CAMELOT FANTASIES

Lady TT, I'm convinced Magnus Norman has the proper plans for a player to beat Nadal anywhere. 

But as with any plan, the individual has to have the ability, fortitude, and some good fortune to be able to execute them.
And against top players, it isn't usually just one plan, usually you have to have at least a plan B, since top players are usually able to adapt during a 5 set match, and so one has to be able to vary the tactics so the player is unable to settle into a rhythm.   If you listen to top players comments after they lose, you will very often hear them say that they couldn't find their rhythm enough during the match.

This is why I would never agree to having the men play best of 3 set matches in majors.  In best of 3, a good player can be swept away before having time to adapt and the lesser player can win.  I personally feel all men's finals should be best of 5, no matter the tournament.

It surely isn't easy to execute against the very best players.  If it were, everybody would do it.  And we know that it not the case.
Also, it's not only one side that can have good tactics.  Both opponents are trying to impose their tactics on the match.
Fortune favors the brave, and the most successful execution wins.

It's not just Nadal. Tactics can be developed that can be used to beat any top player.
It's still a question of having sufficient talent, mental strength, and fitness to be able to execute those tactics.

Respectfully,
masterclass

I agree. I don't think that it's strokes and technique that always beats the lesser players, it's a combination of things.

Isn't it funny how players like Norman can get others to the top of the mountain, but not themselves?