Matches you recommend watching in the absence of live tennis

[Moxie]

May I add Moxie,seeing Rafa playing live,he is not as 'big in physical appearance',watching him on TV.

I'm glad you said that, Margaret, because I didn't want to address all of Bonaca's points, but the notion of him being some hulk on the courts is ridiculous. Many tennis writers, in the early days, when doing a profile of him, would note that 'he's both taller and more slender than he looks on TV.' They don't even bother to say it now, as it's been said many times. I always think that when 'haters' go on about Rafa's "endurance" and "muscularity," it's code.

 

[Moxie]

Did you realise what you do and started?
Who asked you for any response?
You have nothing to do, that’s the problem.
I thought you made yourself clear in the past, and what now? Same intolerance again.
Just stay away.

Margaret has nothing to do?! She's a doctor, and there's a world-wide pandemic, FFS. And also in case you haven't noticed, Margaret is very knowledgeable about tennis and rarely engages in the mud-wrestling that I actually kind of enjoy.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I'm glad you said that, Margaret, because I didn't want to address all of Bonaca's points, but the notion of him being some hulk on the courts is ridiculous. Many tennis writers, in the early days, when doing a profile of him, would note that 'he's both taller and more slender than he looks on TV.' They don't even bother to say it now, as it's been said many times. I always think that when 'haters' go on about Rafa's "endurance" and "muscularity," it's code.

Agree on all points,He is not a Hulk by any means,he does have a muscular upper body,he does a lot of work on his upper body with rubber bands as a warm up before his practice matches,I have noticed.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Margaret has nothing to do?! She's a doctor, and there's a world-wide pandemic, FFS. And also in case you haven't noticed, Margaret is very knowledgeable about tennis and rarely engages in the mud-wrestling that I actually kind of enjoy.

I am not a doctor Moxie,I am a mid wife,and presently working in emergency for COVID-19 victims,as I have been trained in emergency area's of hospitals,apart from surgery as well,gee I am nearly a doctor lol! I have just come off a 12 hour shift and I was in no mood for BS lol!

Bonaca is just a Troll and a Bully full stop,he insults me,and then plays the victim card and says its all my fault lol!
We have had some great Novak posters here,sad to say most of them dont post here anymore,this poster is not one of them.

 

[Moxie]

Agree on all points,He is not a Hulk by any means,he does have a muscular upper body,he does a lot of work on his upper body with rubber bands as a warm up before his practice matches,I have noticed.

He has a muscular body period. He says that the work he does is designed to prevent injury. He knows he can't bulk up and put extra strain on the knees. To me, you can see his body genetics in his uncles and his dad, particularly. Very solidly built men, and of course his uncle Miguel Angel was a top level footballer. But I think you also see a lankiness from his mother. I also think Bonaca is wrong about Rafa's BH, but I'll get to that.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

He has a muscular body period. He says that the work he does is designed to prevent injury. He knows he can't bulk up and put extra strain on the knees. To me, you can see his body genetics in his uncles and his dad, particularly. Very solidly built men, and of course his uncle Miguel Angel was a top level footballer. But I think you also see a lankiness from his mother. I also think Bonaca is wrong about Rafa's BH, but I'll get to that.

Very much like his uncle Miguel the footballer.Some people are naturally built that way,it used to annoy me that people thought he was on steriods...

 

[Moxie]

I am not a doctor Moxie,I am a mid wife,and presently working in emergency for COVID-19 victims,as I have been trained in emergency area's of hospitals,apart from surgery as well,gee I am nearly a doctor lol!

OK, I was close. Anyway, like my cousin who is a nurse practitioner...some medical professionals are actually *better* than doctors. I know you know what I mean. Point being...it's not like you have nothing else going on right now! Stay well, my friend.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

OK, I was close. Anyway, like my cousin who is a nurse practitioner...some medical professionals are actually *better* than doctors. I know you know what I mean. Point being...it's not like you have nothing else going on right now! Stay well, my friend.

Thanks,here in Australia,we are flattening the curve well,still with restrictions,though people are getting tested even with a few minor symptons.which is a good thing.We are slowly opening up,hopefully we will not get a second phase of the virus.Singapore lifted their restrictions too early and had to lock down again.

 

[Moxie]

Very much like his uncle Miguel the footballer.Some people are naturally built that way,it used to annoy me that people thought he was on steriods...

My point about the "coded language." A theory embraced (and still beloved of) some Federer fans, for obvious reasons of their own. If anyone still believes that, they're an idiot, IMO. But there's always some effort made to down-grade Rafa's game, and his sportsmanship, despite his results, and lay it on "hard work" or "luck" or "good draws." Some don't like his style of play, as it's definitely other than "classic." But to pretend he's all about "defense," or to talk about "moonballs," is to completely misunderstand tennis. Nadal is an aggressive player, there's no denying that, but from a philosophy of biding his time and finding him moment to turn defense to offense. Many commies have said there is none better at that. And all players, including the great RF hit a high one to get themselves back into position. However, with Rafa's spin, the balls do go higher over the net than, say those of del Potro. It gives Nadal "margin." The one I really don't get, and I've had it out with Bonaca over this, is acting like having a great work ethic is a down-grade on your tennis. As if he's less talented because he works at it. As if Roger and Novak just show up and produce brilliance because they have some "gift." That is utter BS.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

My point about the "coded language." A theory embraced (and still beloved of) some Federer fans, for obvious reasons of their own. If anyone still believes that, they're an idiot, IMO. But there's always some effort made to down-grade Rafa's game, and his sportsmanship, despite his results, and lay it on "hard work" or "luck" or "good draws." Some don't like his style of play, as it's definitely other than "classic." But to pretend he's all about "defense," or to talk about "moonballs," is to completely misunderstand tennis. Nadal is an aggressive player, there's no denying that, but from a philosophy of biding his time and finding him moment to turn defense to offense. Many commies have said there is none better at that. And all players, including the great RF hit a high one to get themselves back into position. However, with Rafa's spin, the balls do go higher over the net than, say those of del Potro. It gives Nadal "margin." The one I really don't get, and I've had it out with Bonaca over this, is acting like having a great work ethic is a down-grade on your tennis. As if he's less talented because he works at it. As if Roger and Novak just show up and produce brilliance because they have some "gift." That is utter BS.

This is where people do not understand players that have been brought up on clay.Defence is taught first and foremost,opening up the whole court up to see where your opponent is say weaker,the fhand or bhand,the player can then turn defence into offense.A clay court player is also taught how to properly 'construct a point' the basis of any play,whether it be on clay,grass or HC,their footwork which is important can than translate to any surface.That is where Nadal is sublime his feet do not stop,watching him live,seeing his footwork is just a joy especially on clay.Rafa has improved his volley play over the years,though he has always been 'instinctive' when to come to the net.I have said many times even the most 'talented' players work on their game and are always 'tweaking' it,that applies to Federer,who is the most naturally talented out of Rafa and Novak .Yes both Rafa and Novak have area's in their game they had to work on,nothing wrong about that,they wanted to improve.I remember Rafa saying once' every day I go to practice I want to learn something new'......Federer has also 'tweaked his game'.....

 

[Moxie]

This is where people do not understand players that have been brought up on clay.Defence is taught first and foremost,opening up the whole court up to see where your opponent is say weaker,the fhand or bhand,the player can then turn defence into offense.A clay court player is also taught how to properly 'construct a point' the basis of any play,whether it be on clay,grass or HC,their footwork which is important can than translate to any surface.That is where Nadal is sublime his feet do not stop,watching him live,seeing his footwork is just a joy especially on clay.Rafa has improved his volley play over the years,though he has always been 'instinctive' when to come to the net.I have said many times even the most 'talented' players work on their game and are always 'tweaking' it,that applies to Federer,who is the most naturally talented out of Rafa and Novak .Yes both Rafa and Novak have area's in their game they had to work on,nothing wrong about that,they wanted to improve.I remember Rafa saying once' every day I go to practice I want to learn something new'......Federer has also 'tweaked his game'.....

This is a great post. Emilio Sanchez-Vicario, who has an academy in FL, has said that the difference between US and Spanish (and you can extrapolate that to other countries) approach to teaching young players is that in the US they tend to start with the racquet. But in Spain, (and I think anyplace that emphasizes clay,) they start with the feet. At the very least, it explains why the US has done poorly at RG. Beyond that, it explains a lot, especially, as you say, how defense turns to offense.

I totally agree that even the greats work on their game, and "tweak" it. How did Roger come up with a new plan to defeat Rafa, so late career? He worked on taking his backhand earlier. That takes work, confidence, repetition, and I guess the bigger racquet head.

Toni Nadal said something a long time ago, and the quote is in Spanish, but the gist of it is that: "We could have decided to base our game on talent, but we decided to base it on hard work. Some days, your talent isn't enough, but if you can rely on your hard work, you might still win." This attitude gets used against Nadal, as if he's not talented, just a hard-worker. But there is a Zen in this. And a wise nugget. Great writers and artists tell us that they don't wait for the Muse...they go to work every day. So when she comes, they're prepared, and available. Think of the recent stat sheet littered with "talented" players that can't get the job done: Safin, Nalbandian, Dimitrov, Kyrgios (controversial, OK,) Rios. I'm tired of hearing that Federer and Djokovic have more natural talent than Nadal. They all work hard to be where they are, and I don't think, at this point, anyone can say one is especially more talented than the other. I think we all agree that Roger was the one with the most gifts from the outset. But even that had its own curse. Rafa and Novak, with something to chase, had to work harder. Then Roger had to adjust, to keep up.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

This is a great post. Emilio Sanchez-Vicario, who has an academy in FL, has said that the difference between US and Spanish (and you can extrapolate that to other countries) approach to teaching young players is that in the US they tend to start with the racquet. But in Spain, (and I think anyplace that emphasizes clay,) they start with the feet. At the very least, it explains why the US has done poorly at RG. Beyond that, it explains a lot, especially, as you say, how defense turns to offense.

I totally agree that even the greats work on their game, and "tweak" it. How did Roger come up with a new plan to defeat Rafa, so late career? He worked on taking his backhand earlier. That takes work, confidence, repetition, and I guess the bigger racquet head.

Toni Nadal said something a long time ago, and the quote is in Spanish, but the gist of it is that: "We could have decided to base our game on talent, but we decided to base it on hard work. Some days, your talent isn't enough, but if you can rely on your hard work, you might still win." This attitude gets used against Nadal, as if he's not talented, just a hard-worker. But there is a Zen in this. And a wise nugget. Great writers and artists tell us that they don't wait for the Muse...they go to work every day. So when she comes, they're prepared, and available. Think of the recent stat sheet littered with "talented" players that can't get the job done: Safin, Nalbandian, Dimitrov, Kyrgios (controversial, OK,) Rios. I'm tired of hearing that Federer and Djokovic have more natural talent than Nadal. They all work hard to be where they are, and I don't think, at this point, anyone can say one is especially more talented than the other. I think we all agree that Roger was the one with the most gifts from the outset. But even that had its own curse. Rafa and Novak, with something to chase, had to work harder. Then Roger had to adjust, to keep up.

Novak had to work on his fhand,it was his weaker side,he also employed Mark Woodforde many years ago to help him on his volley play and his transition game to the net,remember he did hire Boris Becker as a coach,who was no slouch at volley's either,Novak also worked on his serve.so to say he had more natural talent than Rafa is just nonesense,he had to work hard on those area's and to his credit he has improved in those area's.

 

[Moxie]

Novak had to work on his fhand,it was his weaker side,he also employed Mark Woodforde many years ago to help him on his volley play and his transition game to the net,remember he did hire Boris Becker as a coach,who was no slouch at volley's either,Novak also worked on his serve.so to say he had more natural talent than Rafa is just nonesense,he had to work hard on those area's and to his credit he has improved in those area's.

Novak has definitely improved his serve. There was a whole period in 2010, I think, when it was utter crap..basically the yips. And frankly, his smash can be embarrassing. I think you're right about the transition game. He sometimes has very fine hands at the net, but decisions of when to go in took time.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Novak has definitely improved his serve. There was a whole period in 2010, I think, when it was utter crap..basically the yips. And frankly, his smash can be embarrassing. I think you're right about the transition game. He sometimes has very fine hands at the net, but decisions of when to go in took time.

I dont think hiring Todd Martin was a great decision,who stuffed up his serve completely,thank goodness he did not last long.That was around 2010 he hired Martin from memory

 

[Bonaca]

Just To Be Clear.....
Any poster has the right to reply to any post okay..............you DO NOT SET THE RULES HERE OKAY
I have every right to reply especially on clay,where I was brought up at age 5 and played in amatuer tournaments overseas and in Australia.
You can dish out the insults,you don't like it when someone insults you back.Stop Playing The Victim Card.Honestly.
I Am Not Going To Sit Back and Cop Your Bully Tactics On This Site Full Stop.,towards me or any other poster.Period.

Agree with your second line. Same for every poster, you have no special rights.

I don’t answer your boring posts or named you in any of my posts since you asked for while your hysteria a few weeks ago.
Why the fuck did you respond again, when all of this is bullshit and you came from a 12 h working session? What logic is in your posts, what is your goal?

Who do you think you are? Bully tactics towards you and other poster? Are you crazy? It really seems you need rest, too much for you.

 

[Bonaca]

Margaret has nothing to do?! She's a doctor, and there's a world-wide pandemic, FFS. And also in case you haven't noticed, Margaret is very knowledgeable about tennis and rarely engages in the mud-wrestling that I actually kind of enjoy.

Mud-Wrestling, nice term, but it’s just sharing different point of views and tastes. Absolutely no need for fighting.
Luckily she is no doctor, just intolerant ordinary english women of older age.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Stop being a Troll and a Bully full stop and you might get better respect around here,
Also I am sick and tired of your Condesending Remarks towards me FULL STOP you cannot help yourself,there you go again,no I am not crazy,another condesending remark towards me.Also dont use Four Letter Words,it just shows how ignorant you are and uneducated.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Mud-Wrestling, nice term, but it’s just sharing different point of views and tastes. Absolutely no need for fighting.
Luckily she is no doctor, just intolerant ordinary english women of older age.

There you go again with your Condesending Remarks against me,I am not a n ordinary older intolerant English Woman for starters TROLL!

 

[Bonaca]

This is a great post. Emilio Sanchez-Vicario, who has an academy in FL, has said that the difference between US and Spanish (and you can extrapolate that to other countries) approach to teaching young players is that in the US they tend to start with the racquet. But in Spain, (and I think anyplace that emphasizes clay,) they start with the feet. At the very least, it explains why the US has done poorly at RG. Beyond that, it explains a lot, especially, as you say, how defense turns to offense.

I totally agree that even the greats work on their game, and "tweak" it. How did Roger come up with a new plan to defeat Rafa, so late career? He worked on taking his backhand earlier. That takes work, confidence, repetition, and I guess the bigger racquet head.

Toni Nadal said something a long time ago, and the quote is in Spanish, but the gist of it is that: "We could have decided to base our game on talent, but we decided to base it on hard work. Some days, your talent isn't enough, but if you can rely on your hard work, you might still win." This attitude gets used against Nadal, as if he's not talented, just a hard-worker. But there is a Zen in this. And a wise nugget. Great writers and artists tell us that they don't wait for the Muse...they go to work every day. So when she comes, they're prepared, and available. Think of the recent stat sheet littered with "talented" players that can't get the job done: Safin, Nalbandian, Dimitrov, Kyrgios (controversial, OK,) Rios. I'm tired of hearing that Federer and Djokovic have more natural talent than Nadal. They all work hard to be where they are, and I don't think, at this point, anyone can say one is especially more talented than the other. I think we all agree that Roger was the one with the most gifts from the outset. But even that had its own curse. Rafa and Novak, with something to chase, had to work harder. Then Roger had to adjust, to keep up.

Uncle Toni: We base it on hard work!
And that’s what it looks like, hard work. Very dogged.
Extremely successful , but not nice to watch and listen to.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Mud-Wrestling, nice term, but it’s just sharing different point of views and tastes. Absolutely no need for fighting.
Luckily she is no doctor, just intolerant ordinary english women of older age.

Moxie,I am not going to put up with these 'condesending and personal remarks' from this Bully of a poster,as you can see for yourself from his posts.
As I said before we used to have really informative and constructive Novak fans on this site,this poster just wants to incite posters with his comments,has never had any constructive to say or post,except hate for anyone that dosent agree with his posts on Novak,to me that is not a tennis fan in general.I wish this poster did not find this site.