Australian Open Final: Rafael Nadal (9) v Roger Federer (17)

[DarthFed]

Rafa is in 1st gear. He isn't moving well

 

[shawnbm]

The thing is--against Nadal, even a lead is not safe for Roger. He will still choke even on points he controls and Nadal knows this. He will grind out rallies and win this set on grit as Federer starts to overhit because he senses he might win the set. It's an old dynamic with these two until Roger does something unusual to change it--or Rafa plays a bit off (which he never does against Federer

 

[shawnbm]

Moxie-- there is no way in hell I believe profit was tired. He could be a bit nervous, but not tired. That was a point Rafa needed.

 

[mrzz]

He at least should realise that Nadal is far from his best. If that does not calm him down, nothing will

 

[Moxie]

Mmmm...I think he looks tired.

 

[shawnbm]

Lol mrzz

 

[El Dude]

I don't know if Rafa is as much tired as he's hoping Roger just does his usual implosion so he doesn't have to dig deep

 

[shawnbm]

If he is, moxie, I'll eat my shoe

 

[shawnbm]

Good point dude

 

[El Dude]

For Rafa, "tired" is just not being super energetic. He can grind it out and then dig deep when he needs to.

 

[britbox]

Fed being far more aggressive

 

[Moxie]

Well, Dude might be right. Though uncharacteristic of Nadal, he may be underestimating Roger against him.

 

[shawnbm]

I have to admit that I am surprised at how many quality backhands Roger has had in the last set or so.

 

[britbox]

Yes. Great return. Double break!

 

[shawnbm]

That was the best one yet by Roger.

 

[britbox]

5-1. Ripping that backhand return

 

[DarthFed]

What a return!!

 

[El Dude]

I think we can safely say that if Roger loses this set, he has 0%

 

[mrzz]

YES

 

[mrzz]

Sure