Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from tennis

[MargaretMcAleer]

First time he didn’t lose a set at RG, if I recall correctly.

Yes, he went through the draw like a player 'possessed' in a good way

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

I should revisit that match v. Felix.

Also, I know you meant the 2008 final match v. Roger at RG. That one has always been so one-sided that it seemed impolite ever to mention it, but now that Rafa is retiring, it IS well-worth noting. He was playing clay tennis from another stratosphere in 2008. Folks in general don't seem to mention 2008 as one of Rafa's best years, preferring 2010, but he was playing at a level for a good portion of that year that looked like he'd invented a new game, and failed to tell anyone else the rules.

I'm not sure those would be my 3, if I were picking, but they'll do.

I thought Rafa was playing clay tennis from another stratosphere as early as 2005. 2008 is one of his best years overall. On clay, I have it ranked 3rd, behind 2010 and 2005. The only reason why I don't have 2008 as the top year is because of the Rome loss. Rafa swept the major tournaments on clay in 2005 and 2010.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I thought Rafa was playing clay tennis from another stratosphere as early as 2005. 2008 is one of his best years overall. On clay, I have it ranked 3rd, behind 2010 and 2005. The only reason why I don't have 2008 as the top year is because of the Rome loss. Rafa swept the major tournaments on clay in 2005 and 2010.

I think your missing the point, with Rafa's clay tennis, regardless of Rafa loss in 2008 in Rome, where he has won 10 titles,,he took his clay tennis to another level, in 2008 overall, the quality was just outstanding, ,I suggest you find a video of the final in 2008, Rafa was 'unplayable" all tournament. I was there to witness it, among many other RG titles he won, including his first title at RG!

 

[El Dude]

I have no comment on Rafa's highest level of clay tennis and will defer to those who watched him more closely back in the day. But I think what Margaret is getting at is that in 2005 he won almost everything because he was an enormous leap ahead, but in 2008 he showed an even higher level - at least at times. But the results are similar each year in 2005-14 (minus 2009) because even his B game was almost always better than everyone else's A game. I think Margaret is essentially saying that Rafa revealed his clay A game in 2005 which was A+ compared to the rest of the tour, but in 2008 it went to A++. Or something like that.

As far as his best "clay season" goes, I think it is either 2005 or 2010, but so many seasons aren't far behind. I mean, he won RG and two or more clay Masters 9 times; in 7 of those, he also won at least an ATP 250. Anyhow, it is tempting to go with 2010 as it is the only year he won all four clay big titles, plus he went undefeated (26-0). But he played more than twice as many matches in 2005 (50-2) and won 8 clay titles overall. But again, a bunch of other years aren't far behind.

Fun fact: Only three players have gone undefeated on clay in a given year: Rafa in 2006 and 2010, Borg in 1978, and Laver in 1974 - but Laver only played 10 matches at minor tournaments, so it is really just Rafa and Bjorn.

Another fun fact: Guillermo Vilas is the only player to win two clay Grand Slams in a year, in 1977 when the US Open went through its three-year clay era (Orantes and Connors won the other two in 75 and 76). Vilas played 100 matches (!) on clay that year, going 95-5 overall, including 14 clay titles. It is hard to compare it to Rafa's clay era when he played 25-50% as many matches, but certainly it is a top 10 clay season of the Open Era. I think the top 10 clay seasons would all be Rafa seasons, except for two: Vilas in 1977 and Thomas Muster in 1995. Muster won RG, two Masters, and 11 clay titles overall, going 65-3 on clay.

Id' be tempted to sneak a Borg year into the mix, but I think four or five of them are more in the 11-20 range. Nastase in 1973, Connors in 1976, and Kuerten in 2001 would also be in the running for top 20 -- along with the rest of Nadal's RG years.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I have no comment on Rafa's highest level of clay tennis and will defer to those who watched him more closely back in the day. But I think what Margaret is getting at is that in 2005 he won almost everything because he was an enormous leap ahead, but in 2008 he showed an even higher level - at least at times. But the results are similar each year in 2005-14 (minus 2009) because even his B game was almost always better than everyone else's A game. I think Margaret is essentially saying that Rafa revealed his clay A game in 2005 which was A+ compared to the rest of the tour, but in 2008 it went to A++. Or something like that.

As far as his best "clay season" goes, I think it is either 2005 or 2010, but so many seasons aren't far behind. I mean, he won RG and two or more clay Masters 9 times; in 7 of those, he also won at least an ATP 250. Anyhow, it is tempting to go with 2010 as it is the only year he won all four clay big titles, plus he went undefeated (26-0). But he played more than twice as many matches in 2005 (50-2) and won 8 clay titles overall. But again, a bunch of other years aren't far behind.

Fun fact: Only three players have gone undefeated on clay in a given year: Rafa in 2006 and 2010, Borg in 1978, and Laver in 1974 - but Laver only played 10 matches at minor tournaments, so it is really just Rafa and Bjorn.

Another fun fact: Guillermo Vilas is the only player to win two clay Grand Slams in a year, in 1977 when the US Open went through its three-year clay era (Orantes and Connors won the other two in 75 and 76). Vilas played 100 matches (!) on clay that year, going 95-5 overall, including 14 clay titles. It is hard to compare it to Rafa's clay era when he played 25-50% as many matches, but certainly it is a top 10 clay season of the Open Era. I think the top 10 clay seasons would all be Rafa seasons, except for two: Vilas in 1977 and Thomas Muster in 1995. Muster won RG, two Masters, and 11 clay titles overall, going 65-3 on clay.

Id' be tempted to sneak a Borg year into the mix, but I think four or five of them are more in the 11-20 range. Nastase in 1973, Connors in 1976, and Kuerten in 2001 would also be in the running for top 20 -- along with the rest of Nadal's RG years.

I was there in 2005, of course it was great tennis from Rafa and also 2010
To me he raised his overall clay tennis in 2008, regardless if if he lost Rome, the final at RG was just Masterclass, sorry to Roger finals, he was just "unplayable" the first RG GS he didnt lose a set. and he played like that all tournament
For me personally I rate 2008 as Rafa's best, followed by 2005 and 2010.I dont look at a players stats if he didnt lose, say a match and goes underfeated, I look at the actual tennis that was played in the whole tournament, thats why Rafa in 2008 on clay upped his level, it was just amazing clay tennis from Rafa
BTW Be my guest you can sneak in Borg if you wish

 

[rafanoy1992]

I should revisit that match v. Felix.

Also, I know you meant the 2008 final match v. Roger at RG. That one has always been so one-sided that it seemed impolite ever to mention it, but now that Rafa is retiring, it IS well-worth noting. He was playing clay tennis from another stratosphere in 2008. Folks in general don't seem to mention 2008 as one of Rafa's best years, preferring 2010, but he was playing at a level for a good portion of that year that looked like he'd invented a new game, and failed to tell anyone else the rules.

I'm not sure those would be my 3, if I were picking, but they'll do.

Nadal’s level at 2008 RG was just “godly.” From the 4th Round all the way to the final, he lost 22 games overall. 12 of those games was in one match (SF against Djokovic). So, if you take out the SF match, he lost 10 games total! That’s basically a breadstick every single set (9 sets total). Crazy to think about

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Nadal’s level at 2008 RG was just “godly.” From the 4th Round all the way to the final, he lost 22 games overall. 12 of those games was in one match (SF against Djokovic). So, if you take out the SF match, he lost 10 games total! That’s basically a breadstick every single set (9 sets total). Crazy to think about

Thanks Rafanoy, Rafa's level was "godly' from the 4th rd, in 2008 and I was just soo lucky to witness it 'live' at RG

 

[Moxie]

Nadal’s level at 2008 RG was just “godly.” From the 4th Round all the way to the final, he lost 22 games overall. 12 of those games was in one match (SF against Djokovic). So, if you take out the SF match, he lost 10 games total! That’s basically a breadstick every single set (9 sets total). Crazy to think about

This is a great stat, and telling. I do specifically remember that RG, and he was playing outrageously great tennis from the start. @MargaretMcAleer was there live, and saw the same as we did. I appreciate @El Dude saying he'll leave it to us who were watching closely, at the time. Of course, his clay stats are gaudy, with many good years. Even with RG wins in lesser years. I take @PhiEaglesfan712's point that he was already clearly great on clay in 2005, but to just rank years by wins/losses misses the point of the level we could see at the time, and I think many Rafa fans here agree that, for all he has won on clay, and for as consistently great as he was, there was a pinnacle to his clay tennis, and we think it was at RG in 2008. (I actually think you could see it coming before, which is why I rate 2008 so highly.)

2008 was great for Rafa for many reasons, with the Wimbledon, the Olympic Gold, and finally getting to #1. In the emotional ranking, it was huge, even if so many put 2010 higher.

Roger fans have their pinnacle of Roger's tennis...which may be 2004? Not sure what Novak's fans would call his pinnacle?

As to your stat, @rafanoy1992, and El Dude looking for a reason to include Borg in his historic assessment: I could be wrong, but I think Borg still holds the record for winning the French with fewest games lost? With Rafa not far behind in 2008? Have to look that up...unless someone lazier than I finds it first.

 

[Fiero425]

I have no comment on Rafa's highest level of clay tennis and will defer to those who watched him more closely back in the day. But I think what Margaret is getting at is that in 2005 he won almost everything because he was an enormous leap ahead, but in 2008 he showed an even higher level - at least at times. But the results are similar each year in 2005-14 (minus 2009) because even his B game was almost always better than everyone else's A game. I think Margaret is essentially saying that Rafa revealed his clay A game in 2005 which was A+ compared to the rest of the tour, but in 2008 it went to A++. Or something like that.

As far as his best "clay season" goes, I think it is either 2005 or 2010, but so many seasons aren't far behind. I mean, he won RG and two or more clay Masters 9 times; in 7 of those, he also won at least an ATP 250. Anyhow, it is tempting to go with 2010 as it is the only year he won all four clay big titles, plus he went undefeated (26-0). But he played more than twice as many matches in 2005 (50-2) and won 8 clay titles overall. But again, a bunch of other years aren't far behind.

Fun fact: Only three players have gone undefeated on clay in a given year: Rafa in 2006 and 2010, Borg in 1978, and Laver in 1974 - but Laver only played 10 matches at minor tournaments, so it is really just Rafa and Bjorn.

Another fun fact: Guillermo Vilas is the only player to win two clay Grand Slams in a year, in 1977 when the US Open went through its three-year clay era (Orantes and Connors won the other two in 75 and 76). Vilas played 100 matches (!) on clay that year, going 95-5 overall, including 14 clay titles. It is hard to compare it to Rafa's clay era when he played 25-50% as many matches, but certainly it is a top 10 clay season of the Open Era. I think the top 10 clay seasons would all be Rafa seasons, except for two: Vilas in 1977 and Thomas Muster in 1995. Muster won RG, two Masters, and 11 clay titles overall, going 65-3 on clay.

Id' be tempted to sneak a Borg year into the mix, but I think four or five of them are more in the 11-20 range. Nastase in 1973, Connors in 1976, and Kuerten in 2001 would also be in the running for top 20 -- along with the rest of Nadal's RG years.

I hate to undermine Vilas, but 1977 was a weird season! The AO was to be moved to Dec. so there were 2 of them that year; 1st one in Jan. won by Roscoe Tanner over Vilas! Borg owned Vilas at the time so all of his wins were against lower ranked/skilled players as he played the "B circuit" where his top competition was Brian Gottfried wk. in & wk. out! Vilas played & won well over 100 matches, but none meaningful until he defeated Connors at the USO in the final year of the event at Forest Hills!

 

[rafanoy1992]

This is a great stat, and telling. I do specifically remember that RG, and he was playing outrageously great tennis from the start. @MargaretMcAleer was there live, and saw the same as we did. I appreciate @El Dude saying he'll leave it to us who were watching closely, at the time. Of course, his clay stats are gaudy, with many good years. Even with RG wins in lesser years. I take @PhiEaglesfan712's point that he was already clearly great on clay in 2005, but to just rank years by wins/losses misses the point of the level we could see at the time, and I think many Rafa fans here agree that, for all he has won on clay, and for as consistently great as he was, there was a pinnacle to his clay tennis, and we think it was at RG in 2008. (I actually think you could see it coming before, which is why I rate 2008 so highly.)

2008 was great for Rafa for many reasons, with the Wimbledon, the Olympic Gold, and finally getting to #1. In the emotional ranking, it was huge, even if so many put 2010 higher.

Roger fans have their pinnacle of Roger's tennis...which may be 2004? Not sure what Novak's fans would call his pinnacle?

As to your stat, @rafanoy1992, and El Dude looking for a reason to include Borg in his historic assessment: I could be wrong, but I think Borg still holds the record for winning the French with fewest games lost? With Rafa not far behind in 2008? Have to look that up...unless someone lazier than I finds it first.

Borg still holds the record for least amount of games lost en route to a slam title in the Open Era.

I will add more stats:

In the last four rounds of the 2008 Roland Garros, Nadal was 30/59 (50.8%) in break point opportunities. He was basically averaging 2.5 breaks of serve per set, thus the average score set was 6-1 (not against Djokovic SF though).

 

[Kieran]

This is a great stat, and telling. I do specifically remember that RG, and he was playing outrageously great tennis from the start. @MargaretMcAleer was there live, and saw the same as we did. I appreciate @El Dude saying he'll leave it to us who were watching closely, at the time. Of course, his clay stats are gaudy, with many good years. Even with RG wins in lesser years. I take @PhiEaglesfan712's point that he was already clearly great on clay in 2005, but to just rank years by wins/losses misses the point of the level we could see at the time, and I think many Rafa fans here agree that, for all he has won on clay, and for as consistently great as he was, there was a pinnacle to his clay tennis, and we think it was at RG in 2008. (I actually think you could see it coming before, which is why I rate 2008 so highly.)

2008 was great for Rafa for many reasons, with the Wimbledon, the Olympic Gold, and finally getting to #1. In the emotional ranking, it was huge, even if so many put 2010 higher.

Roger fans have their pinnacle of Roger's tennis...which may be 2004? Not sure what Novak's fans would call his pinnacle?

As to your stat, @rafanoy1992, and El Dude looking for a reason to include Borg in his historic assessment: I could be wrong, but I think Borg still holds the record for winning the French with fewest games lost? With Rafa not far behind in 2008? Have to look that up...unless someone lazier than I finds it first.

I still regret him playing the Olympics that year. It hurt him at the USO, he wasn’t fresh. A single USO is worth more than any number of Olympic titles, though I appreciate that he wanted to get caught up in the special atmosphere of the games.

Rafa’s record at the USO is still great, winning 4 out of 9 appearances since 2009. So many injuries and absences, but I’d have loved him to get a 5th, and share the record with Connors, Pete and old Wodge…

 

[the AntiPusher]

I still regret him playing the Olympics that year. It hurt him at the USO, he wasn’t fresh. A single USO is worth more than any number of Olympic titles, though I appreciate that he wanted to get caught ugamep in the special atmosphere of the games.

Rafa’s record at the USO is still great, winning 4 out of 9 appearances since 2009. So many injuries and absences, but I’d have loved him to get a 5th, and share the record with Connors, Pete and old Wodge…

Kieran, I preached this the entire Summer.. It did not make sense to get another gold medal. I think sis Moxie @Moxie was the only person that truly understood my rational. Rafa would have been as healthy as he possible could have been, the post games curse was gonna be in total effect. I think Rafa got caught up with Carlitos making the early declaration he wanted to play with Rafa for Spain, Heck, they could have saved that dream parring for the DC. They wasnt going to win the games against more established doubles teams similar to what they could encounter at a slam.

 

[Kieran]

Kieran, I preached this the entire Summer.. It did not make sense to get another gold medal. I think sis Moxie @Moxie was the only person that truly understood my rational. Rafa would have been as healthy as he possible could have been, the post games curse was gonna be in total effect. I think Rafa got caught up with Carlitos making the early declaration he wanted to play with Rafa for Spain, Heck, they could have saved that dream parring for the DC. They wasnt going to win the games against more established doubles teams similar to what they could encounter at a slam.

Yeah, and Rafa playing singles was stupid. He was never gonna win it, so why not enjoy the doubles and make Carlos life a bit easier too?

Carlos went out of the USO in round 2. Djoker in the next round. Senseless. But Rafa in 2008? I would think he’d beat Roger handy in the final if he was fresh going in. Murray wouldn’t have stopped him in the semi…

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Yeah, and Rafa playing singles was stupid. He was never gonna win it, so why not enjoy the doubles and make Carlos life a bit easier too?

Carlos went out of the USO in round 2. Djoker in the next round. Senseless. But Rafa in 2008? I would think he’d beat Roger handy in the final if he was fresh going in. Murray wouldn’t have stopped him in the semi…

Part of me wants to believe that if Rafa had won Bastad, he would have not played singles in the Olympics, and finished his singles career on a winning note with a title. I guess the finals run led Rafa to believe that he had a chance for a walkoff win at the Olympics, like Pete Sampras had at the 2002 US Open.

 

[Fiero425]

Part of me wants to believe that if Rafa had won Bastad, he would have not played singles in the Olympics, and finished his singles career on a winning note with a title. I guess the finals run led Rafa to believe that he had a chance for a walkoff win at the Olympics, like Pete Sampras had at the 2002 US Open.

No one ever said Rafa was a rocket scientist! He pushed himself to the limit; probably costing him future ailments! "Good luck w/ that Rafa!"

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Part of me wants to believe that if Rafa had won Bastad, he would have not played singles in the Olympics, and finished his singles career on a winning note with a title. I guess the finals run led Rafa to believe that he had a chance for a walkoff win at the Olympics, like Pete Sampras had at the 2002 US Open.

Incorrect and I dont believe in 'hypotheticals or woulda shoulda coulda

Rafa had already committed to the Olympics, knowing Rafa he usually gives his Word, expect if an injury gets in the way. reading comments from Rafa after the Olympics, he was not happy with his level of play, that may have got him thinking whether to extend his career for 1 more year, or call it a day in 2024.
Rafa has never been the same player, since he had hip surgery, people can spin it anyway they want they are the 'cold hard facts'
Rafa has again committed to playing for Spain at the DC finals, and recently said to team captain David Ferrer, he is ready to play.
I feel that is a very fitting way to end his career Rafa has always had loved competing for his country and his stats at DC are incredible, at present we dont know if he will compete in singles or doubles, I am thinking doubles, though that is just my opinion

 

[Kieran]

No one ever said Rafa was a rocket scientist! He pushed himself to the limit; probably costing him future ailments! "Good luck w/ that Rafa!"

Well on a thread celebration Rafa, at least we finally see you celebrating something related to Rafa!

 

[El Dude]

This isn't only Rafa, but a fun picture from 15 years ago (the top 10 - Roddick and Tsonga aren't in the shot)).

Novak looks like he's thinking, "I should be sitting in one of those chairs."

 

[Kieran]

This isn't only Rafa, but a fun picture from 15 years ago (the top 10 - Roddick and Tsonga aren't in the shot)).

View attachment 9751

Novak looks like he's thinking, "I should be sitting in one of those chairs."

Yeah he was a slow grower but he got there in the end, when everyone was knackered.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

BTW Paris Masters tournament director Cedric Pioline confirmed that he offered Nadal a wild card to participate in the upcoming tournament, but Nadal politely declined.
" I asked if there was any interest but the answer was very clear, he has decided to play the DC Final 8 in Malaga as his last event and he will not play an official tournament until then".