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His loss to Pouille must have been very disappointing after what in some ways is probably a more heart-breaking year than 2015 in that he looked to be on the verge of coming back to a high level, winning in Monte-Carlo, but then had to withdraw early from the French Open and miss Wimbledon.
So with his loss yesterday, Rafa is faced with two and a half Slamless years. But perhaps more worrisome is that he hasn't made it past the QF since the 2014 French Open, and not past the 4R in his last five tries and six Slams. This is very different from what we saw from Federer during a similar span of time (Roger's 2009-11 equates with Rafa's 2014-16 age-wise) when Roger was, and is, still reaching the second week of Slams and giving himself a shot at winning it. I only mention this because you can see why Fed would hang on so long: he was going deep enough to have a chance. Rafa can't even get past the first week anymore (and it is a bit odd, because he seemed to play better at Masters this year).
What do you all foresee for Rafa going forward? For me I can see him giving it another shot in 2017, but if he can't get back into the second week at Slams and even win the FO, I could see him winding it down and even retiring. If he plays better and wins a Slam, I could see a slight resurgence for a year or so, until he inevitably gets injured again, at which point I would guess he would call it quits.
The basic fact is that given his record over the last few years, you just don't see players comeback at his age. I suppose Agassi's new peak starting at age 28-29 is the closest example. Andre had the best phase of his career starting at 28 and played at a high level into his mid-30s. Or maybe Rafa could "do a Sampras" and win that last Slam and then retire right after. How great would it be to see him win one more French Open and then retire on top?
Anyhow, I personally think 2017 could be his last year, or at least full year. If he plays poorly high might just think, "I'd rather be fishing than put up with this." If he wins, he might think "Maybe it is best if I go out on top."
Thoughts? All speculative, of course.
So with his loss yesterday, Rafa is faced with two and a half Slamless years. But perhaps more worrisome is that he hasn't made it past the QF since the 2014 French Open, and not past the 4R in his last five tries and six Slams. This is very different from what we saw from Federer during a similar span of time (Roger's 2009-11 equates with Rafa's 2014-16 age-wise) when Roger was, and is, still reaching the second week of Slams and giving himself a shot at winning it. I only mention this because you can see why Fed would hang on so long: he was going deep enough to have a chance. Rafa can't even get past the first week anymore (and it is a bit odd, because he seemed to play better at Masters this year).
What do you all foresee for Rafa going forward? For me I can see him giving it another shot in 2017, but if he can't get back into the second week at Slams and even win the FO, I could see him winding it down and even retiring. If he plays better and wins a Slam, I could see a slight resurgence for a year or so, until he inevitably gets injured again, at which point I would guess he would call it quits.
The basic fact is that given his record over the last few years, you just don't see players comeback at his age. I suppose Agassi's new peak starting at age 28-29 is the closest example. Andre had the best phase of his career starting at 28 and played at a high level into his mid-30s. Or maybe Rafa could "do a Sampras" and win that last Slam and then retire right after. How great would it be to see him win one more French Open and then retire on top?
Anyhow, I personally think 2017 could be his last year, or at least full year. If he plays poorly high might just think, "I'd rather be fishing than put up with this." If he wins, he might think "Maybe it is best if I go out on top."
Thoughts? All speculative, of course.