Waiting for Rafa

[MargaretMcAleer]

Rafa usually plays doubles in tournaments,especially when he competes on a new surface.I am not surprised he is playing doubles at all.

 

[tented]

Rafa usually plays doubles in tournaments,especially when he competes on a new surface.I am not surprised he is playing doubles at all.

That's true. Many times he's played (and won) doubles at Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Canada, for example.

 

[Moxie]

Rafa usually plays doubles in tournaments,especially when he competes on a new surface.I am not surprised he is playing doubles at all.

That's true. Many times he's played (and won) doubles at Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Canada, for example.

This is such a good point from fashionista. I had never really put it together that he competes in doubles to get himself comfortable when switching surfaces. I'm one of those that doesn't mind a bit of doubles play from Rafa, since it's the same as a practice session, which he hits notoriously hard in. And it's a better way to begin to feel the ball on upon a surface change.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

While I somewhat agree with fashionista's comment, I believe it is not just Rafa.
Typically, the participation of Singles players in doubles is at an unusually high rate
in Indian Wells and Canada Masters.

For these two events, there is another motivation. Both are the first of a back to
back Masters events happening in the same geographical region. As a result even
if you lose early in the first one, you don't go home. If you are going to be in
the place why not get extra practice (and little bit more money and fun) by
playing doubles also.

But, in other Masters the participation of singles players in doubles is
quite less even including Madrid, despite it being the first of a back to
back series. That is because clay matches are more tiring with points
taking longer time to finish.

 

[Moxie]

While I somewhat agree with fashionista's comment, I believe it is not just Rafa.
Typically, the participation of Singles players in doubles is at an unusually high rate
in Indian Wells and Canada Masters.

For these two events, there is another motivation. Both are the first of a back to
back Masters events happening in the same geographical region. As a result even
if you lose early in the first one, you don't go home. If you are going to be in
the place why not get extra practice (and little bit more money and fun) by
playing doubles also.

But, in other Masters the participation of singles players in doubles is
quite less even including Madrid, despite it being the first of a back to
back series. That is because clay matches are more tiring with points
taking longer time to finish.

She didn't say it was just Rafa, btw.

It's a fine strategy. But for top players it's not about losing early, and having doubles in your back pocket. That's the thinking for the lower-ranked ones. For top guys, it's about getting the feel for the new surface. You will note they often play with players that will be grateful to carry along with them as long as they're willing. If the top player wants to bail, at some point, to protect his singles, you know there is a pre-negotiated pact that that would be ok.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Yes, it is definitely not about money as to why top players play in doubles. It acts as an
insurance to get match practice in, just in case they fail early in singles.

 

[isabelle]

Actually uncleToni recently said the wrist isn't fully healed yet...

Will it be one day ? Wrist is a fragile part, ask Soderling and Delpo

 

[the AntiPusher]

I aint waiting .. my faith in Rafa and his camp these days are less than certain

 

[brokenshoelace]

Please, let's never quote Samson ever, under any circumstances. Nadal2005 as an unbearable Nadal fan is one annoying fan too many anyway.

 

[the AntiPusher]

My post was my faith is less than certain.. those arent words that Samson used.. If you miss him.. i would suggest that you send him a PM or email.. i didnt find Samson annoying. I thought he brought a lot of insight especially when he always reference that Rafa needs to always begin or go back to the clay to build his fundamentals. As for the other poster, there are things that all posters say that make you think, where did that come from. Its just opinions.. relax.. Rafa says he is gonna return soon , so all should be well in the Force again

 

[brokenshoelace]

Samson never brought any insight whatsoever.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Samson never brought any insight whatsoever.

Because he disagreed with you .. That's not accurate..

 

[Kieran]

Well, Samson brought up the wonderful idea - since championed by NADALRG2005 - that Rafa taking whole swathes of time off in the season was the best thing since strawberry jam on white bread. It's certainly made me pause and think... :huh:

 

[the AntiPusher]

Well, Samson brought up the wonderful idea - since championed by NADALRG2005 - that Rafa taking whole swathes of time off in the season was the best thing since strawberry jam on white bread. It's certainly made me pause and think... :huh:

Well.. I am not going to be the Samson apologist.. However,, That dude was okay.. I hear that he runs another tennis board.. I think BS should visit him to engage in competitive banter

 

[DarthFed]

^ As I said awhile back AP, you seem desperate for any kind of Rafa love. Some may think there is way too much here already One day you'll join the right side...

 

[the AntiPusher]

^ As I said awhile back AP, you seem desperate for any kind of Rafa love. Some may think there is way too much here already One day you'll join the right side...

:laydownlaughing.. Darth.. it takes you to make this tennis world whole again...If it appears that I am missing Rafa by being Samson's apologist then I may need to go get some therapy.

 

[DarthFed]

Having one of the Samson/NadalRG2005 tag team is more than enough!!!!!!!!!

 

[brokenshoelace]

Samson never brought any insight whatsoever.

Because he disagreed with you .. That's not accurate..

You're assuming too much, and it's becoming incredibly annoying because this back-and-forth between you and me has been going on for about 4 years now. Every time I disagree about something, you somehow think it's due to my big ego or whatever. I disagree because I disagree. I think he brought no insight because his post literally never had any analysis.

Samson brought no insight because he's an idiot -- a sentiment shared by about 80% of the forums here.

Here, I'll prove it for you:

Anyone who thinks Samson brought insight please speak up.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Well, we've seen Rafa overdo things before. I'm glad he's playing doubles and planning to come back strong, and I'm sure if it gets too much he'll exercise his prerogative to withdraw. Hopefully he won't have to, and the wrist is fine...

Where have you seen Nadal overdo things?
He's withdrawn from events all his career.
Always been a smart scheduler in my opinion.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Actually uncleToni recently said the wrist isn't fully healed yet...

Will it be one day ? Wrist is a fragile part, ask Soderling and Delpo

Except Nadal's doctor said the ligaments were never damaged, and that is why he's been told there is not a long-term risk.