How many more slams for Rafa?

[herios]

We disagree.

We absolutely disagree if you still think that he was "celebrating like he had just won", or that it was "embarrassing." That's just you putting the man down, for no reason at all...

I've said the same thing about Rafa's act when his opponent is down and not playing well! No one needs that "performance" of Nadal where he's jumping around, pumping his arm and leg, then screaming "VAMOS" after every point is over! The same was said of Hewitt "in the day," but he wasn't likeable so he was lambasted more for it! :cover :nono :angel: - Rafa's still #10 right now, but so many players behind him are still in Wimbledon and are in sniffing distance of taking him down even further! Any thoughts? uzzled :nono :dodgy:

Rafa will sign now up now for Umag, to win some more points to make sure he will stay in the top 10

 

[brokenshoelace]

After playing a guy who gave him absolutely no rhythm, Rafa was unable to even hit his ground strokes by the end of the match. Then he holds his serve (to force Brown to serve for the match) and does a celebration like he had just won. It was embarrassing.

I know right? Nadal should have blamed the crowd, the virtual tennis gods, sarcastically smile as if to imply the whole world was against him, look at his camp in disgust and make gestures, give the crowd a sarcastic thumbs up, etc... then hug your opponent and congratulate him as if you're the happiest man in the world even though you lost.

That's the right attitude to have facing defeat. And that's the attitude of a winner.

God the forums have been nauseatingly embarrassing lately. People's dislike for one player is legit killing brain cells for posters and readers alike.

 

[brokenshoelace]

After playing a guy who gave him absolutely no rhythm, Rafa was unable to even hit his ground strokes by the end of the match. Then he holds his serve (to force Brown to serve for the match) and does a celebration like he had just won. It was embarrassing.

How was it embarrassing? he was still competing and he suddenly his a couple of forehands, which he'd shanked all day. It wasn't embarrassing at all. He was still fighting in that match...

Did you watch him against Bellucci? He had someone actually hitting the ball to him and his forehand and backhand were improving the whole match. By the end of this match he couldn't hit one off either wing. Rafa will always fight. uzzled Except for that last set he played at the French this year. But a guy ranked outside the top 100 toyed with him at the net. I'm glad you weren't embarrassed.

So... he should bend over and accept it?

There's a reason someone is a multi millionaire all time great athlete and you're spewing keyboard warrior nonsense.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Did you watch him against Bellucci? He had someone actually hitting the ball to him and his forehand and backhand were improving the whole match. By the end of this match he couldn't hit one off either wing. Rafa will always fight. uzzled Except for that last set he played at the French this year. But a guy ranked outside the top 100 toyed with him at the net. I'm glad you weren't embarrassed.

Brother, you're just happy to put him down. I watched him against both Djoker, and also against Brown. He's going through the worst patch of his career, this is why these blokes are beating him, and you're knocking him for trying to gee himself up for a final burst today?

He wasn't "celebrating", that's a bizarre insinuation. He was trying to raise his own hackles for a last charge. That's not embarrassing, it's admirable...

I understand your point, and I realize he was trying to pump himself up

You're saying that he is still there and still fighting. That he just needs his confidence back to start winning like he used to. I am contending that the things his confidence was built upon just are not there anymore. I've watched this guy for years just like you.

We disagree.

So wait, he should just go "You know what, I don't have these things that my confidence was built upon. I should just pack it up, like Novak did in the last set of the 2013 US Open final and throw the towel" instead of trying to problem solve and try to re-discover those things that his confidence was built upon?

I mean, do we even know for sure if these things are gone for good? We don't. So how is he supposed to re-find them? By trying, problem solving, willing himself.

But I mean, by that logic, since these things aren't there anymore, he might as well retire I guess.

We absolutely disagree if you still think that he was "celebrating like he had just won", or that it was "embarrassing." That's just you putting the man down, for no reason at all...

And this is exactly what it boils down to. Now, I have no problem with gloating, kicking a man while he's down, etc... But the difference between me and what's going on in this thread is, I have no problems being transparent in my pettiness. I'll create a thread/post basically kicking a man while he's down, instead of trying to mask my pettiness with frankly embarrassing analysis, in which a man who used to have Nadal as his best player and rooted for him over Djokovic (his current favorite player, who in fairness, had always been a close second) but was weak-minded enough to dislike his former favorite player due to his (admittedly obnoxious) fanbase has the audacity to question how a 14 time major winner and one of the greatest competitors in the history of sport should act in the face of adversity.

This is unbelievable.

 

[nehmeth]

Brother, you're just happy to put him down. I watched him against both Djoker, and also against Brown. He's going through the worst patch of his career, this is why these blokes are beating him, and you're knocking him for trying to gee himself up for a final burst today?

He wasn't "celebrating", that's a bizarre insinuation. He was trying to raise his own hackles for a last charge. That's not embarrassing, it's admirable...

I understand your point, and I realize he was trying to pump himself up

You're saying that he is still there and still fighting. That he just needs his confidence back to start winning like he used to. I am contending that the things his confidence was built upon just are not there anymore. I've watched this guy for years just like you.

We disagree.

So wait, he should just go "You know what, I don't have these things that my confidence was built upon. I should just pack it up, like Novak did in the last set of the 2013 US Open final and throw the towel" instead of trying to problem solve and try to re-discover those things that his confidence was built upon?

I mean, do we even know for sure if these things are gone for good? We don't. So how is he supposed to re-find them? By trying, problem solving, willing himself.

But I mean, by that logic, since these things aren't there anymore, he might as well retire I guess.

We absolutely disagree if you still think that he was "celebrating like he had just won", or that it was "embarrassing." That's just you putting the man down, for no reason at all...

And this is exactly what it boils down to. Now, I have no problem with gloating, kicking a man while he's down, etc... But the difference between me and what's going on in this thread is, I have no problems being transparent in my pettiness. I'll create a thread/post basically kicking a man while he's down, instead of trying to mask my pettiness with frankly embarrassing analysis, in which a man who used to have Nadal as his best player and rooted for him over Djokovic (his current favorite player, who in fairness, had always been a close second) but was weak-minded enough to dislike his former favorite player due to his (admittedly obnoxious) fanbase has the audacity to question how a 14 time major winner and one of the greatest competitors in the history of sport should act in the face of adversity.

This is unbelievable.

Thanks Broken. I did enjoy your threads. they were prolific, pointed and they made me smile.
i do understand your noted distaste for my pettiness, and (embarrassing) analysis. I see your and Kieran's point and can honestly say, "Sorry for that."

The reasons behind my feelings about Nadal have to remain my own for now. Hopefully there will come a time where they can be freely discussed.

I can assure you they have nothing to do with Djokovic. And while I once supported Nadal with almost equal fervor, Novak was always my favorite - long before he made his way to #1.

Neither do they have anything to do with his(Nadal's) fanbase, most of whom I like very much - you, tented, Kieran, Push, and Moxie. Even dear Carol is beginning to grow on me - in a good way.

 

[19USC66]

I understand your point, and I realize he was trying to pump himself up

You're saying that he is still there and still fighting. That he just needs his confidence back to start winning like he used to. I am contending that the things his confidence was built upon just are not there anymore. I've watched this guy for years just like you.

We disagree.

So wait, he should just go "You know what, I don't have these things that my confidence was built upon. I should just pack it up, like Novak did in the last set of the 2013 US Open final and throw the towel" instead of trying to problem solve and try to re-discover those things that his confidence was built upon?

I mean, do we even know for sure if these things are gone for good? We don't. So how is he supposed to re-find them? By trying, problem solving, willing himself.

But I mean, by that logic, since these things aren't there anymore, he might as well retire I guess.

We absolutely disagree if you still think that he was "celebrating like he had just won", or that it was "embarrassing." That's just you putting the man down, for no reason at all...

And this is exactly what it boils down to. Now, I have no problem with gloating, kicking a man while he's down, etc... But the difference between me and what's going on in this thread is, I have no problems being transparent in my pettiness. I'll create a thread/post basically kicking a man while he's down, instead of trying to mask my pettiness with frankly embarrassing analysis, in which a man who used to have Nadal as his best player and rooted for him over Djokovic (his current favorite player, who in fairness, had always been a close second) but was weak-minded enough to dislike his former favorite player due to his (admittedly obnoxious) fanbase has the audacity to question how a 14 time major winner and one of the greatest competitors in the history of sport should act in the face of adversity.

This is unbelievable.

Thanks Broken. I did enjoy your threads. they were prolific, pointed and they made me smile.
i do understand your noted distaste for my pettiness, and (embarrassing) analysis. I see your and Kieran's point and can honestly say, "Sorry for that."

The reasons behind my feelings about Nadal have to remain my own for now. Hopefully there will come a time where they can be freely discussed.

I can assure you they have nothing to do with Djokovic. And while I once supported Nadal with almost equal fervor, Novak was always my favorite - long before he made his way to #1.

Neither do they have anything to do with his(Nadal's) fanbase, most of whom I like very much - you, tented, Kieran, Push, and Moxie. Even dear Carol is beginning to grow on me - in a good way.

nehmeth,
Sent you a couple of private messages.
Regarding Nadal. Per Johnny Mac Rafa needs a new coach. Thank goodness the first week of the majors on Directv I don't have to listen to the motor mouth John McEnroe. I watch the British feed. Much more pleasant. What exactly would Mac like Rafa to learn from a new coach? His serve although accurate has never been outstanding. We can eliminate much change there. Nadal plays the way he plays and has done so his entire tennis career. At this late date I doubt any coach can change a player much. The man is going to be 30 years old. There are thousands of miles on those feet and legs. Rafael Nadal to me looks worn down and tired. He is still a good player, but he is definitely not as fast or quick as he once was. Take a long look at the match he and Fed played in the classic match in Rome years ago. Those two guys are not the two players we are watching today. Time takes it's toll and has done so more on Nadal than Fed. Years ago when we were on the other tennis board everyone knew this day was going to come. This is nothing but the life of an athlete entering the twilight of his career. Nothing more. Changing coaches would change nothing. Today Rafa is who is. Nevertheless, I would not count him out just yet.

 

[El Dude]

The question is not whether Rafa is as good as he was in 2008-13, when he was either the best or second best player on tour, but whether he can adjust to at least being an elite top 5 player again. ThRight now he's not. What will be required, I think, is for Rafa to realize that he can't play the same game that he did even just a couple years ago.

The situation is somewhat reminiscent of Roger in 2013, although the difference is that Roger was nursing a sore back and trying to play through it, plus adjusting to a different racket, while Rafa is still trying to work out the rust after missing a couple months. But at what point do we say, there is no rust, just decline? That seems to be the question - is Rafa still rusty, or is he in free-fall decline or somewhere between the two?

Here's a crazy stat: After five straight years of reaching (and twice winning) the Wimbledon final, Rafa has lost at Wimbledon to a player ranked #100 or lower four years in a row.

 

[Fiero425]

How many bad loses does it take for people to come around to the fact that Nadal's just about "lost it?" I'm not trying to kick him when he's down, but Federer was almost laid to rest by many when he slipped just a little! Nadal's not even winning on clay; 2 losses to F3 alone! When he starts losing on HC to his compatriots like Verdasco, the end has to be near! He's owned them for as long as I can remember; allowing them huge leads, only to come back again and again! He's even dropping matches where he had MP; something 2nd and 3rd tier players are always susceptible to, but this is supposed to be a former #1 and winner of 14 majors! He either needs another one of his vacations/injury leaves (wink) or maybe he should think about "packin it in" like BORG! I've seen it happen before so it'll never be a shock; esp. with the way he's playing! When Bjorn left, he still won another FO and was a finalist in 2 other majors! Nadal's not making it to the 2nd week these days! How ugly does it have to get is my question? I saw Connors fall from grace and be just a storyline with a history! If that's what Rafa wants to do, be my guest! It's his legacy! :cover

 

[El Dude]

Fiero425, I think it is simply because we've all seen Rafa falter and then rise back to the top again. Now he's never faltered like this before, and chances are he won't rise back to the very top again, but the guy deserves the benefit of the doubt.

I know Rafa wants another chance at the WTF, so he's unlikely to take a break this year, but on the other hand it might be a good idea for him to take a break after the USO, then focus on preparing for next year - give it another go. If he can't get it back by clay season next year then I think he's done.

 

[Federberg]

I think we're all being a bit dramatic. Yes he probably needs to adjust his game. He is not as fast as he used to be which is natural ageing, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's done. The guy is an all time great, he has huge talent, and with a bit of work can at least attempt to re-work his game to his new situation. Federer has done it, I think Rafa should be able to. Realistically he is not going to be the all conquering warrior he used to be, but there is no reason why he won't still be relevant. This is the life cycle of professional tennis, and we have the opportunity to observe the possible transformation of a once great player into a great player again. It should be entertaining, whether he succeeds or not. We might need to dial down our expectations of him, but there is no reason why Nadal fans should stop hoping for the glory days. Not yet....

 

[Kirijax]

When Nadal first came up, I thought he would be done winning slams by the age of 25, His playing style was too hard and I didn't think he could keep it up. Especially when he first had that big break in 2009, I thought it was the beginning of the end. The guy has proven me and many others wrong time and time again. But when I saw him at the 2014 Australian, I was surprised by now thin, even gaunt he seemed, especially in the face. Just looked worn out. It's still awkward to see him losing so often so many times and I can never write him off, but it's looking more and more likely that he's done.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Fiero425, I think it is simply because we've all seen Rafa falter and then rise back to the top again. Now he's never faltered like this before, and chances are he won't rise back to the very top again, but the guy deserves the benefit of the doubt.

I know Rafa wants another chance at the WTF, so he's unlikely to take a break this year, but on the other hand it might be a good idea for him to take a break after the USO, then focus on preparing for next year - give it another go. If he can't get it back by clay season next year then I think he's done.

Rafa has indicated that he may play some clay tourneys after Wimby. I expect him to play in Hamburg.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

^^hamburgerborg ?..giggedygiggedy......maybe a plucky run to the sf for rafa and some rank points.

 

[Kirijax]

So Nadal has one more chance to extend his run of at least one Grand Slam a year since 2004.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

So Nadal has one more chance to extend his run of at least one Grand Slam a year since 2004.

Are Mods allowed to post troll messages? :cover

 

[Fiero425]

So Nadal has 1 more chance to extend his run of at least 1 Grand Slam a year since '04.

Are Mods allowed to post troll messages? :cover

Why is relating a simple fact being trollish? Shheesshhh! You may not want to hear it, but it's the truth! :cover :nono

 

[Kirijax]

So Nadal has one more chance to extend his run of at least one Grand Slam a year since 2004.

Are Mods allowed to post troll messages? :cover

Haha. Hey! It's a legit question!

Rafael Nadal 6/1 third favourite for US Open title following another early Wimbledon exit

 

[Moxie]

So Nadal has one more chance to extend his run of at least one Grand Slam a year since 2004.

Are Mods allowed to post troll messages? :cover

Haha. Hey! It's a legit question!

Rafael Nadal 6/1 third favourite for US Open title following another early Wimbledon exit

It's not even a question, but it's a valid point. Even gives a chance to brag on Nadal. Nadal holds the record for consecutive years winning a Slam at 10. If he doesn't win the USO, that ends his run. Next best runs are, I think, Fed and Sampras with 8 consecutive.

 

[Moxie]

PS: I have to think 3rd favorite for the USO sounds pretty good, at this point.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

So Nadal has one more chance to extend his run of at least one Grand Slam a year since 2004.

Are Mods allowed to post troll messages? :cover

Haha. Hey! It's a legit question!

Rafael Nadal 6/1 third favourite for US Open title following another early Wimbledon exit

Betting houses have a way of doing things which would entice people to put money on certain events.
But, even Uncle Toni doesn't think Rafa has a good chance of winning USO.