Carol35 said:
Don't start El Dude, don't start.....it's not about your self-steem, it's about how they are playing, better or worse because the age (Roger) or injuries, lack of confidence which produces anxiety (Nadal) but this last issue is easier to fix than the age, don't you think? but unlike you I don't care if Roger can still win, it doesn't affect to me at all, on the contrary my wish is that all of them would be able to play better than they do these last months (not just Rafa) and to see better competition, big difference
So we agree on one thing, and one thing only: we both want to see better competition. I just think you're living in the past, and wishful thinking, if you think the clock will be turned back and we'll see 2013 Rafa, or even 2012 Federer...or even 2012-13 Andy. I would love to see 2012 Federer, because I think that version could actually beat Novak at Wimbledon. But I don't see it happening. The only way Roger wins another Slam is if someone takes Novak out first, or
possibly if he faces a tired Novak and plays the match of his life (or later life
).
But the main point we disagree on is why Rafa is doing poorly. You insist upon the view that its largely
mental, which also gives Rafa a better chance of figuring it out. To me this is just blatant denial.
Look, I've said numerous times that I could see Rafa making one last charge, maybe even winning another Roland Garros or at least a Masters or two. A lot of folks don't believe that is even possible and after two years of sub-par play--with no sign of him pulling out of it, except in brief moments, after which he usually falls back again--I'm starting to agree with them.
Rafa's had his downturns in his career, but they've never lasted TWO YEARS. Now if it was two years half a decade ago, then I would think he has a better chance of pulling out of it. But he's going to be 30 in a
couple months. As Kieran has said, Rafa's relatively poor play can easily be explained by his age.
That said, this clay season is huge. If he's going to make a comeback, it has to happen now...or within the next two months. If he doesn't win at least a Masters, I think he's toast.
