Nadal: Fear Factor

[El Dude]

Carol, I can't believe you're actually trash-talking given Rafa's state of affairs.

What are you talking about?

Well you just did it in the last post. You keep saying things like, "He who laughs last laughs loudest," and "just you wait until Rafa gets his mojo back" - as if its a foregone conclusion that Rafa is going to figure things out after two years of floundering. I get that you're trying to be optimistic, but it seems like a lot of bluster.

Look, I'm going to back off - you have your hands full with others ;-). To be honest, though I admit to sour grapes with regards to Rafa's dominance over Roger, as a tennis fan I kind of like the narrative of him coming back and winning one more French Open, then sailing off into the sunset with Xisca and retiring on top like Pete did.

 

[10isfan]

My opinion is that Nadal has continued playing because he wanted to surpass Fed's 17. He must realize that he won't get there. I am guessing he wants one more to surpass Pete. He realistically has just FO 2016 to do this. I can't see him winning another major after this May because too many people can now challenge him.

 

[El Dude]

OK, but let's try to think like Rafa (and his fans). He has to believe that he has at least a chance at Roland Garros. Let's say that he does actually win the tournament. He gets a burst of confidence, which improves his game, and he's only 2 Slams below Roger. I think he sticks around at least through 2017 to try to get those 2-3 Slams.

On the other hand, let's say he loses Roland Garros. If so, and if his sub-par play continues, I wouldn't be surprised to see him take a "hiatus" from the game which turns into retirement, with perhaps one more shot next year at the FO.

So yeah, I do think this will be the pivotal Slam for him. If he wins it, he gains confidence and has at least a mini-resurgence. If he loses, he winds down. Just my opinion.

 

[Carol]

My opinion is that Nadal has continued playing because he wanted to surpass Fed's 17. He must realize that he won't get there. I am guessing he wants one more to surpass Pete. He realistically has just FO 2016 to do this. I can't see him winning another major after this May because too many people can now challenge him.

My opinion is that you and all Federer's fans are a lot more obsessed about that number than Rafa and his fans, believe me

 

[Carol]

As this commercial says, we like the people who never give up like Nadal. Focus and he will be back

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCyqGouAIxc[/video]

 

[El Dude]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMRrNY0pxfM[/video]

 

[Carol]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMRrNY0pxfM[/video]

And the dumbest is the one who refuses to believe it just for convenience :laydownlaughing

 

[El Dude]

 

[Carol]

Not longer and more than your fav has done :laydownlaughing

 

[Fiero425]

Can #4 Nadal make it thru IW draw to play #1 Nole in the semi's? It looks tough; Verdasco or Klizan maybe? Kei's in his quarter! ;-)