Nitto ATP Finals 2022, Turin, Italy

[kskate2]

Rafa’s going down fast unless he can summon up old glory…

We've seen it before, but my crystal ball is murky like his game today.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Impressive 1st serve from FAA all match....well done! defeats Rafa 63 64

Rafa can still stay alive I think if Fritz defeats Ruud in the evening match...someone can correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Kieran]

Great win for FAA, I think if he wins his third match he’s through?

 

[Kieran]

This is 4 defeats in a row for Rafa?

 

[tented]

This is 4 defeats in a row for Rafa?

Yes. Annacone mentioned this has happened since 2009, I think.

EDIT:

Yes, 2009.

 

[Kieran]

Yes. Annacone mentioned this has happened since 2009, I think.

EDIT:

Yes, 2009.

View attachment 7329

Yeah they all got cheap wins off him then…

 

[the AntiPusher]

Sad to say this is 'ugly tennis' Rafa.........

 

[the AntiPusher]

Yes. Annacone mentioned this has happened since 2009, I think.

EDIT:

Yes, 2009.

View attachment 7329

Its been a while.. there's was a period in time when Rafa Never lost two consecutive matches in a row SMH2

 

[Kieran]

Its been a while.. there's was a period in time when Rafa Never lost two consecutive matches in a row SMH2

He’s no kid now. I remember Pete from 2000-2002, blokes like Wayne Arthurs were beating him. Lost at Wimbledon in 2002 to a Swiss guy, George Bastl. Happens, when these lads get old…

 

[El Dude]

I'm fairly certain Rafa is technically eliminated from the SF and thus the #1, even if he beats Ruud.

That also means little Carlos is the year-end #1...not a glorious #1, but still happy for him.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Impressive 1st serve from FAA all match....well done! defeats Rafa 63 64

Rafa can still stay alive I think if Fritz defeats Ruud in the evening match...someone can correct me if I am wrong.

But Rafa has to run the table with straight set victories ..that's gonna be tough when he cant win a set . Not a good time for Rafa's fans..

 

[the AntiPusher]

He’s no kid now. I remember Pete from 2000-2002, blokes like Wayne Arthurs were beating him. Lost at Wimbledon in 2002 to a Swiss guy, George Bastl. Happens, when these lads get old…

Rafa needs matches..alot of people don't understand practice is practice but it's not the GRIND..it would be cool if he could play some challenger type of events but it's not possible with his current status ..I think he will use to to fuel him in preparation for 2023 .

 

[Kieran]

Rafa needs matches..alot of people don't understand practice is practice but it's not the GRIND..it would be cool if he could play some challenger type of events but it's not possible with his current status ..I think he will use to to fuel him in preparation for 2023 .

I just hope he hasn’t got any idiot exo tourneys lined before January, but it wouldn’t surprise me…

 

[Fiero425]

Rafa needs matches..alot of people don't understand practice is practice but it's not the GRIND..it would be cool if he could play some challenger type of events but it's not possible with his current status ..I think he will use to to fuel him in preparation for 2023 .

I just don't understand why people are coming up with this now? It's always been the case! Rafa needs practice and a lot of matches to play his game with confidence! This has happened before when he's unprepared or coming back from injury; really bad play! People saying he was ready to win this event for the first time and overtake Carlos for #1 were on drugs or needing them! I pat myself on the back not for being prophetic (it was obvious), but now I get to see & laugh at the misery of delusional fans getting crushed by their hero's effort or lack thereof! Novak being able to go "down under" is just gravy!

 

[the AntiPusher]

I just hope he hasn’t got any idiot exo tourneys lined before January, but it wouldn’t surprise me…

If I was Rafa I would get FAA, Sinner, Alcarez to visit the Academy in December..then he will be back

 

[El Dude]

As I see it, there are three or four reasons a player keeps playing:

1. To win (and/or break records)
2. For love of playing
3. Money
4. To stay away from home/wife/family (e.g., Tom Brady)

Hard to know what factors are at play for Rafa. He's always been a humble guy, though obviously he wanted to catch Federer in the rankings back in the day, and more recently the Slams. He can retire knowing he surpassed Roger's Slam count, but has to realistically feel that Novak will be harder to keep ahead of.

Could it be love of playing? I think for Rafa 1 and 2 go hand in hand. Again, he seems less driven by records than Novak or even Roger, but he'll only love playing as long as he feels like he can win at Slams. Meaning, he loves playing to win.

I don't think money is a factor - he's got plenty. As for the 4th, who knows how he's taking to being a dad. For some it is hard, especially at first, because all of a sudden you become #2 to your wife, plus all the dirty diapers, crying, etc. For all it changes your life. In fact, this is another factor: When a man procreates, it softens the testosterone-driven urge to win/conquer. Being a father is more remarkable and magical than any tennis accomplishment, or at least deeper and more long-lasting. He seems like the type of guy who could really settle into it. I can really imagine him casting fishing rods with his son or daughter in the Mediterranean...

 

[the AntiPusher]

Impressive 1st serve from FAA all match....well done! defeats Rafa 63 64

Rafa can still stay alive I think if Fritz defeats Ruud in the evening match...someone can correct me if I am wrong.

But Rafa has to run the table with straight set victories ..that's gonna be tough when he cant win a set . Not a good time for Rafa's fans.. Fronty @Front242 whats the odds on Rafa vs Richie Gasquet.. I know he would love to finally get a W against Ole Ralphy jajajaj

 

[El Dude]

Poor Gasquet. Not just 0-18 vs Rafa, but 3-51 overall vs. the Big Three. Ouch.

 

[Tennis_Steve]

Just watched FAA routine Rafa, 3&4.

Although there were moments when it could have been harder for Felix.

Robbie K commenting at one point
"Rafa's backhand has all the control of an unattended garden hose"
More like unattended high pressure fire hose!

How often can you say that!

 

[Fiero425]

Poor Gasquet. Not just 0-18 vs Rafa, but 3-51 overall vs. the Big Three. Ouch.

Players like Richard do it to themselves! They figure, "just be a human backboard and my opponent might have a heart atttack!" Idiotic!