2022 Australian Open Men’s Quarterfinal: Rafael Nadal vs. Denis Shapovalov

[Moxie]

Denis can blame no one for that first set but himself, and Rafa being better. But he seems to be settling down.

 

[rafanoy1992]

On a serious note, Nadal is standing way back on his return stance. Hopefully, Shapo does not get too comfortable on his service games.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Okay I will look more closely at the clock for poor Denis's sake...Eye Roll
I know Rafa can take his time serving,though Denis put on a tantrum cause he was outplayed in the 1st set

 

[Moxie]

They’re reading our site again.

Seriously...the delay was perfect.

 

[Fiero425]

They’re reading our site again.

Well let's not act like there haven't been "time issues" w/ the DIVA from Spain! Never cared for him & it hasn't gotten any better as time's gone on!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Well let's not act like there haven't been "time issues" w/ the DIVA from Spain! Never cared for him & it hasn't gotten any better as time's gone on!

Novak used to bounce the bloody ball over 20 times before he served? pot calling the kettle black,memory fade,now he just does it around 10 times.

 

[tented]

Despite the DF as I type this, I still think Rafa’s serving is effective.

 

[rafanoy1992]

As expected, Nadal's level has dropped. We will see if Shapo can capitalize here...and he hit a forehand into the net.

 

[Moxie]

When Rafa gets out of this game, he has to start pressuring the Shapo 2nd serve. Denis will spray, if pressured.

 

[Fiero425]

Novak used to bounce the bloody ball over 20 times before he served? pot calling the kettle black,memory fade,now he just does it around 10 times.

I think Novak began to do that years ago to get under the skin of Nadal who was the main culprit in slowing things down on court!

 

[Moxie]

Despite the DF as I type this, I still think Rafa’s serving is effective.

I know that Kieran doesn't like to give Moyá credit, but I do think he's forced him to get more cheap points on the serve.

 

[rafanoy1992]

You could tell Shapo is not comfortable with those Nadal's angle shots.

@Moxie right on cue, he attacked Shapo's 2nd serve.

0-30 now...

 

[Moxie]

I think Novak began to do that years ago to get under the skin of Nadal who was the main culprit in slowing things down on court!

No, that was his own time wasting thing. As Margaret says: pot/kettle.

 

[Moxie]

He should have rushed that 2nd serve. Sitting back gets him nothing.

 

[tented]

I know that Kieran doesn't like to give Moyá credit, but I do think he's forced him to get more cheap points on the serve.

Exactly. He’s moving the ball around the box, surprising people with aces when they’re expecting something else (FH instead of BH, etc.). Is that what you mean?

 

[rafanoy1992]

Good hold from Shapo after being down love-30.

 

[rafanoy1992]

He should have rushed that 2nd serve. Sitting back gets him nothing.

He does that to Diego and Mannarino which is frustrating to watch from him.

 

[Moxie]

Exactly. He’s moving the ball around the box, surprising people by aces when they’re expecting something else. Is that what you mean?

Yes. Rafa used to say that he didn't like to play too fast. He has learned the value of doing it. Not expected, but also just unreturnable. Like Roger, he's not serving hard, but learning to hit his spots. He's serving smarter.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Yes. Rafa used to say that he didn't like to play too fast. He has learned the value of doing it. Not expected, but also just unreturnable. Like Roger, he's not serving hard, but learning to hit his spots. He's serving smarter.

Djokovic did the same thing in terms of serve placement. That's why he has gotten A LOT better on serving on an efficient level.

 

[Moxie]

He does that to Diego and Mannarino which is frustrating to watch from him.

But counterintuitively, I think it's more important with a big server.
SUCH a bummer he didn't win THAT point!