The Mystery And The Magic of Rafael Nadal

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

time is flying, lady mox, leaving behind only its shadow.



I cant seem to remember what Andrew marvel said about time in one of his poems:

perhaps something like this:


"but at my back I always hear the time`s winged chariot hurrying near".


so its all happening and happening too damn quickly. this year just flew right by.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

^^ david bowie once said that "time falls w@*king to the floor"

..not sure what song though..something off 'hunky dory' I think. (1971)

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

^^that song is off the album 'alladin sane' (rock n roll clarity via riotbeard)

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

this is a fantastic interview with Charlie rose:


http://www.charlierose.com/watch/60264890

 

[NADAL2005RG]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

I wonder how Nadal is going to treat Wimbledon if he is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. They are changing the date of Wimbledon to a week later, but not until 2015. But, with no bandages on the knees in 2014, Nadal may be ready.

Looking ahead? Novak has won the AO three years in a row.

Djokovic had won 6 straight matches over Nadal and he STILL needed 6 hours to beat him at AO. Not what I'd call convincing..... And how about that 12-10 5th set vs Wawrinka this year's AO. And now with Nadal winning 6 of the 7 matches vs Djokovic.....

Anyway, don't fret. I said IF Nadal is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. There is still a chance he won't. But I won't be betting against Nadal in an AO final, that's for sure.

 

[Front242]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

I wonder how Nadal is going to treat Wimbledon if he is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. They are changing the date of Wimbledon to a week later, but not until 2015. But, with no bandages on the knees in 2014, Nadal may be ready.

Looking ahead? Novak has won the AO three years in a row.

Djokovic had won 6 straight matches over Nadal and he STILL needed 6 hours to beat him at AO. Not what I'd call convincing..... And how about that 12-10 5th set vs Wawrinka this year's AO. And now with Nadal winning 6 of the 7 matches vs Djokovic.....

Anyway, don't fret. I said IF Nadal is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. There is still a chance he won't. But I won't be betting against Nadal in an AO final, that's for sure.

You could call 9-7 in the 5th at RG this year not exactly convincing too but people haven't. They congratulated Nadal. Some however have made it all abut the amazing 22 winners in the 5th set by Nadal while neglecting the fact he was down 4-2 and receiving a good dose of help from the net.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

so who is tackling this question:


what can nadal do to improve?


you know the peloton is going to try to reel him in.



and equally importantly, how can the peloton reel him in?

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

getting sleepy now.

see you all next time around.

post away and have a blast.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

I wonder how Nadal is going to treat Wimbledon if he is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. They are changing the date of Wimbledon to a week later, but not until 2015. But, with no bandages on the knees in 2014, Nadal may be ready.

Looking ahead? Novak has won the AO three years in a row.

Djokovic had won 6 straight matches over Nadal and he STILL needed 6 hours to beat him at AO. Not what I'd call convincing..... And how about that 12-10 5th set vs Wawrinka this year's AO. And now with Nadal winning 6 of the 7 matches vs Djokovic.....

Anyway, don't fret. I said IF Nadal is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. There is still a chance he won't. But I won't be betting against Nadal in an AO final, that's for sure.

You could call 9-7 in the 5th at RG this year not exactly convincing too but people haven't. They congratulated Nadal. Some however have made it all abut the amazing 22 winners in the 5th set by Nadal while neglecting the fact he was down 4-2 and receiving a good dose of help from the net.

People haven't because they are aware Nadal was absent for 7 months and was still feeling recovery pains and limping during the clay season. The fact he won Roland Garros without fully recovering physically, is all about talent (the 22 winners in 5th set). Nadal couldn't outrun Djokovic at that point, so he outhit Djokovic. Now, fully recovered, Nadal can outrun Djokovic, even at the US Open!

 

[brokenshoelace]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

I wonder how Nadal is going to treat Wimbledon if he is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. They are changing the date of Wimbledon to a week later, but not until 2015. But, with no bandages on the knees in 2014, Nadal may be ready.

Looking ahead? Novak has won the AO three years in a row.

Djokovic had won 6 straight matches over Nadal and he STILL needed 6 hours to beat him at AO. Not what I'd call convincing..... And how about that 12-10 5th set vs Wawrinka this year's AO. And now with Nadal winning 6 of the 7 matches vs Djokovic.....

Anyway, don't fret. I said IF Nadal is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. There is still a chance he won't. But I won't be betting against Nadal in an AO final, that's for sure.

You could call 9-7 in the 5th at RG this year not exactly convincing too but people haven't. They congratulated Nadal. Some however have made it all abut the amazing 22 winners in the 5th set by Nadal while neglecting the fact he was down 4-2 and receiving a good dose of help from the net.

Probably because the match should have ended 6-4 in the fourth (after a decisive third 6-1 set for Nadal) when Nadal served for it... and served for it again, and failed. But hey, it's really easy to be selective, as you've just demonstrated.

 

[Front242]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

I wonder how Nadal is going to treat Wimbledon if he is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. They are changing the date of Wimbledon to a week later, but not until 2015. But, with no bandages on the knees in 2014, Nadal may be ready.

Looking ahead? Novak has won the AO three years in a row.

Djokovic had won 6 straight matches over Nadal and he STILL needed 6 hours to beat him at AO. Not what I'd call convincing..... And how about that 12-10 5th set vs Wawrinka this year's AO. And now with Nadal winning 6 of the 7 matches vs Djokovic.....

Anyway, don't fret. I said IF Nadal is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. There is still a chance he won't. But I won't be betting against Nadal in an AO final, that's for sure.

You could call 9-7 in the 5th at RG this year not exactly convincing too but people haven't. They congratulated Nadal. Some however have made it all abut the amazing 22 winners in the 5th set by Nadal while neglecting the fact he was down 4-2 and receiving a good dose of help from the net.

People haven't because they are aware Nadal was absent for 7 months and was still feeling recovery pains and limping during the clay season. The fact he won Roland Garros without fully recovering physically, is all about talent (the 22 winners in 5th set). Nadal couldn't outrun Djokovic at that point, so he outhit Djokovic. Now, fully recovered, Nadal can outrun Djokovic, even at the US Open!

Can't you just say they both played very well in that final for much of the match instead of slating Djokovic for being "not too convincing?". Regarding the Wawrinka match, I mean seriously, Wawrinka played an incredible match and the level through that whole match was higher than the level exhibited in the RG 2013 final. There were no 6-1 dud sets for a start and Stan would've given anyone an extremely tough match that day. So Nadal winning was all about talent? They're both extremely talented and Djokovic can hit just as many winners as Nadal. That match just like the recent US Open final happened to be over once Nadal got the break back but Djokovic contributed much to lose that break that the amazing 22 winners had no baring on. Likewise you could say Nadal could've won in set 4 but didn't. This scenario can be applied to thousands of matches over the years. Can't have it both ways by saying Djokovic's AO was unconvincing and then praising Nadal's very close 9-7 5th set win being all about 22 winners. For a guy limping he certainly seemed to recover well after that semi to destroy Ferrer in the final too by the way. Nadal very much deserved the win just as Djokovic deserved the AO win. Ironically enough both were pretty much decided by 4-2 5th set breaks with each of them reversing the wins in the AO and RG.

As the 2 best players right now I'd say it's only fair they both get credit for their wins instead of labelling one guy's win "not too convincing" when the other win was no different.

 

[brokenshoelace]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

Looking ahead? Novak has won the AO three years in a row.

Djokovic had won 6 straight matches over Nadal and he STILL needed 6 hours to beat him at AO. Not what I'd call convincing..... And how about that 12-10 5th set vs Wawrinka this year's AO. And now with Nadal winning 6 of the 7 matches vs Djokovic.....

Anyway, don't fret. I said IF Nadal is playing for THE RAFA SLAM. There is still a chance he won't. But I won't be betting against Nadal in an AO final, that's for sure.

You could call 9-7 in the 5th at RG this year not exactly convincing too but people haven't. They congratulated Nadal. Some however have made it all abut the amazing 22 winners in the 5th set by Nadal while neglecting the fact he was down 4-2 and receiving a good dose of help from the net.

People haven't because they are aware Nadal was absent for 7 months and was still feeling recovery pains and limping during the clay season. The fact he won Roland Garros without fully recovering physically, is all about talent (the 22 winners in 5th set). Nadal couldn't outrun Djokovic at that point, so he outhit Djokovic. Now, fully recovered, Nadal can outrun Djokovic, even at the US Open!

Can't you just say they both played very well in that final for much of the match instead of slating Djokovic for being "not too convincing?". Regarding the Wawrinka match, I mean seriously, Wawrinka played an incredible match and the level through that whole match was higher than the level exhibited in the RG 2013 final. There were no 6-1 dud sets for a start and Stan would've given anyone an extremely tough match that day. So Nadal winning was all about talent? They're both extremely talented and Djokovic can hit just as many winners as Nadal. That match just like the recent US Open final happened to be over once Nadal got the break back but Djokovic contributed much to lose that break that the amazing 22 winners had no baring on. Likewise you could say Nadal could've won in set 4 but didn't. This scenario can be applied to thousands of matches over the years. Can't have it both ways by saying Djokovic's AO was unconvincing and then praising Nadal's very close 9-7 5th set win being all about 22 winners. For a guy limping he certainly seemed to recover well after that semi to destroy Ferrer in the final too by the way. Nadal very much deserved the win just as Djokovic deserved the AO win. Ironically enough both were pretty much decided by 4-2 5th set breaks with each of them reversing the wins in the AO and RG.

As the 2 best players right now I'd say it's only fair they both get credit for their wins instead of labelling one guy's win "not too convincing" when the other win was no different.

Yeah. These are top players who are really close in levels (seriously, while some are clearly better than others, I don't think people realize how much this becomes minimized once the "inferior" player catches fire).

There's no shame in beating Wawrinka in five sets at Melbourne given the level he displayed. And there sure as hell is no shame in beating Nadal in 5. When you play players of this caliber, the match is EXPECTED to be close.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal : The Relentless Match Winning Machine

I have been thinking about the final. I took another look at the last 2 sets the other day.

lets revisit this historic final:


what stands out the most in your mind from this final?



I think it is historic and significant for any number of reasons:

1. it makes nadal the best player in the game regardless of what the rankings say. and the players know that.

2. it allows nadal to assert himself rather forcefully in what is probably going to be the greatest rivalry in all of sports

3. finally it puts nadal in a position to declare an assault on history.

he is close enough now so he and his camp are thinking about this very issue. there can be no denying this. they have to be aware of the historical significance.


now nadal can make this a race against history and a race against time.

this is why he has to play this very carefully.

he has 2 years to pull this off. 3 at best.




as for the final, I noticed this:


1. improved return
2. improved backhand
3. improved frame of mind. he looked very positive and upbeat in this match even when nole was on fire there. it took all of that positive outlook/ belief and ridiculous amount of testicular fortitude to hang in there. he was able to impose his will on nole.

4. he could have served better but it worked out anyway.

5. slightly improved court positioning. he was not willing to give up too much real estate. he tried to control the center of the court as much as possible.

6. willingness to go forward when he felt he could do it. so aggressive mindset important to project.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal: The Ultimate Doomsday Stroking Machine

this is a forum question. lets be as honest as possible:


what do you like the most about the clay warrior?


and what do you like the least about him?


have at it and have fun.


always remember to participate. this is your house and your forum. take active part in it.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal: The Ultimate Doomsday Stroking Machine

http://tennis.si.com/2013/09/12/daily-bagel-rafael-nadal-goat/?xid=ob_blogs

 

[Jelenafan]

RE: Rafael Nadal: The Ultimate Doomsday Stroking Machine

what do you like the most about the clay warrior?
and what do you like the least about him?

I like best that I've never seen him quit mentally in a match, he seems to be forever fighting even if he's getting bageled.

What I like least is his precarious health.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

RE: Rafael Nadal: The Ultimate Doomsday Stroking Machine

I like most: Nadal is in his hardcourt prime at age 27. And considering 2 of the 4 slams are played on hardcourt, the hardcourt prime is the most valuable. Tends to double or triple your slam count each year.

I like least: Nadal's rivals are so uncharismatic. I wish Nadal's main rival was a big name from the 80s or 90s.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal: The Ultimate Doomsday Stroking Machine

what do you like the most about the clay warrior?
and what do you like the least about him?

I like best that I've never seen him quit mentally in a match, he seems to be forever fighting even if he's getting bageled.

What I like least is his precarious health.

excellent post.

 

[ClayDeath]

RE: Rafael Nadal: The Ultimate Doomsday Stroking Machine

any predictions for nadal in 2014?


what kind of a year do you expect him to have in 2014?

what is your best case scenario for nadal in 2014?


and what is your worst case scenario for him in 2014?


you have the floor. have at it and have fun.



who wants to fire off the first shot?

 

[Moxie]

RE: Rafael Nadal: The Ultimate Doomsday Stroking Machine

Can I ask you something CD? Can we start that in another thread? The title of this one is so gloating and off-putting. It frankly embarrasses me. I'd love to answer the questions, but can't we do it in a fresh conversation? I think that would be nice.