I just watched some of the points again. Some absolutely masterclass performance there from Nole. He kept the rallies so deep that Nadal often found himself out of balance. Some of the backhands were just out of this world. Very intelligent construction and execution from Nole. Very high class tennis. Especially if you consider that he was playing against the No. 1 player and the crowd. Nothing bothered him. He remained focused regardless. Andy could learn a lot too given how easily and stupidly his boat gets rattled. Still immature as a player if I am to be really honest.
This is the reason why I like Nole a great deal. He's no mental midget. He doesn't care who's on the other side of the net. He doesn't care if it's Rafa or Federer or Murray. Unlike most of the players, Nole does not worship any player so he leaves no mental weakness there. Love his true warrior attitude. Even Andy has the tendency to worship Rafa, something I truly hate. This, if anything, holds him back from playing great tennis against Nadal.