Actually he didn’t, as Federer was performing on par with him in 2011 RG....both were the standouts while Rafa was below himself. Of course we all know Federer laid an egg in the final, the last three sets anyway, against his nemesis. In a way it’s similar to this AO, both Nadal and Novak played awesome coming into the final (particular Rafa the whole tournament) then absolutely didn’t show up in the final. I don’t care if some clueless say it was all Novak, Rafa playing anywhere near decent simply won’t get smacked like that, no matter how Novak plays.
I think Fed beat a Novak who played better overall game, so a better match for me. In 2015 he was more restrained, and Stan absolutely overpowered him. Obviously in hind sight one can say he could’ve changed strategy to be more offensive, but probably he thought Stan would crumble if he could weather the storm.....Stan would have none of it. Funny enough for someone considered as being mentally fragile Stan is tough as nails in slam finals more often than not.
That’s ok. We agree to disagree. I think Novak was a better player in 2015 and his level was consequentially higher. I can understand others being impressed with the streak though
I have to disagree, the reasons are clear. Novak played that version of Federer who in 2011was playing in good form which set him up to getting to no1 in 2012, a stronger version than 2015, by any measure. He also beat prime Rafa time after time, in fact apart from RG he basically couldn’t be beat all the way till end of USO...and we know he was gassing out because he was performing at such high revs, and that couldn’t be sustained. Whereas in 2015 he was definitely playing a notch lower level, but that allowed him to do it till end of year so he finished better. Looking through, he lost several times to a weaker version of Federer, who was on his way to a crap 2016 (to take a break later), also lost to Murray and to Karlovic so apart from his RG loss to Stan he was more beatable if we limit comparison to end of USO, as he gassed out in 11. Also Nadal was a non factor in 2015, otherwise I could see more losses potentially.
Just watching his matches till USO was pretty obvious to see, as many fans have noted. He did nothing after USO in 2011 but finished great in 2015 which was the only reason it was a greater year.
Again I disagree. A mythology gets built up about levels quite often. We have to go back to the tape. In my opinion - mine - Novak was a better player in 2015 than 2011. Now if you're not basing your perception of Novak's level in 2011 on the fact that he was unbeaten, all I can say is that it takes 2 to tango. I'll maintain my opinion that a match in which Novak was playing well, but attempting "don't lose" tennis in 2015, when he was far more ingrained in his belief of his own superiority and dominance, he attained a higher level than in 2011. That's my view. Your original question was which match did we think was better. That's a subjective question mate. There can be no absolutes there. If you believe it's 2011, and every other person on the planet believed you, it wouldn't matter. I still say 2015. My view would be just as valid as everyone elses
I get that. And I'm not surprised that's the prevailing view. For the record one of the matches I re-watch more than almost any other. You and I both know which match I watch the most!
Is the 2011 US Open final between Novak and Rafa. I think that was tennis of a really high level and insanely brutal. I'm in awe of itAgain I disagree. A mythology gets built up about levels quite often. We have to go back to the tape. In my opinion - mine - Novak was a better player in 2015 than 2011. Now if you're not basing your perception of Novak's level in 2011 on the fact that he was unbeaten, all I can say is that it takes 2 to tango. I'll maintain my opinion that a match in which Novak was playing well, but attempting "don't lose" tennis in 2015, when he was far more ingrained in his belief of his own superiority and dominance, he attained a higher level than in 2011. That's my view. Your original question was which match did we think was better. That's a subjective question mate. There can be no absolutes there. If you believe it's 2011, and every other person on the planet believed you, it wouldn't matter. I still say 2015. My view would be just as valid as everyone elses
Physically more brutal like their other matches, but first two sets vs Fed was the best quality. Seems like physical dueling out is how you judge level, sorry but it’s worth a laugh. Fed or Stan on fire simply wouldn’t let Novak get that many balls back, so while Rafa vs Novak is still amazing, quality >> quantity.I get that. And I'm not surprised that's the prevailing view. For the record one of the matches I re-watch more than almost any other. You and I both know which match I watch the most!
ha! Interesting you try to infer from my like of that one match the type of matches I think reflect a high level. Good try but no cigar
