off...or the pros are all wrong.

 

[rafanoy1992]

It will be interesting to see on who starts quick and who starts slow. In my opinion, it is actually more important for Nadal to start quick because if he gets down an early break, then Federer will definitely will raise the pace of play so Nadal does not get any rhythm at all.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Halep’s in the final. Isn’t that enough evidence that the grass is playing slow?

No it really isn't.

 

[brokenshoelace]

It's absolutely fascinating that someone can be so angry as to get upset at people sharing their opinions about tennis on a tennis message boards. But apparently we should just follow what the pros say. Petition to turn this forum into a word for word transcription of press conferences @britbox

 

[brokenshoelace]

Also, re: surface, it may very well be playing slower this year, but it absolutely 100% isn't a case of the grass slowing down year after year as some part of an effort by the organizers the way some are trying to portray. The day people understand that court speed is so heavily dictated by conditions and the type of balls is the day this conversation becomes slightly less unbearable.

Re: what Nadal said, I mean he's a pro, right? So by the newly enacted laws of this forum, his word should be gospel: he hasn't felt much change over the years. He said the balls are heavier in Wimbledon every year compared to other tournaments so that slows things down a bit, and another really interesting point, is that when players feel lethargic or off their games in the early rounds, the court may appear slower because they're not hitting the ball as well as usual (he articulated it better than this).

Of course, you can choose to believe Nadal is so insecure about his legacy that he's consciously thinking of the fact that people on a tennis forum are blaming his success at Wimbledon on the conditions slowing down so he's trying to shift the narrative...despite not having success at Wimbledon in literally 8 years.

 

[Front242]

The grass is the same since 2001, the only difference is this year is hotter and dry (I hope it's not going to rain until Monday) that's why it looks drier

It's the heavier balls that are slowing things down so much. Last summer was also much hotter. They had around 45+ straight days of no rain in the UK and around the Wimbledon/London area it was 30C/86F or higher for over a month and a half which is very rare.

 

[Carol]

I have the confident that Nadal can win this WImbledon, why? first he has had the tougher draw comparing with Fed and Novak, he has had an opponents with a very good serve and he has worked really good with it , very good return, he looks more fresh, very fast legs and his knee looks ok, and something even most important on this surface is that he is serving pretty well too.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

My question is why are they using heavier balls to begin with? I have not read the real reason why.

 

[britbox]

It's absolutely fascinating that someone can be so angry as to get upset at people sharing their opinions about tennis on a tennis message boards. But apparently we should just follow what the pros say. Petition to turn this forum into a word for word transcription of press conferences @britbox

I already hung up my keyboard as an Admin a while back. Return to Sender

 

[britbox]

My question is why are they using heavier balls to begin with? I have not read the real reason why.

Good question.

 

[britbox]

I have the confident that Nadal can win this WImbledon, why? first he has had the tougher draw comparing with Fed and Novak, he has had an opponents with a very good serve and he has worked really good with it , very good return, he looks more fresh, very fast legs and his knee looks ok, and something even most important on this surface is that he is serving pretty well too.

I think Novak wins the final if he gets there... but he's got that banana skin to navigate first with RBA and that's not a formality.

 

[Front242]

I have the confident that Nadal can win this WImbledon, why? first he has had the tougher draw comparing with Fed and Novak, he has had an opponents with a very good serve and he has worked really good with it , very good return, he looks more fresh, very fast legs and his knee looks ok, and something even most important on this surface is that he is serving pretty well too.

I agree with everything except the draw. On paper he may have appeared to have had tougher opponents (for him) and not necessarily tough for everyone else but Kyrgios didn't serve or play anywhere near his best and neither did Querrey. A lot was down to execution or lack of but also the slower conditions make it much easier to return. Federer played the guy with the 2nd best results on grass this year (Berrettini) along with Pouille and Nishikori. But, yes, of course with the way the tournament is going this year he has a much better chance than usual I agree.

 

[monfed]

The day has arrived. It's judgement day for Federer and Nadal.

 

[Horsa]

I already hung up my keyboard as an Admin a while back. Return to Sender

I'm very sorry to hear that. I hope you're having fun without responsibility. :0)

 

[atttomole]

Also, re: surface, it may very well be playing slower this year, but it absolutely 100% isn't a case of the grass slowing down year after year as some part of an effort by the organizers the way some are trying to portray. The day people understand that court speed is so heavily dictated by conditions and the type of balls is the day this conversation becomes slightly less unbearable.

Re: what Nadal said, I mean he's a pro, right? So by the newly enacted laws of this forum, his word should be gospel: he hasn't felt much change over the years. He said the balls are heavier in Wimbledon every year compared to other tournaments so that slows things down a bit, and another really interesting point, is that when players feel lethargic or off their games in the early rounds, the court may appear slower because they're not hitting the ball as well as usual (he articulated it better than this).

Of course, you can choose to believe Nadal is so insecure about his legacy that he's consciously thinking of the fact that people on a tennis forum are blaming his success at Wimbledon on the conditions slowing down so he's trying to shift the narrative...despite not having success at Wimbledon in literally 8 years.

I know it is a combination of the balls they use and the surface. Mostly, people say it is the surface, but the best way to say it is ‘playing conditions.’ In my opinion the substance doesn’t change.

 

[mrzz]

Match prediction:

Nadal and Federer are approaching the court entrance. They are chatting friendly. Nadal taps him in the back and says "good luck". Federer answers "thanks, won't wish you luck as you don't need it... you're the favorite today". "No, Roger, no, you are the man on grass". "Well, maybe, but, you are really playing well, and it is a bit slower, you know..."

"No, it isn't"

"Well, a bit, yes"

"No, Roger, stop that. I won that match, it counts"

"I know it counts, but it is slower. Just a fact. It does not take your merit away"

"It is not slower. It is NOT. Period. I am angry at you. You are a bad loser, no?"

"No, Rafa, no, I don't mean that... c'mon, man"

"Bad loser, bad loser. I cannot belive this. Unbelievable".

"Oh, stop it"

"Don't talk to me. Bad loser."

"Man, cut it out, you are pissing me off"

"What are you going to do, cry again?"

"Oh, fuck you. Let's play in this green clay then. At least you will shut your mouth"

"I knew it! I knew you would say that. Bad loser. The grass is fast as always. I will show you"

"And I will show you it is slow"

Then the match starts. It is the worst match of all times. Nadal hits as flat and hard as he can, to prove the grass is fast. Federer hits as spinny/slicy/slow as he can, to prove the grass is slow. They miss everything in sight. They keep staring each other at each point. The crowd boos all the time, it does not change.

In the stands, some random fan ask his neighbor "after all, this grass is slow or not?". The guy is in serious doubt, and answers almost pulling his hair off "I don't know, the pros are divided on that one!"

In the end, Nadal fires a forehand right into the stands to be finally broken. Federer 3x2, 9x7 in the fifth.

 

[DarthFed]

The day has arrived. It's judgement day for Federer and Nadal.

Yes it truly is judgement day. Roger needs to show he can still play decent tennis, haven't seen it for awhile unless you go all crazy over him winning Miami.

 

[monfed]

Yes it truly is judgement day. Roger needs to show he can still play decent tennis, haven't seen it for awhile unless you go all crazy over him winning Miami.

He has to do whatever it takes to win today. Underarm serve the creature specially from the AD court where dull seems to do well on return.

 

[Fiero425]

My question is why are they using heavier balls to begin with? I have not read the real reason why.

They just want to keep up with the other major tourneys in extending matches to 5+ hours! That keeps the players and fans on/in court longer, which in turn improves concession sales! I'm sure they're cleaning up in Pimm's Cups plus all those strawberries & cream! It's all a racket; pun not intended! :whistle: