What next for Rafa?

El Dude

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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.
 

Kieran

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It's difficult to say. I mean, I'm as hardcore for Rafa as the next man, but facts have to be faced, too. Rafa has fluctuated since he came back in 2015, and though we tracked the Incline weekly last year, and saw some evidence of him getting his game back, and in particular, the forehand was more potent, less wayward, he lost in the first round in Oz in a tight five setter. Any big matches now, I basically expect him to lose, and not because of his game, but because he's tentative, less aggressive, and basically he doesn't look like he thinks he'll win them, either!

He's also getting older. Next slam is the last one he'll play aged 30, and then he's turning 31 at the FO. These are the real figures players can't rig the jury on. He looks like a veteran, he plays like a veteran, his skin is old and his game is old-fashioned. Players grew up studying that and love to play him. He's slower. His serve is still not getting him any cheap points.

Against this, he's still fighting the good fight. He's willing himself to do better and he's doing everything he possibly can, short of wholesale changes in his backroom team, which is a risky one. I see him at the moment resembling Pete in 2002, where Pete was getting close in matches, and getting tight, and losing final set tiebreaks, and being beaten by blokes he'd breeze by in his pomp. Pete looked old then too. So this age thing is something he can do nothing about.

I think he's got to redouble his efforts now, try finish the year strongly, but it's imperative he gets a big win before the season is out. Big, as in, he beats either Andy or Novak. I don't think physically this is beyond him, but mentally is where his battle is being mainly lost. He must qualify for the WTF, he must try get into the top 4 at the seasons end, and to do this he needs to believe that he's at least improved this year on last year. In a way, maybe the US Open came too soon for him, but I hope he sees that since he came back, he's actually been doing well.

What'll happen? I think he's got it in him to have another great fist-pumping surge, possibly at Oz, but he's going to have to show continued improvement and also win a big match this year, before that happens...
 

El Dude

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Good stuff, Kieran. Do you agree with the hypothetical that if it is June 15, 2017, and Rafa remains Slamless, he might pack up his racquet and go fishing?

I personally like the narrative that he muscles through and wins another RG and while hoisting the trophy declares his retirement, with the caveat that the sport will be lesser for him leaving it. But I guess the point is, given that I can't see him having an "elder statesman" phase like Roger, I like the idea of him surging one final time and ending his career like he played at his best.
 

the AntiPusher

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First.. Rafa's age.. Rafa is 30 years old. He is only 11 months older than Murray and Djoker. Rafa conditioning and endurance is on par with those two including everyone in the top 20. This is a Non issue.

Mentality: Here is where the problem lies. Yes Rafa has had a lot of injuries which we all knew was going to happen due to his style of play:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/magazine/21nadal-t.html?_r=0

However two injuries have really bothered his psychic more than others(Australian open 2014 back spasms and the injured wrist and appendicitis surgery later 2014.) Yes he was able to recover late in the spring during the clay season and defeat Djoker at RG but the mental damage had begun.

AO 2014: 2013 Rafa was on a roll.. after winning RG and later having his best US hardcourt season(Montreal, Cincy and the US open). Rafa was serving like a beast, (hitting speeds up to 130 mphs) and was able to turn around the Djoker recent dominance over him. Fed was on the decline and Murray wasn't at his peak yet. Rafa had a fantastic AO and went into the AO final against a guy Wawrinka he never lost a set previously to. The back spasms occurred and Stan played lights out.

Fall of 2014: Rafa withdraws from the US Open: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/11041392/Rafael-Nadals-withdrawal-from-US-Open-2014-heightens-suspicion-that-his-body-is-starting-to-rebel.html

Mentality to not be able to defend the tournament that you dominated the year before was a huge blow. At this point, Rafa lost confidence in his body. Federer and Djoker can take a full three to 6 weeks off from the game but have one solid practice session and quickly get back to top form. Unlike Fed and Djoker, Rafa is a player that needs to feel the ball. When he isn't able to practice or compete, he gets nervous. Now he is in his late 20's and his own mortality is being questions not only by the press, his peers but himself.

2015 Rafa announces to the world, he is a tennis player that is having issues playing with nerves.

Rafa's tennis game: 2010 Novak showed the ATP that if you make the proper counters(punish Rafa short balls, Punish his serves, make him pay for his ridiculous return of service position and his soft service returns) but was really the only player that could consistently execute this strategy against Rafa. 2014 Novak made his 2nd counter to Rafa's game which Rafa has yet to reverse especially with his weak serve. Now the entire tour discovered if you take Rafa out of his game, he is vulnerable to loosing a match if it gets tight.

What next for Rafa:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/09/05/rafael-nadal-exits-us-open-but-dont-count-him-out-of-winning-15t/

The Serve: Its has to be beef up.. he can change the grip.. go get a tennis coach like he did in 2010 (very stupid of Toni to have creative differences with that guy)

An attacking game: Rafa has to be more aggressive. He needs to a serving tennis consultant.
Rafa needs to shorten the non clay matches rallies.. His needs to play with the mentality to take control of the rallies, look for the short balls and use his lefty advantage to pull his opponent out of position and gain control of the center part of the court.

His schedule: He needs to realized that he is older and manage his schedule better. He needs to a tennis consultant

Rafa has the desired but he has to change something drastically, his results aren't good as of late and Change is NEEDED because the ATP tour has figured out Rafa's game..(pre 2015 Rafa would never loose to FF3, Dustin Brown, Pouille, Vedasco, Feli or some of his ole pigeons.)

Rafa said at his post match pressor after loosing to Pouille ,"But I needed Something , I need something more that wasn't there today. I will keep working until I find it. " That's NEW coaching with a lot SMART Strategic practicing

If not he is DONE winning majors.
 

Front242

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^ AP, without quoting your essay above I'll respond to this part "pre 2015 Rafa would never loose to FF3, Dustin Brown, Pouille, Vedasco, Feli or some of his ole pigeons."

He lost to Rosol, Darcis, Kyrgios and Brown on grass before 2015 and no one was that surprised Brown beat him again last year at Wimbledon as he's damn good on grass. So that part is just pure fanboy fantasy stuff I'm afraid.
 

GameSetAndMath

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1. Toni & co are so cliquish, I doubt whether anyone known independently to the outside world will ever become part of Rafa's team let alone Rafa's coach replacing Toni.

2. You cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Rafa is not going to become a S&V player or ultra aggressive baseliner.

3. Even though he lost yesterday, his overall level is certainly quite good both at Olympic and at USO. If he does not sustain any new injuries and can maintain and improve his game all around, I would not be surprised if he wins RG, especially if Novak has more "private problems" around that time.

4. However, we can safely write him off other slams than RG. Also, we can write him off from the business end (QF and higher) of Wimbledon.

5. Being a hard worker and a humble fellow, I don't think he will retire anytime soon (independent of whether he wins RG next year or not) and will hang up only when it becomes obvious that he is not even a contender at Monte Carlo.
 

the AntiPusher

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GameSetAndMath said:
1. Toni & co are so cliquish, I doubt whether anyone known independently to the outside world will ever become part of Rafa's team let alone Rafa's coach replacing Toni.

2. You cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Rafa is not going to become a S&V player or ultra aggressive baseliner.

3. Even though he lost yesterday, his overall level is certainly quite good both at Olympic and at USO. If he does not sustain any new injuries and can maintain and improve his game all around, I would not be surprised if he wins RG, especially if Novak has more "private problems" around that time.

4. However, we can safely write him off other slams than RG. Also, we can write him off from the business end (QF and higher) of Wimbledon.

5. Being a hard worker and a humble fellow, I don't think he will retire anytime soon (independent of whether he wins RG next year or not) and will hang up only when it becomes obvious that he is not even a contender at Monte Carlo.

GSM,
Federer , Agassi, Sampras all added new nuances to their games after age 29, why can't Rafa..

I didn't say change his game. But as he said he needs to be more imposing , need to make his opponents feel more pain, he needs to serve better.. I never said make him into a serve n volley attacking player but he can shorten the rallies with more aggressive style of play. It's a tweak of his game which is major but is needed to be very competitive in today's style of playing.
 

GameSetAndMath

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Minor changes are possible. However, you cannot do major changes such as the following.

1. You cannot make him an S&V player.

2. You cannot make him come to net more often to finish off points.

3. Even from the baseline, you cannot make him too aggressive. He has been winning matches by rendering others to submission by repeated venomous topspin forehand shots which eventually lead them to cough up an error. So, the basic tendency will be there in him.

Murray is never so aggressive even though he can and should. Why is he not aggressive? It is his nature and it is hard to change that. When put into difficult situations sometimes Murray find the aggressive bone, but in normal situations he would rather play his normal game.

But, I think you can make Rafa play from 1 mile behind the baseline instead of his normal 3 miles behind.
 

the AntiPusher

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GameSetAndMath said:
Minor changes are possible. However, you cannot do major changes such as the following.

1. You cannot make him an S&V player.

AP ..where in my reply do I say make him into a S&V player


2. You cannot make him come to net more often to finish off points.


AP...he can shorten the rallies..we all have seen Rafa when he is behind ..go to his combos..quickly take control of the center of the court and step in put the volley away..you said you rewatch the match..watch it again..

3. Even from the baseline, you cannot make him too aggressive. He has been winning matches by rendering others to submission by repeated venomous topspin forehand shots which eventually lead them to cough up an error. So, the basic tendency will be there in him.

AP...Rafa is too old to keep playing "I hope my opponent will miss tennis although I can still be a retrieve to extend the point or make the opponent hit another ball..

Murray is never so aggressive even though he can and should. Why is he not aggressive? It is his nature and it is hard to change that. When put into difficult situations sometimes Murray find the aggressive bone, but in normal situations he would rather play his normal game.

But, I think you can make Rafa play from 1 mile behind the baseline instead of his normal 3 miles behind.



AP... ReRead what I posted again.. Matts Wilander states the same changes..you act as if I am telling Rafa to be JMDP. No..however he can mimic Novak's or Murray's playing style.

El Dude's topic was "what next for Rafa, Not what Rafa isn't going to do"
 

the AntiPusher

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Front242 said:
^ AP, without quoting your essay above I'll respond to this part "pre 2015 Rafa would never loose to FF3, Dustin Brown, Pouille, Vedasco, Feli or some of his ole pigeons."

He lost to Rosol, Darcis, Kyrgios and Brown on grass before 2015 and no one was that surprised Brown beat him again last year at Wimbledon as he's damn good on grass. So that part is just pure fanboy fantasy stuff I'm afraid.

Great attempt to misdirect by you Fronty.. You are only mentioning Rafa recent grasscourt mishaps .. I guess that makes you a non fanboy fantasy rubbage talker
 

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I see Rafa in much better shape than Pete in 2002. Even with his obvious slide from his peak ( both mentally and physically), he is still #4/5 in ATP ranking. Wiping off his points in majors, he would still be top 8.

I don't get why he will retire if slam-less next year. Fed has been in the same boat two more years. Not the best in tour, they are still in the BIG4 group, though second tier, like Nole and Andy b4 2011/2012.
 

the AntiPusher

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BIG3 said:
I see Rafa in much better shape than Pete in 2002. Even with his obvious slide from his peak ( both mentally and physically), he is still #4/5 in ATP ranking. Wiping off his points in majors, he would still be top 8.

I don't get why he will retire if slam-less next year. Fed has been in the same boat two more years. Not the best in tour, they are still in tRahe BIG4 group, though second tier, like Nole and Andy b4 2011/2012.

Big 3 , Rafa isn't gonna retire next year regardless if he goes slamless , that is typically Fed fans from this board would try to push him out due to the threat of #17,being equal
 

El Dude

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AP, that's pretty shitty. I was the one who suggested that Rafa might retire after next year and I am not "trying push him out due to the threat of #17."

I'm so sick of the pro/anti-Rafa debate, and the folks that assume if you aren't a fan then you're a hater. Grow up.
 

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the AntiPusher said:
BIG3 said:
I see Rafa in much better shape than Pete in 2002. Even with his obvious slide from his peak ( both mentally and physically), he is still #4/5 in ATP ranking. Wiping off his points in majors, he would still be top 8.

I don't get why he will retire if slam-less next year. Fed has been in the same boat two more years. Not the best in tour, they are still in tRahe BIG4 group, though second tier, like Nole and Andy b4 2011/2012.

Big 3 , Rafa isn't gonna retire next year regardless if he goes slamless , that is typically Fed fans from this board would try to push him out due to the threat of #17,being equal

AP, no body has crystal ball. How would you LIKE to see Rafa wind up his career
1. Sampras like: swan song in RG next year and done
2. Roger like: another 3-4 years in top 4, a bunch of final or semis in RG, legit threat in tour
 

Kieran

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El Dude said:
Good stuff, Kieran. Do you agree with the hypothetical that if it is June 15, 2017, and Rafa remains Slamless, he might pack up his racquet and go fishing?

I personally like the narrative that he muscles through and wins another RG and while hoisting the trophy declares his retirement, with the caveat that the sport will be lesser for him leaving it. But I guess the point is, given that I can't see him having an "elder statesman" phase like Roger, I like the idea of him surging one final time and ending his career like he played at his best.

I don't see any reason for him hnging up his racket if he hasn't won a slam by the end of Paris next year. We're thinking these players have only one condition for playing the game, to win slams, and when that's not fulfilled, then they just jack it in. But they also love the sport, they love competing, it's a rich and varied life, etc. I think he would walk away if he got to Pete or Bjorn's stage, which is that they couldn't stand the sight of a tennis racket and just walked. In other words, the grind might get to Rafa before anything else, but I don't see him saying to himself on June 17th next year, "I can't win, so I'm not gonna play, is the true, no?"

Another prolonged injury break might just sap his enthusiasm and he quits, but let's nobody hope for that one.

Also, I don't buy it that the FO is his only shot at redemption. I think his game isn't far off ight now, but mentally he's unable to push on through. As he said in his presser, he needs to be more calm. He may grind out a big win and it'll be a huge boost to him.

I liked your post, A-P, but as for age, it's absolutely an issue. You yourself said further down that "He needs to realized that he is older and manage his schedule better." He's also slower. He's also got a lot of physical miles on the clock and so could be prone to niggly things happening. It also takes longer physically to recover, and mentally players get more anxious as they age.

There's nobody can defy this, as it's a fact of life. Tennis players don't age well, least of all the high achievers, and those with a lot of miles on the clock.

As for a new voice in his camp, I don't think he needs it. I agree with GSM when he says that Rafa's team are tight - they're family - and bringing somebody new in would be difficult. Plus, who do you bring? Pete experimented with Jose Higueras, then Tom Gullikson because he looks a bit like his brother Tim, then he went back to Annacone. Not always a good idea to bring somebody else in. It smacks also of desperation, puts immense pressure on the camp and upsets those who are already there.

Unless it can be done organically and somebody gets promoted from inside, but we don't know the full dynamics of Rafa's camp. The bloke who travels when Toni isn't there (Roig?), well he travels when Toni is there too. I'm sure they looked at all the permutations, and realised, they have Toni, one of the greatest coaches in the open era, if not the greatest, they don't need a television pundit or some bloke with a big idea to help out Rafa, who knows the game fairly smartly himself.

As for GSM's suggestion that you can't teach Rafa new things, I agree with this. I don't think he needs new things though, just needs to implement the old things better, and be more assertive and confident when he's taken control of matches. And like I said, the FO isn't his only shot at fame. If Rafa goes on a tear, and it isn't impossible, it can happen anywhere...
 

the AntiPusher

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El Dude said:
AP, that's pretty crappy. I was the one who suggested that Rafa might retire after next year and I am not "trying push him out due to the threat of #17."

I'm so sick of the pro/anti-Rafa debate, and the folks that assume if you aren't a fan then you're a hater. Grow up.

El Dude.. Don't take it personally..I think you are fair about Rafa ..I was just responding to B3 comments regarding retiring after next year.. The man says that he is committed to playing the game and is trying to get back to level to where he can compete for majors..that's doesn't sounds like he is gonna retire..Murray went thru a bad period where he wasn't winning major but there was no suggestion of that he may retire..your post telling me to grow up was unfair..
 

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In my humblest of opinions Rafa sits in the current 2nd tier of elite players behind a way out in front Djokovic with Murray as his only genuine rival.

The 2nd tier of Wawrinka, Nishikori and Raonic really should also include Del Potro, Nadal and Federer but quite frankly the question is of motivation for Nadal (and Federer) - do they really want to continue in that vein or would they be better bowing out???

In Roger's case I think he could walk away tomorrow without being plagued by what if's, but I think the injuries that Nadal has suffered and the indifferent form in between probably leaves him feeling like there is unfinished business - I am pretty sure if we could go back in time to gauge opinion, after winning the US in 2013 then being finalist at Oz and winning the French, we probably all thought that he would catch Federer and with his h2h we would be talking about him being the GoAT.

The problem as per above is whether or not he will be able achieve the things he wants too - be it 1 more major or 3 or even 4.

Just now his unquestionable drive and hunger is giving him the motivation, but if he were to continue floating between 3 and 8 in the rankings and not making slam finals or winning slams how long will that drive and hunger last?
 

the AntiPusher

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Kieran said:
El Dude said:
Good stuff, Kieran. Do you agree with the hypothetical that if it is June 15, 2017, and Rafa remains Slamless, he might pack up his racquet and go fishing?

I personally like the narrative that he muscles through and wins another RG and while hoisting the trophy declares his retirement, with the caveat that the sport will be lesser for him leaving it. But I guess the point is, given that I can't see him having an "elder statesman" phase like Roger, I like the idea of him surging one final time and ending his career like he played at his best.

I don't see any reason for him hnging up his racket if he hasn't won a slam by the end of Paris next year. We're thinking these players have only one condition for playing the game, to win slams, and when that's not fulfilled, then they just jack it in. But they also love the sport, they love competing, it's a rich and varied life, etc. I think he would walk away if he got to Pete or Bjorn's stage, which is that they couldn't stand the sight of a tennis racket and just walked. In other words, the grind might get to Rafa before anything else, but I don't see him saying to himself on June 17th next year, "I can't win, so I'm not gonna play, is the true, no?"

Another prolonged injury break might just sap his enthusiasm and he quits, but let's nobody hope for that one.

Also, I don't buy it that the FO is his only shot at redemption. I think his game isn't far off ight now, but mentally he's unable to push on through. As he said in his presser, he needs to be more calm. He may grind out a big win and it'll be a huge boost to him.

I liked your post, A-P, but as for age, it's absolutely an issue. You yourself said further down that "He needs to realized that he is older and manage his schedule better." He's also slower. He's also got a lot of physical miles on the clock and so could be prone to niggly things happening. It also takes longer physically to recover, and mentally players get more anxious as they age.

There's nobody can defy this, as it's a fact of life. Tennis players don't age well, least of all the high achievers, and those with a lot of miles on the clock.

As for a new voice in his camp, I don't think he needs it. I agree with GSM when he says that Rafa's team are tight - they're family - and bringing somebody new in would be difficult. Plus, who do you bring? Pete experimented with Jose Higueras, then Tom Gullikson because he looks a bit like his brother Tim, then he went back to Annacone. Not always a good idea to bring somebody else in. It smacks also of desperation, puts immense pressure on the camp and upsets those who are already there.

Unless it can be done organically and somebody gets promoted from inside, but we don't know the full dynamics of Rafa's camp. The bloke who travels when Toni isn't there (Roig?), well he travels when Toni is there too. I'm sure they looked at all the permutations, and realised, they have Toni, one of the greatest coaches in the open era, if not the greatest, they don't need a television pundit or some bloke with a big idea to help out Rafa, who knows the game fairly smartly himself.

As for GSM's suggestion that you can't teach Rafa new things, I agree with this. I don't think he needs new things though, just needs to implement the old things better, and be more assertive and confident when he's taken control of matches. And like I said, the FO isn't his only shot at fame. If Rafa goes on a tear, and it isn't impossible, it can happen anywhere...

Kieran.. Yes Rafa has a lot of miles on his body but his core is lower core is still strong..his back isn't chronic or he hasn't mentioned knee problems. The man's problem is he over played himself in Rio and has put in to many hours on the practice court.

For the LAST time.. I didn't say Rafa needs to totally change his game. ReRead his pressor, he said serve, he needs to be more imposing , he needs to make his opponent feel more pain and he needs to be more aggressive. He said he needs something, he will keep looking until he finds it. He will find it.

That means that he gonna makes some TWEAKES..that's all..same thing Wilander said..Relax guys..AP doesn't believe RAFA will come out serving like Sampras or going for winners like JMDP.. However, since his movement is still excellent( a Course he will not move like he did ten years ago, nobody can, do you, ask your wives or girlfriend:laydownlaughing) .. However Rafa can play smarter ( Djoker, Murray, also Federer) and he will.

http://www.firstpost.com/sports/us-open-2016-rafael-nadal-let-down-by-the-very-body-that-helped-him-ascend-to-tennis-summit-2991820.html

Relax but I stand by my statement ..he is only 11 months older than Murray and Djoker.. He can add a new voice to assist Toni and Team which their strategic plans to strengthen Rafa's game. E.g. During practice Rafa defeated Pouille 6-3 6-1. Pouille and his team said that during practice Lucas was having difficulty returning Rafa serve to the ad court..they made an adjustment by standing further back.
 

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the AntiPusher said:
Kieran said:
El Dude said:
Good stuff, Kieran. Do you agree with the hypothetical that if it is June 15, 2017, and Rafa remains Slamless, he might pack up his racquet and go fishing?

I personally like the narrative that he muscles through and wins another RG and while hoisting the trophy declares his retirement, with the caveat that the sport will be lesser for him leaving it. But I guess the point is, given that I can't see him having an "elder statesman" phase like Roger, I like the idea of him surging one final time and ending his career like he played at his best.

I don't see any reason for him hnging up his racket if he hasn't won a slam by the end of Paris next year. We're thinking these players have only one condition for playing the game, to win slams, and when that's not fulfilled, then they just jack it in. But they also love the sport, they love competing, it's a rich and varied life, etc. I think he would walk away if he got to Pete or Bjorn's stage, which is that they couldn't stand the sight of a tennis racket and just walked. In other words, the grind might get to Rafa before anything else, but I don't see him saying to himself on June 17th next year, "I can't win, so I'm not gonna play, is the true, no?"

Another prolonged injury break might just sap his enthusiasm and he quits, but let's nobody hope for that one.

Also, I don't buy it that the FO is his only shot at redemption. I think his game isn't far off ight now, but mentally he's unable to push on through. As he said in his presser, he needs to be more calm. He may grind out a big win and it'll be a huge boost to him.

I liked your post, A-P, but as for age, it's absolutely an issue. You yourself said further down that "He needs to realized that he is older and manage his schedule better." He's also slower. He's also got a lot of physical miles on the clock and so could be prone to niggly things happening. It also takes longer physically to recover, and mentally players get more anxious as they age.

There's nobody can defy this, as it's a fact of life. Tennis players don't age well, least of all the high achievers, and those with a lot of miles on the clock.

As for a new voice in his camp, I don't think he needs it. I agree with GSM when he says that Rafa's team are tight - they're family - and bringing somebody new in would be difficult. Plus, who do you bring? Pete experimented with Jose Higueras, then Tom Gullikson because he looks a bit like his brother Tim, then he went back to Annacone. Not always a good idea to bring somebody else in. It smacks also of desperation, puts immense pressure on the camp and upsets those who are already there.

Unless it can be done organically and somebody gets promoted from inside, but we don't know the full dynamics of Rafa's camp. The bloke who travels when Toni isn't there (Roig?), well he travels when Toni is there too. I'm sure they looked at all the permutations, and realised, they have Toni, one of the greatest coaches in the open era, if not the greatest, they don't need a television pundit or some bloke with a big idea to help out Rafa, who knows the game fairly smartly himself.

As for GSM's suggestion that you can't teach Rafa new things, I agree with this. I don't think he needs new things though, just needs to implement the old things better, and be more assertive and confident when he's taken control of matches. And like I said, the FO isn't his only shot at fame. If Rafa goes on a tear, and it isn't impossible, it can happen anywhere...

Kieran.. Yes Rafa has a lot of miles on his body but his core is lower core is still strong..his back isn't chronic or he hasn't mentioned knee problems. The man's problem is he over played himself in Rio and has put in to many hours on the practice court.

For the LAST time.. I didn't say Rafa needs to totally change his game. ReRead his pressor, he said serve, he needs to be more imposing , he needs to make his opponent feel more pain and he needs to be more aggressive. He said he needs something, he will keep looking until he finds it. He will find it.

That means that he gonna makes some TWEAKES..that's all..same thing Wilander said..Relax guys..AP doesn't believe RAFA will come out serving like Sampras or going for winners like JMDP.. However, since his movement is still excellent( a Course he will not move like he did ten years ago, nobody can, do you, ask your wives or girlfriend:laydownlaughing) .. However Rafa can play smarter ( Djoker, Murray, also Federer) and he will.

http://www.firstpost.com/sports/us-open-2016-rafael-nadal-let-down-by-the-very-body-that-helped-him-ascend-to-tennis-summit-2991820.html

Relax but I stand by my statement ..he is only 11 months older than Murray and Djoker.. He can add a new voice to assist Toni and Team which their strategic plans to strengthen Rafa's game. E.g. During practice Rafa defeated Pouille 6-3 6-1. Pouille and his team said that during practice Lucas was having difficulty returning Rafa serve to the ad court..they made an adjustment by standing further back.

One thing you have to keep in mind, there will be several injuries coming along for him, beside all of your dreams. Those are inevaitable for the type of play he has.