Fedal out of the top 4 for the first time since 2003

[masterclass]

Federer and/or Nadal had been in the top 4 since July 7, 2003, after Federer won his first major at Wimbledon and rose from #5 to #3.

Federer is currently #7, suffered a knee injury and opted for surgery after the Australian Open, only played 28 matches, without winning a title, and hasn't played since losing in the Wimbledon SF this year, calling it a season to rest and rehabilitate his knee.

Nadal is currently #5, has played 52 matches with only .750 win pct., matching last year which is his lowest win percentage since 2004, but was still able to win successive singles titles on clay in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

Is this the end of Fedal's time in the Top 4, or will one or both return?



Respectfully,
masterclass

 

[britbox]

I think both of them could conceivably do it... it's not like anyone outside Djokovic and Murray are trailblazing with consistency. Stan's a home run hitter... Kei is fragile but he has developed a level of consistency that should keep him up and around the top half of the Top 10. The window is closing though, that's for sure.

Nadal is the more likely to hit the top 4 again in my opinion. I doubt either one of them will win a major again though. Enjoy them while they are still on tour.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Father time is undefeated...

 

[DarthFed]

Nadal definitely has a good chance to do it by the end of AO next year where he lost in the 1st round. For Roger it would take a lot of time next year and he'd have to have a decent season. It's possible.

 

[Moxie]

Come on, MC...Nadal's 1 day out of the top 4. It'll happen eventually, but I don't think they're all done yet.

 

[masterclass]

I think the chances are slim that either will return to #4 anytime soon.
Federer is out of action of course, but I think it is also quite possible that Rafa won't play in the WTF this year, though with enough injuries, he might still squeak in. Troicki beat Nadal for the first time, in straight sets no less.

Chances are that Rafa has fallen for good. His match count is close to 1000. He is still playing, but approaching 31. Objective people won't hide their heads in the sand. It happens to every player eventually. Wilander suddenly fell after having his greatest year winning 3 majors at age 24. I believe he won 1 singles title thereafter. McEnroe fell soon after his greatest season in 1984 at age 25, 2 majors and a all-time 82-3 winning record. He made one final the next year and that was it.

Roger is trying to recover from injury and surgery as mentioned. Who knows if he will return and for how long? Let us see how his knee will hold up. Maybe he'll play in the Australian Open and see what happens. He could have stopped 4 years ago at 31, but his (and Rafa's) presence brings the most money to the game. The gap will be big when they depart. That's why the ATP is really pushing for the young players now. I think the transition to a young player(s) winning something big, and young rivalries starting will be very soon.

But sure, I could be wrong.

Respectfully,
masterclass

 

[britbox]

I think the chances are slim that either will return to #4 anytime soon.
Federer is out of action of course, but I think it is also quite possible that Rafa won't play in the WTF this year, though with enough injuries, he might still squeak in. Troicki beat Nadal for the first time, in straight sets no less.

Chances are that Rafa has fallen for good. His match count is close to 1000. He is still playing, but approaching 31. Objective people won't hide their heads in the sand. It happens to every player eventually. Wilander suddenly fell after having his greatest year winning 3 majors at age 24. I believe he won 1 singles title thereafter. McEnroe fell soon after his greatest season in 1984 at age 25, 2 majors and a all-time 82-3 winning record. He made one final the next year and that was it.

Roger is trying to recover from injury and surgery as mentioned. Who knows if he will return and for how long? Let us see how his knee will hold up. Maybe he'll play in the Australian Open and see what happens. He could have stopped 4 years ago at 31, but his (and Rafa's) presence brings the most money to the game. The gap will be big when they depart. That's why the ATP is really pushing for the young players now. I think the transition to a young player(s) winning something big, and young rivalries starting will be very soon.

But sure, I could be wrong.

Respectfully,
masterclass

I don't think anyone is suggesting any dominant sort of reign mirroring yesteryear, but the question is only if either could ever hit the Top 4 once more in the remainder of their career.

Nadal had an AO first round exit and pulled out the French after the second round and didn't even play Wimbledon. There are a lot of points on the board available for even an average Nadal next year, with moderate showing at any of the first three major tournaments into the middle of next year. The proviso is that he stays fit.

If you look at the numbers he's only just outside of the Top 4 in the world with his worst showing at majors since the year dot. Forget Djokovic for now, forget Murray for now.... the players we need to take into account when weighing this up are guys like Stan, Cilic, Nishikori, Raonic, Monfils... are they really that far ahead of Rafa? I don't think so... he's dropped from a lofty height - one which he'll never return to, but he isn't dog food yet and if any of those other players were called Nadal, then they'd be getting slaughtered by some for their results too.

Federer... time will tell with Federer's knee rehab... if he remains healthy throughout the year, then he'll have a ton of points to pick up toward the latter end of it. Even the current Federer is generally a second week major player. There's still a big question mark hanging over him though and one which we can't even really guess at until the turn of the year.

If either hit the Top 4 again, then it will almost certainly be Nadal first.

 

[Carol]

This Wednesday Roger will be with Rafa in the oficial Opening Rafa's Academy

 

[Carol]

Rafa and Roger in the Opening Ceremony

https://www.periscope.tv/w/1BRJjAORRRQGw

 

[masterclass]

The Rafa Nadal Academy officially opened its doors today to the public with a luxurious staging, typical of an event of the first level. It included the inauguration of Rafael Nadal Sports Centre, and the presence of Roger Federer, 17 time Grand Slam winner, who immediately accepted the invitation for the event to join his rival yet friend Rafael Nadal.

31 Grand Slam Titles in 1 sq meter.

Rafa Shares Important Lessons

Roger Responds

The event was attended by the president of the ITF (International Tennis Federation) David Hagerty; the ATP Chris Kermode; the chairman of Wimbledon Phillip Brook; the director of the US Open David Brewer and a senior executive at Roland Garros.

Rafa presented Roger with this photo montage with some nice words.

Roger to Rafa: "I don’t know how is going to be my comeback, but I can be inspired by you. You have done it million times." "Rafa, you’ve been the one that influenced and inspired me the most. I had to reinvent many things in my game thanks to you"

Roger also said he would send his kids there if they want to learn tennis.

Respectfully,
masterclass

 

[Carol]

:whistle::heart:

 

[brokenshoelace]

lol, that "gift" from Nadal to Roger... I mean, I'm sure he didn't mean it like that at all, but my first thought while looking at the pic was: "here's a framed photo showcasing all those matches I beat you in...and if you look really carefully, you'll see the couple of matches you won."

 

[masterclass]

Now neither Rafa nor Roger can return to the top 4 this season. Maybe next year.

Clay King Rafael Nadal has ended his season.

After officially opening his academy yesterday and speaking with everyone (doctor, Uncle, physio, etc.), Rafa said today that he is forced to stop for the rest of the season, blaming it on his desire to win a medal at the Olympics for Spain.

Here is his facebook entry:

"It is no secret that I arrived to the Olympic Games short of preparation and not fully recovered, but the goal was to compete and win a medal for Spain.
This forced recovery has caused me pain since then and now I am forced to stop and start preparing the 2017 season.
I am very saddened for not being able to play next week in Basel since I have a great memory of the tournament and the final played against Roger Federer last year.
I won’t be able to compete either in Paris-Bercy, where the crowds and the FFT staff have always treated me so well.
Now it is time to rest and start preparing intensively the 2017 season."
Rafa


Respectfully,
masterclass

 

[Carol]

Smart decision by Rafa. After to participe in Rio taking a high risk after having a short preparation because his wrist injury and later playing so irregular it's time to take a good rest mentally and physically and more this time he is not injured even that he could have some wrist discomfort but not too badly. He has plenty time to training harder and putting in order his ideas and trying to make a much better and successful 2017 than these last two years

 

[Tennis Fan]

I don't think anyone is suggesting any dominant sort of reign mirroring yesteryear, but the question is only if either could ever hit the Top 4 once more in the remainder of their career.

Nadal had an AO first round exit and pulled out the French after the second round and didn't even play Wimbledon. There are a lot of points on the board available for even an average Nadal next year, with moderate showing at any of the first three major tournaments into the middle of next year. The proviso is that he stays fit.

If you look at the numbers he's only just outside of the Top 4 in the world with his worst showing at majors since the year dot. Forget Djokovic for now, forget Murray for now.... the players we need to take into account when weighing this up are guys like Stan, Cilic, Nishikori, Raonic, Monfils... are they really that far ahead of Rafa? I don't think so... he's dropped from a lofty height - one which he'll never return to, but he isn't dog food yet and if any of those other players were called Nadal, then they'd be getting slaughtered by some for their results too.

Federer... time will tell with Federer's knee rehab... if he remains healthy throughout the year, then he'll have a ton of points to pick up toward the latter end of it. Even the current Federer is generally a second week major player. There's still a big question mark hanging over him though and one which we can't even really guess at until the turn of the year.

If either hit the Top 4 again, then it will almost certainly be Nadal first.

Exactly. Even with all that Rafa was still in the Top 8, when he missed so much time. So, I can't see writing his epithet this early either.

 

[Tennis Fan]

lol, that "gift" from Nadal to Roger... I mean, I'm sure he didn't mean it like that at all, but my first thought while looking at the pic was: "here's a framed photo showcasing all those matches I beat you in...and if you look really carefully, you'll see the couple of matches you won."

LOL, I thought the same thing.