Nadal vs Federer : Who Will Be the First To Retire

[Murat Baslamisli]

Players like Haas and Agassi have taken extended breaks during their careers and I think that added some extra time to the tail end of their careers. I think same might happen to Nadal, where he takes breaks here and there to get the knee back in shape and come back strong, just like he did this year. That's why I think he will play longer than Roger, who really never took any meaningful time away from tennis.

 

[ClayDeath]

I can only echo what Didi wrote. Rafa is 27, which is the age many players take a step back. But his "real" age is more like 3+ years older due to wear and tear. I like the idea of one last rise to dominance, perhaps this year and through the clay season next year, and then falling in the second half of next year and struggling along for another year or two and retiring at age 31-32. I could see him missing Roland Garros due to injury one year and calling it quits shortly thereafter.

As for Roger, I also agree that we need to see how he does in 2014. If he can adjust to either being a #6-10 player or return to #4-5, then I can see him sticking around until the 2016 Olympics, even beyond if he finds a groove. But as much as he loves the game I don't see him sticking around if and when he slips out of the top 15 or so, and when he starts losing frequently in the first week of Slams. But he's such a champion that I really wouldn't be suprised to see him stabilize as a top 10 player for another 3-5 years, with maybe even one more Slam win in him. I've always thought that 18 seemed like the number he'd retire with; 2014 seems like the year he'd have to do it.

at the current rate there is no question clay warrior is coming back to dominate the red clay next year.


it looks like he is making a little push for the top spot but I would not saddle myself with extra pressure.

the trick now is to try to capture 2-3 more slams and stay healthy.



he has already achieved immortality in the sport. how on earth is anybody ever going to win 9-10 RG crowns?



so natural surfaces can keep nadal in the sport until he is 31 or 32.


as for roger, he says he loves the game. his passion for the sport will keep him around a lot longer than people realize.

 

[ClayDeath]

roger is inspired anyway but when he sees guys like tommy haas playing well at 35, he gains even more inspiration.

we have had 10 players age 30 or over snatch titles this year so far.

age is just a number.

 

[ClayDeath]

next question:


who will miss these two giants of the sport the most?

 

[the AntiPusher]

next question:


who will miss these two giants of the sport the most?

Federer..he is the "Beloved"! Rafa doesn't have crossover appeal like Fed does.. Eg.. Robin Thicke song Blurr Lines is probably the biggest crossover song since Michael Jackson's entire Thriller album

 

[rafanoy1992]

I would say Federer would retire first because of age and his back. But, I wouldn't be surprised if he plays until 2016 Summer Olympics.

There is no question Federer would be more missed than Nadal. Federer's has a huge appeal all around the world. Also, his accomplishments and records are out of this world.

 

[ftan]

I think Roger goes first, he will not hang around if he thinks he needs to get lucky to win titles.
Rafa still has atleast 3 more years if his knees are healthy

 

[Kieran]

I think the next Olympics would be on both their minds, but Isabelle made a great point about Roger's kids growing up and this will be his priority, I'm sure...

EDIT: Rafa will be most missed and we know this because we had a dry run for seven months and let's face it, those Murray-Djoker matches were murderous to sit through. Rafa sends an electric charge through the sport...

 

[ClayDeath]

clay warrior can play a lot longer if he lets go of his blind infatuation with hard courts.

he should just aim to capture a few more slams on the natural surfaces.

 

[zalvar]

I think the next Olympics would be on both their minds, but Isabelle made a great point about Roger's kids growing up and this will be his priority, I'm sure...

EDIT: Rafa will be most missed and we know this because we had a dry run for seven months and let's face it, those Murray-Djoker matches were murderous to sit through. Rafa sends an electric charge through the sport...

lol I think Rafa and Fed are in the same boat. Personally I'll miss Rafa more xD but obv Fed has been amazing and a very loved champion.

 

[Kieran]

clay warrior can play a lot longer if he lets go of his blind infatuation with hard courts.

he should just aim to capture a few more slams on the natural surfaces.

Well, the grass may just be the least forgiving on his knees, what with all the curtseying and rising, the bowing down low and lifting. He seemed fine in Montreal, but of course the hards are more wearing on the joints. He has how many slams left where he can play at this level? 6? 8? These are slams where he can enter with a reasonable chance of winning, like he will at Flushing Meadows.

Actually, 8 might be stretching it. In 2 years, he maybe hoping to catch a very favourable wind at the majors. So he needs to make the most of every opportunity, and click the W's where he can. It's a short career and what's left of it is even shorter...

 

[zalvar]

clay warrior can play a lot longer if he lets go of his blind infatuation with hard courts.

he should just aim to capture a few more slams on the natural surfaces.

He's already playing less on the hard, that's good enough. I'm sure he and people around him are very aware of his issues and weighed the pros and cons. It'll be a great sacrifice to not play hard courts and essentially accept being second fiddle to the likes of Andy and Novak.

Pride is a big thing with these champions, which is why I think Fed would retire if his apparent "decline" continues.

 

[Front242]

Really, when you see how many titles Nadal has won this year I think all the knee talk is completely blown out of proportion and he'll be playing at a high level a lot longer than people think. Roger loves tennis and says he wants to play many more years. That's fine to say to the press but does anyone, especially he himself actually believe he loves to play and lose? And to nobodies? So, as long as he continues this bad patch, the love for the game diminishes and unless his back problem improves he'll have more bad losses. He says he's fit now but I dunno whether to believe him or not. Guess we'll tell more from his movement but he looked pretty rigid and stiff last few months especially running to his forehand side. Hopefully 2014 will be better but I've pretty much written off his 2013 and not sure if he has yet. Hopefully he hasn't and will do better at this his best part of the year, much like Rafa's clay season, but I doubt it.

 

[ClayDeath]

excellent discussion here.


keep it coming.



there is a clear way to save the knee and to prolong the career. he is just not doing it.

next long layoff will end the career in my estimation.

 

[the AntiPusher]

clay warrior can play a lot longer if he lets go of his blind infatuation with hard courts.

he should just aim to capture a few more slams on the natural surfaces.

All due respect, quit calling that dude and his team "blind".. If he listened to you , he would have 2 less grand slams(AO 09 and US0 10) plus numerous hc MS titles.. No one wants to be like Borg, a natural surface champion only.. There have never been a talented that worked on improving his game like Nadal(ref Johan Kriek's blog). Clay..you can't harness a talent like Rafa.. it would be the equivalent of trying to keep a wild animal locked in a cage.

"For one to truly be great.. one has to be willing to accept life challenges and be willing step outside of the their comfort zone or box"

AP

Btw(you can add that to you list of quotes, its from AP and I just threw that in for ya for free)

 

[DarthFed]

I think the next Olympics would be on both their minds, but Isabelle made a great point about Roger's kids growing up and this will be his priority, I'm sure...

EDIT: Rafa will be most missed and we know this because we had a dry run for seven months and let's face it, those Murray-Djoker matches were murderous to sit through. Rafa sends an electric charge through the sport...

Roger is way more popular, something the public has right for a change

 

[Kieran]

I'd prefer Rafa to win one more HC slam than 3 more FO...

 

[ClayDeath]

another hard court slam is probably not going to happen.

it will take just the right draw and somebody would have to get rid of nole for him.

I am talking probabilities here:

his best chances remain on the natural surfaces.

don't go by montreal or indian wells. these events are also just best of 3 sets foremats.


nole was rusty and nadal played a reasonably good match. nole is still 11-6 against nadal on the hard courts.


indian wells was luck: no nole and no murray. and a very worn out del potro.
roger had a horrible back there. he could hardly walk.

 

[ClayDeath]

so if another hard court slam is not likely to happen and you are damaging your knees in the process than you go to plan B:


plan B is trying to win where you can and that would be the natural surfaces.

then you win what you can win.


I don't mind seeing him snatch the u.s. open but it is a difficult assignment. he needs the best draw possible and somebody has to get rid of nole.

nole---on the average---has the upper hand against nadal on the hard courts.

 

[Kieran]

You're very negative, General Samson. Had you been one of the famed 300, your spear would be shaking and your shield would wouldn't hold in the phalanx...