BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, CA, 2022 - ATP Masters 1000

[the AntiPusher]

I remember at Monte Carlo one year,that had to stop a match for 20 mins because of the wind,it was soo bad both players could not see as the dust flew around the court...I am sorry to bring up Monte Carlo again to you by the way

No worries, if it's meant to be it will happen.
Question: Rafa at present would he be able to defeat Novak's hard court game? The first answer to come to your mind is heck yeah. I think that Rafa is playing some of his best hardcourt tennis EVER but it would be great to see it against it's Greatest test, the Great Serbian Slayer (sorry Samson ONLY 45% remember that you gave Novak that brilliant name). I know there's a way for someone on this board to find him and give him a bump

Moxie

Hold on ....Carlos has said many times Rafa is his idol....when did the youngster switch camps and Roger is his hero no?
I now hold some reservations for Carlos.

Speaking of Carlos, his CC BH is hit with a fury that rivals anyone's on the tour and then some. He may become on the Hardcourts Nadal's GS title gate keeper if he can play like this vs Novak.

 

[Kieran]

Rafa’s Escape from Alcaraz was quite a trip, eh? They were belting the ball like enemies, like friends, but the poor ball was petrified and squeaking like a hapless elephant, tumbling down a spiral stairs. Tennis can be the antidote to so many things. The horrors of the world. Wars and plagues. The ugly Pelosi rendition of the horrible Bono poem. Tiktokkers. Tennis can often go the opposite way, and make humans feel as grand as a piano and as peachy as a plum.

This match showed that Alcaraz has the spite. Time will tell if he has the brains and the courage. Rafa’s shift is almost done, and it’s been one of the most full, and greatest. Rafa’s career shows the extent of what’s required to be truly great: a relentlessness that’s unmerciful and savage, especially towards himself. He’ll be impossible to replace. I’m sure Alcaraz coach was taking notes. The dashing Mosquito was quite a player in his few years as a contender too…

 

[the AntiPusher]

Rafa’s Escape from Alcaraz was quite a trip, eh? They were belting the ball like enemies, like friends, but the poor ball was petrified and squeaking like a hapless elephant, tumbling down a spiral stairs. Tennis can be the antidote to so many things. The horrors of the world. Wars and plagues. The ugly Pelosi rendition of the horrible Bono poem. Tiktokkers. Tennis can often go the opposite way, and make humans feel as grand as a piano and as peachy as a plum.

This match showed that Alcaraz has the spite. Time will tell if he has the brains and the courage. Rafa’s shift is almost done, and it’s been one of the most full, and greatest. Rafa’s career shows the extent of what’s required to be truly great: a relentlessness that’s unmerciful and savage, especially towards himself. He’ll be impossible to replace. I’m sure Alcaraz coach was taking notes. The dashing Mosquito was quite a player in his few years as a contender too…

I think by the time Nadal and Novak is done extending their reign over the NEXT Gen( Zverev, Tsitipas, Medvedev, Rublev), Future Gen (FAA, Carlos, Korda and Brisby) will take over like Sampras, Agassi, Chan and Courier did in the 90s when they pushed out Becker and Step Edberg. FAA had Medvedev at AO. Toni's 2nd greatest challenge is to teach Felix to close out like Rafa and Sampras. I know I'm incredibly bias but Sampras wouldn't have let him slip off the hook that close to the Finals. Pete was the ultimate tennis shark. I can't recall one grandslam Final where Pete had lost in a 5set match to anyone. I am quite certain I am sure about this one.

 

[Carol]

The second set was awful with that strong wind but obviously was better for Alcazar because his age and his speed he could reach any crazy ball flying all around . But the third it wasn't so windy things changed and we could see a great battle between both players and the greatness of Nadal.
This video tells us everything

 

[Carol]

Not so fast….

Alcaraz: "Rafa Nadal is my idol, but I'm similar to Roger Federer"

Alcaraz after the match he won against Brandon Nakashima at the ATP Next Gen Finals granted an interview for Sky Sport

www.tennisworldusa.org

Smart kid, takes something from all the best.

Alcazar plays more similar to Djokovic when this one was younger.

 

[Kieran]

I think by the time Nadal and Novak is done extending their reign over the NEXT Gen( Zverev, Tsitipas, Medvedev, Rublev), Future Gen (FAA, Carlos, Korda and Brisby) will take over like Sampras, Agassi, Chan and Courier did in the 90s when they pushed out Becker and Step Edberg. FAA had Medvedev at AO. Toni's 2nd greatest challenge is to teach Felix to close out like Rafa and Sampras. I know I'm incredibly bias but Sampras wouldn't have let him slip off the hook that close to the Finals. Pete was the ultimate tennis shark. I can't recall one grandslam Final where Pete had lost in a 5set match to anyone. I am quite certain I am sure about this one.

Pete didn't feck around - he only played 1 five set match in all his 18 GS finals, dispatching Goran 6-2 in the fifth at Wimbo in '98...

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Rafa’s Escape from Alcaraz was quite a trip, eh? They were belting the ball like enemies, like friends, but the poor ball was petrified and squeaking like a hapless elephant, tumbling down a spiral stairs. Tennis can be the antidote to so many things. The horrors of the world. Wars and plagues. The ugly Pelosi rendition of the horrible Bono poem. Tiktokkers. Tennis can often go the opposite way, and make humans feel as grand as a piano and as peachy as a plum.

This match showed that Alcaraz has the spite. Time will tell if he has the brains and the courage. Rafa’s shift is almost done, and it’s been one of the most full, and greatest. Rafa’s career shows the extent of what’s required to be truly great: a relentlessness that’s unmerciful and savage, especially towards himself. He’ll be impossible to replace. I’m sure Alcaraz coach was taking notes. The dashing Mosquito was quite a player in his few years as a contender too…

Just rewatching the 3rd set again with 'colm' of course.Rafa's reflexes and his volleys were off the charts,it also reminded me of his volley's in the 5th set at the AO this year.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Just rewatching the 3rd set again with 'colm' of course.Rafa's reflexes and his volleys were off the charts,it also reminded of his volley's in the 5th set at the AO this year.

This why I want him to play Wimbledon this year, I truly believe he can serve in volley at will regardless of the opponent. It really depends on how well his body holds up at RG .

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

This why I want him to play Wimbledon this year, I truly believe he can serve in volley at will regardless of the opponent. It really depends on how well his body holds up at RG .

I take your point,as you say it will be about his body,lets see first what his confirmed plans are for the clay and how his body again holds up when he wins his 14th RG title.I have read he would like to play Wimbledon,after missing out last year.

 

[Kieran]

Just rewatching the 3rd set again with 'colm' of course.Rafa's reflexes and his volleys were off the charts,it also reminded me of his volley's in the 5th set at the AO this year.

Yeah he was amazing, very aggressive, decisive. I like this Rafa, I like when he’s like this. He’s unstoppable. Hope he’s ready for tonight!

 

[rafanoy1992]

There’s a rumor that Fritz is uncertain on playing the final due to his injured right foot. He definitely tweaked his right foot right before the end of his SF match against Rublev.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

There’s a rumor that Fritz is uncertain on playing the final due to his injured right foot. He definitely tweaked his right foot right before the end of his SF match against Rublev.

I have heard the same rumor regarding Fritz and his ankle,at the moment it is only a rumor.I hope he is okay to play,he said it felt bad on MP in his s/final.

 

[rafanoy1992]

I have heard the same rumor regarding Fritz and his ankle,at the moment it is only a rumor.I hope he is okay to play,he said it felt bad on MP in his s/final.

He will probably play but he will be somewhat compromised in the final which will be disappointing.

 

[Jelenafan]

There’s a rumor that Fritz is uncertain on playing the final due to his injured right foot. He definitely tweaked his right foot right before the end of his SF match against Rublev.

That would be beyond a bummer as this is Fritz very first Masters final, and all for intents and purposes IW is played in his homecourt with all his friends and family.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

He will probably play but he will be somewhat compromised in the final which will be disappointing.

Agree,it will be disappointing especially when he has played well to reach the final..

 

[rafanoy1992]

Agree,it will be disappointing especially when he has played well to reach the final..

Also, Fritz will play Miami this upcoming week so you know he is probably thinking about the long term.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Also, Fritz will play Miami this upcoming week so you know he is probably thinking about the long term.

Yep,point taken.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Rafa has just finished his practice session before the final,he looked well,moving well,.Plenty of fans in the stand to watch him,signed a few autographs and went on his smiling way.

 

[Jelenafan]

One of the interesting things Rafa said in his presser is that he recuperates much better at Indian Wells because it is a “dry” heat and he doesn’t prespire/dehydrate as much as in humid conditions. So places like Acapulco and Miami present more of a physical challenge and issues of fatigue. Plus that the brief call to the trainer was probably just temporary pain caused by constantly adjusting his body position because of the wind.

And yes, he mentioned that he enjoys the challenge of playing in windy conditions.

The hard part is when it becomes a sandstorm.

 

[rafanoy1992]

One of the interesting things Rafa said in his presser is that he recuperates much better at Indian Wells because it is a “dry” heat and he doesn’t prespire/dehydrate as much as in humid conditions. So places like Acapulco and Miami present more of a physical challenge and issues of fatigue. Plus that the brief call to the trainer was probably just temporary pain caused by constantly adjusting his body position because of the wind.

And yes, he mentioned that he enjoys the challenge of playing in windy conditions.

The hard part is when it becomes a sandstorm.

It is why if he is healthy, he will always play Indian Wells because the conditions suit his game and body. The only thing that can make it better for him is if the courts are sped up because Nadal ultimately prefers a fast and high bounce court.

Indian Wells courts are considered slow but they definitely are high-bouncing courts.