Rafael Nadal: Discuss His Future Scheduling Strategy

[Front242]

One thing we know for sure, Nadal will do whatever it takes to reach 200-300 weeks of the #1 ranking. It is obvious by all his statements that he cares dearly about the #1 ranking. And as the world knows by now, whatever Nadal wants he receives. The slams are probably more important to him, but he has always cared about the rankings. His schedule will be as hectic as is necessary. Let's not forget, Nadal doesn't have back problems. Federer, Murray and Djokovic all have back problems. So now that Nadal's knees are bandage-free and tendons 100% healthy, there is nothing standing in the way of complete global domination.

Nothing except time. You'd swear he was gonna continue in his prime to age 40 the way you go on. Whatever he wants he receives? Does that include his last 2 years at Wimbledon? Think before you type.

 

[Jelenafan]

There is very little he can do as far as the French Open and Wimbledon, especially if he's playing the final at RG every last Sunday. It's a good problem to have.
At the very least 2014 is the last of the brutal clay to grass switch for Nadal. In 2015 Wimbledon is pushing back a week so there will be a 3 week gap. Still would have preferred 4 weeks but better than nothing.

I think it's hard for Nadal to scale his claycourt season, nor should he. He builds confidence from winning those tourneys and it gives him a ranking cushion. I do think his HC season should be scaled back , in that IW/Miami and Canada/Cincy back to back should be a thing of the past. However, it's the claycourt points that allow him to get more picky with the HC season.

Plus he's learned to he more aggressive and end the points sooner on HC, it's no longer a brutal version of his claycourt game. Much prefer no HC after AO until IW, or if he wants that elusive Miami Masters to forego IW in 2014.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

One thing we know for sure, Nadal will do whatever it takes to reach 200-300 weeks of the #1 ranking. It is obvious by all his statements that he cares dearly about the #1 ranking. And as the world knows by now, whatever Nadal wants he receives. The slams are probably more important to him, but he has always cared about the rankings. His schedule will be as hectic as is necessary. Let's not forget, Nadal doesn't have back problems. Federer, Murray and Djokovic all have back problems. So now that Nadal's knees are bandage-free and tendons 100% healthy, there is nothing standing in the way of complete global domination.

Nothing except time. You'd swear he was gonna continue in his prime to age 40 the way you go on. Whatever he wants he receives? Does that include his last 2 years at Wimbledon? Think before you type.

Nadal skipped Wimbledon in 2009 (when he was the defending champion). I know early in his career Wimbledon was really important to him because it was such a great challenge for a Spaniard to win there (given that in the past, Spaniards had skipped Wimbledon sometimes and not taken it seriously). But once Nadal won it, it became less important. Especially in 2013-

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Toni-Nadal-has-criticized-Rafael-Nadal-for-his-shocking-loss-at-Wimbledon-articolo10990.html

Tennis: Rafael Nadal has been criticized by his uncle and coach Toni Nadal, who thinks that the former world number one’s attitude was the reason of his surprise loss in the first round of Wimbledon.

Nadal got stunned by world number 135 Steve Darcis in straight sets in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday. This was the 12-time Grand Slam winner’s first loss in the opening round of a Major since he turned professional.

Toni was asked to tell the reason behind his nephew’s loss, who captured French Open title just few weeks back and was hot favorite to win his third title at the All England Club.

He replied, “For me, what failed him most was his attitude. It is because of this we lost. He didn’t face up to the game well. After a break of seven months, returning with many doubts, making a great effort and everything going very well, I think Rafa dropped his intensity a little.”

Tennis fans saw during Nadal’s match that the Spaniard was not at his 100 percent. They were blaming Nadal’s recurring knee injury for the debacle but Toni has given it a new direction by saying this.

He also accepted that Nadal could adjust to the grass courts as well. The Spaniard, who reached nine straight finals since making comeback from a seven month injury break, was playing his first tournament on the fastest surface after one year.

Toni added, “Things on this surface right now aren’t going as well as on other surfaces. It is true that his movement wasn’t good and that everything is a little bit more difficult.”

This was Nadal’s third loss in his last four matches at the grass courts. He was upset by Lukas Rosol in the second round of Wimbledon and before that he was beaten by Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quarter-final of Gerry Weber Open final in Halle last year.

So, did Nadal really want to receive Wimbledon in 2013? Think before you type.

Plus I think its important to rest after Roland Garros and prepare for the long hardcourt season.

 

[Front242]

Seriously?! You think he lost early to prepare for hardcourts which are traditionally his worst surface? That's hilarious. Of course he wanted to do well there just as Federer did. Fact is they both came up a bit flat against opponents in supreme form and lost. There is nothing more to it.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Seriously?! You think he lost early to prepare for hardcourts which are traditionally his worst surface? That's hilarious. Of course he wanted to do well there just as Federer did. Fact is they both came up a bit flat against opponents in supreme form and lost. There is nothing more to it.

Nah, you didn't read. I said "Plus I think its important to rest after Roland Garros and prepare for the long hardcourt season." That's what I think is important. That doesn't mean Nadal thinks the same.

If you want to know what Nadal's attitude is toward Wimbledon, read Uncle Toni's insight-

“For me, what failed him most was his attitude. It is because of this we lost. He didn’t face up to the game well. After a break of seven months, returning with many doubts, making a great effort and everything going very well, I think Rafa dropped his intensity a little.”

 

[Front242]

Yeah that's what I said, they both (Nadal and Fed) came up a bit flat against inspired opponents and lost. Nadal always struggles first week of Wimbledon anyway because of the faster courts. Nothing to do with just his attitude.

 

[Jelenafan]

I think Nadal was physically and mentally exhausted after the French Open, that was as much a factor as anything to his loss at Wimbledon. His body needed a break.

 

[Front242]

Mostly due to the faster courts in week 1 at Wimbledon and it was no different to any other year when he's won the French open and struggled the first week at Wimbledon. His topspin doesn't bounce to shoulder height with the faster grass in the first week so offensive big hitters can blow him off the court. By week two when things have slowed down he comes into his own and it's no fluke. The same can be said about how the weather was an issue in RG this year. He struggled against the big hitting, big serving Brands when the weather was cold and damp and when the sun came out and the courts and air dried up his topspin was flying.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

I think Nadal was physically and mentally exhausted after the French Open, that was as much a factor as anything to his loss at Wimbledon. His body needed a break.

Exactly. That's why I think Nadal should have a break after Roland Garros. Maybe in 2015 it might make a difference when they schedule Wimbledon a week later. But even then, he's still likely to be very tired, because as he gets older he may drop more sets at Roland Garros (unless the new guys continue to suck on clay). Although he should drop less sets in 2014 Roland Garros, because he won't be shaking off rust. Wimbledon is like a bonus slam for Nadal at this point. Its not necessary, but its possible.

 

[Front242]

I think Nadal was physically and mentally exhausted after the French Open, that was as much a factor as anything to his loss at Wimbledon. His body needed a break.

Exactly. That's why I think Nadal should have a break after Roland Garros. Maybe in 2015 it might make a difference when they schedule Wimbledon a week later. But even then, he's still likely to be very tired, because as he gets older he may drop more sets at Roland Garros (unless the new guys continue to suck on clay). Although he should drop less sets in 2014 Roland Garros, because he won't be shaking off rust. Wimbledon is like a bonus slam for Nadal at this point. Its not necessary, but its possible.

He'll need all the bonus slams he can get if he's to make 22+ slams as per your prediction.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

I think Nadal was physically and mentally exhausted after the French Open, that was as much a factor as anything to his loss at Wimbledon. His body needed a break.

Exactly. That's why I think Nadal should have a break after Roland Garros. Maybe in 2015 it might make a difference when they schedule Wimbledon a week later. But even then, he's still likely to be very tired, because as he gets older he may drop more sets at Roland Garros (unless the new guys continue to suck on clay). Although he should drop less sets in 2014 Roland Garros, because he won't be shaking off rust. Wimbledon is like a bonus slam for Nadal at this point. Its not necessary, but its possible.

He'll need all the bonus slams he can get if he's to make 22+ slams as per your prediction.

You aren't very good at this are you.....I said 18-22. Maybe use direct quotes in future, so your imagination doesn't get in the way. And no, Nadal doesn't need Wimbledon to break the record. I'd encourage him to skip it but I'd like to see him finish with a positive h2h over Federer on grass (not essential though, just for fun).

 

[Front242]

I think Nadal was physically and mentally exhausted after the French Open, that was as much a factor as anything to his loss at Wimbledon. His body needed a break.

Exactly. That's why I think Nadal should have a break after Roland Garros. Maybe in 2015 it might make a difference when they schedule Wimbledon a week later. But even then, he's still likely to be very tired, because as he gets older he may drop more sets at Roland Garros (unless the new guys continue to suck on clay). Although he should drop less sets in 2014 Roland Garros, because he won't be shaking off rust. Wimbledon is like a bonus slam for Nadal at this point. Its not necessary, but its possible.

He'll need all the bonus slams he can get if he's to make 22+ slams as per your prediction.

You aren't very good at this are you.....I said 18-22. Maybe use direct quotes in future, so your imagination doesn't get in the way. And no, Nadal doesn't need Wimbledon to break the record. I'd encourage him to skip it but I'd like to see him finish with a positive h2h over Federer on grass (not essential though, just for fun).

What, not good at taking the mick out of you? Seemed to be a fair enough attempt if you ask me. Yeah, 18-22 still implies the number 22 is a possibility which in itself is downright hilarious. 9 more slams at his age ? You must be smoking some really good stuff.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

I think Nadal was physically and mentally exhausted after the French Open, that was as much a factor as anything to his loss at Wimbledon. His body needed a break.

Exactly. That's why I think Nadal should have a break after Roland Garros. Maybe in 2015 it might make a difference when they schedule Wimbledon a week later. But even then, he's still likely to be very tired, because as he gets older he may drop more sets at Roland Garros (unless the new guys continue to suck on clay). Although he should drop less sets in 2014 Roland Garros, because he won't be shaking off rust. Wimbledon is like a bonus slam for Nadal at this point. Its not necessary, but its possible.

He'll need all the bonus slams he can get if he's to make 22+ slams as per your prediction.

You aren't very good at this are you.....I said 18-22. Maybe use direct quotes in future, so your imagination doesn't get in the way. And no, Nadal doesn't need Wimbledon to break the record. I'd encourage him to skip it but I'd like to see him finish with a positive h2h over Federer on grass (not essential though, just for fun).

What, not good at taking the mick out of you? Seemed to be a fair enough attempt if you ask me. Yeah, 18-22 still implies the number 22 is a possibility which in itself is downright hilarious. 9 more slams at his age ? You must be smoking some really good stuff.

Not good at reading or posting. Whatever it is that led to you posting 22+ instead of 18-22. I would have put 18+ but I didn't want people to think I meant 18-19. Because Nadal is now in his hardcourt prime (and 2 of the 4 slams are played on hardcourt each year), 18 is the minimum. The maximum, is anyone's guess.

 

[Moxie]

I don't see skipping Slams when you're healthy as any kind of a "strategy." And I don't think being "tired" is any reason. If he doesn't go deep at Wimbledon, so be it, but I'm sure he believes he has every chance at going deep again or even winning it, because he has before. And there's a nice break afterward.

I thought the Golden Swing worked perfectly this year, given the circumstances, and was an excellent bonus for the fans where he hadn't played in a long time, but I don't think it would be a good idea in 2014.

BTW: Welcome to the boards, Jelenafan!

 

[NADAL2005RG]

I'd hope Nadal focuses on the US Open more than Wimbledon, because Nadal has a legit shot at reaching 4-5 US Open titles (and the record is 5). Whereas Wimbledon, he may win again, but unlikely to reach 5 titles there.

 

[brokenshoelace]

I'd hope Nadal focuses on the US Open more than Wimbledon, because Nadal has a legit shot at reaching 4-5 US Open titles (and the record is 5). Whereas Wimbledon, he may win again, but unlikely to reach 5 titles there.

It's not mutually exclusive. It's not like Nadal won the US Open this year but not Wimbledon because he "focused" on the US Open more. He just happened to be playing better tennis at the US Open, and had the perfect tune up. Meanwhile, he decided to skip a Wimbledon tune-up event to recover from the clay season, and he's more upset-prone on grass.

Not everything emanates from a conscientious decision on his part. Sometimes things just happen...

 

[Moxie]

I'd hope Nadal focuses on the US Open more than Wimbledon, because Nadal has a legit shot at reaching 4-5 US Open titles (and the record is 5). Whereas Wimbledon, he may win again, but unlikely to reach 5 titles there.

Well, you make an interesting point, and not unfounded. (Not sure about 4-5, but, about focusing on it.) A few years back, the conventional wisdom had it that Nadal would not win the USO, because of how he front-loaded his year, and was a bit gassed by the No. Am. HC swing. However, he's had more quality results at the USO than at the AO. I'd still like to see him make a case for himself at Wimbledon, but now they are telling us the grass is hard on the knees. Perhaps the USO is a more realistic goal, of the two.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Well, what more of a case is needed at Wimbledon? 2 titles. 5 finals.

Plus I say go for the slams where you can be the GOAT of. He's the outright GOAT of Roland Garros. Has a shot at becoming the equal-GOAT of US Open (tying the record of 5 titles).

But, if you like Wimbledon more, I understand why you want more of a case there.

 

[huntingyou]

The board needs to ban nadal2005rg troll.

Makes any conversation worth having impossible. You guys are letting few personalities ruin the discussion.

Nadal will not win 18 Slams, Nadal will not win 5 UO titles....he will be lucky if he can tie Federer at 17. Also, he will not reach 200 plus weeks at #1......150+ it's possible if he can manage his schedule and perform at a high level next year.

As a matter of fact, Rafa will not beat Murray-Novak back to back at the HC slams; impossible. So at this point, we are talking about draws in order for Rafa to have a good shot at the AO next year.

and please don't dismiss Novak...........he can beat Rafa at RG, eventually he will want it too much and Rafa will want it a little bit less. That's all it will take

finally, Wimbledon it's the most prestigious event in tennis, one more Wimbledon will secure Rafa's place among the all time great grass courters and will give him the unique honor of winning 3+ slams in three surfaces......something that might never be equal in our lifetime.

 

[Iona16]

The board needs to ban nadal2005rg troll.

Makes any conversation worth having impossible. You guys are letting few personalities ruin the discussion.

Nadal will not win 18 Slams, Nadal will not win 5 UO titles....he will be lucky if he can tie Federer at 17. Also, he will not reach 200 plus weeks at #1......150+ it's possible if he can manage his schedule and perform at a high level next year.

As a matter of fact, Rafa will not beat Murray-Novak back to back at the HC slams; impossible. So at this point, we are talking about draws in order for Rafa to have a good shot at the AO next year.

and please don't dismiss Novak...........he can beat Rafa at RG, eventually he will want it too much and Rafa will want it a little bit less. That's all it will take

finally, Wimbledon it's the most prestigious event in tennis, one more Wimbledon will secure Rafa's place among the all time great grass courters and will give him the unique honor of winning 3+ slams in three surfaces......something that might never be equal in our lifetime.

Excellent post huntingyou.

I'm afraid some fans lack perspective when it comes to their player. Rafa is a phenomenal athlete but I don't see the career trajectory that some people see for him. If he ends his career with 15-18 slams I wouldn't be shocked but to act as though it's a given for him is something else. Rafa will not be dismissing his rivals either.