CAMELOT FANTASIES
The Truth Rafael Nadal Universe => The Truth Rafael Nadal Universe => Topic started by: Clay Death on December 09, 2013, 09:50:55 pm
-
Happy New Year!
🥂Here is to Rafa's success
Mostly
Lady TT wishing you an incredible New Year
Of amazing possibilities
In all areas of life
Much love and light
~Divine
-
Rafa is off to a great start.
he snatched his 4th UAE title.
I am looking for him to stay healthy and do some major damage on clay this year.
time is of the essence. he has to strike now.
-
Nishikori Against Nadal my body starts shaking every time
Gatto Luigi - 24-12-2016
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Rafael_Nadal/39171/nishikori-against-nadal-my-body-starts-shaking-every-time-/
Kei Nishikori has never played a full season. Because of injuries, the Japanese player has always been forced to stop during the middle of the season. This year it happened in October when he had a gluteus injury in Tokyo.
He has ups and downs mentally during a match as well. 'That's my issue every year,' Nishikori told the Japanese website Nikkei. 'I need to play more consistently during a match in order to increase my concentration. There are still many shots I need to improve technically, so if I have to say, (everything) is going to be something I need to work on. If I can be more stronger mentally, I can beat top players. I need to play much, much stronger tennis.'
Speaking about how hard it was to be focused all the time in such a long season, Nishikori said. 'Even Murray and Djokovic cannot play at maximum level throughout the year. But they still make it to semi-finals and finals all the time and that’s why they are at the top of the world. It’s about not only recovering physically but also how you can stay fresh mentally facing each match. How you do not think too much of the matches and how you pump yourself up before the match but be relaxed once you are back to the hotel. It’s very important to switch on and off like that.'
No player makes him feel nervous like Rafael Nadal does. 'It happens every time I play Nadal. He is the kind of opponent I cannot win unless I play aggressive,' said Nishikori, who's lost nine of the 11 matches he's played against the Spaniard player. At Rio Olympics, in the bronze medal match, he was up 6-2 5-2 and won only in the third set.
'I know that if I play against him without taking risks, I will lose 100%. There is a pressure that I have to finish and win when I’m leading in the match. I think that’s why my body starts shaking. He is such a fighter and never gives up. He hits balls with “super” topspins, so I have to come inside (the baseline) in order to hit well. His play style is unique. I usually can hit back fine if I have the right racket face angle, but with Nadal, I have to hit through otherwise the ball goes to somewhere.'
This year Nishikori also reached the final in Miami, Barcelona, Toronto and Basel, won Memphis title, but asked where he played the best match of this season, he said, 'Against Andy Murray at the US Open.' In that match, the world no. 5, saved match points to win at the fifth set. 'I also had many matches I came back from match points down this year. It’s interesting how big one point can be, like how one point can shift the momentum and change the outcome of the match. It was only a matter of a few centimeters when I made or missed the shot to win that one point.'
-
Lady TT
Yay thank you for the link
Unfortunately it would not open up for me
I'm very curious
Always great to see you
And I've missed you so very much
Always much love and light
~Divine
-
Lady TT
I've missed you
So happy to see you expressing your love for Rafa!
I am totally happy for the Cubs winning the Worlds Series
I know it's not Tennis talk
But it's been a long time coming for Chicago
Toronto Blue Jays did pretty good
We're a sports town and love all sports
I think it actually unites the city...we still are
Hopeful Maple leafs (hockey) will at least make the play offs haha
Sending you love and light
Always
~Divine
-
"it is actually the other way around lady TT.
general masterlass and I are actually interested in seeing him back at the competitive levels again.
we would not be talking about him if we did not care the most."
I don't believe that at all. Everything you two say about Rafa is negative. However, there is nothing ever spoken about Federer. Federer isn't winning anything. There's no concern for him? Bullocks!
You can only speak for yourself.
-
welcome back lady TT.
this is your home and always will be your home forever and ever.
it is great to see you again.
I would like it to be that way, but I see something totally different. I've seen it for awhile, which is why I stopped posting here.
-
you are reading us wrong lady TT.
we want him to get fit and get on clay so he can find his once great ground game again.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows. only clay can fix all that ails his game.
what he is doing is not working. he is not getting any better.
It's the "we" part that's wrong.
-
you are reading us wrong lady TT.
we want him to get fit and get on clay so he can find his once great ground game again.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows. only clay can fix all that ails his game.
what he is doing is not working. he is not getting any better.
-
welcome back lady TT.
this is your home and always will be your home forever and ever.
it is great to see you again.
-
"it is actually the other way around lady TT.
general masterlass and I are actually interested in seeing him back at the competitive levels again.
we would not be talking about him if we did not care the most."
I don't believe that at all. Everything you two say about Rafa is negative. However, there is nothing ever spoken about Federer. Federer isn't winning anything. There's no concern for him? Bullocks!
all I want is for Rafa to capture his 10th RG and I will be the happiest man on the planet.
but I am afraid he is squandering his opportunity. it ends after the clay season ends in 2017.
-
general masterclass calls it like he sees it.
his trained eye for the sport and his immense knowledge of the game itself and exactly how it is played is what allows him to call it with sublime objectively.
he knows and understands exactly how the war is waged on the battlefield (tennis court) in modern times.
the sport has changed. it is now more demanding than ever before.
more later.
I call it like I see it, too. And I don't see Federer winning anything. I also don't see one negative word about him, or pictures showing him at fashion shows or anything else that he does. What's really striking is that dogging Rafa out comprises 97% of both of you all's posts. It's overkill and one would have to be blind not to see it. Others have remarked on it as well, so I'm not the only one. It's old and it's tired. And, IMO, it's why we can't keep tennis fans here on Camelot. No one wants a steady diet of negativity.
This is the main reason why we left Talk Tennis. I came over here to support you and Camelot. I have been diligent in my support, but enough is enough. When it gets to the place where you all turn your discerning eye on Federer and show some objectivity then I will listen. But as it is Federer is untouchable and Rafa is dirt even though Rafa has won big more recently than Federer. If you can't see that, then it's a failure on your part.
It's sickening. Read your posts and insert another player's name in there and see how tedious it becomes.
-
The Swiss Assassin could have easily retired, similar to Sampras, and sailed into the sunset with tremendous glory after winning Wimbledon in 2012 in his 1050th match, and getting back to #1 at age 31 whilst Djokovic and Nadal were still in their prime. But he didn't.
Why? He wasn't ready to stop. He enjoyed the game and all it's benefits. But in late 2012, instead of his usual serious training block in Dubai, he went on that exhibition tour of South America for enjoyment of fans and himself. I think he paid the price for it in 2013, and he hurt his back. But even then, he kept trying to play, which he later said was a mistake on his part, but he also changed his racquet to a bigger head size (97 sq. in) for the first time since very early in his career (he went from 85 to 90), and had his worst year since 2002.
However, by the time 2014 rolled around he had trained hard in Dubai in the off season and went on a tear in 2014 and 2015 where he won 11 titles out of 22 finals losing most of them to Djokovic and got back to #2 in the world and even had a chance at #1 in late 2014. Nobody on tour played more than Federer in 2014, and only Djokovic did better overall. No, he didn't win any majors during that time, but to make 3 major finals at his age, is still amazing, and certainly reflects the hard work he did.
Federer continued to train hard at the end of 2015. He trained with Pouille in Dubai, and the Pouille team was astounded by how hard Federer trained. They said they saw his routine, training from 1pm to 8pm, finally finishing, and getting into an ice bath. They said it was a real eye opener because most people think all comes easy for Federer. But to stay competitive with the world's top movers, he knows he has to train hard as possible, especially the older he gets. But then he said he hurt his knee in that freak accident after the 2016 AO, and had to take time off and was recuperating as well as he could to get ready for the grass season. You could see at Halle he still wasn't moving well, but by Wimbledon he looked better. But then against Raonic in the semis he took that tumble and landed squarely on his knee and you could see his leg go up and down in pain. So he decided to skip the rest of the year and try to rest and recuperate, then be as fit as possible to try for 2017 playing in his 36th year on the planet. 2016 hasn't been about winning titles for Federer, it was about injury and recovery at age 35. And still he hasn't announced his retirement. We'll see what happens with him. Maybe the knee won't recover sufficiently and forces him to retire. Maybe it does recover and he goes on to play, who knows? But to play he'll have to work hard, and his knee will have to recover enough to withstand the work and play against the best player, or else he'll just be playing for the "fun of it".
The hard yards have to be done at some point in training. There is no way around the hard work if you want to stay relevant into the deciding sets in the current men's game. The older you get, the harder it gets.
General Hercules and I have been looking for a similar thing from Rafa, similar to what he did in 2012-2013. He took time off after WImbledon 2012, recovering and preparing, skipped the AO, returned in South America, built confidence and match play, and took 2013 by storm winning RG and the US Open and many masters in between, and was rewarded as the Year End #1 player for 2013. But then in late 2013, he went on the exhibition tour on hard courts naturally. He didn't have time to train hard for 2014. Stan injured his back in the final of the AO when Rafa had to extend himself dealing with Stan's heavy pace. Fast forward to the clay season where Rafa was trying to get matches in, which he did, and he got his last RG win. But then he suffered his myriad of problems with wrist, more back problems, I think the stem cell attempt, and then finally was coming back to play and had the appendicitis, which for some strange reason he tried to play through. But he was just losing fitness and didn't get it back even in the off-season it continued, and in 2015 he was healthy again, but had his first year without winning a major. He lost to players left and right he had never lost to before even on clay. Fognini beat him 3 or 4 times. Rafa had and has been a shadow of his great self and he continues to try to grind on hard courts.
General Hercules and I could both see Rafa wasn't and hasn't been fit. The whole world could see it. He was struggling after playing one good set. Players could obviously see it. When that happens, players lose their aura. Players don't walk on the court thinking they don't have a chance against Rafa anymore. Instead they are all gunning for him in his weakened state. This is normal. Rafa was playing and his team and him were saying the right things like they were looking for solutions to his anxiety, etc. But there was no overlooking the fact that his serve was deteriorating, his return very short, and his movement no longer was allowing him to cover his forehand wing when running around his backhand. To play the topspin game and have great success, on any surface, but especially clay, one must be fit.
Rafa has now played close to 1000 matches. Almost all modern players (not Rosewall and the like), win their last major before 1000 matches. Rafa won his last at something like 834 matches. General Hercules and I hoped that he had one more in him between then and now. But to get that, he would need to work extra hard, build himself up. The topspin game needs a lot of strength. We just haven't seen it from him. Maybe he doesn't want to make that effort anymore. Who can really blame him after all he has accomplished? But on the other hand, he is still playing, saying he is missing something and trying to find it. Maybe he can. But he is a shadow of himself every few matches when he reaches the better players.
I think what General Hercules and I are saying is that if he wants to go for a last slam, if he wants to become consistent again, he has to put in the work so he can be very fit and have his best chance to beat the better players. If he doesn't want it, then it just won't happen. Fine. But as one of Rafa's biggest fans, I completely understand why General Hercules is saying the things he is, wanting for Rafa to make the effort to be his best again before he has to call it quits.
Of course, only Rafa can make that decision, not Uncle Toni or his team, certainly as fans we have little influence. But we do have our wishes. Obviously our wishes may be different than his or others, but we are only suggesting what needs to be done for him to have a chance at going after it.
When it doesn't happen then we call it as we see it. That's it.
No rose colored glasses of the understanding and sympathetic fans, no delusion of the fanatical fans, just the way it is.
Respectfully,
masterclass
The Swiss Assassin could have easily retired, similar to Sampras, and sailed into the sunset with tremendous glory after winning Wimbledon in 2012 in his 1050th match, and getting back to #1 at age 31 whilst Djokovic and Nadal were still in their prime. But he didn't.
Why? He wasn't ready to stop. He enjoyed the game and all it's benefits. But in late 2012, instead of his usual serious training block in Dubai, he went on that exhibition tour of South America for enjoyment of fans and himself. I think he paid the price for it in 2013, and he hurt his back. But even then, he kept trying to play, which he later said was a mistake on his part, but he also changed his racquet to a bigger head size (97 sq. in) for the first time since very early in his career (he went from 85 to 90), and had his worst year since 2002.
However, by the time 2014 rolled around he had trained hard in Dubai in the off season and went on a tear in 2014 and 2015 where he won 11 titles out of 22 finals losing most of them to Djokovic and got back to #2 in the world and even had a chance at #1 in late 2014. Nobody on tour played more than Federer in 2014, and only Djokovic did better overall. No, he didn't win any majors during that time, but to make 3 major finals at his age, is still amazing, and certainly reflects the hard work he did.
Federer continued to train hard at the end of 2015. He trained with Pouille in Dubai, and the Pouille team was astounded by how hard Federer trained. They said they saw his routine, training from 1pm to 8pm, finally finishing, and getting into an ice bath. They said it was a real eye opener because most people think all comes easy for Federer. But to stay competitive with the world's top movers, he knows he has to train hard as possible, especially the older he gets. But then he said he hurt his knee in that freak accident after the 2016 AO, and had to take time off and was recuperating as well as he could to get ready for the grass season. You could see at Halle he still wasn't moving well, but by Wimbledon he looked better. But then against Raonic in the semis he took that tumble and landed squarely on his knee and you could see his leg go up and down in pain. So he decided to skip the rest of the year and try to rest and recuperate, then be as fit as possible to try for 2017 playing in his 36th year on the planet. 2016 hasn't been about winning titles for Federer, it was about injury and recovery at age 35. And still he hasn't announced his retirement. We'll see what happens with him. Maybe the knee won't recover sufficiently and forces him to retire. Maybe it does recover and he goes on to play, who knows? But to play he'll have to work hard, and his knee will have to recover enough to withstand the work and play against the best player, or else he'll just be playing for the "fun of it".
The hard yards have to be done at some point in training. There is no way around the hard work if you want to stay relevant into the deciding sets in the current men's game. The older you get, the harder it gets.
General Hercules and I have been looking for a similar thing from Rafa, similar to what he did in 2012-2013. He took time off after WImbledon 2012, recovering and preparing, skipped the AO, returned in South America, built confidence and match play, and took 2013 by storm winning RG and the US Open and many masters in between, and was rewarded as the Year End #1 player for 2013. But then in late 2013, he went on the exhibition tour on hard courts naturally. He didn't have time to train hard for 2014. Stan injured his back in the final of the AO when Rafa had to extend himself dealing with Stan's heavy pace. Fast forward to the clay season where Rafa was trying to get matches in, which he did, and he got his last RG win. But then he suffered his myriad of problems with wrist, more back problems, I think the stem cell attempt, and then finally was coming back to play and had the appendicitis, which for some strange reason he tried to play through. But he was just losing fitness and didn't get it back even in the off-season it continued, and in 2015 he was healthy again, but had his first year without winning a major. He lost to players left and right he had never lost to before even on clay. Fognini beat him 3 or 4 times. Rafa had and has been a shadow of his great self and he continues to try to grind on hard courts.
General Hercules and I could both see Rafa wasn't and hasn't been fit. The whole world could see it. He was struggling after playing one good set. Players could obviously see it. When that happens, players lose their aura. Players don't walk on the court thinking they don't have a chance against Rafa anymore. Instead they are all gunning for him in his weakened state. This is normal. Rafa was playing and his team and him were saying the right things like they were looking for solutions to his anxiety, etc. But there was no overlooking the fact that his serve was deteriorating, his return very short, and his movement no longer was allowing him to cover his forehand wing when running around his backhand. To play the topspin game and have great success, on any surface, but especially clay, one must be fit.
Rafa has now played close to 1000 matches. Almost all modern players (not Rosewall and the like), win their last major before 1000 matches. Rafa won his last at something like 834 matches. General Hercules and I hoped that he had one more in him between then and now. But to get that, he would need to work extra hard, build himself up. The topspin game needs a lot of strength. We just haven't seen it from him. Maybe he doesn't want to make that effort anymore. Who can really blame him after all he has accomplished? But on the other hand, he is still playing, saying he is missing something and trying to find it. Maybe he can. But he is a shadow of himself every few matches when he reaches the better players.
I think what General Hercules and I are saying is that if he wants to go for a last slam, if he wants to become consistent again, he has to put in the work so he can be very fit and have his best chance to beat the better players. If he doesn't want it, then it just won't happen. Fine. But as one of Rafa's biggest fans, I completely understand why General Hercules is saying the things he is, wanting for Rafa to make the effort to be his best again before he has to call it quits.
Of course, only Rafa can make that decision, not Uncle Toni or his team, certainly as fans we have little influence. But we do have our wishes. Obviously our wishes may be different than his or others, but we are only suggesting what needs to be done for him to have a chance at going after it.
When it doesn't happen then we call it as we see it. That's it.
No rose colored glasses of the understanding and sympathetic fans, no delusion of the fanatical fans, just the way it is.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Whether Federer retired or not is irrelevant. He's had some bad years on tour as well, but there was never the constant dogging out that you two do to Rafa. Like I said, whether he's on tour or not, he's not winning, therefore he is not the paragon of excellence that you two pretend that he is. Everyone on Discuss Tennis can see what you two are doing. It's pretty transparent.
-
"it is actually the other way around lady TT.
general masterlass and I are actually interested in seeing him back at the competitive levels again.
we would not be talking about him if we did not care the most."
I don't believe that at all. Everything you two say about Rafa is negative. However, there is nothing ever spoken about Federer. Federer isn't winning anything. There's no concern for him? Bullocks!
-
general masterclass calls it like he sees it.
his trained eye for the sport and his immense knowledge of the game itself and exactly how it is played is what allows him to call it with sublime objectively.
he knows and understands exactly how the war is waged on the battlefield (tennis court) in modern times.
the sport has changed. it is now more demanding than ever before.
more later.
-
The Swiss Assassin could have easily retired, similar to Sampras, and sailed into the sunset with tremendous glory after winning Wimbledon in 2012 in his 1050th match, and getting back to #1 at age 31 whilst Djokovic and Nadal were still in their prime. But he didn't.
Why? He wasn't ready to stop. He enjoyed the game and all it's benefits. But in late 2012, instead of his usual serious training block in Dubai, he went on that exhibition tour of South America for enjoyment of fans and himself. I think he paid the price for it in 2013, and he hurt his back. But even then, he kept trying to play, which he later said was a mistake on his part, but he also changed his racquet to a bigger head size (97 sq. in) for the first time since very early in his career (he went from 85 to 90), and had his worst year since 2002.
However, by the time 2014 rolled around he had trained hard in Dubai in the off season and went on a tear in 2014 and 2015 where he won 11 titles out of 22 finals losing most of them to Djokovic and got back to #2 in the world and even had a chance at #1 in late 2014. Nobody on tour played more than Federer in 2014, and only Djokovic did better overall. No, he didn't win any majors during that time, but to make 3 major finals at his age, is still amazing, and certainly reflects the hard work he did.
Federer continued to train hard at the end of 2015. He trained with Pouille in Dubai, and the Pouille team was astounded by how hard Federer trained. They said they saw his routine, training from 1pm to 8pm, finally finishing, and getting into an ice bath. They said it was a real eye opener because most people think all comes easy for Federer. But to stay competitive with the world's top movers, he knows he has to train hard as possible, especially the older he gets. But then he said he hurt his knee in that freak accident after the 2016 AO, and had to take time off and was recuperating as well as he could to get ready for the grass season. You could see at Halle he still wasn't moving well, but by Wimbledon he looked better. But then against Raonic in the semis he took that tumble and landed squarely on his knee and you could see his leg go up and down in pain. So he decided to skip the rest of the year and try to rest and recuperate, then be as fit as possible to try for 2017 playing in his 36th year on the planet. 2016 hasn't been about winning titles for Federer, it was about injury and recovery at age 35. And still he hasn't announced his retirement. We'll see what happens with him. Maybe the knee won't recover sufficiently and forces him to retire. Maybe it does recover and he goes on to play, who knows? But to play he'll have to work hard, and his knee will have to recover enough to withstand the work and play against the best player, or else he'll just be playing for the "fun of it".
The hard yards have to be done at some point in training. There is no way around the hard work if you want to stay relevant into the deciding sets in the current men's game. The older you get, the harder it gets.
General Hercules and I have been looking for a similar thing from Rafa, similar to what he did in 2012-2013. He took time off after WImbledon 2012, recovering and preparing, skipped the AO, returned in South America, built confidence and match play, and took 2013 by storm winning RG and the US Open and many masters in between, and was rewarded as the Year End #1 player for 2013. But then in late 2013, he went on the exhibition tour on hard courts naturally. He didn't have time to train hard for 2014. Stan injured his back in the final of the AO when Rafa had to extend himself dealing with Stan's heavy pace. Fast forward to the clay season where Rafa was trying to get matches in, which he did, and he got his last RG win. But then he suffered his myriad of problems with wrist, more back problems, I think the stem cell attempt, and then finally was coming back to play and had the appendicitis, which for some strange reason he tried to play through. But he was just losing fitness and didn't get it back even in the off-season it continued, and in 2015 he was healthy again, but had his first year without winning a major. He lost to players left and right he had never lost to before even on clay. Fognini beat him 3 or 4 times. Rafa had and has been a shadow of his great self and he continues to try to grind on hard courts.
General Hercules and I could both see Rafa wasn't and hasn't been fit. The whole world could see it. He was struggling after playing one good set. Players could obviously see it. When that happens, players lose their aura. Players don't walk on the court thinking they don't have a chance against Rafa anymore. Instead they are all gunning for him in his weakened state. This is normal. Rafa was playing and his team and him were saying the right things like they were looking for solutions to his anxiety, etc. But there was no overlooking the fact that his serve was deteriorating, his return very short, and his movement no longer was allowing him to cover his forehand wing when running around his backhand. To play the topspin game and have great success, on any surface, but especially clay, one must be fit.
Rafa has now played close to 1000 matches. Almost all modern players (not Rosewall and the like), win their last major before 1000 matches. Rafa won his last at something like 834 matches. General Hercules and I hoped that he had one more in him between then and now. But to get that, he would need to work extra hard, build himself up. The topspin game needs a lot of strength. We just haven't seen it from him. Maybe he doesn't want to make that effort anymore. Who can really blame him after all he has accomplished? But on the other hand, he is still playing, saying he is missing something and trying to find it. Maybe he can. But he is a shadow of himself every few matches when he reaches the better players.
I think what General Hercules and I are saying is that if he wants to go for a last slam, if he wants to become consistent again, he has to put in the work so he can be very fit and have his best chance to beat the better players. If he doesn't want it, then it just won't happen. Fine. But as one of Rafa's biggest fans, I completely understand why General Hercules is saying the things he is, wanting for Rafa to make the effort to be his best again before he has to call it quits.
Of course, only Rafa can make that decision, not Uncle Toni or his team, certainly as fans we have little influence. But we do have our wishes. Obviously our wishes may be different than his or others, but we are only suggesting what needs to be done for him to have a chance at going after it.
When it doesn't happen then we call it as we see it. That's it.
No rose colored glasses of the understanding and sympathetic fans, no delusion of the fanatical fans, just the way it is.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I went back and checked. No finals this year for Federer, before the injury. So how is he the paragon of all that is tennis? Where is all this praise coming from? I'm trying to understand you all's logic. It's weird since he isn't leading Rafa in any category. Four years since he won his last major. Why can he go to fashion shows? How horrible for him to enjoy a little down time, LOL.
Why are you all so invested in tearing Rafa down? It's kind of creepy if you think about it.
it is actually the other way around lady TT.
general masterlass and I are actually interested in seeing him back at the competitive levels again.
we would not be talking about him if we did not care the most.
-
Rafa in the gym? What is he working on?
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foi64.tinypic.com%2F358o3k0.jpg&hash=e485fc3de149be55ac35a548a0c38c1ae47270f5)
What do you think General, is Rafa trying to get leaner to get back some speed?
What happened to his shoulders, arms and upper legs?
Respectfully,
masterclass
Good one general.
That happens to be djokovic's favorite movie.
Rafa's favorite movie is "gladiator".
Rafa needs to spend a month with Federer.
Federer is so driven and so hungry even after all these years.
"Federer is so driven and so hungry even after all these years."
I must've missed something. You do know that Rafa leads Federer in all categories this year, right? Even in his worst year. But wasn't Federer at a fashion show? Doesn't that mean that he's lazy, unfit, and unfocused. After the knee surgery didn't we see him jumping sky high as if all was well? Where are the pictures showing Federer enjoying down time? Oops, I guess that's OK for him though.
Rafael Nadal
52 week 0.757
Titles 2
Win-loss 53-17
Rank 4
Roger Federer
52 week 0.756
Titles 1
Win-loss 31-10
past is past lady TT.
we all just want him to try harder as the time is running out.
he has one more RG in him. that will also get him past Sampras.
he need to reach for glory once again.
-
I went back and checked. No finals this year for Federer, before the injury. So how is he the paragon of all that is tennis? Where is all this praise coming from? I'm trying to understand you all's logic. It's weird since he isn't leading Rafa in any category. Four years since he won his last major. Why can he go to fashion shows? How horrible for him to enjoy a little down time, LOL.
Why are you all so invested in tearing Rafa down? It's kind of creepy if you think about it.
-
Wow, listening to you guys you'd think Federer was tearing up the courts. Not true. He hasn't won a major in four years. He didn't win a tournament this year either, did he? When's the last time he won a master's? And injuries don't count, remember? He shouldn't be at fashion shows. What blasphemy! He just doesn't care about playing tennis anymore. He's content to sit next to Anna Wintour at Fashion Week. That's how it goes doesn't it? Or do those standards only apply to Rafa?
What was I thinking? Of course they do. LOL!
-
Rafa in the gym? What is he working on?
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foi64.tinypic.com%2F358o3k0.jpg&hash=e485fc3de149be55ac35a548a0c38c1ae47270f5)
What do you think General, is Rafa trying to get leaner to get back some speed?
What happened to his shoulders, arms and upper legs?
Respectfully,
masterclass
Good one general.
That happens to be djokovic's favorite movie.
Rafa's favorite movie is "gladiator".
Rafa needs to spend a month with Federer.
Federer is so driven and so hungry even after all these years.
"Federer is so driven and so hungry even after all these years."
I must've missed something. You do know that Rafa leads Federer in all categories this year, right? Even in his worst year. But wasn't Federer at a fashion show? Doesn't that mean that he's lazy, unfit, and unfocused. After the knee surgery didn't we see him jumping sky high as if all was well? Where are the pictures showing Federer enjoying down time? Oops, I guess that's OK for him though.
Rafael Nadal
52 week 0.757
Titles 2
Win-loss 53-17
Rank 4
Roger Federer
52 week 0.756
Titles 1
Win-loss 31-10
-
We knew he was going to get run over the minute he faced a decent player general.
For public consumption he had boasted about how happy he was with his game and his play against Lornzi.
Dead giveaway that it is all lip service.
He is really pathetic. He really can't beat any decent player on any surface.
More later.
-
Federer will start training in Dubai soon.
Meanwhile, Nadal should have listened to us General and stopped his season after the US Open and started training on clay back home.
He looked terrible today in Beijing, China. The previously struggling Dynamitrov handled him with ease, 6-2, 6-4.
Rafa didn't hold serve at all in set #1. You can't win if you can't hold serve.
Rafa's forehand was very sad. Missing shots wide, long, some barely reaching the net.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eDt-U3E-uA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eDt-U3E-uA)
Now he is supposed to head to Shanghai. I'm not even going to mention his fitness.
All this talk about improvement on hard court is either delusion or lip service for his sponsors and die-hard fans.
He needs to get back on clay if it is not already too late, General, and he needs to do it soon if he wants a chance next year at RG.
Otherwise, he may as well play poker and take a golf vacation and enjoy himself.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Speaking of Roger, he was at a fashion show in Paris yesterday.
-
Good one general.
That happens to be djokovic's favorite movie.
Rafa's favorite movie is "gladiator".
Rafa needs to spend a month with Federer.
Federer is so driven and so hungry even after all these years.
-
Rafa needs to watch this movie and get inspired again, General. At this rate, he won't pass Vilas.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkevinnow.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F11%2F300.jpg&hash=b82224652f169fd3de10311afc349e6c0b4aaac1)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
He let it all go general.
He is rich beyond belief and he has his 14 majors.
He has his tennis and sports immortality.
There is just no more drive and hunger.
More later.
-
Rafa in the gym? What is he working on?
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foi64.tinypic.com%2F358o3k0.jpg&hash=e485fc3de149be55ac35a548a0c38c1ae47270f5)
What do you think General, is Rafa trying to get leaner to get back some speed?
What happened to his shoulders, arms and upper legs?
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Thanks for posting and sharing the latest info general.
He just can't let go of the hard court activity.
-
Rafa practing yesterday late afternoon/evening at his Academy I think he has a couple of exhibitions coming up.
(https://scontent-ams3-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/14276663_180095432398739_5538539767630659584_n.jpg)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Kyrgios is a nut-job. He's got all the tools but brains and balls that rank in the rodent category.
Thiem and Zverev are the future.
agreed general. Thiem and Zverev have a lot going for them. near complete games at such an early age. they have the drive, maturity, focus, hunger, determination, and the will to achieve. you can see it in their eyes.
still time for the greek warrior (kyrgios) to grow up. some just mature late.
a couple of good coaches can teach him the mental discipline needed in this sport.
-
Kyrgios is a nut-job. He's got all the tools but brains and balls that rank in the rodent category.
Thiem and Zverev are the future.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fdecimus-300%2Fmax-9000%2Frafa%2520sketches-9_zps91wn8mjd.jpg&hash=9c1e5f60394e83c380738c78c003300465fb45f6) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/decimus-300/max-9000/rafa%20sketches-9_zps91wn8mjd.jpg.html)
-
Hello! Thank you very much, Clay. It is very beautiful. Horses are very beautiful & I'm amazed that there are some people who aren't astounded by their beauty.
-
Hello!
hello Ann.
what an awesome super sig you have.
it is a treat for folks every time they look at it.
-
Hello everyone
Just dropping by to say hello!
🤗😉😚
que pasa lady D.
-
Thiem takes out Fed in Stuttgart and now enjoys a 2-1 H2H. Dominic has future slam winner written all over him and I love his single handed backhand. His game translates pretty well to Grass... I thought the pace might trouble him on the backhand wing a little as he takes big cuts on the ball... but so good, so far. Liking Dominic and Zverev the most out of the nextgen group... but also got a soft spot for the pantomime villain of the piece... Nick Kyrgios.
Thiem seems to have it all:
1. great build for tennis.
2. rocket serve
3. dominating forehand
4. fantastic composure and a sound tennis mind
5. ability to go forward with confidence
the lanky German Zverev might be too tall for optimal movement. he can still do some huge damage on quicker/faster courts.
Thiem and Zverev are going places - both will probably have tenures at #1. Thiem will get there first and probably dominate Zverev initially... before the Russo-German comes of age and lights things up. These two are the shining beacons of the next generation. Kyrgios may gatecrash the party, certainly has the tools but I doubt he has the mentality to match these two toe to toe in the longer term.
great post general.
could not agree more.
as for the mercurial greek, he has the tools and the physical attributes but not the mental discipline and composure of Thiem and Zerev.
they will all have to wait however to get their shots at being #1 in the sport.
Djokovic can easily dominate for another 2 years. Djokovic is a huge threat for the slams until 2018 is out of the way.
Thiem should be coming into his own by then anyway. he is just 22 if I am not mistaken.
-
Thiem takes out Fed in Stuttgart and now enjoys a 2-1 H2H. Dominic has future slam winner written all over him and I love his single handed backhand. His game translates pretty well to Grass... I thought the pace might trouble him on the backhand wing a little as he takes big cuts on the ball... but so good, so far. Liking Dominic and Zverev the most out of the nextgen group... but also got a soft spot for the pantomime villain of the piece... Nick Kyrgios.
Thiem seems to have it all:
1. great build for tennis.
2. rocket serve
3. dominating forehand
4. fantastic composure and a sound tennis mind
5. ability to go forward with confidence
the lanky German Zverev might be too tall for optimal movement. he can still do some huge damage on quicker/faster courts.
Thiem and Zverev are going places - both will probably have tenures at #1. Thiem will get there first and probably dominate Zverev initially... before the Russo-German comes of age and lights things up. These two are the shining beacons of the next generation. Kyrgios may gatecrash the party, certainly has the tools but I doubt he has the mentality to match these two toe to toe in the longer term.
-
Hello!
-
Hello everyone
Just dropping by to say hello!
🤗😉😚
-
Thiem takes out Fed in Stuttgart and now enjoys a 2-1 H2H. Dominic has future slam winner written all over him and I love his single handed backhand. His game translates pretty well to Grass... I thought the pace might trouble him on the backhand wing a little as he takes big cuts on the ball... but so good, so far. Liking Dominic and Zverev the most out of the nextgen group... but also got a soft spot for the pantomime villain of the piece... Nick Kyrgios.
Thiem seems to have it all:
1. great build for tennis.
2. rocket serve
3. dominating forehand
4. fantastic composure and a sound tennis mind
5. ability to go forward with confidence
the lanky German Zverev might be too tall for optimal movement. he can still do some huge damage on quicker/faster courts.
-
You're welcome, Clay.
-
Thiem takes out Fed in Stuttgart and now enjoys a 2-1 H2H. Dominic has future slam winner written all over him and I love his single handed backhand. His game translates pretty well to Grass... I thought the pace might trouble him on the backhand wing a little as he takes big cuts on the ball... but so good, so far. Liking Dominic and Zverev the most out of the nextgen group... but also got a soft spot for the pantomime villain of the piece... Nick Kyrgios.
-
I love westerns. this one is going to be good:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pG_Q5_0Gok
-
You're welcome, Clay. I'm glad you're o.k. You will feel like that. It must have been a horrific experience & feeling for you. Unfortunately, all you can do is ensure you don't strain yourself, attend your therapy sessions & take painkillers as well as divert your attention to something else. If you don't think about it as much you won't feel it as much. Our minds are very powerful instruments. I hope you're better soon.
thanks lady Ann. that is a great advice.
-
You're welcome, Clay. I'm glad you're o.k. You will feel like that. It must have been a horrific experience & feeling for you. Unfortunately, all you can do is ensure you don't strain yourself, attend your therapy sessions & take painkillers as well as divert your attention to something else. If you don't think about it as much you won't feel it as much. Our minds are very powerful instruments. I hope you're better soon.
-
I am alive and getting better with each passing day.
Camelot family is strong and united forever.
It is the will of the gods.
You seem to be in good spirits despite the circumstances. Glad to hear.
I am just glad to be alive. that was one hell of a fall and it could have been so much worse.
-
Rafa has a draw that is as tough as hell. It's not that he can't win those matches... it's the cumulative effect it's going to take on him prior to a probable semi final clash with Novak Djokovic. Fog always gives Nadal a match (however unfit - he played him tough in the second set in Barca), Thiem is a future Roland Garros champion, Tsonga will make him work (although Rafa should prevail), and then he faces Novak. It's Novak's best opportunity to win Roland Garros.
I think you are right about Thiem. he has slams in his future.
I finally made it back home to the gulf coast. pain is still substantial but I will try to manage it so I can exercise as much as possible.
I am probably 2-3 weeks away from a decent recovery.
djokovic is going to win the next 2 RG crowns as well. he really has no competition at all with Rafa out of the picture for big clay events.
-
I'm glad you're o.k. & getting betting. I hope you're well & out of hospital soon. It must be pretty boring for you. It's Wimbledon soon & you'll be wanting your strawberries & cream even if you can't have your champagne while watching.
thanks ann.
I am finally back at home on the gulf coast.
feels like I have been through hell.
-
I am alive and getting better with each passing day.
Camelot family is strong and united forever.
It is the will of the gods.
You seem to be in good spirits despite the circumstances. Glad to hear.
-
I'm glad you're o.k. & getting betting. I hope you're well & out of hospital soon. It must be pretty boring for you. It's Wimbledon soon & you'll be wanting your strawberries & cream even if you can't have your champagne while watching.
-
I am alive and getting better with each passing day.
Camelot family is strong and united forever.
It is the will of the gods.
-
Like why, Andy? This guy is the biggest jerk the tennis has ever known...in recent times. I can't speak to the past. Mouthing off to the person who's responsible for you getting to the Olympics? This guy needs help.
Andy Murray defends Nick Kyrgios over ongoing feud with Australian Olympic Committee
http://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/andy-murray-defends-nick-kyrgios-over-ongoing-feud-with-australian-olympic-committee/news-story/c1dc44473eaa16f701744686e79cb765
WORLD No.2 Andy Murray has defended Nick Kyrgios amid criticism of the tennis star from the Australian Olympic Committee.
The AOC’s chef de mission, Kitty Chiller, has threatened to snub Kyrgios for this year’s Rio Olympics over his behavior, but Murray can’t see what all the fuss is about.
“I know him away from the court and he is a good guy,” Murray told the UK Daily Mail.
“He is funny, polite, he makes fun of himself, he doesn’t take himself too seriously. And I think he does seem to be learning all of the time.
“Every week just now he’s doing well. He’s playing matches, he’s travelling more, he’s playing more events. So I hope for him that he is there (at the Rio Olympics).
“I don’t really understand it, but I guess because tennis players are some of the more famous ones, everything that they do gets seen, on a daily basis almost. But I think Nick’s behaved pretty good this year.”
Those comments echo the thoughts of Tennis Australia president Steve Healy, who has given Kyrgios his full backing.
“It’s unfortunate that he’s been included unfairly in recent discussion on player behaviour that has not involved him,” Healy said.
“His performances this year have been markedly improved and it’s obvious he’s showing more maturity.”
On Friday, Chiller fired a verbal volley Kyrgios’ way over a tweet in which he called out the team boss.
“Every week just now he’s doing well. He’s playing matches, he’s travelling more, he’s playing more events. So I hope for him that he is there (at the Rio Olympics).
“I don’t really understand it, but I guess because tennis players are some of the more famous ones, everything that they do gets seen, on a daily basis almost. But I think Nick’s behaved pretty good this year.”
Those comments echo the thoughts of Tennis Australia president Steve Healy, who has given Kyrgios his full backing.
“It’s unfortunate that he’s been included unfairly in recent discussion on player behaviour that has not involved him,” Healy said.
“His performances this year have been markedly improved and it’s obvious he’s showing more maturity.”
On Friday, Chiller fired a verbal volley Kyrgios’ way over a tweet in which he called out the team boss.
“We have had nothing official except for some ill-advised, shall I say, comments about me and what it means to be an Olympian,” Chiller said of the tweet.
“I think some of Nick’s comments in social media have shown that maybe he doesn’t understand what it means to be an Australian Olympian.
“It is not just about winning on the court - it’s about how you go about it.”
“And if he doesn’t understand that ... I’ve said all along it’s not just about winning on the court, it’s how you go about it. If he thinks going along to the Olympic Games is wholly about winning — sure, we want everyone to win — but it’s about behaviour on and off the court.
“As with any athlete. There are a couple of athletes on notice. Nick has just come off a suspended sentence from his International Tennis Federation. Any athlete that has just had a disciplinary action from their international federation is on watch.”
-
Tipsarevic I am playing again thanks to Rafael Nadal
Tennis - The former world No. 8 spoke about his long ordeal caused by the injuries ..
25 May 2016
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Janko-Tipsarevic-Im-playing-again-thanks-to-Rafael-Nadal-articolo33060.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
It would seem that Janko Tipsarevic is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after the many injuries that influenced his career in the last few years. At first it was the foot and then there was an injury to his knee that forced him to stay out of competition from 2015 September to April this year.
Interviewed by Telegraf, Tipsarevic spoke about his long ordeal. 'In the last three years the toughest moments happened every time I was feeling better. When I was finally starting to believe to be able to focus at 100% physically and mentally on tennis, after two or three weeks I could not get out of bed. And every time it was like a boulder was coming, that was taking me out of the game for anything. Now that I practice and I play even more without issues and pain, I really start to believe pain will not return,’ he said.
'Last year I underwent surgery and my doctor said, six weeks of rest and then light practice. But here there was another severe blow as I had to withdraw from the Australian Open. I had to withdraw because until 15th December I could not get out of bed. I did not know what to do, so I contacted Rafa (Nadal) who had knee issues for several years. He suggested that I visit doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro, who helped me much with the stem cell treatment. I was skeptical about this kind of therapy, and instead in two weeks I felt much better,’ he declared.
-
Rafael Nadal I never thought to be the best Winning means getting better everyday
Tennis - The Spaniard speaks also about his first round match won against Groth: ´The most important thing that I had to do today I did well was the return´ ..
24 May 2016
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-I-never-thought-to-be-the-best-Winning-means-getting-better-everyday-articolo33057.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Very easy first round match for Rafael Nadal at the Roland Garros. The Spaniard beat Sam Groth 6-1 6-1 6-1 in 82 minutes, and He is pretty satisfied with his performance.
'It's obvious that was a good start for me - affirmed Nadal -The most important thing that I had to do today I did well was the return, and then I was playing with not many mistakes. I think it's obvious that the opponent plays better in faster surfaces. But in general I think I played a solid match.'
How far is the "La Decima" title for Roland Garros? Rafa does not prefer to focus about it: 'No one say for this. Thank you for the congratulations, but now, no, for sure it's not the moment to talk about these things.'
We saw that the crowd reacted positively on your great shots. 'It's nothing new - said Nadal - It's great to play here in France and at Roland Garros. I feel always the support of the crowd here. It's true that is a great feeling, no? Because is the most important place in my career, so to feel the support of the people here is something very special for me. So just can say thank you very much to them for that.'
Then interviewed by Yellow Ball Corner Website, Nadal has spoken about how much he was open to speak about his anxiety issues in 2015. He is very humble in all his press conference, stays always with the feet on the ground, and maybe he says more obvious declarations than Djokovic or Federer, despite he won 14 Grand Slam titles: 'Everybody has his own personality - said Rafa - nobody is the same. I have my character: some things help, some probably not. The most important thing is to win, but for me winning doesn't always mean getting the trophy: it means getting better every day. Winning against yourself, that's the sport. And sometimes it's even better than winning trophies.'
He never thought he was the best. According to him, this is something that is normal. 'It’s not a question of confidence, it’s a question of not being arrogant. And it’s a question of respecting everybody. After the career that I am having, we cannot say that my character has been an issue... It’s just that I always work a lot to improve, because I have the motivation for it, not because I’m not confident with myself. I think I’ve been confident when competing. And it’s when I’ve been in this confident state, that’s when I had a very positive run of victories in a row. You can’t win the things that I’ve won if you don’t have confidence in yourself.'
-
Andre Agassi pens a letter to Rafa
https://www.facebook.com/IDontNeedToLearnGeographyMyWorldIsRafaNadal/photos/a.188210301327038.1073741828.188206811327387/649317021883028/?type=3&theater
-
All Time Win Loss Records at Roland Garros
https://www.facebook.com/PhenomeNadal/photos/a.126968460672377.11576.113505178685372/1050881918281022/?type=3&theater
-
Masterclass,
You didn't do that upset picks of the day. Remember that? We had a good time with that last year.
-
it is looking like a Andy vs djokovic final to me unless rafa can crash the party.
rafa has to improve with each match.
I saw on FB where people were upset about the actual drawing. They were talking about some tags, and how it appeared that it was fixed. They said there were smiles and smirks. I don't know, but I'm glad I didn't watch it. I don't have the tolerance for stuff like that.
-
terrible luck.
rafa got the worst draw and the life could not get much easier for djokovic. he can just picnic and party all the way to the semifinals.
he has the easiest draw again.
We already knew that though, didn't we? It never fails. I told you that when Rafa leaves the game I'm leaving too. I've had enough of the BS, harsh draws for some, powder puff draws for others, lies coming through my TV, and blatant and obvious spin. I can't take it any more. There was a time I watched every match, knew who was up and coming and all of the latest news, but these people are straight up demonic to me, and they are liars to boot.
I usually watch one sport at a time, but after this bull crap I may give up sports totally. It's too much for me, not to mention how it incites hatred in some people. It's no longer worth it to me.
Me and Rafa will ride off into the sunset together. What a glorious day it will be.
-
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/20/andy-murray-relaxed-french-open-tennis-jamie-delgado-coach
-
Rafa has a draw that is as tough as hell. It's not that he can't win those matches... it's the cumulative effect it's going to take on him prior to a probable semi final clash with Novak Djokovic. Fog always gives Nadal a match (however unfit - he played him tough in the second set in Barca), Thiem is a future Roland Garros champion, Tsonga will make him work (although Rafa should prevail), and then he faces Novak. It's Novak's best opportunity to win Roland Garros.
That is a great post general.
The key for Rafa would be get through some matches rather efficiently and also get exactly the tests he needs to prepare for Djokovic.
Rafa also may end up facing the Italian clay monster that beat him 3 times last year as you have indicated.
Fog can be tough at times. He can take ball so early off both wings.
-
One obvious advantage of a tough draw:
You are better prepared for the business end of the tournament if you can make the earlier rounds work for you.
-
Rafa has a draw that is as tough as hell. It's not that he can't win those matches... it's the cumulative effect it's going to take on him prior to a probable semi final clash with Novak Djokovic. Fog always gives Nadal a match (however unfit - he played him tough in the second set in Barca), Thiem is a future Roland Garros champion, Tsonga will make him work (although Rafa should prevail), and then he faces Novak. It's Novak's best opportunity to win Roland Garros.
-
it is looking like a Andy vs djokovic final to me unless rafa can crash the party.
rafa has to improve with each match.
-
terrible luck.
rafa got the worst draw and the life could not get much easier for djokovic. he can just picnic and party all the way to the semifinals.
he has the easiest draw again.
-
Rafa should be seeded 4th now with Roger out.
that means that he wont have to deal with Andy or Djokovic until the quarterfinals.
Won't Andy and Novak be on opposite sides of the draw? If so, I read an article that said that Rafa could only meet Andy or Novak in the semifinals.
I'd like to hope for a favorable draw, but it hasn't happened so far. I'm not holding my breath. I think they use analytics to give Rafa his draw. I don't believe in odds like that and everything can be manipulated, and usually is.
Let's hope that I'm wrong.
if that is the case then we are in good shape.
lets hope for the best possible draw for Rafa tomorrow.
-
I am the only one who can be critical of Rafa.
I have not given rest of the world permission yet to be critical of him. that is simply not going to be allowed.
by the way the clay warrior is playing 3 events at the Olympics.
Ha ha ha. I hear you. It bothers me when people are overly critical of Rafa too; magnifying anything they can to put him down, when Rafa does absolutely nothing to warrant it. He doesn't curse out fellow players, aim at players heads, throw rackets in the stands, hurl balls at the ball boys and girls, curse on court, or talk negatively about his peers in the press.
He lines up his bottles, occasionally (now) picks his bum, and goes over a few seconds on time, like everybody else and the powers to be have seen fit to vilify for these innocuous traits.
He is the class that they give to others and so many people can't see it. I've never been one to follow the crowd. I judge everything based on its own merits and for the life I can't see or understand the hatred and bile that some people are able to muster for no reason.
Rafa stands heads and shoulders above the entire tour for me in actions and in deeds. The media, commentators, vicious fans and the like can talk until they're blue in the face and it will have no impact on me. I see what's going on and nothing or no one can change my opinion but me.
Rafa is the best ever, whether the world acknowledges it or not.
-
Rafa should be seeded 4th now with Roger out.
that means that he wont have to deal with Andy or Djokovic until the quarterfinals.
Won't Andy and Novak be on opposite sides of the draw? If so, I read an article that said that Rafa could only meet Andy or Novak in the semifinals.
if that is the case then we are in good shape.
lets hope for the best possible draw for Rafa tomorrow.
-
I am the only one who can be critical of Rafa.
I have not given rest of the world permission yet to be critical of him. that is simply not going to be allowed.
by the way the clay warrior is playing 3 events at the Olympics.
-
I never did care much for Michael Llodra.
those old French tennis players used to be so critical of Rafa.
Me either. Did you ever hear where he got naked and hid in Ljubicic's locker? I never liked him after that, because that's just stupid. It's not that his comment is so bad, but it's unnecessary. We all know that Federer is older now, what's the point of reiterating it? I don't get that.
Everyone is critical of Rafa and I don't know why because he's one of the nicest people on the tour, but then again, people pick the best apples off of the tree.
I heard long ago somewhere that Llodra is a racist. doesn't surprise me if he is.
-
Rafa should be seeded 4th now with Roger out.
that means that he wont have to deal with Andy or Djokovic until the quarterfinals.
Won't Andy and Novak be on opposite sides of the draw? If so, I read an article that said that Rafa could only meet Andy or Novak in the semifinals.
-
I never did care much for Michael Llodra.
those old French tennis players used to be so critical of Rafa.
Me either. Did you ever hear where he got naked and hid in Ljubicic's locker? I never liked him after that, because that's just stupid. It's not that his comment is so bad, but it's unnecessary. We all know that Federer is older now, what's the point of reiterating it? I don't get that.
Everyone is critical of Rafa and I don't know why because he's one of the nicest people on the tour, but then again, people pick the best apples off of the tree.
-
according to this article Andy is the form player but Djokovic is the man to beat at RG:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2016/05/19/sports/tennis/19reuters-tennis-open-men.html?partner=rss&_r=0
Yeah, but the problem with Andy is that he tends to go away in most of the major finals that he plays. So, it will be interesting, but if Novak is still in a funk a la Rome, he may not be as sure of a bet as many think he is. I still can't believe how horrible Novak acted last week; his racket going into the crowd, almost hitting a ball kid. Unseemly behavior for sure.
-
RG draw is coming up tomorrow.
Woohoo! I can't believe it's already here. I'm guessing Novak and Stan will be on Rafa's of the draw.
I hope Rafa gets the right draw for a bloody change.
he needs djokovic in the opposite 1/2.
rafa will have to deal with andy murray if djokovic is in the opposite 1/2.
I won't hold my breath for Rafa getting a decent draw. It never comes to fruition. He's lucky if he gets one or two gimmes in a tournament. It's always been that way; RG2016 will be no different. He also always plays players that he's lost to many times, so it could look like:
Murray, Kyrgios, Thiem, Verdasco, and possibly Stan, although. That's usually the way the draw "shakes" out. Every time.
-
This sounds fishy. I don't think I believe it. It all seems rather too convenient and surprise, surprise, it lets Maria off the hook to a certain extent. There are so many ways to do things in plain sight. Just be fair, that'll do it.
Varvara Lepchenko took Meldonium, but less than 1mg
Tennis - She was tested positive on February and stopped competing for 3 months ..
19 May 2016 - 04:00 / by Gatto Luigi
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Varvara-Lepchenko-took-Meldonium-but-less-than-1mg-articolo32881.html
Another Meldonium case in the tennis world. After what happened to Maria Sharapova, Meldonium has also been found in�Varvara Lepchenko"s sample. The American tennis player stopped competing from end of February to Early May (she came back in Rome) just for the possible doping ban, but ITF decided not to release the news because she took less than 1mg, which is not doping after the decision taken by WADA on April 13 for the athletes that were tested positive before March 1. Lepchenko, however, can keep playing regularly.
As for Sharapova, her provisional ban started on 12th March, but it could be substantially reduced. She has to help in the investigations and also has to show lack of fault or negligence. According to what Sharapova said, she took the drug because of recurring illnesses, low level of magnesium in her body, irregular electrocardiogram results and a family history of diabetes.
Sharapova could face a maximum suspension of four years, but if she proves that she took this medicine only to improve her health conditions, she could return to the Tour earlier.
no telling what is going on.
I know that these days even a one year ban for an aging athlete can pretty much effectively end their career.
the cost is enormous: there is lost money in terms of prize money and then there are lost opportunities in endorsement avenues.
It's too risky. I don't know why anyone would risk it. It's also impossible to keep it a secret because you have to get it from someone else and there's always the chance that they can blackmail you. There is where being too competitive can be your downfall.
You have to be strong enough to take the lumps that life gives you without seeking a quick fix. It's better to be honorable than to risk tarnishing everything you've worked all of your life for. People can be so greedy.
-
Rafa should be seeded 4th now with Roger out.
that means that he wont have to deal with Andy or Djokovic until the quarterfinals.
-
I never did care much for Michael Llodra.
those old French tennis players used to be so critical of Rafa.
-
according to this article Andy is the form player but Djokovic is the man to beat at RG:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2016/05/19/sports/tennis/19reuters-tennis-open-men.html?partner=rss&_r=0
-
ferru and wawrinka getting in some match play in Switzerland:
http://www.tennisexplorer.com/live/#inscore_ifheight_xdc_4554
-
RG draw is coming up tomorrow.
Woohoo! I can't believe it's already here. I'm guessing Novak and Stan will be on Rafa's of the draw.
I hope Rafa gets the right draw for a bloody change.
he needs djokovic in the opposite 1/2.
rafa will have to deal with andy murray if djokovic is in the opposite 1/2.
-
This sounds fishy. I don't think I believe it. It all seems rather too convenient and surprise, surprise, it lets Maria off the hook to a certain extent. There are so many ways to do things in plain sight. Just be fair, that'll do it.
Varvara Lepchenko took Meldonium, but less than 1mg
Tennis - She was tested positive on February and stopped competing for 3 months ..
19 May 2016 - 04:00 / by Gatto Luigi
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Varvara-Lepchenko-took-Meldonium-but-less-than-1mg-articolo32881.html
Another Meldonium case in the tennis world. After what happened to Maria Sharapova, Meldonium has also been found in�Varvara Lepchenko"s sample. The American tennis player stopped competing from end of February to Early May (she came back in Rome) just for the possible doping ban, but ITF decided not to release the news because she took less than 1mg, which is not doping after the decision taken by WADA on April 13 for the athletes that were tested positive before March 1. Lepchenko, however, can keep playing regularly.
As for Sharapova, her provisional ban started on 12th March, but it could be substantially reduced. She has to help in the investigations and also has to show lack of fault or negligence. According to what Sharapova said, she took the drug because of recurring illnesses, low level of magnesium in her body, irregular electrocardiogram results and a family history of diabetes.
Sharapova could face a maximum suspension of four years, but if she proves that she took this medicine only to improve her health conditions, she could return to the Tour earlier.
no telling what is going on.
I know that these days even a one year ban for an aging athlete can pretty much effectively end their career.
the cost is enormous: there is lost money in terms of prize money and then there are lost opportunities in endorsement avenues.
-
I feel bad for roger. he had knee surgery and now the back issues have re-surfaced.
he had stayed healthy his whole life with great discipline and tremendous attention to fitness.
now it is the age factor. I think he will work hard to overcome this difficulty so he can keep playing and keep competing.
-
This sounds fishy. I don't think I believe it. It all seems rather too convenient and surprise, surprise, it lets Maria off the hook to a certain extent. There are so many ways to do things in plain sight. Just be fair, that'll do it.
Varvara Lepchenko took Meldonium, but less than 1mg
Tennis - She was tested positive on February and stopped competing for 3 months ..
19 May 2016 - 04:00 / by Gatto Luigi
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Varvara-Lepchenko-took-Meldonium-but-less-than-1mg-articolo32881.html
Another Meldonium case in the tennis world. After what happened to Maria Sharapova, Meldonium has also been found in�Varvara Lepchenko"s sample. The American tennis player stopped competing from end of February to Early May (she came back in Rome) just for the possible doping ban, but ITF decided not to release the news because she took less than 1mg, which is not doping after the decision taken by WADA on April 13 for the athletes that were tested positive before March 1. Lepchenko, however, can keep playing regularly.
As for Sharapova, her provisional ban started on 12th March, but it could be substantially reduced. She has to help in the investigations and also has to show lack of fault or negligence. According to what Sharapova said, she took the drug because of recurring illnesses, low level of magnesium in her body, irregular electrocardiogram results and a family history of diabetes.
Sharapova could face a maximum suspension of four years, but if she proves that she took this medicine only to improve her health conditions, she could return to the Tour earlier.
-
Interesting:
Madrid had more spectators in 2016
244.660 spectators in Madrid in 2016! Little decrease for Indian Wells; Rome and Monte Carlo the weakest events
Tennis - The Spanish tournament increases of 23.000 spectators compared to 2015. ..
Tennis Stories 19 May 2016 - 04:30 / by Gatto Luigi
The first half of the 2016 season is almost behind us and it's time to make a comparison for the number of the spectators in the main tournaments. The first Grand Slam event of the Season, Australian Open, leads the "list" with 720.000 people (record, +17.000 than 2015).
Indian Wells does not improve the record of the last year (456.000) and drops a little bit, there were around 410.000 people in 2016 (only in 2015 the number was higher).
Monte Carlo is the "weakest" tournament not having the Night session and smaller amount of people at the stadiums for a total amount of 135.652 spectators in the clay-courts event.
Madrid upsets everyone: despite the complaints of the tournament director Ion Tiriac, A total of 244,660 spectators visited the Caja Magica, which is an increase of 23,274 spectators compared to 2015 and of more than 43,000 spectators compared to 2014.
Rome improves its record, 205.000, but confirms to be one step behind when compared than others 1000s events.
-
It’s not a big deal, but it irritates me when people voice an opinion that really doesn’t need to be said. I know they’re good friends and Federer probably doesn’t mind, but still…
Michael Llodra on Federer´s back injury: ´It´s the age´
Tennis - The Former French player understands Roger, who ´does not find excuses when he loses´ ..
Roger Federer 16 May 2016 - 06:00 / by Gatto Luigi
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Michael-Llodra-on-Federers-back-injury-Its-the-age-articolo32786.html
Interviewed by TennisActu the former tennis player Michael Llodra has spoken about Roger Federer"s back injury, an issue that influenced him in the last weeks: "It"s the age, he has withdrawn from Madrid and after still had a bad week, pain is there."
"It is not in Roger"s style to enter the court and find an excuse when he loses. He has still ten days to prepare for Roland Garros, maybe a little bit less because does not arrive here without playing for ten days. But he has a good team, so will do everything to be ready."
This year, so far, Roger"s played Brisbane, where he lost in the final to Milos Raonic and the Australian Open, where Novak Djokovic defeated him in the semi-finals. He was then forced to miss around 10 weeks of action because of an unexpected knee injury and follow-up surgery. He returned in Monte Carlo, where he reached the quarter-finals before losing to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
-
Smart move by Federer. It's too soon to go on the terre baute if the back is not fully healed.
As a result of Roger Federer's withdrawal, Rafael Nadal becomes the fourth seed and can't meet Novak Djokovic until the semis at earliest.
Roger Federer withdraws from Roland Garros: ´This decision can extend my career´
Tennis - ´I will play at the Roland Garros in 2017´ - he assured ..
Roger Federer 19 May 2016
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Roger-Federer-withdraws-from-Roland-Garros-This-decision-can-extend-my-career-articolo32917.html
The rumors of two days ago were not irreal, were the reality. Through his Facebook Page the World No. 3 Roger Federer has announced he will not play Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam event of the season.
'I regret to announce that I have made the decision not to play in this year’s French Open - Federer has written - I have been making steady progress with my overall fitness, but I am still not 100% and feel I might be taking an unnecessary risk by playing in this event before I am really ready. This decision was not easy to make, but I took it to ensure I could play the remainder of the season and help to extend the rest of my career. I remain as motivated and excited as ever and my plan is to achieve the highest level of fitness before returning to the ATP World Tour for the upcoming grass court season. I am sorry for my fans in Paris but I very much look forward to returning to Roland Garros in 2017.'
As a result of Roger Federer's withdrawal, Rafael Nadal becomes the fourth seed and can't meet Novak Djokovic until the semis at earliest. An "historic" withdrawal for Federer, who skips a Major for the first time since US Open 1999
-
RG draw is coming up tomorrow.
Woohoo! I can't believe it's already here. I'm guessing Novak and Stan will be on Rafa's of the draw.
-
breaking news:
roger has withdrawn from the French open.
I figured that. He had said that he was going to withdraw, due to his back, and use the extra time off to prepare for Wimbledon. He probably needed to do with Wimbledon and the Olympics coming up.
-
I thought roger was in paris already.
I think general britbox posted a pic of his practice session from paris.
guess we will find out more tomorrow.
He did go to RG, but it had already been reported that he might withdraw, so he probably just went like they do, to tell the tournament organizers in person. This is a bummer. I hate when one of the big four is missing from a major. It kind of wrecks the draw.
-
RG draw is coming up tomorrow.
-
breaking news:
roger has withdrawn from the French open.
-
I thought roger was in paris already.
I think general britbox posted a pic of his practice session from paris.
guess we will find out more tomorrow.
-
Very big win for Andy.
He took it in straights.
Congrats to Andy and his fans at Camelot and around the world.
Yes, on the men's side this is the third great match I've seen this year. This one was a beaut.
good to see Andy stand up to one of the greatest to ever play the sport.
you cant beat them unless you have some belief. Andy is also inspired by Rafa in many ways.
for years Andy marveled at Rafa's fitness and sheer physicality. he wanted to be as strong as Rafa physically.
Andy spends a lot of time in the training room. he is now physically stronger than in the past. his back issues are also behind him.
time on the fitness front and in the training room keeps the injuries away.
you can stay out there and fight them tooth and nail because you can last longer. and you can fight for each and every point.
Great post, CD, and you're right. IMO, Rafa ushered in the spirit of competition, fighting tooth and nail to win his matches. Andy isn't the only one who learned from Rafa, but so did Novak who has said as much. I think the whole field has benefitted from Rafa Nadal being on the tour, because before he emerged as I recall Andy Roddick, James Blake and the others thought that Roger being so good was a foregone conclusion. Andy even said "You can't get mad when Roger beats you." What a loser mentality, and that's what made me a fan of Rafa from the beginning. It is ridiculous to come on the court and not fight to win.
But back to the match. Andy was superb. The key was belief and not backing down. He played to his own strengths instead of going in with that loser mentality, and what propelled him? Winning against Rafa on clay. That was huge, even if Rafa played like crap. Anyway, Andy has the belief now moving forward so RG is going to be interesting this year. All three of them have something to prove.
I read where Roger isn't playing RG, but that it hasn't been confirmed by Roger himself, and Stan, no doubt wants to prove that last year's win wasn't a fluke. Then there's the New Generation. Yes, RG 2014 is going to be electrifying...I hope.
-
I posted this at Rafa's place also:
http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10285479/can-rafael-nadal-win-his-la-decima-at-the-french-open
-
Very big win for Andy.
He took it in straights.
Congrats to Andy and his fans at Camelot and around the world.
Yes, on the men's side this is the third great match I've seen this year. This one was a beaut.
good to see Andy stand up to one of the greatest to ever play the sport.
you cant beat them unless you have some belief. Andy is also inspired by Rafa in many ways.
for years Andy marveled at Rafa's fitness and sheer physicality. he wanted to be as strong as Rafa physically.
Andy spends a lot of time in the training room. he is now physically stronger than in the past. his back issues are also behind him.
time on the fitness front and in the training room keeps the injuries away.
you can stay out there and fight them tooth and nail because you can last longer. and you can fight for each and every point.
-
Andy can do some things Rafa can't do.
For example Andy has some options.
He can finish at net. Rafa is too timid at the net.
Andy can go forward with confidence.
He was 13 for 17 at the net.
Very hard to beat Djokovic from the baseline. You have attack and go forward in order to give him different looks and also to bring him under some pressure.
I did notice that. Rafa never or rarely made his way to the net when he played Andy or Novak. You definitely can't beat Novak playing that far behind the baseline because Novak doesn't miss very often.
But, it was funny, when Rafa played Novak, Novak kept drop-shotting him and Rafa got to very few of them. He did later in the match, but by then it was too little, too late. Sunday, in the Rome final, he tried to do that to Andy and Andy started drop-shotting him right back. I don't think Novak liked that. It was funny.
-
Very big win for Andy.
He took it in straights.
Congrats to Andy and his fans at Camelot and around the world.
Yes, on the men's side this is the third great match I've seen this year. This one was a beaut.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fdecimus-300%2Fmax-9000%2Fdavis%2520cup-1_zpsummoj34n.jpg&hash=c58d42d95bdb0ae0dd3505b016819e38cad169d9) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/decimus-300/max-9000/davis%20cup-1_zpsummoj34n.jpg.html)
-
Someone mentioned this on FB. How can world #1 and #2 be on the same side of the draw? Has this ever happened? I thought 1 and 2 could only meet in the final? What am I missing?
Andy and Djokovic have to be on opposite side of the draw.
-
Andy can do some things Rafa can't do.
For example Andy has some options.
He can finish at net. Rafa is too timid at the net.
Andy can go forward with confidence.
He was 13 for 17 at the net.
Very hard to beat Djokovic from the baseline. You have to attack and go forward in order to give him different looks and also to bring him under some pressure.
-
Very big win for Andy.
He took it in straights.
Congrats to Andy and his fans at Camelot and around the world.
Well, you were right about Andy and his improvement on clay. I thought his win over Nadal was a fluke since Rafa played so bad at the end of the match (especially), but Andy was focused today and he meant business. Great win for Andy!
RG is getting interesting!
-
Very big win for Andy.
He took it in straights.
Congrats to Andy and his fans at Camelot and around the world.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/daily-schedule
big day in Rome tomorrow. Rafa has to find a way.
I'm not concerned with what happens here in Rome, because that doesn't seem to affect RG. A win would be great, IMO, but not necessary. I would love for him to win though, because maybe, the more wins the better, but come RG I think Rafa will be ready.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/daily-schedule
big day in Rome tomorrow. Rafa has to find a way.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
Rafa will be in action.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/daily-schedule
I know. But did you know that he is wearing some tape on his wrist? They said he had it on at Monte Carlo, but he got a shot and it felt better. He didn't wear it at Barcelona, but now the tape is back on. I tell you, always something. Hopefully he'll get another shot and it'll be alright, but it's something to look for tomorrow.
injuries in 6 of last 8 years.
serious dedication to fitness and hard work in the training room would have prevented a lot of those injuries and he would be sitting on 16-17 slams.
wrist injury can end your career fast.
here is the order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/daily-schedule
he needs to lose this match and get the hell out of there. it is time to get that wrist well and also go work hard on his game.
his current fitness and his current game is no match for djokovic or andy.
and he risks injury on top of that.
I checked today and I could see the taping underneath the wrist bands. Who knows why or how the wrist injury happened. I don't think his fitness is off that much. That match with Andy was winnable to me. Rafa made four errors in the last game after he broke Andy. And Novak's time is just about up. He does need to lose and get the heck out of Dodge though, it may be time for another shot, and the more time he gets to prepare for RG, the better. I see a lot of improvement in Rafa's game. To me, it all boils down to motivation. I seriously think he was contemplating retiring last year and didn't seem to care. Last year was one of the happiest he's been since he came on tour. Something changed his mind and he has re-gained motivation. I think Rafa will be just fine.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
Rafa will be in action.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/daily-schedule
I know. But did you know that he is wearing some tape on his wrist? They said he had it on at Monte Carlo, but he got a shot and it felt better. He didn't wear it at Barcelona, but now the tape is back on. I tell you, always something. Hopefully he'll get another shot and it'll be alright, but it's something to look for tomorrow.
injuries in 6 of last 8 years.
serious dedication to fitness and hard work in the training room would have prevented a lot of those injuries and he would be sitting on 16-17 slams.
wrist injury can end your career fast.
here is the order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/daily-schedule
he needs to lose this match and get the hell out of there. it is time to get that wrist well and also go work hard on his game.
his current fitness and his current game is no match for djokovic or andy.
and he risks injury on top of that.
-
Someone mentioned this on FB. How can world #1 and #2 be on the same side of the draw? Has this ever happened? I thought 1 and 2 could only meet in the final? What am I missing?
-
order of play for tomorrow:
Rafa will be in action.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/daily-schedule
I know. But did you know that he is wearing some tape on his wrist? They said he had it on at Monte Carlo, but he got a shot and it felt better. He didn't wear it at Barcelona, but now the tape is back on. I tell you, always something. Hopefully he'll get another shot and it'll be alright, but it's something to look for tomorrow.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
Rafa will be in action.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/rome/416/daily-schedule
-
Oh gosh. I cannot stand Stan Wawrinka. He is such a jackhole. He acted terrible during his match with Paire. Paire had better get a clue. Stan is a friend to no one. Ask his wife.
-
I forgot this was Madrid, the tournament with the higher altitude. This is the tournament that Rafa has "only" won four times as opposed to Monte Carlo and Barcelona which he's won nine times. No need to panic. In retrospect, the semifinals are OK.
I agree. it is a good loss if there is such a thing.
we do know that he is tired so this can prevent an injury anyway.
Yeah, at least it gave him an extra one or two days to rest and rejuvenate. I don't have much hope for Rome, but any time he gets to rest and work on his game before RG will be a blessing, so I don't care about this tournament. Get a matches and then go and work towards RG. That's what I would like to see.
-
Rafa has his work cut out for him.
he is not putting in nearly the time required on the practice courts and in the training room.
there is only really one man who can stop djokovic and it is rafa.
but it will take an extreme amount of sacrifice. rafa will have to outwork djokovic.
now the window is closing so rapidly.
30 unforced errors agains andy of all the players. rafa had owned andy on all surfaces and most especially on clay.
now uncle tony wants to avoid players like andy and ferru. and of course tony is terrified of djokovic.
rafa can beat these players on clay. he just has to put in the required hard work.
More than anything, he might not want to play back to back events so close to a major. I thought he might hit the wall after Monte Carlo when he played Barcelona after a one week break. He's close to thirty and can't play week in and week out like he did in his youth.
Thirty errors is a lot, but even worse they were unforced and Rafa was simply over hitting it appeared. He needs to pace himself more. No way should he have lost to Andy though, because Andy wasn't playing lights out. He played his normal game and that shouldn't have been enough.
But, if last month you would've asked me if I would've been satisfied with back to back titles and a semis in a Masters I would've been over the moon, so I'll take it, but I don't like that he's playing again this week, even though he has to. Hopefully, he's off after this week in order to prepare for RG.
he was worn out.
same as last year when these two met.
he just has to go fix his fitness. he can still gun down andy and djokovic on clay.
he just has to make his mind and go do it.
what is needed is some sacrifices.
he just bought a multi million dollar yacht. he has his tennis academy on his mind and a million other things.
he can make it happen. he can take another RG but the window is closing fast.
I know he said recently that he would like to win RG.
I know. He played more than the other top guys and by winning two out of three he was exhausted. That match with Andy was sloppy, but fatigue played a huge part in it. Andy, if thinking, really shouldn't take much confidence from that, because Rafa is getting older and can't play back-to-back without the vigor of youth.
RG isn't out of the question, Rafa has always had strange dips and then came up big. That's been during his entire career. The good thing is that he's now thinking about winning as opposed to his talk last year. Remember when he was saying, "14 is enough." I think he was ready to quit and do his other things. Rafa has a well rounded life that doesn't revolve around tennis completely. His family, social life, and academy seem to be foremost in his mind. The things he does take a lot of time and energy and he seems excited about them, as much as he used to be excited about tennis. But, lately there has been a shift in his motivation so I think things will be fine.
-
I forgot this was Madrid, the tournament with the higher altitude. This is the tournament that Rafa has "only" won four times as opposed to Monte Carlo and Barcelona which he's won nine times. No need to panic. In retrospect, the semifinals are OK.
I agree. it is a good loss if there is such a thing.
we do know that he is tired so this can prevent an injury anyway.
-
Rafa has his work cut out for him.
he is not putting in nearly the time required on the practice courts and in the training room.
there is only really one man who can stop djokovic and it is rafa.
but it will take an extreme amount of sacrifice. rafa will have to outwork djokovic.
now the window is closing so rapidly.
30 unforced errors agains andy of all the players. rafa had owned andy on all surfaces and most especially on clay.
now uncle tony wants to avoid players like andy and ferru. and of course tony is terrified of djokovic.
rafa can beat these players on clay. he just has to put in the required hard work.
More than anything, he might not want to play back to back events so close to a major. I thought he might hit the wall after Monte Carlo when he played Barcelona after a one week break. He's close to thirty and can't play week in and week out like he did in his youth.
Thirty errors is a lot, but even worse they were unforced and Rafa was simply over hitting it appeared. He needs to pace himself more. No way should he have lost to Andy though, because Andy wasn't playing lights out. He played his normal game and that shouldn't have been enough.
But, if last month you would've asked me if I would've been satisfied with back to back titles and a semis in a Masters I would've been over the moon, so I'll take it, but I don't like that he's playing again this week, even though he has to. Hopefully, he's off after this week in order to prepare for RG.
he was worn out.
same as last year when these two met.
he just has to go fix his fitness. he can still gun down andy and djokovic on clay.
he just has to make his mind and go do it.
what is needed is some sacrifices.
he just bought a multi million dollar yacht. he has his tennis academy on his mind and a million other things.
he can make it happen. he can take another RG but the window is closing fast.
I know he said recently that he would like to win RG.
-
I forgot this was Madrid, the tournament with the higher altitude. This is the tournament that Rafa has "only" won four times as opposed to Monte Carlo and Barcelona which he's won nine times. No need to panic. In retrospect, the semifinals are OK.
-
Rafa has his work cut out for him.
he is not putting in nearly the time required on the practice courts and in the training room.
there is only really one man who can stop djokovic and it is rafa.
but it will take an extreme amount of sacrifice. rafa will have to outwork djokovic.
now the window is closing so rapidly.
30 unforced errors agains andy of all the players. rafa had owned andy on all surfaces and most especially on clay.
now uncle tony wants to avoid players like andy and ferru. and of course tony is terrified of djokovic.
rafa can beat these players on clay. he just has to put in the required hard work.
More than anything, he might not want to play back to back events so close to a major. I thought he might hit the wall after Monte Carlo when he played Barcelona after a one week break. He's close to thirty and can't play week in and week out like he did in his youth.
Thirty errors is a lot, but even worse they were unforced and Rafa was simply over hitting it appeared. He needs to pace himself more. No way should he have lost to Andy though, because Andy wasn't playing lights out. He played his normal game and that shouldn't have been enough.
But, if last month you would've asked me if I would've been satisfied with back to back titles and a semis in a Masters I would've been over the moon, so I'll take it, but I don't like that he's playing again this week, even though he has to. Hopefully, he's off after this week in order to prepare for RG.
-
Rafa has his work cut out for him.
he is not putting in nearly the time required on the practice courts and in the training room.
there is only really one man who can stop djokovic and it is rafa.
but it will take an extreme amount of sacrifice. rafa will have to outwork djokovic.
now the window is closing so rapidly.
30 unforced errors agains andy of all the players. rafa had owned andy on all surfaces and most especially on clay.
now uncle tony wants to avoid players like andy and ferru. and of course tony is terrified of djokovic.
rafa can beat these players on clay. he just has to put in the required hard work.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/madrid/1536/daily-schedule
I'm so glad you post these. I always forget to look for these. I'm glad Rafa is playing first so I can get my tennis viewing for the day out of the way, then I can take a nap.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/madrid/1536/daily-schedule
-
Andy is playing well.
lets see how it all plays out.
not sure about the nishikori vs djokovic battle.
nishikori can win but he has to go for broke and try to take it in 2 sets.
I think Rafa will be ready for Andy, but he can still lose to him. It was a little different today because Rafa and Joao are close friends who practice together a lot. It's probably a little harder to put that in perspective, but tomorrow Andy's going to want that scalp, although they're friends, it's more like a tour friend, than a for real friend.
I was thinking the same thing about the Kei-Novak match, except that Kei has had to tough out several tough matches this week and he's so slight. I think he's had a couple of three setters too so he may be physically worn out. May the best man win.
Speaking of which, I wish they would stop trying to cram Raonic down the viewers' throats; he's nowhere near the level that they ascribe to him. He still lacks experience and confidence in the big moments. He seems to think that when he gets an opening, it's the only opening that he'll get. A good player only has to keep being relentless and Milos will fold, at least that's my impression of him.
-
Andy is playing well.
lets see how it all plays out.
not sure about the nishikori vs djokovic battle.
nishikori can win but he has to go for broke and try to take it in 2 sets.
-
Well Rafa got through it, but he'll definitely have to up his game from this point forward. I'm sure he will...he has to.
-
Slow start for Rafa against Querrey. Sousa is playing well, he'll need to be sharper than yesterday from the start. Joao's confidence looks pretty high. I like Joao.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/madrid/1536/daily-schedule
No Rafa? Aw man.
get ready for Rafa:
here is the order of play for tomorrow:
Rafa is in action:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/madrid/1536/daily-schedule
-
Nadal : "I'm good enough to compete at the highest level again"
by TENNIS MAG.
Rafael Nadal says, some weeks before The French Open 2016 and his 30th birthday, that he feels good enough to compete at the highest level. This is an exclusive interview for French Review Tennis Magazine
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x48iy9y_nadal-i-m-good-enough-to-compete-at-the-highest-level-again_sport
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/madrid/1536/daily-schedule
No Rafa? Aw man.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/madrid/1536/daily-schedule
-
Great match by del Potro today. He did so many things well, but especially on the mental front. Thiem lacked experience and the ability to stay in the moment and play his game. He seemed to think that he was supposed to beat del Potro; a recipe for disaster. Thiem still doesn't have the experience that these guys possess, he needs to continue to play his game, ignore the hype, and continue to make his career a work in progress, or he can just look at Dmitrov who tried to fulfill the hype.
good to see del potro back out there.
rafa strikes again.
that is 11 matches in a row. just has to keep building his game back up to a point where he can be competitive against the top guns at slams.
rafa is also using the right language now. he said he would like to win RG.
that is far different from what he had been saying. he is getting that winning feeling back.
it is better to compete and win if you were born a gladiator. that is what sets you apart from the rest.
-
Great match by del Potro today. He did so many things well, but especially on the mental front. Thiem lacked experience and the ability to stay in the moment and play his game. He seemed to think that he was supposed to beat del Potro; a recipe for disaster. Thiem still doesn't have the experience that these guys possess, he needs to continue to play his game, ignore the hype, and continue to make his career a work in progress, or he can just look at Dmitrov who tried to fulfill the hype.
-
get ready for Rafa:
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/madrid/1536/daily-schedule
-
Madrid Masters: order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/madrid/1536/daily-schedule
-
Get her Rafa! These a-holes have lied on this man from the beginning. They have created falsehoods, instilled rules only for him, and tried to make him a scapegoat for no reason at all. It’s about time that he fought back. I hope this so called woman in a high place that she doesn’t deserve is ruined for her salacious lies and immoral behavior. Let her crawl back under the rock that she lived under. You can’t be nice and try to ignore people because some people are just evil through and through. You got your doper, deal with it and quit trying to deflect that BS on innocents. The way of the world, my goodness.
Rafael Nadal asks ITF for his Drug Test Results to be Made Public
Tennis - Meanwhile ITF affirmed: ´Mr. Nadal has never failed a test´ ..
Rafael Nadal 26 Apr 2016
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-asks-ITF-for-his-Drug-Test-Results-to-be-Made-Public-articolo32209.html
Rafael Nadal is serious like never before. The Spaniard who, on Monday, filed a lawsuit against the former French sports minister Roselyne Bachelot and then made it public, has now written to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) asking them to make all his drug test results and blood profile records public.
'It can’t be free anymore in our tennis world to speak and to accuse without evidence,' Nadal said through a letter. 'Please make all my information public. Please make public my biological passport, my complete history of anti-doping controls and tests.'
Rafa asked also for all his future test results to be released.
It's not known yet if ITF will accept his unusual request. However, it has affirmed the former world no. 1 has never failed a drug test. 'The ITF can confirm that Mr. Nadal has never failed a test under the TADP and has not been suspended at any time for an anti-doping rule violation or for any other reason related to the TADP,' the ITF announcement read.
-
he has a natural competitive advantage on clay: heavy topspin that the world has never seen before.
that is why they cant beat him when he decides to compete and fight.
he just needs to practice more and also work on his fitness.
I'm sure they're aware of that. This was a good lesson for him. No legend is going to stay content with losing. It was only a matter of time. What makes it so good though is that he was happy in both cases, now that he's happy AND motivated I think we'll see a new and improved Rafa.
-
he has a natural competitive advantage on clay: heavy topspin that the world has never seen before.
that is why they cant beat him when he decides to compete and fight.
he just needs to practice more and also work on his fitness.
-
this picture says it all:
he wants to fight again and beat these players.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fdecimus-300%2Fmax-9000%2Fbarca-4_zpshntlihot.jpg&hash=da8200b1790d82ccc9143daac883fec52d644309) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/decimus-300/max-9000/barca-4_zpshntlihot.jpg.html)
I know. The motivation is back. He's happy on court and ready to play again. I was waiting for this. Rafa took us through a lot this past year, didn't he? But now everything is coming back together again. I am so happy! I missed his never-say-die attitude and passion. Finally, but better late than never.
-
this picture says it all:
he wants to fight again and beat these players.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fdecimus-300%2Fmax-9000%2Fbarca-4_zpshntlihot.jpg&hash=da8200b1790d82ccc9143daac883fec52d644309) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/decimus-300/max-9000/barca-4_zpshntlihot.jpg.html)
-
he is finding out that winning is fun.
he wants to compete again and win.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fdecimus-300%2Fmax-9000%2Fbarca-3_zpsvbeskviu.jpg&hash=f272379e0873573de98cbf9e9d1eec225853c848) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/decimus-300/max-9000/barca-3_zpsvbeskviu.jpg.html)
-
Yay! Rafa won his second title in as many weeks. His form wasn't great, but he got through. I was concerned with him having to play two weeks in a row, but he had just enough to get past Kei. Kei didn't play well, IMO, but he didn't play terrible. Another week in the books and onwards to RG! A little rest for Rafa and hopefully more confidence building in Madrid and Rome.
absolute must wins for Rafa. he had to have the monte carlo and Barcelona titles to show that he means business.
now on to the bigger business:
he can take it easy in Madrid and bail but he has to take the rome title. they will all be there.
rafa needs the rome title and a win over djokovic.
Agreed. He has the passion back and that's what was missing. He's doing so much better. I hope he takes one of those tournaments off to further work on his game, though. If he does, he should be ready for the French. What I've noticed the most is how he's using the geometry of the courts again and working the dog's mess out of his opponents. It's so good to see him engaged him.
-
clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
go rafa. destroy them all on clay.
-
Yay! Rafa won his second title in as many weeks. His form wasn't great, but he got through. I was concerned with him having to play two weeks in a row, but he had just enough to get past Kei. Kei didn't play well, IMO, but he didn't play terrible. Another week in the books and onwards to RG! A little rest for Rafa and hopefully more confidence building in Madrid and Rome.
absolute must wins for Rafa. he had to have the monte carlo and Barcelona titles to show that he means business.
now on to the bigger business:
he can take it easy in Madrid and bail but he has to take the rome title. they will all be there.
rafa needs the rome title and a win over djokovic.
-
Yay! Rafa won his second title in as many weeks. His form wasn't great, but he got through. I was concerned with him having to play two weeks in a row, but he had just enough to get past Kei. Kei didn't play well, IMO, but he didn't play terrible. Another week in the books and onwards to RG! A little rest for Rafa and hopefully more confidence building in Madrid and Rome.
-
monfils is capable of great tennis.
that said monfils had never been able to take a single set from rafa in the past.
great performance from monfils for reaching the final at monte carlo.
monfils is lean and lanky. he is about 6 foot 4. has great leverage and works out in the gym. he is very strong.
he is just short on the endurance front.
Yeah, but everybody loses sets. I can't think of anyone who doesn't lose sets. I don't think I've ever heard of that where someone consistently wins in straight sets all the time. Monfils has a new coach who he's been wanting for a long time and that coach wouldn't take him on, probably because of his "work ethic", but with that being said, when Monfils wants to play, and play to win that is one talented player, more gifted, IMO, than anyone on the tour. If he decides to get "serious" Monfils will win a lot and big depending on his desire. He could be great if he applied himself.
I think it was a fantastic match, so much so, that anyone who won deserved it. They were that good. That's why the tennis world is still abuzz over that match and are putting Rafa in the second position regardless of his recent frailties, and aren't counting out him winning his tenth major at RG.
-
monfils is capable of great tennis.
that said monfils had never been able to take a single set from rafa in the past.
great performance from monfils for reaching the final at monte carlo.
monfils is lean and lanky. he is about 6 foot 4. has great leverage and works out in the gym. he is very strong.
he is just short on the endurance front.
-
Rafa noticed that Gael was more focused on every point.
'It was a final against a player that is so quick and covers well the court. He's playing well. In the past he was able to play unbelievable moments, but then committing mistakes. It's not the case now. He's playing solid all the time. If he's able to play solid, he's one of the toughest opponents you can face. So when I finished the second set, I was telling me, Okay, something is not going well because the match is not in my hands. The match is not in his hands, but it's not in my hands either. I need to do something else. I need to hit more with my forehand inside the court. That's what I was telling to myself. If I lose, I lose, but I have to take that position. I did. It's obvious that it worked out so well in the third, increasing a little bit the level of my tennis, the level of my forehand. That changed everything.'
they both combined for conceding 34 break point opportunities.
rafa coughed up his serve 5 times.
so he has a lot of work to do. lets hope he can build on this win. he needs Barcelona title to keep building.
serve, return of serve, and the backhand have to get better going into Paris.
Did you see how Monfils was playing and the gets they were both getting? I haven't seen tennis like that in years. I can't tell you how many calls I got from other fans who watched that match. That match was insane.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fdecimus-300%2Fmax-9000%2Fbarcelona-1_zpspcjyim8a.jpg&hash=696b8733de070f058490e8e79162e01024bf2499) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/decimus-300/max-9000/barcelona-1_zpspcjyim8a.jpg.html)
-
Rafa noticed that Gael was more focused on every point.
'It was a final against a player that is so quick and covers well the court. He's playing well. In the past he was able to play unbelievable moments, but then committing mistakes. It's not the case now. He's playing solid all the time. If he's able to play solid, he's one of the toughest opponents you can face. So when I finished the second set, I was telling me, Okay, something is not going well because the match is not in my hands. The match is not in his hands, but it's not in my hands either. I need to do something else. I need to hit more with my forehand inside the court. That's what I was telling to myself. If I lose, I lose, but I have to take that position. I did. It's obvious that it worked out so well in the third, increasing a little bit the level of my tennis, the level of my forehand. That changed everything.'
they both combined for conceding 34 break point opportunities.
rafa coughed up his serve 5 times.
so he has a lot of work to do. lets hope he can build on this win. he needs Barcelona title to keep building.
serve, return of serve, and the backhand have to get better going into Paris.
-
Nadal press conference Full transcript after winning his ninth Monte Carlo Masters crown
On April 18, 2016/ By Rafael Nadal Fans/
https://rafaelnadalfans.com/2016/04/18/rafael-nadal-press-conference-full-transcript-after-winning-his-ninth-monte-carlo-masters-crown/
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.
Q. How happy are you after this tournament?
RAFAEL NADAL: Have been a very important week for me. Is obvious, I say at the beginning of the season, I feel myself much better than the year before.
If you don’t confirm that with results…
The victory here confirms that I am better and I am very happy, no? Is very, very emotional week for me, very important event. Probably Monte-Carlo is one of the most important places in my career without any doubt.
Win again here after three years is something so special for me. So very happy for that.
I am enjoying emotionally.
Q. Does it seem like a long time, almost two years since Madrid, the last time you won a Masters 1000?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, I have been a couple of time without having sometime without winning big, big tournament. I enjoying this moment, no?
I know I worked hard to have this trophy with me. I am enjoying this moment. Is emotional moment after some tough moments. But that’s part of the life, is part of the sports in general.
Very happy today. I hope and I believe that this week, Indian Wells, this week, two tournaments in a row, playing at a very high level, I think that’s so important. That’s what I needed.
I said the first day when I arrived here in the first press conference that I needed matches in a row, I need weeks in a row competing at the highest level. I already have two weeks in a row competing at the highest level.
Today winning nine times here is something unbelievable for me. Outside of that, that is something so special. Compete well two weeks in a row is something so positive. Another chance next week in Barcelona, I going to try my best again.
Q. How did you manage to suddenly go up another level in the third set? Suddenly you went away from him.
RAFAEL NADAL: The conditions today were much slower than during the whole week. Not sun. The court was heavier, so the balls are heavier. Little bit tough conditions, no?
For me is better to play with a little bit faster conditions. But even like this, was a final against a player that is so quick and covers so good the court. He’s playing well.
He’s playing much more serious during the whole match. Before he was able to play unbelievable moments, but then having mistakes. It’s not the case now. He’s playing solid all the time.
So when I finished the second set, I was telling me, Okay, something is not going well because the match is not in my hands. The match is not in his hands, but is not in my hands either. I need to do something else. I need to hit more with my forehand. That’s what I was telling to myself. I need to go more for the shots with my forehand, I need to play more inside the court with my forehand. If I lose, I lose, but I have to take that position. I have to decide the match with my forehand. Missing or winning, but I need to do it.
I did. It’s obvious that it worked so well in the third, increasing a little bit the level of my tennis, level of my forehand. That changed everything.
Q. Your 14th match with Gael. Were you surprised in any way by what you came up with today or was it just a matter of you raising your game in the third? So many breakpoints.
RAFAEL NADAL: He won all the matches so easy this week. When somebody is winning easy is because is playing so good. That’s the real thing, no?
And Gael, everybody knows the potential of Gael. Is obvious that Gael is a little bit up and down during his career. But everybody knows his potential is so high because he has everything to play at the highest level: good serve, movements are unbelievable, super quick, he has all the shots.
If he’s able to play solid, he’s one of the toughest opponents you can face.
The third set, after a super long two first sets, was a tough set for both of us. I was able to increase little bit the level of intensity, the level of tennis in general. That’s why I have the trophy with me.
But Gael was playing great. He’s playing well since the beginning of the season. He’s in a very high position in the race. That’s difficult. I think he’s No. 5 in the race now. It’s something great.
Q. During your speech you said you had to work especially hard to get back at the level you are now. Can you share maybe what was the most important part of the work you’ve done in previous weeks or months to get back to this level?
RAFAEL NADAL: I have been working hard. I have been working hard since long time ago. Last year have been a tough year in terms — I don’t want to talk anymore, I said enough about the nerves, I was nervous during the matches.
Is work every day to slow down that, no? Is not going like this, going like this (indicating up and down). It’s not something that stays here and disappears. It’s the work of every day.
The victories help. Still not 100% perfect, but still is much, much better of everything.
I don’t have that feeling I had last year on court. Very happy for that. In terms of tennis, I am playing better. It’s obvious.
I was able to raise the level, increase my level yesterday in the second and in the third, and today again in the third. That’s something I missed a lot the last period of time. Before when the match was coming tough, I was able to increase. This week I was able to do it.
Q. After Australia, what was your feeling? Did you think you could recover the high level of tennis?
RAFAEL NADAL: The real thing is I was playing great in Australia. I was playing great before Australia. It was a big lose for me in Australia, that’s the real thing. So tough one. I had to accept and come back. I did.
I put me in a position to play well in Indian Wells. I was ready to play well in Miami, but had that accident. Here again continues well.
I need to keep going. Very positive week. Next week is another tournament and I need to be ready.
Q. How important is this victory for the future, for your confidence?
RAFAEL NADAL: We’ll see. We’ll see in the next six months. For the moment is a day to enjoy. Is a so important victory for me. I have to enjoy this moment. Tomorrow I start to think about Barcelona. Is another important event for me.
Q. Before you say you like faster surfaces. Monfils before said that he didn’t have many free points on his serve because the court was slow, the balls were slow. Do you really think the court favored him or you, or changed completely the match? Many breakpoints.
RAFAEL NADAL: On clay there is usually more breakpoints than on hard. That’s the real thing. Especially when you play in slow conditions, the serve lose a little bit the effect, no?
I don’t know, but for sure for him is probably better to play in faster conditions. But is obvious that if I was playing in faster conditions, my ball would be higher bounces, the topspin will be higher.
So for him at the same time probably he will have more free points with the serve, but will have less chances to come back from that tough positions all the time.
So I don’t know.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
-
Soderling as long as Federer and Nadal are playing they can still win Any Title
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Robin-Soderling-As-long-as-Federer-and-Nadal-are-playing-they-can-still-win-Any-Title-articolo31973.html
Tennis - The two-time former French Open finalist shared some positivity about Federer and Nadal on Instagram
Robin Soderling shared a curious and nice post on Instagram. After Rafael Nadal's win in Monte Carlo, the former Swedish player wrote that you cannot write-off champions like the Spaniard or Roger Federer off only if they have a bad moment in terms of results:
Here is the full post: 'A couple of years back, people talked about that Roger is done. Was he? The last year, many "experts" and people in general tells that Rafa is done (he is nr 5 in the world by the way). Just a tip: Start understanding that these kind of athletes aren't like the rest. They are done once they decide not to work for it anymore. As long as Roger and Rafa are playing, they can still win any title!'
And the hashtags are interesting: living legends, vamos Rafa, allez Roger
Soderling officially retired in December 2015 after being out of action for several years because of mononucleosis. He's the only player along with Novak Djokovic to have beaten Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros. He defeated Nadal at the 2009 French Open, while Djokovic defeated Nadal in 2015.
-
Rafa Reveals Best Advice He Ever Received
On April 18, 2016/ By Rafael Nadal Fans
https://rafaelnadalfans.com/2016/04/18/interview-rafael-nadal-reveals-best-advice-hes-ever-received-from-his-father-sebastian/
Nadal FedEx ATP Player Profile 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8odGRjXHKs
-
Rafa noticed that Gael was more focused on every point.
'It was a final against a player that is so quick and covers well the court. He's playing well. In the past he was able to play unbelievable moments, but then committing mistakes. It's not the case now. He's playing solid all the time. If he's able to play solid, he's one of the toughest opponents you can face. So when I finished the second set, I was telling me, Okay, something is not going well because the match is not in my hands. The match is not in his hands, but it's not in my hands either. I need to do something else. I need to hit more with my forehand inside the court. That's what I was telling to myself. If I lose, I lose, but I have to take that position. I did. It's obvious that it worked out so well in the third, increasing a little bit the level of my tennis, the level of my forehand. That changed everything.'
-
Congrats to Rafa and all his fans at Camelot.
This was a much needed title run on clay.
Now is the time to build on this.
-
order of play for tomorrow in monte carlo:
roger and andy will be in action.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/monte-carlo/410/daily-schedule
-
great to see roger back in action. he needs clay to get better.
I have high hopes for roger at Wimbledon this year. that is the only place where somebody like roger can knock off djokovic.
roger has been knocking at the door.
thanks for posting the video general britbox.
-
Monte Carlo is upon us... a loaded draw.
Fed has been practising in the principality for 9 days...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky7l_l1igtk
-
Rafa arriving in Monte Carlo tomorrow.
-
4 year ban is too long. it effectively ends her career.
great to see you general britbox.
-
It looks like more information is coming out about the Sharapova case. I think she knowingly cheated. For one, it doesn't make sense that you would live in America and your family doctor is in Russia. Who does that? Secondly, I don't believe that for ten years she took a drug that was banned by the FDA. Sometimes things just don't make sense and this is one of those times.
Then, she came out saying that she was "taking responsibility" but then she goes on FB saying that it was so hard to read the information because it was hidden in various links, blah, blah, blah.
Maria admits to ten years, but I think it was her entire career and even the manufacturer said that the drug was only supposed to be used for a 4-6 week period. I remember when her father brought her a smoking potion in a brown bottle on court and the announcers were saying that the drink was supposed to be approved.
Too many people in the USA suffer from diabetes and heart problems and no one is being treated with Meldonium. Anyway, those are my thoughts. I'm not buying this story at all. I'm just surprised that for whatever reason they gave her up. If she isn't given the four year ban it will be a travesty. Many players have served hard time for taking cough syrup. This is serious business, it gave her an unfair advantage and she should be punished just as if she was a lower ranked player.
Jennifer Capriati is ticked. Rafa, Andy, Wozniacki, and Judy Murray have all spoken the truth. If this was anyone else, forgiveness wouldn't even be on the table. Justice needs to be served.
I don't think she "knowingly" cheated. I think she was negligent and expected other people to look after those affairs. I do think she was "knowingly" taking the drug to aid performance, but it was legal before the year began... and I suspect all players take "legal" stuff that might be frowned upon.
I don't buy the heart and diabetes stuff, particularly when she's got business interests with "Sugapova" - the drug is performance enhancing but was legal.
Interestingly, Reuters have reported that the manufacturer says it can take months to leave the system... which puts another spin on the whole affair.
I think she definitely "knowingly" cheated. She lives in the USA and the drug is not available here. It's been banned by the FDA, so why would you take it? That's taking a big chance. That's enough to make you wary of any drug, I would think. It wasn't illegal in Russia and Latvia, but she doesn't live there so why would anyone have their family doctor in another country?
She was notified five times that the drug was going to be banned by WADA. Five times is a lot. There's no way that's an oversight especially when you have a team. For all of the people on the men's and women's tour, the overwhelming majority weren't taking it? Most of those players are wary of cough medicine and refuse to take medicines for headaches, etc. There is no excuse for her. Now she's saying that it was within links and difficult to find. This has to be the weakest lie I've ever seen in tennis. Why are people making excuses for her? She only told because WADA was going to broadcast it.
I remember years ago Yuri brought her a brown potion on court that wasn't approved by the tour. Smoke was coming out of the bottle. I thought then that she was a cheater and that never left me.
I think she thought she was going to get away with it, like Andre did. Why they didn't "protect" her is baffling to me, but IMO, she must've ticked someone off and they pulled the protection. I also didn't like the way she acted like she was taking responsibility, but then on her fan pages she's acting like the organization was wrong in hiding the information from her. That's bull crap.
She deserves the same treatment as any other pro who has been caught and served their bans. Period. The favoritism needs to go and shouldn't be a part of the game.
The drug was never legal in her country of residence and considering that she makes her money primarily in the States, she should've been more diligent. I would think that a top player has people in charge of that and there is no way that everybody missed the memo...five times. I can't buy any parts of her story. I think she did it to gain a competitive edge and she did so knowing the potential risks.
Have they found out if she listed it yet? That will be interesting to know.
I really don't think she "knowingly cheated" but I definitely think she used the drug "knowingly for performance enhancement" and there is a difference. The drug wasn't banned before Dec 31 so it wasn't cheating until Jan 1... and I'm not sure she was aware it was banned... her fault however, and her team was negligent. She deserves a 4 year ban IMO... negligence isn't an excuse.
-
we hit 36,000 posts.
what an awesome milestone to reach.
congrats to the amazing Camelot family.
-
there is nothing wrong with Rafa.
he simply faded in the subtropical heat.
he is so out of shape.
absolutely nothing is going to happen unless he starts producing large blocks of work on the fitness front and then compliment that with long hard hours of work on the practice courts on clay.
-
It looks like more information is coming out about the Sharapova case. I think she knowingly cheated. For one, it doesn't make sense that you would live in America and your family doctor is in Russia. Who does that? Secondly, I don't believe that for ten years she took a drug that was banned by the FDA. Sometimes things just don't make sense and this is one of those times.
Then, she came out saying that she was "taking responsibility" but then she goes on FB saying that it was so hard to read the information because it was hidden in various links, blah, blah, blah.
Maria admits to ten years, but I think it was her entire career and even the manufacturer said that the drug was only supposed to be used for a 4-6 week period. I remember when her father brought her a smoking potion in a brown bottle on court and the announcers were saying that the drink was supposed to be approved.
Too many people in the USA suffer from diabetes and heart problems and no one is being treated with Meldonium. Anyway, those are my thoughts. I'm not buying this story at all. I'm just surprised that for whatever reason they gave her up. If she isn't given the four year ban it will be a travesty. Many players have served hard time for taking cough syrup. This is serious business, it gave her an unfair advantage and she should be punished just as if she was a lower ranked player.
Jennifer Capriati is ticked. Rafa, Andy, Wozniacki, and Judy Murray have all spoken the truth. If this was anyone else, forgiveness wouldn't even be on the table. Justice needs to be served.
I don't think she "knowingly" cheated. I think she was negligent and expected other people to look after those affairs. I do think she was "knowingly" taking the drug to aid performance, but it was legal before the year began... and I suspect all players take "legal" stuff that might be frowned upon.
I don't buy the heart and diabetes stuff, particularly when she's got business interests with "Sugapova" - the drug is performance enhancing but was legal.
Interestingly, Reuters have reported that the manufacturer says it can take months to leave the system... which puts another spin on the whole affair.
I think she definitely "knowingly" cheated. She lives in the USA and the drug is not available here. It's been banned by the FDA, so why would you take it? That's taking a big chance. That's enough to make you wary of any drug, I would think. It wasn't illegal in Russia and Latvia, but she doesn't live there so why would anyone have their family doctor in another country?
She was notified five times that the drug was going to be banned by WADA. Five times is a lot. There's no way that's an oversight especially when you have a team. For all of the people on the men's and women's tour, the overwhelming majority weren't taking it? Most of those players are wary of cough medicine and refuse to take medicines for headaches, etc. There is no excuse for her. Now she's saying that it was within links and difficult to find. This has to be the weakest lie I've ever seen in tennis. Why are people making excuses for her? She only told because WADA was going to broadcast it.
I remember years ago Yuri brought her a brown potion on court that wasn't approved by the tour. Smoke was coming out of the bottle. I thought then that she was a cheater and that never left me.
I think she thought she was going to get away with it, like Andre did. Why they didn't "protect" her is baffling to me, but IMO, she must've ticked someone off and they pulled the protection. I also didn't like the way she acted like she was taking responsibility, but then on her fan pages she's acting like the organization was wrong in hiding the information from her. That's bull crap.
She deserves the same treatment as any other pro who has been caught and served their bans. Period. The favoritism needs to go and shouldn't be a part of the game.
The drug was never legal in her country of residence and considering that she makes her money primarily in the States, she should've been more diligent. I would think that a top player has people in charge of that and there is no way that everybody missed the memo...five times. I can't buy any parts of her story. I think she did it to gain a competitive edge and she did so knowing the potential risks.
Have they found out if she listed it yet? That will be interesting to know.
-
It looks like more information is coming out about the Sharapova case. I think she knowingly cheated. For one, it doesn't make sense that you would live in America and your family doctor is in Russia. Who does that? Secondly, I don't believe that for ten years she took a drug that was banned by the FDA. Sometimes things just don't make sense and this is one of those times.
Then, she came out saying that she was "taking responsibility" but then she goes on FB saying that it was so hard to read the information because it was hidden in various links, blah, blah, blah.
Maria admits to ten years, but I think it was her entire career and even the manufacturer said that the drug was only supposed to be used for a 4-6 week period. I remember when her father brought her a smoking potion in a brown bottle on court and the announcers were saying that the drink was supposed to be approved.
Too many people in the USA suffer from diabetes and heart problems and no one is being treated with Meldonium. Anyway, those are my thoughts. I'm not buying this story at all. I'm just surprised that for whatever reason they gave her up. If she isn't given the four year ban it will be a travesty. Many players have served hard time for taking cough syrup. This is serious business, it gave her an unfair advantage and she should be punished just as if she was a lower ranked player.
Jennifer Capriati is ticked. Rafa, Andy, Wozniacki, and Judy Murray have all spoken the truth. If this was anyone else, forgiveness wouldn't even be on the table. Justice needs to be served.
I don't think she "knowingly" cheated. I think she was negligent and expected other people to look after those affairs. I do think she was "knowingly" taking the drug to aid performance, but it was legal before the year began... and I suspect all players take "legal" stuff that might be frowned upon.
I don't buy the heart and diabetes stuff, particularly when she's got business interests with "Sugapova" - the drug is performance enhancing but was legal.
Interestingly, Reuters have reported that the manufacturer says it can take months to leave the system... which puts another spin on the whole affair.
-
It looks like more information is coming out about the Sharapova case. I think she knowingly cheated. For one, it doesn't make sense that you would live in America and your family doctor is in Russia. Who does that? Secondly, I don't believe that for ten years she took a drug that was banned by the FDA. Sometimes things just don't make sense and this is one of those times.
Then, she came out saying that she was "taking responsibility" but then she goes on FB saying that it was so hard to read the information because it was hidden in various links, blah, blah, blah.
Maria admits to ten years, but I think it was her entire career and even the manufacturer said that the drug was only supposed to be used for a 4-6 week period. I remember when her father brought her a smoking potion in a brown bottle on court and the announcers were saying that the drink was supposed to be approved.
Too many people in the USA suffer from diabetes and heart problems and no one is being treated with Meldonium. Anyway, those are my thoughts. I'm not buying this story at all. I'm just surprised that for whatever reason they gave her up. If she isn't given the four year ban it will be a travesty. Many players have served hard time for taking cough syrup. This is serious business, it gave her an unfair advantage and she should be punished just as if she was a lower ranked player.
Jennifer Capriati is ticked. Rafa, Andy, Wozniacki, and Judy Murray have all spoken the truth. If this was anyone else, forgiveness wouldn't even be on the table. Justice needs to be served.
-
Great doubles match with Rafa and Verdasco. Too bad they couldn't win it, but the match was exciting and well played.
-
Pete Sampras said he finds Rafa's losses on clay shocking.
but we do not. we knew exactly what was going to happen 4 years ago. we called it here and at other forums.
it is nearly a total disaster but one that he brought about all by himself. he is left with just 20% of his once mighty ground game. and just about 30% of his once supreme fitness and his once optimal physicality.
he cannot win in this condition and should not be expected to win in this condition. it is what it is. this is what he wanted.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fhercules-900%2Frafa-29_zpstf68joe5.jpg&hash=2643adf55d2172c9bcf3dd924c7b714f189d7e83) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/hercules-900/rafa-29_zpstf68joe5.jpg.html)
-
This is the best article I've seen about Rafa's issues right now. I've never thought it was as nuts and bolts as many other people seem to believe, but that it has everything to do with the person themselves. Personally, I've always seen Rafa as a reluctant, someone who wanted to do well, but didn't look at tennis simply for the glory or status. To me, he's always been driven by his own beat and what's important to him, not the world at large. If a person cannot understand who Rafa is a person, then I don't think that they have the necessary wherewithal to say what he should or shouldn't do. Everyone who wants to be rich doesn't want to be famous. Every great player doesn't want to be a champion. For some people such rewards are intrinsic, rather than extrinsic and the world has led us to believe that power, status, and in this case titles are the things that should tip the balance.
I don't agree with this, because as we can see clamoring for things outside of yourself can cause people to sometimes compromise themselves in search of status and prestige, (See Maria Sharapova, whose story I don't believe for one second. The more I read about it, the worse it gets, IMO). Some people have their own value system, one that is not set by the world, but set their own inner standards and it is hard to be false to yourself when your heart and mind are not geared that way.
This writer actually gets Rafa and doesn't speak to him as someone who should follow others' examples, but who has to find the correct path for himself. I totally get that and I firmly believe that Rafa doesn't take motivation from others, because he has always marched to his own beat. People can rail, protest, and criticize all they want, but Rafa is going to do things his way, not for the satisfaction of others. He will play if he wants to, but it will be on his own terms. He has already surpassed his goals and he owes no man anything. I personally, am glad to watch his trajectory because to me it is the purest form of self love and reality. It is the same qualities that I see in Andy. Their motivation is for themselves, not so much for the world.
For Rafa Nadal, a new coach would spell disaster
By Daisy Cousens, 10 Mar 2016 Daisy Cousens is a Roar Rookie
http://www.theroar.com.au/2016/03/10/rafa-nadal-new-coach-spell-disaster/
The draw for Indian Wells is complete, and Rafael Nadal is looking at a bit of a doozy.
With the big-serving Gilles Muller a distinct threat in the second round, a potential rematch of the Australian Open with Fernando Verdasco in the third, and the almost-giant slayer Gilles Simon a fourth round possibility, it’s a tricky start to say the least.
In addition, Japanese sensation Kei Nishikori is in his quarter, and the juggernaut that is Novak Djokovic is looming in the semis. On paper, Nadal certainly has his work cut out for him.
In the past, the tennis world has assumed he would cut through these foes like wheat. However, after a seven-month absence in 2014 owing to a broken wrist, a back injury, and appendicitis crushed his confidence, calls for a new coach have been flying for quite a while, after his less-than-perfect 2015.
Every tennis expert, critic, and worried Nadal-partisan fan is throwing around ideas; he needs to uproot his current coaching team, or hire a guest coach, or change his game completely, or any other myriad of options. After all, tennis players hire new coaches all the time, and in Nadal’s situation, it would come as no surprise.
We can argue it certainly worked for Roger Federer and Andy Murray. The additions of Stefan Edberg and Amelie Mauresmo catapulted them back onto tennis’ top tier. And we all know what happened when Novak Djokovic brought Boris Becker on board. But here’s the thing; Federer, Murray, and Djokovic are not like Nadal. Very few people are.
There are two key differences between Rafa and every other top player, which would render a new coach potentially disastrous.
Firstly, Rafa thrives on consistency. Every aspect of his life is compartmentalised in such a way as to retain a particular through-line, to prevent his anxious mind from wandering. It extends beyond his water bottles routine (they must be placed diagonally, labels facing out, in front of his chair), walking across the ‘Melbourne’ sign on Rod Laver Arena, and his famous wedgie-pulling scenario when returning serve. It goes right to the heart of the enigma that is Nadal.
The reason he has had the same coaching team from the word go is not simply because they collaborate well, or because head coach Toni Nadal is his uncle. It’s because their collective, familiar energy calms and settles their charge. And it’s not just the coaches; Rafa has also had the same physical therapist, agent, press agent, and doctors for the majority of his career. Put simply; big change does not aid him.
Adding a new team member, a new soul to the Nadal fortress may very well topple it, rather than fortify it. Aside from anything else, the inevitable guilt at sacking or sidelining his uncle, generated by the huge emphasis he places on family, would add further disquiet to Nadal’s already fragile psyche. Not the correct ingredient when looking to rectify a crisis of confidence.
Speaking of confidence, the second key difference is Rafa relies on winning to maintain it. Unlike Federer and Djokovic, Nadal does not have a healthy ‘champion’s ego’ to fall back on when times are tough. In order to be confident, he has to win. However, in order to win, you have to be confident.
It wouldn’t matter if a super coach flew in from Mars with a book containing every secret to tennis, Rafael Nadal is not going to start winning consistently while he’s caught in the confidence-trap. No amount of new coaches, or tweaking his game plan, is going to change that. It’s simply how he’s wired.
For Rafael Nadal to maintain a consistent winning streak, he has to break out of the confidence ‘chicken and the egg’ cycle. For every other athlete in the world in Nadal’s position, I would clamour for them to change something. However, Nadal is not every other athlete. He has a uniquely formulaic mind, and his way of doing things is as driven by psychology as much as practicality.
Throwing big change at him would tip the balance. The formula would be corrupted, his modus operandi compromised, and he could spiral into a pit of anxiety and guilt very hard to come back from. His team has thought this through. They know shaking up the natural Nadal-order is not to be advised.
If Rafa Nadal can navigate a tricky Indian Wells draw, and play competitively against Djokovic in the semis, it will have an infinitely more positive effect than a change to his coaching team. And if somehow, propelled by his killer instinct and a thirst to prove himself, he manages to win the tournament, the backpedalling by his critics will be extraordinary to behold.
-
Rafa needs to skip Miami and go get on clay ASAP if he wants to be competitive again. I would also take in a small clay event before monte carlo.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fhercules-900%2Frafa-18_zpsnlsjajmq.jpg&hash=30e3ee19c3b61319af7f7b9000789d3ba4c27d2e) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/hercules-900/rafa-18_zpsnlsjajmq.jpg.html)
-
I just heard about Sharapova's press conference. WTH! I heard that she can be stripped of her trophies. Is that true? Unbelievable.
Lady TT, no it is not true.
The drug she was caught taking, meldonium, was only put on the prohibited list as of Jan 1, 2016.
But it was on the monitored list for a year. This is a list where its use is monitored to see how many athletes are taking advantage of it, to help deterrmine if it is being used to enhance performance. In WADA's (World Anti-Doping Agency) judgement it was, so they added it to the 2016 prohibited list in September 2015. They and WTA sent notices to all players, and not only 1. According to recent info, no less than 5 notices were sent, some of them specifically mentioning meldonium.
She has said she has taken it for 10 years via a family doctor, but during that time it was not illegal according to the WADA code.
However, it was also not a drug available for purchase in the USA. It could be bought in Eastern Europe, and Russia.
She may have been unethical at most during that time, knowing she was taking something to enhance her performance.
The worst that will happen is that she:
1. Loses all her money and points from the Australian Open, This is almost certain, unless they manage to argue successfully for a backdated TUE (Therapeutic Use Excemption) which allows her to legally use it based on a previously existing medical condition.
2., Could be suspended up to 4 years. More likely is 1-2 years.
3. Lose sponsorships left and right costing her perhaps hundreds of millions in the short term, and who knows what in the long term. NIKE alone is worth 70 million/year. They and Porsche have suspended their arrangement, watchmaker TAG Heuer will not renew her contract.
4. Her reputation may be greatly tarnished, even though she flatly acknowledged her mistake immediately. It was said that she had the potential to be a billionaire. Not sure if that's going to happen now.
The thing that boggles the mind is that the normally meticulous and by all accounts intelligent Sharapova and her team, did not stop using it in time with all the notice given. She says it was a mistake. Well, that mistake is going to cost her a bundle.
There may be more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. As you know, Tennis (ITF) recently came under heavy criticism in relation to failing to followup on match fixing allegations with a lackadaisical attitude by them and their Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU). Some theorists believe that maybe Maria was sacrificed to steer the attention away from the match fixing issues and the TIU, and try to put the ITF Anti-Doping division in a favorable light by catching a big fish. Recall that Maria had sunk to #7, has been injured, and may not have played for awhile anyway.
Respectfully,
masterclass
My sister told me about it. I didn't tune in for her press conference. I did read where it wasn't available in the USA though, and that seems like it should've been a red flag. I also didn't understand Maria saying that she saw the link but didn't click on it to read the list of banned substances. I found that very odd. My sister told me that the entire Russian team in some sport was recently in trouble for this same drug and weren't going to be allowed to participate in the Olympics. It all sounds implausible to me. That's what weird too. Of course they didn't single her out. Every player on the WTA would've had to be informed about this prohibition.
She may have been unethical at most during that time, knowing she was taking something to enhance her performance.
That's really a shame. Things can go up in smoke at any point in time. You have to be so careful, especially when people are getting banned for stuff like cough medicines.
It's sad for this to happen at this time in her career, on the tail end. I thought she was going to announce her retirement or getting married or having a baby. I was shocked when I heard the news.
But, it's also mind-blowing that she and her team allowed this to happen.
-
I just heard about Sharapova's press conference. WTH! I heard that she can be stripped of her trophies. Is that true? Unbelievable.
Lady TT, no it is not true.
The drug she was caught taking, meldonium, was only put on the prohibited list as of Jan 1, 2016.
But it was on the monitored list for a year. This is a list where its use is monitored to see how many athletes are taking advantage of it, to help deterrmine if it is being used to enhance performance. In WADA's (World Anti-Doping Agency) judgement it was, so they added it to the 2016 prohibited list in September 2015. They and WTA sent notices to all players, and not only 1. According to recent info, no less than 5 notices were sent, some of them specifically mentioning meldonium.
She has said she has taken it for 10 years via a family doctor, but during that time it was not illegal according to the WADA code.
However, it was also not a drug available for purchase in the USA. It could be bought in Eastern Europe, and Russia.
She may have been unethical at most during that time, knowing she was taking something to enhance her performance.
The worst that will happen is that she:
1. Loses all her money and points from the Australian Open, This is almost certain, unless they manage to argue successfully for a backdated TUE (Therapeutic Use Excemption) which allows her to legally use it based on a previously existing medical condition.
2., Could be suspended up to 4 years. More likely is 1-2 years.
3. Lose sponsorships left and right costing her perhaps hundreds of millions in the short term, and who knows what in the long term. NIKE alone is worth 70 million/year. They and Porsche have suspended their arrangement, watchmaker TAG Heuer will not renew her contract.
4. Her reputation may be greatly tarnished, even though she flatly acknowledged her mistake immediately. It was said that she had the potential to be a billionaire. Not sure if that's going to happen now.
The thing that boggles the mind is that the normally meticulous and by all accounts intelligent Sharapova and her team, did not stop using it in time with all the notice given. She says it was a mistake. Well, that mistake is going to cost her a bundle.
There may be more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. As you know, Tennis (ITF) recently came under heavy criticism in relation to failing to followup on match fixing allegations with a lackadaisical attitude by them and their Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU). Some theorists believe that maybe Maria was sacrificed to steer the attention away from the match fixing issues and the TIU, and try to put the ITF Anti-Doping division in a favorable light by catching a big fish. Recall that Maria had sunk to #7, has been injured, and may not have played for awhile anyway.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I just heard about Sharapova's press conference. WTH! I heard that she can be stripped of her trophies. Is that true? Unbelievable.
-
Another Andre, General. ;D Agassi in 4 sets I think
Respectfully,
masterclass
correct again general.
the big lefty was nearly 6 foot 5. maybe slightly less than 6 foot 5.
but what a powerful topspin forehand he had. he could also do some damage at the net.
so it was the Andre the giant against Andre the midget.
-
Another Andre, General. ;D Agassi in 4 sets I think
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Arthur Ashe comes to mind general masterclass.
who is the oldest to win RG?
Correct general hercules. Here are the oldest players to win the majors in the Open Era.
RG (clay): Andres Gimeno (1972)- 34y 10m 1d
WC (grass): Arthur Ashe (1975) - 31y 11m 25d
USO (grass): Ken Rosewall (1970) - 35y 10m 11d
USO (hard): Pete Sampras (2002) - 31y 0m 27d
USO (clay): Manuel Orantes (1975) - 26y 7m 1d
AO (grass): Ken Rosewall (1972) - 37y 2m 1d
AO (hard): Andre Agassi (2003)- 32y 8m 28d
Respectfully,
masterclass
Andres gomez snatched RG at 31.
who was the player he had to defeat to capture his only major?
-
Arthur Ashe comes to mind general masterclass.
who is the oldest to win RG?
Correct general hercules. Here are the oldest players to win the majors in the Open Era.
RG (clay): Andres Gimeno (1972)- 34y 10m 1d
WC (grass): Arthur Ashe (1975) - 31y 11m 25d
USO (grass): Ken Rosewall (1970) - 35y 10m 11d
USO (hard): Pete Sampras (2002) - 31y 0m 27d
USO (clay): Manuel Orantes (1975) - 26y 7m 1d
AO (grass): Ken Rosewall (1972) - 37y 2m 1d
AO (hard): Andre Agassi (2003)- 32y 8m 28d
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Arthur Ashe comes to mind general masterclass.
who is the oldest to win RG?
-
General, well said, I think that's what he thinks.
If he said something like I'm not sure I can win a major again, I'm not sure he would be out there playing.
He's been knocking at the door the past two years - 3 finals, but the door has been shut by one man, Djokovic.
Just think, if Djokovic had been in a slump, or hurt, or less than as good as he was, Federer might very well be sitting on 20 majors now, just as your 100 titles thread at MTF predicted. You certainly were not far off. The opportunities were there.
Now for kicks, Roger was the second oldest player to win Wimbledon when he won at almost 31 years of age in 2012.
Who is the oldest player to win Wimbledon in the Open Era?
(Hint: He played on the USA Davis Cup team that was part of winning 5 straight Davis Cup Championships)
(2nd Hint: He was the USA Davis Cup captain for a time, leading the team to two championships)
(3rd Hint: He was just short of 32 years old when he became the oldest player to win Wimbledon)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Breaking News!
Roger Federer is back in training!
From Roger's twitter:
Trying to be (https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f578.png)(https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f577.png) man. Back at it!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cb7Kn3vUEAAFL4o.jpg:small) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cb7Kn3xUsAAYv4x.jpg:small)
That's Federer's expert fitness trainer, Pierre Paganini receiving.
Two hours later, Roger posted:
Rarely felt so happy being back on a practice court (https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f604.png)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cb7ohHvUkAAm0vT.jpg:small)
General, looks like Roger is motivated to get back in shape and back playing.
That's an amazing vertical leap for someone halfway through his 35th year after knee surgery.
Fitness trainer Paganini must be testing him.
Also, I think Roger is sending a message to Novak.
The day before Roger sent these tweets, in Novak's press conference after beating Robredo, Novak said this about Federer.
“I hope he [Federer] recovers fast, because we are not used to seeing him injured. He’s very fit, and he plays very well throughout the entire year,”
Respectfully,
masterclass
Roger dares to stare down history. he will not back away from this once in a lifetime challenge.
he believes he has a slam left in him. it keeps him going.
he has fire in the belly.
-
Didn't want to leave a pic of Djokovic as the last thing in Lady TT's thread... I know she is not a big fan. :)
So here is an article yesterday from Sky Sports, Barry Cowan:
Rafael Nadal has lost his fear factor as next generation make their mark (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/17136/10176982/rafael-nadal-has-lost-his-fear-factor-as-next-generation-make-their-mark)
Personally, I wouldn't be worried about young Thiem, after all, youngsters are supposed to challenge the older players eventually and push them out.
What is more worrying is that someone like Cuevas from Rafa's generation and others even older are having success against Rafa.
Pablo Cuevas is 6 months older than Rafa born on New Year's day 1986.
Cuevas has undoubtedly worked hard on his fitness. He finished off Rafa late at night while Pella was resting, and came back the next day and snatched the title in 3 sets.
The whole world of tennis reporting thinks that Rafa is having a crisis in confidence, and losing his nerve, but for me it all stems from two things:
1. Greater Dedication/Motivation needed to:
2. Work harder on his fitness and game
When you have the fire inside to work harder, success and results follow, and that builds confidence.
For me, we haven't seen that fire from Rafa since losing the Australian Open final in 2014.
Actually it began earlier, in 2011 when he said he lost his passion for the game, but he was able to take a long break and restored the passion for awhile in 2013.
Yes, he won Roland Garros in 2014, and 4 other lesser titles since then, but 2014 RG was mostly won on inertia, and other players fear of Rafa on clay.
So Cowan makes a good point; other players do not fear Rafa anymore. Why?
These players are on the court and in the locker room with Rafa and can see and feel close up what we here at Camelot have been seeing for the past few years.
Sadly, but inevitably I suppose, he is a shadow of his former self. It happens to all players eventually, great and small.
The great topspin players don't last as long; it's a brutal way to play tennis and the body and mind have to be extremely dedicated to play that game.
I just wanted to add that all should still respect what Rafa has done in the game.
He is still #5 in the world even with these problems, perhaps due to the aging of the tour combined with the youngsters not coming up to speed fast enough.
Some forums have lots of people laughing and enjoying Nadal's decline.
This is not respect and quite sad for one of the greatest players the tennis world has ever seen, and frankly idiotic, since it will happen to their favorites eventually.
NO human is immune to Father Time.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Ha ha ha, Lady TT is only a fan of Rafa, Andy and Berdych, but has nothing against Djokovic at all.
Cowan? Pfft! He was one of the main ones on the bandwagon of disrespecting Rafa from day one. Him, Leif Shiras, Patrick McEnroe and the rest of that gang. Suddenly after years of the game being played we saw them take innocuous things and blow them up into mountains; the water bottles, the 20-25 second rules, rules that had never been thought about or considered in the past. If you look at a classic match there is no worrying about seconds, all of the that was conjured up for Nadal and Nadal alone.
It's all BS. They started calling it "cheating" although they rarely ever timed anyone else. When they did for that brief period they found out that no one was keeping up with the seconds so they abandoned that theory and stopped putting the shot clock onscreen because it made them out to be liars.
They have maligned Rafa, Serena, and Venus forever. Venus only gets a pass now because she's sick and older. At one time the Williams Sisters were referred to as ugly, ape like, and manly. They were called lazy and disrespectful to the game. They did the same thing to Rafa, and swayed a lot of weak minds, while glorifying others who don't have an ounce of character in their entire bodies.
They made Andre out to be an "icon" and thrashed Pete, knowing all along that Andre was doing drugs and wearing a wig. Let that be someone that isn't on their "good side" and that would've been all over the internet.
I read through articles very carefully because I'm not down with the BS they're selling. All of them are followers and there's nothing worse than someone who follows the crowd.
I don't have a problem with any articles that are put in this thread, because people can make a choice of what they want to read, but Barry Cowan? That @ss kisser and liar? I'll pass.
-
Thank you Lady TT
Yes I am very well!
Thank you for your kind words🌹
Wishing you always well wishes
Love and light
Divine
-
That's great. I hope he hasn't come back too soon as if you try to do things before you're ready you can make yourself worse rather than better.
-
Breaking News!
Roger Federer is back in training!
From Roger's twitter:
Trying to be (https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f578.png)(https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f577.png) man. Back at it!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cb7Kn3vUEAAFL4o.jpg:small) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cb7Kn3xUsAAYv4x.jpg:small)
That's Federer's expert fitness trainer, Pierre Paganini receiving.
Two hours later, Roger posted:
Rarely felt so happy being back on a practice court (https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f604.png)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cb7ohHvUkAAm0vT.jpg:small)
General, looks like Roger is motivated to get back in shape and back playing.
That's an amazing vertical leap for someone halfway through his 35th year after knee surgery.
Fitness trainer Paganini must be testing him.
Also, I think Roger is sending a message to Novak.
The day before Roger sent these tweets, in Novak's press conference after beating Robredo, Novak said this about Federer.
“I hope he [Federer] recovers fast, because we are not used to seeing him injured. He’s very fit, and he plays very well throughout the entire year,”
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
great post.
we have been saying this for years but his game is far more dependent on supreme fitness and physicality that any other player who has ever played this game.
simon noticed the significant decline in Rafa's fitness up close and personal at RG a few years back. he got beat by Rafa there but went away wondering what had happened to Rafa's fitness.
he said something to the effect that Rafa looked terrible compared to his old self.
well he was right. Rafa has been shedding fitness and physicality since the end of 2010 now.
this fitness and physicality alone can allow him to fight out there. but his body just runs into a wall in about 40 minutes out there. he just runs on fumes after that.
that is why the movement becomes difficult and the balls keep dropping short. it is just simple target practice for them.
there is very little starch or mustard on his shots. and quite obviously there is not much depth either.
this spills over to his returns quickly. he finds it difficult to even get the ball back on their serve.
he was just 2 for 13 on break point opportunities in his last match.
more next time.
-
Didn't want to leave a pic of Djokovic as the last thing in Lady TT's thread... I know she is not a big fan. :)
So here is an article yesterday from Sky Sports, Barry Cowan:
Rafael Nadal has lost his fear factor as next generation make their mark (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/17136/10176982/rafael-nadal-has-lost-his-fear-factor-as-next-generation-make-their-mark)
Personally, I wouldn't be worried about young Thiem, after all, youngsters are supposed to challenge the older players eventually and push them out.
What is more worrying is that someone like Cuevas from Rafa's generation and others even older are having success against Rafa.
Pablo Cuevas is 6 months older than Rafa born on New Year's day 1986.
Cuevas has undoubtedly worked hard on his fitness. He finished off Rafa late at night while Pella was resting, and came back the next day and snatched the title in 3 sets.
The whole world of tennis reporting thinks that Rafa is having a crisis in confidence, and losing his nerve, but for me it all stems from two things:
1. Greater Dedication/Motivation needed to:
2. Work harder on his fitness and game
When you have the fire inside to work harder, success and results follow, and that builds confidence.
For me, we haven't seen that fire from Rafa since losing the Australian Open final in 2014.
Actually it began earlier, in 2011 when he said he lost his passion for the game, but he was able to take a long break and restored the passion for awhile in 2013.
Yes, he won Roland Garros in 2014, and 4 other lesser titles since then, but 2014 RG was mostly won on inertia, and other players fear of Rafa on clay.
So Cowan makes a good point; other players do not fear Rafa anymore. Why?
These players are on the court and in the locker room with Rafa and can see and feel close up what we here at Camelot have been seeing for the past few years.
Sadly, but inevitably I suppose, he is a shadow of his former self. It happens to all players eventually, great and small.
The great topspin players don't last as long; it's a brutal way to play tennis and the body and mind have to be extremely dedicated to play that game.
I just wanted to add that all should still respect what Rafa has done in the game.
He is still #5 in the world even with these problems, perhaps due to the aging of the tour combined with the youngsters not coming up to speed fast enough.
Some forums have lots of people laughing and enjoying Nadal's decline.
This is not respect and quite sad for one of the greatest players the tennis world has ever seen, and frankly idiotic, since it will happen to their favorites eventually.
NO human is immune to Father Time.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.anygator.com.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Fstatic-anygator2%2Fthumbs%2Fus%2F8b%2F8b08be79a9305a6c5debb00dad9de35f81e2c627%2Fbig.jpg&hash=9c6ae9d6478c22809e6c52f181030b4626e3fbac)
ha ha. good one general.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.anygator.com.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Fstatic-anygator2%2Fthumbs%2Fus%2F8b%2F8b08be79a9305a6c5debb00dad9de35f81e2c627%2Fbig.jpg&hash=9c6ae9d6478c22809e6c52f181030b4626e3fbac)
-
Djokovic will make history:
He will become the first man in this sport to win over $100 million on court prize money.
He is taking all 4 slams.
He is taking 100 percent of the masters events he plays.
He may not lose more than 1-2 matches all year.
The man is working night day on his game and his fitness.
Don't be fooled by his vacations. He never misses a single day of work on his fitness and practice on the courts.
-
Great post.
This post spells out the formula for some success for Rafa's camp.
-
General hercules, Lady tt, and the others,
If Rafa can't get fit enough to win 250 and 500 events, he'll run into a wall in the Masters and Majors where the competition is much more fierce.
See my last post in discuss.tennis.
Rafa had a decider win percentage of 14-1 (93%) in 2013. He had a career winning percentage in deciders of close to 71% up to 2015.
In 2014, his decider percentage dropped from the sublime 93% to his career average 71%.
In 2015, his decider percentage dropped again, to 61%, and he lost important deciders to the likes of Fognini, the US Open from 2 sets ahead.
In 2016, his percentage so far is 40%. So it is getting worse, not better. Zero improvement, or decline in fitness and the outcome is sadly predictable.
Too many returns are landing between the net and the service line.
Too many forehands don't have sting, hit the net, or are being sprayed out of the court.
His court positioning is leaving him vulnerable on his forehand wing, and players know the strategy.
Hit to his backhand to open up the court, especially when he runs around his backhand to hit a forehand, and wallop one with angle to his forehand, and he either won't try for it, or he won't get to it in time to hit a credible shot.
Now he has run out of time on the South American clay with 2 SF exits.
He'll probably go to his pal Larry Ellison's Indian Wells on the slow hard courts, play some golf, maybe some doubles, and have some fun.
Maybe he'll practice more on hard court and go to Miami, and visit South Beach and the city's Spanish nightclubs.
In my opinion, he would be better off skipping all that and going back to Mallorca and training hard 6-7 hours/day on clay with a real fitness coach like Muster's old coach, now Djokovic's fitness coach. Then he could go to Monte Carlo with over a solid month of physical fitness under his belt on clay, and not worry about the pounding he will take on the slow hard courts of IW and Miami.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Isn't this odd? Rafa doesn't want to talk about the Olympics? He's usually gung-ho where the Olympics are concerned. That's weird. I wonder if he's planning on participating.
http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2016/02/17/rafael-nadal-beats-pablo-carreno-busta-in-rio-open-2016-first-round/
Our champ won gold in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 but missed the London Olympics with an injury. Despite being asked about it repeatedly, he’s staying away from talking about the Rio Olympics that open in six months.
“The Olympics is a very important event, a very special one, and I’m going to try my best when the Olympics arrive,” Rafa said. “But for now I’m playing the ATP tournament in Rio. That’s the most important thing for me.”
we will hang on to just a little bit of hope.
there is about 2% chance that he will wake up one morning and decide to win again.
even then it will take all of this year to get ready for 2017.
2017 is his last window. he has to take it if he wants to sail into the sunset with his 10th RG.
-
it will be hard to win a single title for Rafa in 2016.
no way to come back from this deficit. he let everything go for too long. and I do mean everything.
that said only he can come back but it would take an extreme sacrifice and laser like focus. and it would have to be on clay.
inactivity and lack of proper work ethic killed his game. and injuries did the rest. injuries also contributed heavily to inactivity.
he became too big and too popular and too rich. he lost focus.
he has been injured 5 out of the last 7 years. and what is so tragic is that he could have prevented almost 90% of his injuries by greater attention and detail to fitness and physical work in the gym.
this man could be sitting on 18-19 slams today.
-
Greetings Lady TT, General CD , General Masterclass
Great threads and Vamos Rafa!
Thank you for the clarity
You're all masters
Good night
Love and light
Divine
what a wonderful surprise.
great to see you here lady D.
-
What are some of the strange matchups you've seen in tennis, where the favored has a lower ranked player who becomes a thorn in their side?
1. One that comes to mind for me is Sampras-Krajicek. It was never a given that Pete would get past Richard.
I'll have to think about it. I know there's a lot but my mind isn't working just yet.
-
Greetings Lady TT, General CD , General Masterclass
Great threads and Vamos Rafa!
Thank you for the clarity
You're all masters
Good night
Love and light
Divine
Hey Divine, I read some of your poetry, divine as usual. Hope you're well.
-
Greetings Lady TT, General CD , General Masterclass
Great threads and Vamos Rafa!
Thank you for the clarity
You're all masters
Good night
Love and light
Divine
-
hard work will fix some of the issues but absolutely nothing can be accomplished with the drastically reduced fitness levels and the significantly diminished physicality he is bringing to the battlefield right now.
there is plenty of inspiration to be had from the likes of djokovic, murray, and Federer.
and then there is serena. all these players are working harder than ever before on their fitness. they are also doing more physical work in the gym than ever before.
if you cant win then you start looking at the winners and see what they are doing and how they are doing it.
-
Thanks Masterclass. I'm trying to figure out what's going on with Rafa. This is another article, this time from Francisco Roig. I think it's interesting.
Francis Roig: ´Nadal is tense. He has enthusiasm, but sometimes it´s not enough´
Tennis - Rafa´s second coach speaks about many interesting topics ..
Rafael Nadal 18 Feb 2016 - 11:00 / by Gatto Luigi / reads 499.
Rafa has not been competitively playing, the way he"s been training. He won a set 6-2 against David Ferrer in practice. "I think it"s normal when you are used to playing in a way and you are going through a process trying to learn. We have been doing it since before the last US Open. In fact since Cincinnati, we have been trying to modify his style of play. It"s been years that Rafael has been playing this way. He"s been playing certain shots since a few years. He believes as well and that is the most important thing. The way to win at this moment is changing: he needs to be more aggressive, hit before the ball. He needs to make such a change, needs to make sure that things turn, it won"t be easy. When you practice it"s easier mentally, but when you compete you have fear of falling that temptation of having to do more.
For some reason I couldn't copy the rest of it, but it's an interesting article.
-
Lady TT, thanks for sharing the article!
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Great article by Steve Flink
02/15/2016
Steve Flink: Nadal is still fighting to get back to glory
http://tennischannel.com/steve-flink-nadal-is-still-fighting-to-get-back-to-glory/
Having been a close observer of tennis since 1965—and a full time reporter on the sport since 1974—I have had the good fortune to witness a cavalcade of prodigious performers through the years and across the decades. I have seen champions of every ilk, towering figures who transcended the game in many ways, outstanding individuals who have displayed their gifts, grit and greatness over long spans of time. The game has been blessed with an abundance of players who have enriched our lives with their collective talent, diversity and originality.
But perhaps no one in the last fifty years has intrigued me more as a human being than Rafael Nadal. He has brought a singular brand of joy, verve and intensity to the arena, an earnest and unshakable professionalism, and a deep sense of humility that has been exceeded by no one in the upper reaches of the sport with the exception of the honorable Australian Ken Rosewall. Nadal refuses every invitation to pat himself on the back. He is appreciative of all the prestigious prizes he garners, taking nothing for granted, respecting all of his adversaries regardless of their rankings. He is a fundamentally decent fellow with a highly unusual outlook for an athlete of his stature. No matter how much he wins, regardless of his standing at any given time, Nadal seems to be listening to a very loud inner voice telling him, “Don’t get carried away. Success is fleeting. This could be over tomorrow.”
That philosophy of treating himself as simply a hard working man doing the best he can to succeed in a ferociously competitive field has served the Spaniard remarkably well over the course of his storied career. His self effacing nature has defined his staunch character, and endeared him to fans in every corner of the globe. But now Nadal needs to remind himself who he is, why he has come through so frequently under pressure, and how he secured 14 major titles from 2005-2014. The fight for Nadal to reestablish his identity, recover his confidence and reignite his game will not be easy.
The past couple of years have been emotionally taxing and complicated for this left-hander with a singularly large heart and a work ethic that is surely second to none in his profession. The year 2014 was the start of a downward spiral for the Spaniard. He seemed certain to open that campaign with a triumph at the Australian Open. Nadal upended Roger Federer to reach the final in Melbourne, and faced Stan Wawrinka for the title. Nadal owned a 12-0 career winning record over the Swiss No. 2, and had never even lost a set to a big hitter who had never taken a major singles title.
In the warmup for that match, Nadal felt something uncomfortable in his back. After losing the first set and falling behind in the second, with the pain worsening, he took an injury timeout. Nadal returned but was clearly not himself, and Wawrinka played beautifully to win in four sets.The back issues lingered into the spring, and en route to Roland Garros even his revered clay court game was nowhere its normal level. Somehow he managed to collect a ninth crown at the French Open with a four set victory over Novak Djokovic, thus extending his men’s record of winning at least one major to ten consecutive seasons. He took that title essentially on reputation, determination, ingenuity and willpower.
And yet, the rest of that year was a wipeout. After losing to a highly charged Nick Kyrgios on the Centre Court of Wimbledon in the fourth round, Nadal barely competed the rest of the year, missing the U.S. Open with a wrist injury, dealing with an appendectomy in the autumn. Although he did capture three tournament titles in 2015, he fared badly in the majors, losing in the quarterfinals of the Australian and French Opens, falling in the second round of Wimbledon, and bowing out of the U.S. Open in the third round despite taking a two sets to love lead over Fabio Fognini.
That was irrefutably the low point for Nadal, who had not squandered a two set lead since early in 2005 against Federer in Miami. He was clearly at an intricate crossroads. But then he seemed to move past his disappointments and toward the positive psychological territory he had regularly inhabited during sunnier stretches. It was a different and more self assured Nadal who recovered a large measure of pride and conviction across the autumn. After the Open, he appeared in five ATP World Tour events and also played one Davis Cup match. He won 17 of 22 matches in that span. In the five tournaments, he lost only to Djokovic (twice), Federer, Wawrinka and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He reached two finals (Beijing and Basel), two semifinals (Shanghai and London) and one quarterfinal (Paris). Moreover, he recorded two wins over Wawrinka and one over Andy Murray in that stretch.
Things were looking up for Nadal as he approached 2016. He plainly was revitalized, and was seemingly feeling considerably more optimistic. In the final of his opening tournament, he reached the final in Doha. Although he was clobbered 6-1, 6-2 by a sublime Djokovic, the fact remained that Nadal was maintaining his week in, week out consistency, and he seemed fully capable of reaching at least the semifinals and perhaps the final of the Australian Open. But he suffered a jarring setback there, falling in five sets against Fernando Verdasco in that clash of southpaw Spaniards.
Despite that startling and unjustifiable defeat—his third consecutive early round loss in a Grand Slam event—Nadal sounded upbeat and ready to make swift amends. He had a few weeks off, and then went this past week to Buenos Aires to the Argentina Open in search of a 48th career clay court title. Nadal had ample time to prepare for that event after the quick departure in Melbourne. This was a chance to jumpstart his 2016 season and get back into the stable mindset that characterized his play late in 2015.
Nadal was not very impressive in cutting down Juan Monaco and Paolo Lorenzi to set up a semifinal appointment with Dominic Thiem, the big hitting, 22-year-old Austrian. This was a significant test not only for Thiem—who had beaten only one top ten ranked player in his still young and rapidly evolving career— but also for Nadal, who knew full well that he was confronting a dangerous player who leaped into the world’s top twenty at the end of 2015 and now stood at No. 19.
Thiem has an awful lot going for him: a terrific one-handed topspin backhand, a vicious kick serve in the ad court that lands short and bounds up high and wide, a crackling forehand that is his point dictating shot, and a tactical flexibility that is rare for a player of his age and relative inexperience. To be sure, Thiem, who had played Nadal only once before back in 2014 at Roland Garros, was always going to be a dangerous opponent for the Spaniard, particularly if the Spaniard was not near the peak of his current powers.
Nadal made just the start he would have wanted, securing an early 2-0 lead by breaking Thiem in the second game with some solid returning and good depth in the rallies. Nadal thus had the opportunity to seize control of the set if he could hold in the third game. A confident Nadal would have done just that. Instead, he faltered, losing his serve at 15 with a pair or unforced errors off the forehand. Rather than building a 3-0 lead and leaving Thiem with a difficult uphill battle, Nadal had allowed his foe right back into the set. Thiem now started hitting out freely off the forehand. He rallied to 2-2 and both men held for 3-3.
In the seventh game, Nadal saved a break point with his familiar ad court wide serve setting up a trademark inside out forehand winner. He held for 4-3 and then had a break point in the eighth game. He stood one point away from serving for the set. Thiem’s second serve on that point was unexceptional, but Nadal bungled the return flagrantly, smothering his forehand with excessive topspin into the net. He looked baffled and disconcerted after that lost opportunity. Thiem held on, broke Nadal in the following game, and served out the set in the tenth game. The 6-4 scoreline for Thiem could easily have been reversed. Nadal had wasted his early chance with the 2-0 lead, and had then squandered that break point for 5-3.
On to the second set. Nadal competed with quiet fury to keep himself in the match while Thiem sustained a high level of play. At 3-3, Thiem had a break point but Nadal erased it with a magnificent inside in forehand winner. At 4-4, Nadal surged to 40-0 but needed five game points before holding on tenuously to establish a 5-4 lead. Nadal broke through in the following game to seal the set 6-4. It was one set all. Nadal seemed likely to seize control of the contest from that juncture on.
But Thiem had one of his most effective return games at the outset of the third set. He broke for 1-0. Nadal saved two break points but Thiem was controlling points largely, and he sealed the break on the third opportunity before holding for 2-0. Nadal proceeded to play a superb service game to hold at love in the third game, unleashing a backhand crosscourt winner, an inside out forehand winner, and a couple of stinging backhands that forced errors.
Thiem missed a smash from on top of the net in the following game that enabled Nadal to reach 30-30, and the Spaniard took full advantage of that lapse. He broke for 2-2 and held at love for 3-2. Thiem appeared to be fatigued, but he halted Nadal’s three game surge, holding for 3-3. At 4-4, Nadal revealed some unmistakable anxiety, double faulting for 15-30. But Thiem failed to make good on his opening. Nadal squirmed out of trouble, winning three points in a row for 5-4. In the following game, he advanced to match point. He hit a reasonably deep ball down the middle, and Thiem seemed slightly off balance as he leaped up and out to hit an inside out forehand winner. He was rolling the dice to a degree, but the gamble worked to the hilt; his shot turned into a dazzling winner. After five deuces, with both men playing some extraordinary tennis, Thiem held on gamely for 5-5. Both men held to set up a tie-break.
Nadal commenced that sequence in the worst possible way, double faulting into the net on the first point. Thiem was buoyed by that surprise start. He used a strong first strong first serve to set up a forehand winner and then aced Nadal down the T for a 3-0 lead. Nadal won the next point, but followed with a forehand unforced error and a netted backhand drop shot. Those mistakes from Nadal lifted Thiem to 5-1. A winning overhead from the Austrian gave him a 6-1 lead. A typically resolute Nadal saved three match points, but, serving at 6-4, Thiem admirably came forward to force an errant backhand passing shot from the top seed. Thiem gained the victory 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (4).
To be sure, Thiem played a superb match, giving a first class effort all the way, somehow finding a second wind at the end, fending off Nadal down the stretch. He won the tournament on Sunday with another triumph in a final set tie-break, this time over Nicolas Almagro. Thiem is headed swiftly and surely toward the top ten, and he may challenge for the top five by next year.
But where does this loss leave Nadal? He keeps saying the right things and indicating that he is convinced he can turn things around. That is understandable. In all three matches at Buenos Aires, he was driving the forehand down the line like the prime time Rafa, and perhaps with even more authority. Against Thiem, he was cracking the backhand with improved velocity and good control, flattening out that stroke repeatedly, angling away shots crosscourt off that side and threading the needle down the line as well. The forehand drop shot was another added dimension in Nadal’s game.
And yet, the consistency we witnessed in the Nadal of old was sorely missing. He made too many unforced errors off both sides, and that was costly. Most importantly, Nadal is losing too many close encounters he once would have won; against Verdasco in Australia he was thrice two points from winning in four sets but never got across the finish line. Against Thiem, he did not convert his match point opportunity, and then played an abysmal final set tie-break.
Only a fool would say that Nadal has moved permanently beyond the point where he can be a serious threat at the majors. But he needs to make a move soon. Very soon. His supreme mental toughness and propensity to play the big points fearlessly were always his largest strengths, but not these days. The 29-year-old has not won a tournament of any kind since he triumphed on the clay of Hamburg last July. In the last three majors, he has won a total of three matches. He must be dismayed by showings that seem impossibly poor by his standards.
Nadal is an immensely modest man. Maybe that modesty is getting impeding him now. He might well be selling himself short, listening too frequently to that skeptical inner voice, and forgetting that he did not establish himself indisputably among the greatest players in the history of the game by accident. The fact remains that he has some very difficult work ahead if he wants to climb back up the ladder once more and find himself again in the latter stages of majors. His ground game must become as consistent as it once was. He needs to keep implementing the forehand down the line unhesitatingly. He would do well to use the forehand drop shot as judiciously as he did in Buenos Aires.
Above all else, Nadal can’t afford a 2016 that is strikingly reminiscent of the year gone by; this will surely be a make or break year for the unwavering Spaniard. He must start anew this week in Rio de Janeiro at the Rio Open, and demonstrate unequivocally that he still has what it takes to flourish in that rarefied air reserved only for the elite. I am beginning to have my doubts that he can still reside in the land of luminaries, but I do know this: Rafael Nadal will not surrender. He will fight with every fiber of his being to remind himself and the world that even the most humble of men can reemerge after a long time away from the summit to reclaim their former glories.
-
Isn't this odd? Rafa doesn't want to talk about the Olympics? He's usually gung-ho where the Olympics are concerned. That's weird. I wonder if he's planning on participating.
http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2016/02/17/rafael-nadal-beats-pablo-carreno-busta-in-rio-open-2016-first-round/
Our champ won gold in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 but missed the London Olympics with an injury. Despite being asked about it repeatedly, he’s staying away from talking about the Rio Olympics that open in six months.
“The Olympics is a very important event, a very special one, and I’m going to try my best when the Olympics arrive,” Rafa said. “But for now I’m playing the ATP tournament in Rio. That’s the most important thing for me.”
-
Lady TT, I didn't get a chance to watch this live as I was elsewhere. Finished downloading it a little while ago. Maybe I shouldn't have.
The first set was painful to watch as a tennis or Nadal fan. Thiem didn't start well. Nadal was a bit better and had a 2-0 lead but horribly dropped his own serve and soon it was 2-2. Rafa's forehand was suspect. They went that way until 4-3 Nadal, and Nadal had a break point at 30-40, second serve, then put a routine forehand return into the net, and Thiem held serve. Then again, at 4-4, Nadal dropped his serve with some poor shots, many on the forehand and Thiem closed out the first set. Many errors. Rallies didn't last long at all.
The second set was fairly even, some good play and some not, but this time Nadal broke Thiem at 4-4, and won the set.
The 3rd set was a little better play, but at 5-4 Nadal, with Thiem serving to stay in the match, Rafa threw away a match point with another poor return of second serve that did not make it to the service line, and Thiem was on top of the point from there and rescued the game. After that they went through the motions, barely, as Rafa did not seem to even go after balls that he normally would, to the tiebreaker, and Rafa just looked flat or tired or demoralized or uninterested, take your pick. He started with a double fault that barely made the bottom of the net, made 3 more errors and was down 6-1 before he knew what hit him. Even though Thiem stumbled a bit, it still felt like a foregone conclusion and Thiem took the tiebreak 7-4 and the match.
Thiem played ok, hit some balls hard like others that have beaten Nadal recently, but nothing special. Rafa, was up and down way too much, and at the end seemed to be thinking of Rio or something, maybe Mallorca. Who knows?
To me it was just sad to see the Clay King like this, beaten in a 250 against a player that shouldn't beat him. But the same story, no consistency, a poor first set, and then seemed to tire late, like he isn't getting enough practice or training, or something. Maybe he was sick. I saw him taking pill a couple of times against Monaco and Lorenzi. But look, even Ferrer was beaten by Almagro yesterday, so you never know.
Let's see if Rafa will be better in Rio. That tournament has tougher players, and if Rafa doesn't improve, I don't think he can make it far there. He has Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round and maybe Almagro in the second, with Dogopolov, Tsonga, Cuevas also lurking in his half.
I guess I was hoping for more from Rafa. After going out early in Australia, I thought he would be highly motivated to do well in Buenos Aires. Oh well. Unfortunately I don't see that much has changed. In this match, he seemed unwilling to keep points going, going to drop shots, trying for winners, instead of keeping the ball in play and grinding. But again, maybe he isn't feeling fit.
I had looked for him to start giving it his usual big clay effort so that he might make a run at Roland Garros this year, and maybe he still can, but he seems to still lack a lot.
If he can't get it done this year, then he has to put in a lot of hard work this year, to do it in 2017, or else I think he retires. At times, it looks like he doesn't want to be out there, no matter what his team and he are saying publicly. His new Tennis Academy in Manacor is scheduled to open in around June this year; my guess is right after Roland Garros. Maybe he is thinking about that.
Rafa really hasn't been the quite the same since the Australian Open of 2014, even though he somehow managed to win Roland Garros later. Certainly after RG, things deteriorated in a big way. Losing to Fognini 3 times last year, a player that hadn't beaten him in the past, twice on clay and once at the US Open after leading 2 sets to love tells the story. We saw signs of this after 2010, in 2011 were he said he had lost his passion for the sport. He became distracted with other things like fishing, golf, poker, whatever, but after taking a long break in 2012, he came back on fire in 2013 and had another superb year. But even great players have only so many comebacks in them.
Regardless of all that, Rafa has had a great career. One hopes he can end it on his terms.
Respectfully,
masterclass
You know what? I was just frustrated that day seeing the inconsistency, bad errors, etc. But, then I saw him taking medicine during his matches and thought, "Hm, maybe something is wrong." Then I felt bad for judging him because the truth is we don't know what is going on. It could be a multitude of different issues.
Sometimes I have health problems, but things look fine on the outside. That doesn't mean that I don't have to go to the grocery store, the bank, etc. Last year my prescribed medications attacked my body. I didn't know why I had no energy, but I couldn't walk for more than a few paces without being weary and feeling like I was going to pass out. But when I went to the grocery store I had to use a motorized cart with a basket on it to get staples like eggs, milk, butter, etc. You can't imagine the dirty looks I got from patrons who assumed that I was being lazy. It was horrible, me sitting in that chair knowing that I physically couldn't peruse that many aisles and that the contraption that I was using was the only thing that allowed me to get food for me and my son.
After I wrote that post I remembered that and I felt bad, because I don't know what the problem is, only time will tell, but I am reserving judgment because many times we won't know what this period is about until twenty years later when it comes out in a book. I can't remember which tournament it was one year when Pete Sampras was going through a rough period and everyone was trying to find an answer. Later on we found out that he had, I think is was, the rotator cuff problem in his shoulder. So you never know what's going on.
For a person as competitive as Rafa is, this has to be a difficult time for him. I don't believe that he forgot how to play tennis, or he's intentionally giving a bad effort. I think there are things going on that can't be disclosed at this time.
And at the end of the day, the most important thing to me is Rafa, not tennis in general. I hope he gets through this rough patch, but even if he doesn't he's had a brilliant career.
What you say rings true Lady TT. We on the outside don't know all that is going on within a player's head or body, team, or directives from the tour. Maybe we will find out later when books are written. Maybe not. But as a long time observer of the game and Rafa, he is definitely not playing close to what he was, and can only wonder at the reasons behind why his fitness has deteriorated so much.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Oh no, he doesn't even resemble the same player and it's not just physical. It's more than that. It's the lack of intensity and emotion. The fear of going for shots he used to take for granted. He doesn't hunker down on the big points anymore. He doesn't try to keep the error sheet clean and even more surprising he doesn't seem to care like the Rafa of old would have.
I just think it's a culmination of many things, not just this or that, but some other things have to be put in place before everything comes back together. There's something wrong. I can feel it, but I can't totally identify it.
-
Lady TT, I didn't get a chance to watch this live as I was elsewhere. Finished downloading it a little while ago. Maybe I shouldn't have.
The first set was painful to watch as a tennis or Nadal fan. Thiem didn't start well. Nadal was a bit better and had a 2-0 lead but horribly dropped his own serve and soon it was 2-2. Rafa's forehand was suspect. They went that way until 4-3 Nadal, and Nadal had a break point at 30-40, second serve, then put a routine forehand return into the net, and Thiem held serve. Then again, at 4-4, Nadal dropped his serve with some poor shots, many on the forehand and Thiem closed out the first set. Many errors. Rallies didn't last long at all.
The second set was fairly even, some good play and some not, but this time Nadal broke Thiem at 4-4, and won the set.
The 3rd set was a little better play, but at 5-4 Nadal, with Thiem serving to stay in the match, Rafa threw away a match point with another poor return of second serve that did not make it to the service line, and Thiem was on top of the point from there and rescued the game. After that they went through the motions, barely, as Rafa did not seem to even go after balls that he normally would, to the tiebreaker, and Rafa just looked flat or tired or demoralized or uninterested, take your pick. He started with a double fault that barely made the bottom of the net, made 3 more errors and was down 6-1 before he knew what hit him. Even though Thiem stumbled a bit, it still felt like a foregone conclusion and Thiem took the tiebreak 7-4 and the match.
Thiem played ok, hit some balls hard like others that have beaten Nadal recently, but nothing special. Rafa, was up and down way too much, and at the end seemed to be thinking of Rio or something, maybe Mallorca. Who knows?
To me it was just sad to see the Clay King like this, beaten in a 250 against a player that shouldn't beat him. But the same story, no consistency, a poor first set, and then seemed to tire late, like he isn't getting enough practice or training, or something. Maybe he was sick. I saw him taking pill a couple of times against Monaco and Lorenzi. But look, even Ferrer was beaten by Almagro yesterday, so you never know.
Let's see if Rafa will be better in Rio. That tournament has tougher players, and if Rafa doesn't improve, I don't think he can make it far there. He has Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round and maybe Almagro in the second, with Dogopolov, Tsonga, Cuevas also lurking in his half.
I guess I was hoping for more from Rafa. After going out early in Australia, I thought he would be highly motivated to do well in Buenos Aires. Oh well. Unfortunately I don't see that much has changed. In this match, he seemed unwilling to keep points going, going to drop shots, trying for winners, instead of keeping the ball in play and grinding. But again, maybe he isn't feeling fit.
I had looked for him to start giving it his usual big clay effort so that he might make a run at Roland Garros this year, and maybe he still can, but he seems to still lack a lot.
If he can't get it done this year, then he has to put in a lot of hard work this year, to do it in 2017, or else I think he retires. At times, it looks like he doesn't want to be out there, no matter what his team and he are saying publicly. His new Tennis Academy in Manacor is scheduled to open in around June this year; my guess is right after Roland Garros. Maybe he is thinking about that.
Rafa really hasn't been the quite the same since the Australian Open of 2014, even though he somehow managed to win Roland Garros later. Certainly after RG, things deteriorated in a big way. Losing to Fognini 3 times last year, a player that hadn't beaten him in the past, twice on clay and once at the US Open after leading 2 sets to love tells the story. We saw signs of this after 2010, in 2011 were he said he had lost his passion for the sport. He became distracted with other things like fishing, golf, poker, whatever, but after taking a long break in 2012, he came back on fire in 2013 and had another superb year. But even great players have only so many comebacks in them.
Regardless of all that, Rafa has had a great career. One hopes he can end it on his terms.
Respectfully,
masterclass
You know what? I was just frustrated that day seeing the inconsistency, bad errors, etc. But, then I saw him taking medicine during his matches and thought, "Hm, maybe something is wrong." Then I felt bad for judging him because the truth is we don't know what is going on. It could be a multitude of different issues.
Sometimes I have health problems, but things look fine on the outside. That doesn't mean that I don't have to go to the grocery store, the bank, etc. Last year my prescribed medications attacked my body. I didn't know why I had no energy, but I couldn't walk for more than a few paces without being weary and feeling like I was going to pass out. But when I went to the grocery store I had to use a motorized cart with a basket on it to get staples like eggs, milk, butter, etc. You can't imagine the dirty looks I got from patrons who assumed that I was being lazy. It was horrible, me sitting in that chair knowing that I physically couldn't peruse that many aisles and that the contraption that I was using was the only thing that allowed me to get food for me and my son.
After I wrote that post I remembered that and I felt bad, because I don't know what the problem is, only time will tell, but I am reserving judgment because many times we won't know what this period is about until twenty years later when it comes out in a book. I can't remember which tournament it was one year when Pete Sampras was going through a rough period and everyone was trying to find an answer. Later on we found out that he had, I think is was, the rotator cuff problem in his shoulder. So you never know what's going on.
For a person as competitive as Rafa is, this has to be a difficult time for him. I don't believe that he forgot how to play tennis, or he's intentionally giving a bad effort. I think there are things going on that can't be disclosed at this time.
And at the end of the day, the most important thing to me is Rafa, not tennis in general. I hope he gets through this rough patch, but even if he doesn't he's had a brilliant career.
What you say rings true Lady TT. We on the outside don't know all that is going on within a player's head or body, team, or directives from the tour. Maybe we will find out later when books are written. Maybe not. But as a long time observer of the game and Rafa, he is definitely not playing close to what he was, and can only wonder at the reasons behind why his fitness has deteriorated so much.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
When Rafa was Clay Warrior King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3HxWBrUhE4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3HxWBrUhE4)
In 2008 at Roland Garros, Nadal did not lose a set during the tournament.
His last 4 matches were:
Round of 16: vs. Verdasco 6-1, 6-0, 6-2
QuarterFinal: vs. Almagro 6-1, 6-1, 6-1
SemiFinal: vs. Djokovic 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(3)
Final: vs. Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0
Respectfully,
masterclass
mass and utter devastation.
he was breaking serve 2 out of every 3 times in that event.
and last year--on clay against the top 10 players--he was not even able to break serve 20% of the time. it was slightly under 20% to be exact. he cant even get the ball back anymore. you cant win if you cant break.
so people can get idea of the fall. it has been a free fall as well. he has done absolutely nothing to break the fall.
nothing. it has all been lip service and idle talk for public consumption.
-
When Rafa was Clay Warrior King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3HxWBrUhE4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3HxWBrUhE4)
In 2008 at Roland Garros, Nadal did not lose a set during the tournament.
His last 4 matches were:
Round of 16: vs. Verdasco 6-1, 6-0, 6-2
QuarterFinal: vs. Almagro 6-1, 6-1, 6-1
SemiFinal: vs. Djokovic 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(3)
Final: vs. Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
extreme amount of hard work and laser like focus on the profession will fix the issues.
and it has to be clay.
time is running out very fast.
-
Lady TT, I didn't get a chance to watch this live as I was elsewhere. Finished downloading it a little while ago. Maybe I shouldn't have.
The first set was painful to watch as a tennis or Nadal fan. Thiem didn't start well. Nadal was a bit better and had a 2-0 lead but horribly dropped his own serve and soon it was 2-2. Rafa's forehand was suspect. They went that way until 4-3 Nadal, and Nadal had a break point at 30-40, second serve, then put a routine forehand return into the net, and Thiem held serve. Then again, at 4-4, Nadal dropped his serve with some poor shots, many on the forehand and Thiem closed out the first set. Many errors. Rallies didn't last long at all.
The second set was fairly even, some good play and some not, but this time Nadal broke Thiem at 4-4, and won the set.
The 3rd set was a little better play, but at 5-4 Nadal, with Thiem serving to stay in the match, Rafa threw away a match point with another poor return of second serve that did not make it to the service line, and Thiem was on top of the point from there and rescued the game. After that they went through the motions, barely, as Rafa did not seem to even go after balls that he normally would, to the tiebreaker, and Rafa just looked flat or tired or demoralized or uninterested, take your pick. He started with a double fault that barely made the bottom of the net, made 3 more errors and was down 6-1 before he knew what hit him. Even though Thiem stumbled a bit, it still felt like a foregone conclusion and Thiem took the tiebreak 7-4 and the match.
Thiem played ok, hit some balls hard like others that have beaten Nadal recently, but nothing special. Rafa, was up and down way too much, and at the end seemed to be thinking of Rio or something, maybe Mallorca. Who knows?
To me it was just sad to see the Clay King like this, beaten in a 250 against a player that shouldn't beat him. But the same story, no consistency, a poor first set, and then seemed to tire late, like he isn't getting enough practice or training, or something. Maybe he was sick. I saw him taking pill a couple of times against Monaco and Lorenzi. But look, even Ferrer was beaten by Almagro yesterday, so you never know.
Let's see if Rafa will be better in Rio. That tournament has tougher players, and if Rafa doesn't improve, I don't think he can make it far there. He has Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round and maybe Almagro in the second, with Dogopolov, Tsonga, Cuevas also lurking in his half.
I guess I was hoping for more from Rafa. After going out early in Australia, I thought he would be highly motivated to do well in Buenos Aires. Oh well. Unfortunately I don't see that much has changed. In this match, he seemed unwilling to keep points going, going to drop shots, trying for winners, instead of keeping the ball in play and grinding. But again, maybe he isn't feeling fit.
I had looked for him to start giving it his usual big clay effort so that he might make a run at Roland Garros this year, and maybe he still can, but he seems to still lack a lot.
If he can't get it done this year, then he has to put in a lot of hard work this year, to do it in 2017, or else I think he retires. At times, it looks like he doesn't want to be out there, no matter what his team and he are saying publicly. His new Tennis Academy in Manacor is scheduled to open in around June this year; my guess is right after Roland Garros. Maybe he is thinking about that.
Rafa really hasn't been the quite the same since the Australian Open of 2014, even though he somehow managed to win Roland Garros later. Certainly after RG, things deteriorated in a big way. Losing to Fognini 3 times last year, a player that hadn't beaten him in the past, twice on clay and once at the US Open after leading 2 sets to love tells the story. We saw signs of this after 2010, in 2011 were he said he had lost his passion for the sport. He became distracted with other things like fishing, golf, poker, whatever, but after taking a long break in 2012, he came back on fire in 2013 and had another superb year. But even great players have only so many comebacks in them.
Regardless of all that, Rafa has had a great career. One hopes he can end it on his terms.
Respectfully,
masterclass
You know what? I was just frustrated that day seeing the inconsistency, bad errors, etc. But, then I saw him taking medicine during his matches and thought, "Hm, maybe something is wrong." Then I felt bad for judging him because the truth is we don't know what is going on. It could be a multitude of different issues.
Sometimes I have health problems, but things look fine on the outside. That doesn't mean that I don't have to go to the grocery store, the bank, etc. Last year my prescribed medications attacked my body. I didn't know why I had no energy, but I couldn't walk for more than a few paces without being weary and feeling like I was going to pass out. But when I went to the grocery store I had to use a motorized cart with a basket on it to get staples like eggs, milk, butter, etc. You can't imagine the dirty looks I got from patrons who assumed that I was being lazy. It was horrible, me sitting in that chair knowing that I physically couldn't peruse that many aisles and that the contraption that I was using was the only thing that allowed me to get food for me and my son.
After I wrote that post I remembered that and I felt bad, because I don't know what the problem is, only time will tell, but I am reserving judgment because many times we won't know what this period is about until twenty years later when it comes out in a book. I can't remember which tournament it was one year when Pete Sampras was going through a rough period and everyone was trying to find an answer. Later on we found out that he had, I think is was, the rotator cuff problem in his shoulder. So you never know what's going on.
For a person as competitive as Rafa is, this has to be a difficult time for him. I don't believe that he forgot how to play tennis, or he's intentionally giving a bad effort. I think there are things going on that can't be disclosed at this time.
And at the end of the day, the most important thing to me is Rafa, not tennis in general. I hope he gets through this rough patch, but even if he doesn't he's had a brilliant career.
-
he said he was tired after his match with verdasco in Melbourne.
and he says he feels tired after this match against Dominic.
he lost early in Melbourne. he has had all this time to work a little bit on his fitness and to put in some extra training on clay.
he is simply not doing what is required even for minimum standard at this level.
he has found himself on the golf course at least 4 times since that loss in Melbourne. and then there are other promotional and sponsorship driven appearances all over the place.
he doesn't have to worry about Djokovic now. he really cant win more than a match or 2 at any event at this current rate so he will never face Djokovic again.
of course Djokovic also doesn't have to play chicken **** 250 level events either so we know there is no chance of running into Djokovic there.
the problem is that of insufficient motivation. Rafa simply doesn't care to win anymore and he wont win.
we all are going to have to live with that.
it absolutely makes no sense but keep showing up time and again with horrible preparation and yet that is exactly what he is doing.
the man is not just worn out after the match. he is essentially worn out after just 40 minutes into the match.
he doubles over while holding the net after just 20-30 minutes of practice. his 2 hour practice sessions are really just 90 minutes of farting around from his backhand corner where he hits forehands. is it any wonder then why has little or no consistency.
and once in a blue moon he can get himself to hit a few backhands.
he does go to the gym but not regularly and it is just token/cosmetic work at best. absolutely zero gains are being made on the fitness front.
he himself said that he has to improve physically.
no **** Sherlock. you really should be ashamed of yourself now. there are guy out there nearly 10 years older that are putting in an immense of time on the fitness front and also doing tons of physical work in the gym.
he has no fitness and barely just 30% of his ground game.
Rafa as we knew him is done. we will just have to celebrate his 14 majors and relive them from time to time.
that is all we have left. who the hell cares to watch him play at such pathetic levels. I rather remember him as the gladiator he once was.
I cant even bear to watch the highlights. it just shatters my heart.
-
no sooner than he got there he started complaining about the heat and the humidity.
he actually wanted his last match suspended due to heat.
this is not rocket science. we have been saying this for years now: the trend has been in place for nearly 5 years for this horrible and tragic end.
he simply doesn't care otherwise he would do something about it.
he also said that he has to improve physically. now where have you heard that before?
right here at Camelot of course.
he has no fitness and only about 30% of the ground game he once had. he cant win even chicken **** 250 level tennis tournaments with the game and the fitness he is bringing.
but the money is good. and the popularity continues to skyrocket. he will make around $41-$45 million this year.
so he stays for the money and the spotlight and I would too.
but I would get fit and fight than getting my ass handed to me time and again and then just paying lip service to the fans and sponsors and the reporters.
he says what he has to say to them all for public consumption. it is acting and dramatics.
no work = no wins. it is really that simple.
there are players nearly 10 years older than him out there that will win more matches and even win titles this year.
rafa simply refuses to put in the work and the sacrifice required to win.
nothing and nobody can help Rafa on this planet.
-
Lady TT, I didn't get a chance to watch this live as I was elsewhere. Finished downloading it a little while ago. Maybe I shouldn't have.
The first set was painful to watch as a tennis or Nadal fan. Thiem didn't start well. Nadal was a bit better and had a 2-0 lead but horribly dropped his own serve and soon it was 2-2. Rafa's forehand was suspect. They went that way until 4-3 Nadal, and Nadal had a break point at 30-40, second serve, then put a routine forehand return into the net, and Thiem held serve. Then again, at 4-4, Nadal dropped his serve with some poor shots, many on the forehand and Thiem closed out the first set. Many errors. Rallies didn't last long at all.
The second set was fairly even, some good play and some not, but this time Nadal broke Thiem at 4-4, and won the set.
The 3rd set was a little better play, but at 5-4 Nadal, with Thiem serving to stay in the match, Rafa threw away a match point with another poor return of second serve that did not make it to the service line, and Thiem was on top of the point from there and rescued the game. After that they went through the motions, barely, as Rafa did not seem to even go after balls that he normally would, to the tiebreaker, and Rafa just looked flat or tired or demoralized or uninterested, take your pick. He started with a double fault that barely made the bottom of the net, made 3 more errors and was down 6-1 before he knew what hit him. Even though Thiem stumbled a bit, it still felt like a foregone conclusion and Thiem took the tiebreak 7-4 and the match.
Thiem played ok, hit some balls hard like others that have beaten Nadal recently, but nothing special. Rafa, was up and down way too much, and at the end seemed to be thinking of Rio or something, maybe Mallorca. Who knows?
To me it was just sad to see the Clay King like this, beaten in a 250 against a player that shouldn't beat him. But the same story, no consistency, a poor first set, and then seemed to tire late, like he isn't getting enough practice or training, or something. Maybe he was sick. I saw him taking pill a couple of times against Monaco and Lorenzi. But look, even Ferrer was beaten by Almagro yesterday, so you never know.
Let's see if Rafa will be better in Rio. That tournament has tougher players, and if Rafa doesn't improve, I don't think he can make it far there. He has Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round and maybe Almagro in the second, with Dogopolov, Tsonga, Cuevas also lurking in his half.
I guess I was hoping for more from Rafa. After going out early in Australia, I thought he would be highly motivated to do well in Buenos Aires. Oh well. Unfortunately I don't see that much has changed. In this match, he seemed unwilling to keep points going, going to drop shots, trying for winners, instead of keeping the ball in play and grinding. But again, maybe he isn't feeling fit.
I had looked for him to start giving it his usual big clay effort so that he might make a run at Roland Garros this year, and maybe he still can, but he seems to still lack a lot.
If he can't get it done this year, then he has to put in a lot of hard work this year, to do it in 2017, or else I think he retires. At times, it looks like he doesn't want to be out there, no matter what his team and he are saying publicly. His new Tennis Academy in Manacor is scheduled to open in around June this year; my guess is right after Roland Garros. Maybe he is thinking about that.
Rafa really hasn't been the quite the same since the Australian Open of 2014, even though he somehow managed to win Roland Garros later. Certainly after RG, things deteriorated in a big way. Losing to Fognini 3 times last year, a player that hadn't beaten him in the past, twice on clay and once at the US Open after leading 2 sets to love tells the story. We saw signs of this after 2010, in 2011 were he said he had lost his passion for the sport. He became distracted with other things like fishing, golf, poker, whatever, but after taking a long break in 2012, he came back on fire in 2013 and had another superb year. But even great players have only so many comebacks in them.
Regardless of all that, Rafa has had a great career. One hopes he can end it on his terms.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
OK, that was pathetic. I don't know what's wrong with Rafa. There's just too much at this point. I came in after the first set and saw that he had already committed 22 errors. WTH? There was a time that he didn't commit that many errors in a five set match. And these errors were not because the opponent was playing so well, but stupid errors when he had good court position and the opponent wasn't even in the TV frame. What's that about?
Hitting long, wide, and just crazy shots.
No intensity, no playing better on the big points, in fact he just waits for the opponent to make errors. He doesn't seem to even want to win at this point. Thiem did not play outstanding. Monaco played better than Thiem, but of course Juan doesn't want to beat Rafa so, there's that. Rafa is just playing too passive and he's getting on my nerves.
I'm about done with tennis, because I'm totally not enjoying anyone else on tour. Rafa, Andy, and Berdych are getting on my nerves. It's onto the WTA for me.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Frafa%2520photos-1_zpsbmsqyrkq.jpg&hash=5552981e251cb97d1d3d49cbaf9adf68c2780397) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/rafa%20photos-1_zpsbmsqyrkq.jpg.html)
-
roger needs to mix it up a little now after this surgery: I would start playing a little more on clay.
I would also practice more on clay.
it is a good way to fine tune those strokes and also stay healthy.
Yes general, but don't forget doubles... IF he recovers well from the surgery and plays at Indian Wells, why not?
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fep.imgci.com%2FPICTURES%2FCMS%2F63100%2F63113.3.jpg&hash=48d9f90b4733ba6f6e952cc3a74cba6333eac69f)
Respectfully,
masterclass
doubles does make sense for Roger general masterclass.
he is very good at it and he plays it the right way. it is also a way for him to start racking up some titles.
doubles can work for some singles players.
Hopefully all goes well. I hate when one of the Big Four are missing, tennis just doesn't feel the same.
-
It's a long haul back for Delpo. If he doesn't make it back this time then I fear he may hang up the stick.
I agree, there have been too many stops-starts for him in the last couple of years. It's heartbreaking when you think of how hard these guys work for so many years only to get put out of the game in your prime. I can't imagine how Juan Martin feels; an emotional rollercoaster I bet.
-
roger needs to mix it up a little now after this surgery: I would start playing a little more on clay.
I would also practice more on clay.
it is a good way to fine tune those strokes and also stay healthy.
Yes general, but don't forget doubles... IF he recovers well from the surgery and plays at Indian Wells, why not?
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fep.imgci.com%2FPICTURES%2FCMS%2F63100%2F63113.3.jpg&hash=48d9f90b4733ba6f6e952cc3a74cba6333eac69f)
Respectfully,
masterclass
doubles does make sense for Roger general masterclass.
he is very good at it and he plays it the right way. it is also a way for him to start racking up some titles.
doubles can work for some singles players.
-
the warriors won last night but they got sloppy after going up by 20 points.
they allowed thunder to catch up and get back in the game.
-
It's a long haul back for Delpo. If he doesn't make it back this time then I fear he may hang up the stick.
I think you are right.
it is going to be tough but that is what the challenges are for. you relish them and tackle them.
-
It's a long haul back for Delpo. If he doesn't make it back this time then I fear he may hang up the stick.
2016 Indian Wells Single's Finalists?
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthe-slice.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2F3-4-2013-1-44-30-PM.jpg&hash=2ebc8ceca76b0e5d6e100eed2aec247c25d9ca46)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
roger needs to mix it up a little now after this surgery: I would start playing a little more on clay.
I would also practice more on clay.
it is a good way to fine tune those strokes and also stay healthy.
Yes general, but don't forget doubles... IF he recovers well from the surgery and plays at Indian Wells, why not?
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fep.imgci.com%2FPICTURES%2FCMS%2F63100%2F63113.3.jpg&hash=48d9f90b4733ba6f6e952cc3a74cba6333eac69f)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
It's a long haul back for Delpo. If he doesn't make it back this time then I fear he may hang up the stick.
-
I heard about the Federer surgery.
it is a huge setback for him.
Hate to hear about players going through injury woes. I also saw where Del Potro is coming back soon.
-
good morning general Britbox.
just now waking up here. making coffee.
cheers.
-
roger needs to mix it up a little now after this surgery: I would start playing a little more on clay.
I would also practice more on clay.
it is a good way to fine tune those strokes and also stay healthy.
-
Oh my, have you guys seen this?
Exclusive: Federer sidelined after undergoing knee surgery
By Pritha Sarkar,Reuters 10 hours ago .
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/exclusive-federer-sidelined-undergoing-knee-surgery-101832749--ten.html
LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer will be out of action for up to a month after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in Switzerland to repair a torn meniscus, his agent at TEAM8 Tony Godsick told Reuters on Wednesday.
The 17-times grand slam champion suffered the injury away from a tennis court the day after his Australian Open run ended in the semi-finals last week.
Federer has withdrawn from the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February.
"I am so disappointed to have to miss Rotterdam and Dubai as they are two of my favorite tournaments on the ATP World Tour," said Federer, who is the reigning champion in Dubai having won the title for the seventh time last March.
"While this is an unfortunate setback, I feel grateful that up until now I have remained mostly healthy throughout my career," the 34-year-old Swiss added.
"My doctors have ensured me that the surgery was a success and with proper rehabilitation, I will be able to return to the Tour soon."
The world number three has won two Rotterdam trophies among his 88 titles.
Federer has rarely missed any tournaments for health reasons during his remarkable 18-year professional career.
In 2005 he was out of action for six weeks while he recovered from foot injury and during 2008 he was troubled by a bout of mononucleosis and back problems.
Federer had been expected to leapfrog British world number two Andy Murray in the ATP standings in February while expectant father Murray takes a paternity break from the game.
However, Federer's injury setback ended those hopes and the Swiss is expected to make his comeback at the Indian Wells Masters in March.
Wishing Fed a speedy recovery, but at this stage of his career- these type of injuries are going to be more commonplace and I also think he is underplaying it a little.
-
Rafa is just not listening to anybody.
he is going to do it his way. absolutely no changes.
even his friend Nalbandian said this: "it is clay or the exit".
-
I heard about the Federer surgery.
it is a huge setback for him.
-
Oh my, have you guys seen this?
Exclusive: Federer sidelined after undergoing knee surgery
By Pritha Sarkar,Reuters 10 hours ago .
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/exclusive-federer-sidelined-undergoing-knee-surgery-101832749--ten.html
LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer will be out of action for up to a month after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in Switzerland to repair a torn meniscus, his agent at TEAM8 Tony Godsick told Reuters on Wednesday.
The 17-times grand slam champion suffered the injury away from a tennis court the day after his Australian Open run ended in the semi-finals last week.
Federer has withdrawn from the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February.
"I am so disappointed to have to miss Rotterdam and Dubai as they are two of my favorite tournaments on the ATP World Tour," said Federer, who is the reigning champion in Dubai having won the title for the seventh time last March.
"While this is an unfortunate setback, I feel grateful that up until now I have remained mostly healthy throughout my career," the 34-year-old Swiss added.
"My doctors have ensured me that the surgery was a success and with proper rehabilitation, I will be able to return to the Tour soon."
The world number three has won two Rotterdam trophies among his 88 titles.
Federer has rarely missed any tournaments for health reasons during his remarkable 18-year professional career.
In 2005 he was out of action for six weeks while he recovered from foot injury and during 2008 he was troubled by a bout of mononucleosis and back problems.
Federer had been expected to leapfrog British world number two Andy Murray in the ATP standings in February while expectant father Murray takes a paternity break from the game.
However, Federer's injury setback ended those hopes and the Swiss is expected to make his comeback at the Indian Wells Masters in March.
-
Rafa can win big titles again but he is going to have to dedicate his life totally to the sport for 2-3 years.
bottom line: he has to devote 7-8 hours a day to fitness and practice.
the problem is insufficient work ethic. he has lost his fire in the belly.
I am not happy with Rafa but it is his life and it is his career.
he will always be my player along with vilas and muster but rafa has to work if he wants to win.
his once supreme fitness and endurance has taken quite a hit. and also he has lost significant amount lean muscle tissue.
once he can fix that he will be good to go. it will also minimize the injuries.
Here's a thought. Could Rafa's issues be a conflict of interest? Could the real problem be that he's struggling with keeping Uncle Toni? He's been with him forever and I can imagine that hiring new people would feel like a betrayal of the highest order. Not only that, but it would also affect the family dynamics.
I don't think Rafa's issues have that much to do with the other issues; fitness, mental and all of that as it does with the emotional letting go of Uncle Toni.
I've watched Rafa for years, but I particularly pay attention to his face and body language. When he came back in 2013, he was hungry and devoted, but 2014 and 2015 he has not had that same look in hardly any of his matches. I think his issues are not physical as much as they are emotional. He gets very defensive when asked about releasing Toni. I can imagine that I would feel the same way. That's not an easy thing to do, at all.
Just another theory.
I think he decided one day that he was really spent. he had spent an enormous amount of physical and mental and emotional capital in carving out his immortality in the sport.
also nearly a decade of domination of clay is really a lot. it takes more than superhuman to pull that off today.
it took its tool on him. and then the injuries have forever hounded him. he has been injured off and on since he was 17.
he has been injured 5 times out of the last 7 years.
he also became very wealthy over the years making as much as $41 million a year.
he has lost some of his fire in the belly. but good news is that he is still young.
so he can make a comeback if he can find the hunger and the relentless drive. it will have to be on clay and he can do it if he wants to.
it will just take a lot of sacrifice and a laser like focus.
There are only so many times you can keep going back to the same well CD, with regards to motivation and proving yourself over and over.
Also, Rafa has not added anything to his game for 3 or 4 years. Getting back to where he was is no longer enough. The game continually evolves.
Rafa is going to have to do more than work hard in the gym and put in hard yards... he's lost initial acceleration and explosiveness - he might get fitter, but he won't get that back. He's going to have to rethink the way he plays these top guns... he's going to have to adjust his game to fit his age and the competition. He can no longer physically take over matches against guys like Djokovic.
Even in his decline, he's still got good movement if you compare him to the rest of the tour, rather than comparing himself to what he was in his prime... and he's still a Top 8 player not a scrub.... but if he's going to challenge the likes of Djokovic, he's going to have to do more than get fitter.
Clay probably is his last bastion... but can he win a war of attrition with Djokovic? Remains to be seen.
great post.
he has work to do but that is where a gladiator can decide to just go for it. relish the challenge of getting back to the top.
he is an all time great. being in the top 10 or top 20 is simply not good enough but you find it nearly impossible to win a single game against the likes of djokovic.
he has to go for djokovic's scalp on the red clay. that is his challenge.
he owned the whole planet once so who cares if he can beat an aging ferru once in a while. he did that at the O2 arena in London and it took him 3 hours.
he was worn out after that and even an extra day could not assure recovery.
and who really cares if he manages to beat berdych or some other clown. they don't matter.
I know the money is incredible for Rafa in the sport and going up even as you read this as the endorsements keep coming in.
but we knew that. we know that one day he will have amassed $1 billion from his 14 majors. 9 RG crowns record cannot even be approached let alone be broken.
his popularity continues to skyrocket but he is largely irrelevant in the sport. he has to set some goals and go after them.
I would set the following goals for 2016 and 2017:
1. try to win monte carlo
2. win Barcelona
3. win rome
4. beat djokovic at least once or twice in the process
5. go for the 10th RG crown. that has to be the ultimate goal. if he can pull that off in 2017 then the irrelevancy in the sport does not matter.
he can sail into the sunset after the 10th RG crown.
but to do that he has to start beating them at the masters level clay events again.
there is no time left to change the game. it is what it is. he has to use his natural competitive advantage of massive topspin game on clay.
I would improve the fitness and the physical work in the gym and then I would just embrace clay for a while.
losing early at Melbourne should have been turned into an advantage. skip Miami and spend extra 10 days on clay.
he cant win more than 2 matches in indian wells. I would leave indian wells after that and go get on clay ASAP.
don't fart around in indian wells after losing early. turn that into an opportunity.
going to Miami entails massive opportunity cost just like last year: lost time on clay
Great post. He definitely has to put the work in. He can't scrape by on as little training as possible. He also needs to fix that coaching problem and at least bring someone else in for a new voice.
He can't continue to ignore the problems he has in his game. The thing is, how much does he want it? He just doesn't seem to have the motivation he once had. At this point it seems that he's still just playing for the hail of it, but isn't setting significant goals or defining his purpose.
We'll see.
-
vilas, borg, and muster are known for making the sacrifices and outworking them all.
credit for monica seles as well: she was known to practice 3 times a day.
vilas once practiced for 2.5 hours after one of his matches at the Italian Open.
Brian Gottftried practiced for several hours on his wedding day.
-
Bjorn Borg:
"I practiced for two weeks for six hours a day at the same place, the Cumberland Club in North London.
I just ate, slept and practiced. And there was no sex with my girlfriend (Mariana Simionescu, later his first
wife). It was definitely not a glamorous lifestyle. And we couldn't go out as there always seemed to be a
hundred girls in the lobby."
After playing Roland Garros and winning 6 times there, this is the kind of effort it took for the clay topspin legend to win on grass at Wimbledon a couple of weeks later.
Borg had to change his baseline game completely to play on the fast uneven grass that it was then.
You had to come to net, because by the second week of the tournament the grass was too uneven in those days to rally back and forth without getting bad bounces.
The rewards were considerable, though. 5 consecutive Wimbledon Championships.
General Hercules is right. This is the kind of effort Rafa has to put in if he wants to get back to the top. Except multiply 2 weeks times 20 I think. He first lost his grass ability, but now he's lost much of his clay fitness. That requires even more effort. But the kind of effort to repeatedly win big championships is tough. It takes it's toll, even with today's modern medicine and science.
Borg played in majors from age 16 to 25, winning his first at 17 and last at 25, losing the 1981 US Open Final to John McEnroe and ran off the court after he had his life threatened earlier. After taking a 5 month break, the men's tennis council decided that because he hadn't played enough events, the 11 time major winner would have to play qualifiers to get into Grand Prix tournaments including the slams. Borg refused and he never played another major and basically retired, only fulfilling some contractual obligations at some invitational tournaments the next couple of years.
Respectfully,
masterclass
great post.
it will take a huge sacrifice to be able to make a difference again.
-
Rafa can win big titles again but he is going to have to dedicate his life totally to the sport for 2-3 years.
bottom line: he has to devote 7-8 hours a day to fitness and practice.
the problem is insufficient work ethic. he has lost his fire in the belly.
I am not happy with Rafa but it is his life and it is his career.
he will always be my player along with vilas and muster but rafa has to work if he wants to win.
his once supreme fitness and endurance has taken quite a hit. and also he has lost significant amount lean muscle tissue.
once he can fix that he will be good to go. it will also minimize the injuries.
Here's a thought. Could Rafa's issues be a conflict of interest? Could the real problem be that he's struggling with keeping Uncle Toni? He's been with him forever and I can imagine that hiring new people would feel like a betrayal of the highest order. Not only that, but it would also affect the family dynamics.
I don't think Rafa's issues have that much to do with the other issues; fitness, mental and all of that as it does with the emotional letting go of Uncle Toni.
I've watched Rafa for years, but I particularly pay attention to his face and body language. When he came back in 2013, he was hungry and devoted, but 2014 and 2015 he has not had that same look in hardly any of his matches. I think his issues are not physical as much as they are emotional. He gets very defensive when asked about releasing Toni. I can imagine that I would feel the same way. That's not an easy thing to do, at all.
Just another theory.
I think he decided one day that he was really spent. he had spent an enormous amount of physical and mental and emotional capital in carving out his immortality in the sport.
also nearly a decade of domination of clay is really a lot. it takes more than superhuman to pull that off today.
it took its tool on him. and then the injuries have forever hounded him. he has been injured off and on since he was 17.
he has been injured 5 times out of the last 7 years.
he also became very wealthy over the years making as much as $41 million a year.
he has lost some of his fire in the belly. but good news is that he is still young.
so he can make a comeback if he can find the hunger and the relentless drive. it will have to be on clay and he can do it if he wants to.
it will just take a lot of sacrifice and a laser like focus.
There are only so many times you can keep going back to the same well CD, with regards to motivation and proving yourself over and over.
Also, Rafa has not added anything to his game for 3 or 4 years. Getting back to where he was is no longer enough. The game continually evolves.
Rafa is going to have to do more than work hard in the gym and put in hard yards... he's lost initial acceleration and explosiveness - he might get fitter, but he won't get that back. He's going to have to rethink the way he plays these top guns... he's going to have to adjust his game to fit his age and the competition. He can no longer physically take over matches against guys like Djokovic.
Even in his decline, he's still got good movement if you compare him to the rest of the tour, rather than comparing himself to what he was in his prime... and he's still a Top 8 player not a scrub.... but if he's going to challenge the likes of Djokovic, he's going to have to do more than get fitter.
Clay probably is his last bastion... but can he win a war of attrition with Djokovic? Remains to be seen.
great post.
he has work to do but that is where a gladiator can decide to just go for it. relish the challenge of getting back to the top.
he is an all time great. being in the top 10 or top 20 is simply not good enough if you find it nearly impossible to win a single game against the likes of djokovic.
he has to go for djokovic's scalp on the red clay. that is his challenge.
he owned the whole planet once so who cares if he can beat an aging ferru once in a while. he did that at the O2 arena in London and it took him 3 hours.
he was worn out after that and even an extra day could not assure recovery.
and who really cares if he manages to beat berdych or some other clown. they don't matter.
I know the money is incredible for Rafa in the sport and going up even as you read this as the endorsements keep coming in.
but we knew that. we know that one day he will have amassed $1 billion from his 14 majors. 9 RG crowns record cannot even be approached let alone be broken.
his popularity continues to skyrocket but he is largely irrelevant in the sport. he has to set some goals and go after them.
I would set the following goals for 2016 and 2017:
1. try to win monte carlo
2. win Barcelona
3. win rome
4. beat djokovic at least once or twice in the process
5. go for the 10th RG crown. that has to be the ultimate goal. if he can pull that off in 2017 then the irrelevancy in the sport does not matter.
he can sail into the sunset after the 10th RG crown.
but to do that he has to start beating them at the masters level clay events again.
there is no time left to change the game. it is what it is. he has to use his natural competitive advantage of massive topspin game on clay.
I would improve the fitness and the physical work in the gym and then I would just embrace clay for a while.
losing early at Melbourne should have been turned into an advantage. skip Miami and spend extra 10 days on clay.
he cant win more than 2 matches in indian wells. I would leave indian wells after that and go get on clay ASAP.
don't fart around in indian wells after losing early. turn that into an opportunity.
going to Miami entails massive opportunity cost just like last year: lost time on clay
-
Bjorn Borg:
"I practiced for two weeks for six hours a day at the same place, the Cumberland Club in North London.
I just ate, slept and practiced. And there was no sex with my girlfriend (Mariana Simionescu, later his first
wife). It was definitely not a glamorous lifestyle. And we couldn't go out as there always seemed to be a
hundred girls in the lobby."
After playing Roland Garros and winning 6 times there, this is the kind of effort it took for the clay topspin legend to win on grass at Wimbledon a couple of weeks later.
Borg had to change his baseline game completely to play on the fast uneven grass that it was then.
You had to come to net, because by the second week of the tournament the grass was too uneven in those days to rally back and forth without getting bad bounces.
The rewards were considerable, though. 5 consecutive Wimbledon Championships.
General Hercules is right. This is the kind of effort Rafa has to put in if he wants to get back to the top. Except multiply 2 weeks times 20 I think. He first lost his grass ability, but now he's lost much of his clay fitness. That requires even more effort. But the kind of effort to repeatedly win big championships is tough. It takes it's toll, even with today's modern medicine and science.
Borg played in majors from age 16 to 25, winning his first at 17 and last at 25, losing the 1981 US Open Final to John McEnroe and ran off the court after he had his life threatened earlier. After taking a 5 month break, the men's tennis council decided that because he hadn't played enough events, the 11 time major winner would have to play qualifiers to get into Grand Prix tournaments including the slams. Borg refused and he never played another major and basically retired, only fulfilling some contractual obligations at some invitational tournaments the next couple of years.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Rafa can win big titles again but he is going to have to dedicate his life totally to the sport for 2-3 years.
bottom line: he has to devote 7-8 hours a day to fitness and practice.
the problem is insufficient work ethic. he has lost his fire in the belly.
I am not happy with Rafa but it is his life and it is his career.
he will always be my player along with vilas and muster but rafa has to work if he wants to win.
his once supreme fitness and endurance has taken quite a hit. and also he has lost significant amount lean muscle tissue.
once he can fix that he will be good to go. it will also minimize the injuries.
Here's a thought. Could Rafa's issues be a conflict of interest? Could the real problem be that he's struggling with keeping Uncle Toni? He's been with him forever and I can imagine that hiring new people would feel like a betrayal of the highest order. Not only that, but it would also affect the family dynamics.
I don't think Rafa's issues have that much to do with the other issues; fitness, mental and all of that as it does with the emotional letting go of Uncle Toni.
I've watched Rafa for years, but I particularly pay attention to his face and body language. When he came back in 2013, he was hungry and devoted, but 2014 and 2015 he has not had that same look in hardly any of his matches. I think his issues are not physical as much as they are emotional. He gets very defensive when asked about releasing Toni. I can imagine that I would feel the same way. That's not an easy thing to do, at all.
Just another theory.
I think he decided one day that he was really spent. he had spent an enormous amount of physical and mental and emotional capital in carving out his immortality in the sport.
also nearly a decade of domination of clay is really a lot. it takes more than superhuman to pull that off today.
it took its tool on him. and then the injuries have forever hounded him. he has been injured off and on since he was 17.
he has been injured 5 times out of the last 7 years.
he also became very wealthy over the years making as much as $41 million a year.
he has lost some of his fire in the belly. but good news is that he is still young.
so he can make a comeback if he can find the hunger and the relentless drive. it will have to be on clay and he can do it if he wants to.
it will just take a lot of sacrifice and a laser like focus.
They have better nutrition, health information, etc. Rafa will be fine. He will have a resurgence at some point.
-
Rafa can win big titles again but he is going to have to dedicate his life totally to the sport for 2-3 years.
bottom line: he has to devote 7-8 hours a day to fitness and practice.
the problem is insufficient work ethic. he has lost his fire in the belly.
I am not happy with Rafa but it is his life and it is his career.
he will always be my player along with vilas and muster but rafa has to work if he wants to win.
his once supreme fitness and endurance has taken quite a hit. and also he has lost significant amount lean muscle tissue.
once he can fix that he will be good to go. it will also minimize the injuries.
Here's a thought. Could Rafa's issues be a conflict of interest? Could the real problem be that he's struggling with keeping Uncle Toni? He's been with him forever and I can imagine that hiring new people would feel like a betrayal of the highest order. Not only that, but it would also affect the family dynamics.
I don't think Rafa's issues have that much to do with the other issues; fitness, mental and all of that as it does with the emotional letting go of Uncle Toni.
I've watched Rafa for years, but I particularly pay attention to his face and body language. When he came back in 2013, he was hungry and devoted, but 2014 and 2015 he has not had that same look in hardly any of his matches. I think his issues are not physical as much as they are emotional. He gets very defensive when asked about releasing Toni. I can imagine that I would feel the same way. That's not an easy thing to do, at all.
Just another theory.
I think he decided one day that he was really spent. he had spent an enormous amount of physical and mental and emotional capital in carving out his immortality in the sport.
also nearly a decade of domination of clay is really a lot. it takes more than superhuman to pull that off today.
it took its tool on him. and then the injuries have forever hounded him. he has been injured off and on since he was 17.
he has been injured 5 times out of the last 7 years.
he also became very wealthy over the years making as much as $41 million a year.
he has lost some of his fire in the belly. but good news is that he is still young.
so he can make a comeback if he can find the hunger and the relentless drive. it will have to be on clay and he can do it if he wants to.
it will just take a lot of sacrifice and a laser like focus.
There are only so many times you can keep going back to the same well CD, with regards to motivation and proving yourself over and over.
Also, Rafa has not added anything to his game for 3 or 4 years. Getting back to where he was is no longer enough. The game continually evolves.
Rafa is going to have to do more than work hard in the gym and put in hard yards... he's lost initial acceleration and explosiveness - he might get fitter, but he won't get that back. He's going to have to rethink the way he plays these top guns... he's going to have to adjust his game to fit his age and the competition. He can no longer physically take over matches against guys like Djokovic.
Even in his decline, he's still got good movement if you compare him to the rest of the tour, rather than comparing himself to what he was in his prime... and he's still a Top 8 player not a scrub.... but if he's going to challenge the likes of Djokovic, he's going to have to do more than get fitter.
Clay probably is his last bastion... but can he win a war of attrition with Djokovic? Remains to be seen.
-
Rafa can win big titles again but he is going to have to dedicate his life totally to the sport for 2-3 years.
bottom line: he has to devote 7-8 hours a day to fitness and practice.
the problem is insufficient work ethic. he has lost his fire in the belly.
I am not happy with Rafa but it is his life and it is his career.
he will always be my player along with vilas and muster but rafa has to work if he wants to win.
his once supreme fitness and endurance has taken quite a hit. and also he has lost significant amount lean muscle tissue.
once he can fix that he will be good to go. it will also minimize the injuries.
Here's a thought. Could Rafa's issues be a conflict of interest? Could the real problem be that he's struggling with keeping Uncle Toni? He's been with him forever and I can imagine that hiring new people would feel like a betrayal of the highest order. Not only that, but it would also affect the family dynamics.
I don't think Rafa's issues have that much to do with the other issues; fitness, mental and all of that as it does with the emotional letting go of Uncle Toni.
I've watched Rafa for years, but I particularly pay attention to his face and body language. When he came back in 2013, he was hungry and devoted, but 2014 and 2015 he has not had that same look in hardly any of his matches. I think his issues are not physical as much as they are emotional. He gets very defensive when asked about releasing Toni. I can imagine that I would feel the same way. That's not an easy thing to do, at all.
Just another theory.
I think he decided one day that he was really spent. he had spent an enormous amount of physical and mental and emotional capital in carving out his immortality in the sport.
also nearly a decade of domination of clay is really a lot. it takes more than superhuman to pull that off today.
it took its tool on him. and then the injuries have forever hounded him. he has been injured off and on since he was 17.
he has been injured 5 times out of the last 7 years.
he also became very wealthy over the years making as much as $41 million a year.
he has lost some of his fire in the belly. but good news is that he is still young.
so he can make a comeback if he can find the hunger and the relentless drive. it will have to be on clay and he can do it if he wants to.
it will just take a lot of sacrifice and a laser like focus.
I believe that he'll have a resurgence of sorts this year. People are playing longer nowadays; health, nutrition, fitness, all of those have improved, if he wants to play I can see him going maybe three more years. I don't see why not.
-
general britbox site is cool lady TT and lady Ann.
he will stop by soon and provide the links so everybody here can join if they so desire.
we do have a major presence there. our place is called Camelot: Dawn of Justice
http://discuss.tennis/index.php?threads/camelot-dawn-of-justice.288/
Thanks CD,
The link is http://discuss.tennis - There are things other than tennis discussed on there too - world affairs, other sports, tv, cinema etc... and Camelot has it's own forum section too.
Cheers, BB
I love it, Britbox and I can see that I'm going to have to spend some time there getting acquainted with the site, but I'm game. Congrats to you on your site.
Thanks Lady TT, nice to have you around!
-
Rafa can win big titles again but he is going to have to dedicate his life totally to the sport for 2-3 years.
bottom line: he has to devote 7-8 hours a day to fitness and practice.
the problem is insufficient work ethic. he has lost his fire in the belly.
I am not happy with Rafa but it is his life and it is his career.
he will always be my player along with vilas and muster but rafa has to work if he wants to win.
his once supreme fitness and endurance has taken quite a hit. and also he has lost significant amount lean muscle tissue.
once he can fix that he will be good to go. it will also minimize the injuries.
Here's a thought. Could Rafa's issues be a conflict of interest? Could the real problem be that he's struggling with keeping Uncle Toni? He's been with him forever and I can imagine that hiring new people would feel like a betrayal of the highest order. Not only that, but it would also affect the family dynamics.
I don't think Rafa's issues have that much to do with the other issues; fitness, mental and all of that as it does with the emotional letting go of Uncle Toni.
I've watched Rafa for years, but I particularly pay attention to his face and body language. When he came back in 2013, he was hungry and devoted, but 2014 and 2015 he has not had that same look in hardly any of his matches. I think his issues are not physical as much as they are emotional. He gets very defensive when asked about releasing Toni. I can imagine that I would feel the same way. That's not an easy thing to do, at all.
Just another theory.
I think he decided one day that he was really spent. he had spent an enormous amount of physical and mental and emotional capital in carving out his immortality in the sport.
also nearly a decade of domination of clay is really a lot. it takes more than superhuman to pull that off today.
it took its tool on him. and then the injuries have forever hounded him. he has been injured off and on since he was 17.
he has been injured 5 times out of the last 7 years.
he also became very wealthy over the years making as much as $41 million a year.
he has lost some of his fire in the belly. but good news is that he is still young.
so he can make a comeback if he can find the hunger and the relentless drive. it will have to be on clay and he can do it if he wants to.
it will just take a lot of sacrifice and a laser like focus.
-
general britbox site is cool lady TT and lady Ann.
he will stop by soon and provide the links so everybody here can join if they so desire.
we do have a major presence there. our place is called Camelot: Dawn of Justice
http://discuss.tennis/index.php?threads/camelot-dawn-of-justice.288/
Thanks CD,
The link is http://discuss.tennis - There are things other than tennis discussed on there too - world affairs, other sports, tv, cinema etc... and Camelot has it's own forum section too.
Cheers, BB
I love it, Britbox and I can see that I'm going to have to spend some time there getting acquainted with the site, but I'm game. Congrats to you on your site.
-
Rafa can win big titles again but he is going to have to dedicate his life totally to the sport for 2-3 years.
bottom line: he has to devote 7-8 hours a day to fitness and practice.
the problem is insufficient work ethic. he has lost his fire in the belly.
I am not happy with Rafa but it is his life and it is his career.
he will always be my player along with vilas and muster but rafa has to work if he wants to win.
his once supreme fitness and endurance has taken quite a hit. and also he has lost significant amount lean muscle tissue.
once he can fix that he will be good to go. it will also minimize the injuries.
Here's a thought. Could Rafa's issues be a conflict of interest? Could the real problem be that he's struggling with keeping Uncle Toni? He's been with him forever and I can imagine that hiring new people would feel like a betrayal of the highest order. Not only that, but it would also affect the family dynamics.
I don't think Rafa's issues have that much to do with the other issues; fitness, mental and all of that as it does with the emotional letting go of Uncle Toni.
I've watched Rafa for years, but I particularly pay attention to his face and body language. When he came back in 2013, he was hungry and devoted, but 2014 and 2015 he has not had that same look in hardly any of his matches. I think his issues are not physical as much as they are emotional. He gets very defensive when asked about releasing Toni. I can imagine that I would feel the same way. That's not an easy thing to do, at all.
Just another theory.
-
general britbox site is cool lady TT and lady Ann.
he will stop by soon and provide the links so everybody here can join if they so desire.
we do have a major presence there. our place is called Camelot: Dawn of Justice
http://discuss.tennis/index.php?threads/camelot-dawn-of-justice.288/
I can't wait to see it and support it.
-
Thank you very much, Britbox. I'll take a look around.
-
general britbox site is cool lady TT and lady Ann.
he will stop by soon and provide the links so everybody here can join if they so desire.
we do have a major presence there. our place is called Camelot: Dawn of Justice
http://discuss.tennis/index.php?threads/camelot-dawn-of-justice.288/
Thanks CD,
The link is http://discuss.tennis - There are things other than tennis discussed on there too - world affairs, other sports, tv, cinema etc... and Camelot has it's own forum section too.
Cheers, BB
-
monica seles was known to practice 3 times a day.
rafa has to practice twice day on clay for a total of about 5-6 hours a day. that is the only way he can start to find the consistency in his ground game again.
it has to be clay. clay is the wellspring from which he flows. clay can get him going again but he has to embrace it now.
all other options are closed. he wont win a title on any other surface at the current rate.
clay will give his confidence a boost as he starts to run over the top players on clay again.
-
Thank you very much for your information, Clay.
you are welcome lady Ann.
-
Rafa can win big titles again but he is going to have to dedicate his life totally to the sport for 2-3 years.
bottom line: he has to devote 7-8 hours a day to fitness and practice.
the problem is insufficient work ethic. he has lost his fire in the belly.
I am not happy with Rafa but it is his life and it is his career.
he will always be my player along with vilas and muster but rafa has to work if he wants to win.
his once supreme fitness and endurance has taken quite a hit. and also he has lost significant amount lean muscle tissue.
once he can fix that he will be good to go. it will also minimize the injuries.
-
Thank you very much for your information, Clay.
-
general britbox site is cool lady TT and lady Ann.
he will stop by soon and provide the links so everybody here can join if they so desire.
we do have a major presence there. our place is called Camelot: Dawn of Justice
http://discuss.tennis/index.php?threads/camelot-dawn-of-justice.288/
-
great to see you general Britbox.
that is going to be called the upset of a century: Serena was looking so dominant and so strong physically.
Congrats to Kerber and her fans.
It was kind of like destiny or fate. Everything was perfect for Angie. Serena was off, Angie was focused, and Angie had been with her idol, it was like a fairy tale.
I'm sure Serena will win more trophies, so no big deal for me.
I don't know if you watched the match CD, but Kerber really came to play... she was in it to win it. Serena was below par - looked tight and nervy. One of those matches where it's somebody's destiny - and Kerber seized the chance.
I still think Serena will win more slams but was pleased to see Kerber make the most of her chance. She prevents Serena tieing her idol Steffi Graf on 22 slams.
-
Sorry, I haven't been around much - been travelling and then getting a new website up at discuss.tennis
I see we've hit the Fantasy vibe around here. Looks good CD.
You sound busy. Let us know about your new site. I love everything tennis related.
-
The Truth,
A rollercoaster ride of a final. I didn't have a dog in the fight really, so usually pull for the underdog. I didn't really expect too much from the match - I thought Serena would win in straights and with relative comfort.
Angelique came out like a firecracker... Serena looked tight. Her serving was poor, she was overcooking what should have been routine shots and her net game was pretty poor.
Not to take anything away from Angie who defended superbly - one of the most incredible rallies (which she actually lost) near the end of the third set showed how much she really wanted this. At that time, despite losing the point I thought maybe it was destiny that her name was on trophy.
She had a "good luck" text from the great Steffi Graf, her idol and German compatriot before the match... I'm pretty sure she'll be getting another one post-match.
Well done Angelique Kerber, the new world #2. It's great to see first time slam winners, achieving their dreams and converting all that hard work throughout their career into a tangible place in history.
Serena is actually my all time favorite player for the women, and Rafa for the men, but she's got 21, she's not starving for trophies. I like Angie too because she always gives it her all. When I think of professional tennis players I think of all of them having a dream to be #1 and raising a major trophy so I'm OK with surprise winners. Your last sentence says it best.
It's also the best thing about sports which is that it's unpredictable. I don't think you can analyze why something happens or doesn't happen. Everything happens the way it's supposed to, just like in life.
I don't get into the need for status through trophies. I select my
-
That's great. There are some beautiful places here in Britain. The weather has been very bad in some places like the Lake District, Tadcaster, York & Leeds though. I've always lived in Britain but think I was born in the wrong part. I was born & have always lived in England but genealogically I'm more Scottish, I've got Scottish hair & ways & my heart's in Scotland. I'd love to live there. I love Australian birds. I've had cockatiels myself. They can be very noisy though. I'm glad you had a good time.
-
Did you go anywhere nice & have a good time, Britbox?
Back to the old country Ann (the UK) - pissed down with rain for the entire stay but good to catch up with family and friends. Glad to be back in Oz though - don't miss it other than some of the people.
-
great to see you general Britbox.
that is going to be called the upset of a century: Serena was looking so dominant and so strong physically.
Congrats to Kerber and her fans.
I don't know if you watched the match CD, but Kerber really came to play... she was in it to win it. Serena was below par - looked tight and nervy. One of those matches where it's somebody's destiny - and Kerber seized the chance.
I still think Serena will win more slams but was pleased to see Kerber make the most of her chance. She prevents Serena tieing her idol Steffi Graf on 22 slams.
-
Did you go anywhere nice & have a good time, Britbox?
-
great to see you general Britbox.
that is going to be called the upset of a century: Serena was looking so dominant and so strong physically.
Congrats to Kerber and her fans.
-
Sorry, I haven't been around much - been travelling and then getting a new website up at discuss.tennis
I see we've hit the Fantasy vibe around here. Looks good CD.
-
The Truth,
A rollercoaster ride of a final. I didn't have a dog in the fight really, so usually pull for the underdog. I didn't really expect too much from the match - I thought Serena would win in straights and with relative comfort.
Angelique came out like a firecracker... Serena looked tight. Her serving was poor, she was overcooking what should have been routine shots and her net game was pretty poor.
Not to take anything away from Angie who defended superbly - one of the most incredible rallies (which she actually lost) near the end of the third set showed how much she really wanted this. At that time, despite losing the point I thought maybe it was destiny that her name was on trophy.
She had a "good luck" text from the great Steffi Graf, her idol and German compatriot before the match... I'm pretty sure she'll be getting another one post-match.
Well done Angelique Kerber, the new world #2. It's great to see first time slam winners, achieving their dreams and converting all that hard work throughout their career into a tangible place in history.
-
Angelique Kerber Stuns Serena.
Congrats to Angie. She played the match of her life. I thought she would get nervous, but she pulled it out. A great win for Angelique. She is now a grand slam champion. Kudos to her.
-
Andy just has to believe in himself.
and play a very intelligent match.
I know. I hope he does. He's been so consistent over the years and he deserves to have another big win. I don't like the others catching up to him. He's had too many years of sustained excellence. I really hope he wins Sunday.
-
Andy just has to believe in himself.
and play a very intelligent match.
-
Is it me, or did this major go exceedingly fast? I can't believe we're already at the end. It seems like this was one week, and not two. I don't know what made the difference, but it'll be time for the French Open before we know it at this rate.
Any standout matches for you guys? Here's mine:
1. Angelique Kerber vs. Victoria Azarenka-I didn't think Angie would get it done. Victoria just thumped her handily a few weeks ago, but Angie found a way this time. Now she's in her first major final. Good for her.
2. Novak Djokovic vs. Gilles Simon-I can't believe that match went to a fifth set. I wonder what Gilles did that had Novak so bothered, or was Novak not playing that well?
3. Novak and Roger was a strange match. Novak came out on fire in the first two sets and then his level dropped significantly in that third set. I realize that Federer began to play much better and press him, but for a moment he looked intimidated. It was an odd match. Too bad about the ten minute break. That kind of messed up the momentum.
4. Serena didn't really play anyone except Maria, but we kind of already know how that's going to go. Maria is going to lose a lot of points though because she finaled last year and went out in the quarters this year. She came into the tournament at #5, I'll have to check to see what ranking she is Monday.
That's it for me. I can't think of any other matches of note.
-
Great match between Andy and Milos, not the best quality, but tense and drama-filled. Andy was definitely not at his best and Milos was playing the best I've ever seen him play, but all the twists and turns made it exciting to watch.
I wasn't 100% sure, but I thought Andy would pull it out. Sunday will be difficult though. There's too much going on with Andy for me to see him winning against Novak. He's got the wife at home with the baby due any minute, the father-in-law in the hospital. His mother had to leave for Fed Cup, and his brother is in the doubles final. Then, a long, grueling 5 set match. I know Andy's fit, but the emotional demands may be too much.
I'm hoping for a miracle for him though. Nine finals and he's lost this one four times. Open up heavens and give this man a break. Finger crossed, go Andy.
-
there are a number of reasons why djokovic keeps winning and dominating.
he is constantly bringing in experts to help him improve his game and his fitness. so he is outworking them all.
another reason is a bit of a luck: his main rivals are not getting near him.
roger is just too old and andy has no forehand. andy will need one hell of a match and djokovic would have to a little bit off.
but I don't know if djokovic will be off. he is working on his game night and day to be that sharp.
and rafa is just not interested. he is not interested in making the slightest change in his game, his fitness, and his physical work in the gym.
that London O2 arena match at the end of the year and the Doha final showed very clearly that the gulf between djokovic and rafa is greater than ever.
Rafa is practicing on clay now but that is no enough. he has to fix his fitness and start doing some very serious physical work in the gym.
pros who are the ultimate insiders of the sport say he has very little endurance and also has lost substantial amount of muscle mass.
of course it is not rocket science. we can all see that too.
-
Rafa's popularity continues to skyrocket.
his endorsement income is also skyrocketing.
-
Interesting numbers. Rafa's poor results aren't hurting him as far as his popularity. That keeps climbing.
Rafael Nadal Reaches 9 million Followers on Twitter
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-reaches-nine-milion-followers-on-Twitter-articolo29844.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
-
Hi!
-
It is good to be back at Camelot.
Yes, it is. Hi family! Waves at everyone!
-
I think it's a very good idea as we already have a wide variety of different people with a wide variety of different hobbies & interests & everybody can learn from each other as well & this will attract a wide range of different people with a wide range of different hobbies & interest in the long run & this circle will go round & round.
-
Camelot is now Camelot Fantasy.
we have had to reinvent Camelot in order to keep growing.
tennis forums are not really doing all that well except for a few that are run by corporations.
however rest assured that the sport of tennis is growing globally.
finally we simply have more for folks to enjoy at Camelot. they can even get free education here for example.
-
Definitely.
Camelot lives.
long live Camelot.
-
Very happy to be back!
so good to the see the Camelot family.
Camelot lives.
-
Very happy to be back!
-
Definitely.
-
It is good to be back at Camelot.
-
Just watched Lleyton's farewell and my eyes misted up. I can't imagine how I'll take Rafa's farewell. He's given me so many moments that I will cherish forever. Rafa is more than a tennis player to me. He's an inspiration of how to be a champion. He lets us in and doesn't pretend to be unaffected. I love that about him. I also love how complimentary he is to other players and gives everyone their due. All I wish for him is just a fraction of what he's given me. I love Rafa.
-
I rather just remember him as the game's greatest gladiator he once was.
I cant bear to watch him at all. I cant even bear to watch the highlights.
he keeps showing up horribly unprepared.
he even gave us all a fair warning. he said a couple of months ago that he wont be prepared.
he just doesn't care to win anymore. not much we can do about it lady TT.
the game has not progressed that much. all these players are not much better than him
they just look like all world now. how the hell do you allow verdasco to hit nearly 100 winners on you.
and how does he make 91 unforced errors and still win the match against a guy who has owned him all his life on all surfaces.
also verdasco is not exactly young either. he is not all that fit either.
he is just fitter than rafa as many of the players are.
rafa is going to have to find the fire in his belly again and go after these guys.
he was born to be a gladiator. how about one last charge Rafa. go get fit and then go after them.
tony said earlier that the game has passed rafa by. what horse crap.
we are not buying it.
I'm standing behind Rafa. This is a process. I believe that he'll be back. I still see him competing for majors (plural). Many experts agree with me.
-
rafa can change his stars. he is the only one who can come back from this decline.
but it will take a lot of sacrifice.
-
I rather just remember him as the game's greatest gladiator he once was.
I cant bear to watch him at all. I cant even bear to watch the highlights.
he keeps showing up horribly unprepared.
he even gave us all a fair warning. he said a couple of months ago that he wont be prepared.
he just doesn't care to win anymore. not much we can do about it lady TT.
the game has not progressed that much. all these players are not much better than him
they just look like all world now. how the hell do you allow verdasco to hit nearly 100 winners on you.
and how does he make 91 unforced errors and still win the match against a guy who has owned him all his life on all surfaces.
also verdasco is not exactly young either. he is not all that fit either.
he is just fitter than rafa as many of the players are.
rafa is going to have to find the fire in his belly again and go after these guys.
he was born to be a gladiator. how about one last charge Rafa. go get fit and then go after them.
tony said earlier that the game has passed rafa by. what horse crap.
we are not buying it.
-
Sorry Rafa lost, but I guess it was in the cards. I still have high hopes for him for the rest of this year. It's always a pleasure to watch him play. At least I can watch the Oz without emotion. I have a feeling that Andy will leave due to the baby, but he would be my next pick, then Berdych. Other than that just watching when I can.
-
Hello Clay! I agree with you. It's better when everyone gets on well with each other & solves problems by discussing them like civilised human beings. There is no need for hatred towards tennis players or indeed anyone unless they've been cruel to other people or animals. They do the job they chose to do. Some of them may have lost some of their zest for the game so aren't playing the best they can but that doesn't condone hatred or abuse. I don't know much about tennis but there is a lot more on here than that so can choose to look at other parts or indeed I've got my horse & book sections & indeed my poetry thread. I guess with you making this forum an educational tool you'll want to see my piece on Charlotte Bronte when I write it. I'm finishing off putting more information in my what if? piece but it's getting depressing so I'm giving myself a bit of a break.
-
good morning Ann.
we all come from various other tennis forums where some top players were blindly hated endlessly.
we just don't want those kind of people here.
there were some forums out there that even allowed members to wish death and injury to top players.
such is the nature of reckless blind hate. we don't need it here.
-
That's great, Clay. So, the only people not allowed in are people with hatred for anything other than cruelty of any kind. Cruelty of any kind cannot be condoned. I can't promise not to hate myself when I feel frustrated & angry with myself for some reason or other.
-
folks we have 214 members.
we added more today. our goal is 700+.
tennis is in our blood and it will be that way for ever but we had to reinvent Camelot to keep it growing.
our new vision for Camelot is to make it a learning center and a resource center.
there are no requirements at Camelot. Our people at Camelot are as free as the wind. they all have their own kingdoms here.
it gives them a sense of belonging and they do belong here.
our guests will come here to see, learn, share, and inspire if they have the time or when the time permits.
today we share our Camelot with the world. our gates are open to everyone.
only people not allowed here are those ate up with bitter and endless hate for Rafa and Roger.
we will also not tolerate anyone wishing to harm Camelot or any of our Camelot family.
-
It's going to be tough for sure, General hercules.
Rafa will be 30 this year. Not many players in history have won Roland Garros after 30.
Only two in fact. The ageless Ken Rosewall back in 1968 at 33 years old, when tennis was going from amateur to Open era. And Gimeno at almost 35 back in 1972 against a rather weak field. Laver did it in 1969 at 30.
We know why. It takes top fitness and strength to win 7 matches on clay.
The window is closing.
We saw it coming. Well, what can you say? Rafa seemed happier at times playing golf, poker, and fishing. He had done so much in the sport, and maybe all the years of investment in fitness, injuries, etc, finally took their toll and he needed to relax a bit. He's only one man, and he was fighting on many fronts.
I also think Uncle Toni is taking a lot of heat unnecessarily. There is nothing he can do on the court. It's up to Rafa.
Yes, Rafa has done a lot, 14 majors and all those masters, more than enough.
Still, my wish is that he can get fit enough to win one more RG and go out on a high note.
Respectfully,
masterclass
great post. trend is your friend. we spotted the trends and what those trends would lead to long ago at Camelot and at tennis4you.
trends became a little too clear the last 3 years.
-
going to get some sleep.
talk tomorrow.
Ok General. Get some rest. The season just started. Still plenty of time to right the ship.
By the way, I hope everyone is healthy in your neck of the woods.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
It's going to be tough for sure, General hercules.
Rafa will be 30 this year. Not many players in history have won Roland Garros after 30.
Only two in fact. The ageless Ken Rosewall back in 1968 at 33 years old, when tennis was going from amateur to Open era. And Gimeno at almost 35 back in 1972 against a rather weak field. Laver did it in 1969 at 30.
We know why. It takes top fitness and strength to win 7 matches on clay.
The window is closing.
We saw it coming. Well, what can you say? Rafa seemed happier at times playing golf, poker, and fishing. He had done so much in the sport, and maybe all the years of investment in fitness, injuries, etc, finally took their toll and he needed to relax a bit. He's only one man, and he was fighting on many fronts.
I also think Uncle Toni is taking a lot of heat unnecessarily. There is nothing he can do on the court. It's up to Rafa.
Yes, Rafa has done a lot, 14 majors and all those masters, more than enough.
Still, my wish is that he can get fit enough to win one more RG and go out on a high note.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
going to get some sleep.
talk tomorrow.
-
he is going to indian wells to hang out with larry Allison of oracle and to play golf. he knows he cant win anything there.
and the appearance money is good too.
he is also going to indian wells. he needs to skip Miami but he wont. he already said that he is going to Miami.
so the losses will just continue to mount.
I am so damn heart broken. only thing that can happen with this diminished fitness is an injury which may end his career rather quickly this time.
-
You said it General.
I still have hope for #10 at RG this year. But he has to abandon hard court play. He's changed his game too much to try and produce on hard courts, and now I think it has confused him. He doesn't seem to know whether to play up near the baseline or back a few meters. In that last set his forehands were not making it to the service line, just inviting Verdasco to bash away.
I'm going to be even more drastic. Forget Hard courts for the next 6-7 months. Rafa should skip Indian Wells and Miami. I know he likes going to IW to stay with his buddy Larry Ellison, and play golf, but clay is the only solution to get his game solid again.
Play as much as he can in South America, Quito or Buenos Aires, then Rio and avenge the loss against Fognini - another player Rafa used to own.
Skip IW and Miami. Get more miles on clay in practice and work on fitness. Come back fresh in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and be ready for Roland Garros.
Hard court play is just useless now for him.
And yes, exhos were unnecessary, even if he made a million a match. He has all the money he needs. What he doesn't have are the physical tools.
Even the commentators noticed today how big Rafa's shorts looked on his legs and said he's lost a lot of muscle mass from his legs.
Respectfully,
masterclass
he has lost significant muscle mass general.
his fitness and his supreme physicality is a huge part of his game. I can assure you that it is not rocket science. but some people at other boards are so confused.
I played a similar game. it was a heavy topspin game. I rode bikes for 100 miles at a time and I often went on runs of 10 mile of longer after practicing for 6 hours.
in fact I never hit the practice courts without hitting against a wall for 2 hours first. I even lifted weights as I was driving out on the road. I kept 20 pound dumbbells handy in my car.
you know about vilas and muster. immense physicality and massive fitness. and what about borg.
rafa simply refuses to put in the work: both on the practice courts and on the fitness front.
he is not confused general. he just doesn't care to win anymore.
there is nothing we can do about it. Agassi warned about this nearly 6 years ago and I warned against this even longer.
this was going to happen. now it is just too tall of a mountain to climb even on clay.
he has one chance left and it will come in 2017. he has to get back to his roots and try to make something happen on clay in 2017.
he does not have the fitness and the physicality to win in 2016. you cant develop that overnight. it will take 9 months of very hard work.
he just does not have any fire in his belly. the relentless will to win is gone. I don't know how you get around that.
-
You said it General.
I still have hope for #10 at RG this year. But he has to abandon hard court play. He's changed his game too much to try and produce on hard courts, and now I think it has confused him. He doesn't seem to know whether to play up near the baseline or back a few meters. In that last set his forehands were not making it to the service line, just inviting Verdasco to bash away.
I'm going to be even more drastic. Forget Hard courts for the next 6-7 months. Rafa should skip Indian Wells and Miami. I know he likes going to IW to stay with his buddy Larry Ellison, and play golf, but clay is the only solution to get his game solid again.
Play as much as he can in South America, Quito or Buenos Aires, then Rio and avenge the loss against Fognini - another player Rafa used to own.
Skip IW and Miami. Get more miles on clay in practice and work on fitness. Come back fresh in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and be ready for Roland Garros.
Hard court play is just useless now for him.
And yes, exhos were unnecessary, even if he made a million a match. He has all the money he needs. What he doesn't have are the physical tools.
Even the commentators noticed today how big Rafa's shorts looked on his legs and said he's lost a lot of muscle mass from his legs.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Now Rafa, please get off the damn hard courts and back on the clay and hit your forehand for a few hours a day and get your fitness back. Go to South America and take a wild card in Quito or Buenos Aires and stay on the clay and get a lot of matches in. It's your only chance for another Roland Garros.
Should never lose to Verdasco up 2 sets to 1. Forehand and serve disappeared in the 5th set after being ahead 2-0. 6 straight games lost. Just hold the damn serve once more and you win. Shouldn't have even gone to the 5th set. Yeah, Verdasco red-lined, but he was making as many errors as winners. He was beating himself. But Rafa got very tentative on serve and let Fernando back in.
This is as bad as Federer losing in the final to Djokovic at the World Tour Finals after straight setting him in the round robin. Roger knew exactly how to beat Novak, but played too differently, too cautiously in the final and seemed afraid to win.
Looks like another AO title for Djokovic, unless Wawrinka or Murray wake up.
Respectfully,
masterclass
djokovic is working harder than ever even after being so far ahead of everybody already.
he simply stepped up his fitness in the off season. he is also working day and night on every single aspect of his game.
he did not go to india to fart around and throw away valuable time.
he does not need the money. the money runs after him.
the money runs after rafa too but he just doesn't care to win anymore.
-
nalbandian said this but we said it long ago:
it is clay or the exit.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows. he has to be able to run over them on clay in order to do well against them on other surfaces.
he has 46 clay titles. that should spell it out clearly.
clay gives him the consistency, momentum, and the confidence.
but he is not young anymore. the youth is gone.
so now he has to work harder than ever before and he simply refuses to do that.
for him to dominate them on clay, he has to have supreme fitness and superb physicality. he wont put in the required time to get that back. he just does not want to.
-
rafa had no business going to india for those stupid exos.
he threw away valuable time that he needed to prepare for this slam.
he is not stupid. he knew his game was in shambles.
he knew he had to work on his return.
he knew he had to work on his serve
he knew he had to work on his ground game. it was inconsistent as hell.
and he knew there was much work to be done on the fitness front.
he blew all that off.
today he paid for it.
but as I have said before, I don't think he really cares to win anymore. otherwise he would not be losing like this players he has owned all his life.
he had beaten verdasco 14 times on all surfaces.
in the past he won against them all even when hobbling around with his injuries. now he is healthy but there is no relentless will and no real hunger.
and of course he cant to do a thing without his fitness and his physicality. his game is very heavily dependent on it.
-
Now Rafa, please get off the damn hard courts and back on the clay and hit your forehand for a few hours a day and get your fitness back. Go to South America and take a wild card in Quito or Buenos Aires and stay on the clay and get a lot of matches in. It's your only chance for another Roland Garros.
Should never lose to Verdasco up 2 sets to 1. Forehand and serve disappeared in the 5th set after being ahead 2-0. 6 straight games lost. Just hold the damn serve once more and you win. Shouldn't have even gone to the 5th set. Yeah, Verdasco red-lined, but he was making as many errors as winners. He was beating himself. But Rafa got very tentative on serve and let Fernando back in.
This is as bad as Federer losing in the final to Djokovic at the World Tour Finals after straight setting him in the round robin. Roger knew exactly how to beat Novak, but played too differently, too cautiously in the final and seemed afraid to win.
Looks like another AO title for Djokovic, unless Wawrinka or Murray wake up.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
order of play:
http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html?promo=fromatp
let the games begin.
-
Australian Open:
6 days and 8 hours to go.
-
Rusty is still winning matches.
he took out jack sock at hopman cup:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
Thank you very much, Clay. I have some good ideas myself. I'm working on them & a lot of other things too. I won't let the cat out of the bag until I surprise everyone with them. I think a feature on the works of Robert Burns would be very good for 25/1 as it's Burns Night. Not only was Robert Burns a good poet & song-writer but he was Scottish & a lot of people like Scotland. He was known as the ploughman poet as he ploughed fields for a living & wrote poetry while he was ploughing these fields in the Ayr/Dumfries/Galloway area of Scotland.
-
all those ranks had to go.
they were sending the wrong messages out there. Camelot stands for maximum and unlimited freedom
we had too many admin and too many mods.
lonely the 3 original admin ranks will stand. other ranks were not really serving any real, constructive purpose right now.
especially in light of the fact that we are just going to turn Camelot into a resource center and a learning center. in that context we do not expect much posting activity.
people are free to build their centers to showcase them to the world. and they are free to do whatever they please at their castles to share with others.
our castles are our individual playgrounds and our own kingdoms to have fun with and to enjoy.
too many ranks accomplish nothing at this point. they make us look goofy and they send a message of excessive policing.
Great ideas, CD. It's cool the way it is IMO, with everyone contributing their own interests. I love the freedom and the ability to express myself freely, so I'm good and so is Bobbi. She posts every day, so she's here even if you don't see her.
Does Doha start today (Monday)?
Camelot is our home lady TT. it is just so cool to call a place our own.
it really is our Camelot. nobody in the world can tell us what to do like they used to at other forums.
I am loving the peace, quiet, and the serenity here. and also our unlimited freedom.
-
I agree. I use it as an educational facility & to express my thoughts creatively. I hope you don't mind but sometimes I type my works here then copy & paste it onto my facebook & twitter pages. Since you changed the name of the creative writing centres to the Eros & Aphrodite centre it has put me off writing anything innovative & I have only written poems though I'm thinking of writing some non-fiction pieces. The reason it has demotivated me is I'm in with the romance writers which while they are very good I'm not in their league. I know there is a demand for it & some people like this type of fiction but I don't. I'm little Miss prim & proper & don't like hearing about certain parts of the human anatomy or seeing them unless forced. I know about them of course. I respect everyone's opinions & rights to have & air them even if I don't always agree. I know when to agree to disagree. I love your equine photos of course. I agree with what you said about policing because we are all civilised human beings who are capable of discussing problems with the people we have them with in a tactful, diplomatic & euphemistic way. It's nice to know we have someone to go to if problems can't be solved like that though. No offense intended by anything I've said. I hope if you are offended by what I've said you bring your problem to me so we can sort it out together. I don't want to be kicked out but at the end of the day it's up to you.
you are just too awesome lady Ann.
you are an asset to Camelot. we are all just glad that you are enjoying Camelot.
we will be adding tons and tons of more cool features at Camelot as we all learn more about the endless possibilities.
Camelot is your home forever and ever. have fun with it.
-
I agree. I use it as an educational facility & to express my thoughts creatively. I hope you don't mind but sometimes I type my works here then copy & paste it onto my facebook & twitter pages. Since you changed the name of the creative writing centres to the Eros & Aphrodite centre it has put me off writing anything innovative & I have only written poems though I'm thinking of writing some non-fiction pieces. The reason it has demotivated me is I'm in with the romance writers which while they are very good I'm not in their league. I know there is a demand for it & some people like this type of fiction but I don't. I'm little Miss prim & proper & don't like hearing about certain parts of the human anatomy or seeing them unless forced. I know about them of course. I respect everyone's opinions & rights to have & air them even if I don't always agree. I know when to agree to disagree. I love your equine photos of course. I agree with what you said about policing because we are all civilised human beings who are capable of discussing problems with the people we have them with in a tactful, diplomatic & euphemistic way. It's nice to know we have someone to go to if problems can't be solved like that though. No offense intended by anything I've said. I hope if you are offended by what I've said you bring your problem to me so we can sort it out together. I don't want to be kicked out but at the end of the day it's up to you.
-
all those ranks had to go.
they were sending the wrong messages out there. Camelot stands for maximum and unlimited freedom
we had too many admin and too many mods.
lonely the 3 original admin ranks will stand. other ranks were not really serving any real, constructive purpose right now.
especially in light of the fact that we are just going to turn Camelot into a resource center and a learning center. in that context we do not expect much posting activity.
people are free to build their centers to showcase them to the world. and they are free to do whatever they please at their castles to share with others.
our castles are our individual playgrounds and our own kingdoms to have fun with and to enjoy.
too many ranks accomplish nothing at this point. they make us look goofy and they send a message of excessive policing.
Great ideas, CD. It's cool the way it is IMO, with everyone contributing their own interests. I love the freedom and the ability to express myself freely, so I'm good and so is Bobbi. She posts every day, so she's here even if you don't see her.
Does Doha start today (Monday)?
-
all those ranks had to go.
they were sending the wrong messages out there. Camelot stands for maximum and unlimited freedom
we had too many admin and too many mods.
lonely the 3 original admin ranks will stand. other ranks were not really serving any real, constructive purpose right now.
especially in light of the fact that we are just going to turn Camelot into a resource center and a learning center. in that context we do not expect much posting activity.
people are free to build their centers to showcase them to the world. and they are free to do whatever they please at their castles to share with others.
our castles are our individual playgrounds and our own kingdoms to have fun with and to enjoy.
too many ranks accomplish nothing at this point. they make us look goofy and they send a message of excessive policing.
-
Rafa is playing doubles with Verdasco in Doha.
-
Mubadala World Tennis Championship: Rafael Nadal not done with grand slams, says coach
Published: 19:31 January 2, 2016 Gulf News By Euan Reedie, Chief Sports Writer – Abu Dhabi
http://gulfnews.com/sport/tennis/mubadala-world-tennis-championship-rafael-nadal-not-done-with-grand-slams-says-coach-1.1647319
Spaniard’s uncle and lifelong mentor Toni says his charge has rediscovered his mojo after an indifferent 2015
Rafael Nada’s uncle and lifelong mentor Toni (left) says his charge is very much in contention for the Australian Open title in January and Wimbledon too.
Abu Dhabi: Rafael Nadal’s coach and uncle, Toni, has backed the Spaniard to add to his tally of 14 grand slam titles, despite him not having won a major for the first time since 2004 last year.
Nadal has looked in excellent shape in his first tournament of the year, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. After slumping to his lowest world ranking since April 2005 following poor form and a loss of confidence – number 10 last June – a late-year resurgence saw Nadal climb to five.
His lifelong mentor Toni insists the pugnacious 29-year-old can scale even greater heights in 2016, endorsing Nadal’s own assertion in Abu Dhabi this weekend that he can be “very competitive”.
“Do I believe he can win another grand slam?” said Toni, in an interview with ESPN.com. “I couldn’t do this work if I thought that he couldn’t win more grand slams.
“He can win the Australian Open in January and he can win Wimbledon, too. The last few years, Rafael arrives at Wimbledon and he loses early, and very fast. And, in Roland Garros [at the French Open], for sure, Rafael can win.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJA9KNEwwjI
Thanks for posting the highlights. I watched the match but it's always nice to see the best points. Tomorrow, Raonic, whose serve is on fire.
now nothing is showing. they must have deleted their videos.
It's still there for me. I can watch the highlights.
Rafa is in Doha already.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJA9KNEwwjI
Thanks for posting the highlights. I watched the match but it's always nice to see the best points. Tomorrow, Raonic, whose serve is on fire.
now nothing is showing. they must have deleted their videos.
-
Well, Rafa defeated Raonic and won the title. So far, so good.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJA9KNEwwjI
Thanks for posting the highlights. I watched the match but it's always nice to see the best points. Tomorrow, Raonic, whose serve is on fire.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv_1iZs6n5E&feature=youtu.be
-
Happy New Year!
-
Thanks for your good wishes everyone!
General Hercules, I read further back that your mom wasn't doing well, but you got her some antibiotics. I hope she is much better.
It has been abnormally warm. Mid to upper England is flooded. Warmest December on record. Cloudy, rainy, here.
In the past, I've seen some warm days here and there in December, but nothing like this.
Finally, we are about to feel some colder air here in north central Europe. Below freezing clear weather forecast from Wed Dec 30 into the New Year (-5C/23F).
Meanwhile in Melbourne, Australia, New Year's Eve looks to be over 100 F/39. But then temps will abate to more reasonable temps as the new tennis season begins.
Respectfully,
masterclass
good to hear from you general masterclass. mom is doing well now general but still wont listen.
I told her to exercise 2 times a day and drink a glass of red wine daily.
she is not doing it. she is content to exercise just once a day and drink no more than a few sips of red wine.
they are staying at Hollywood casino tonight and tomorrow night. I will go join them shortly for a drink and then the big seafood dinner.
Ha ha ha. Mom is being disobedient? Now you know how she felt raising you two. You're a tough taskmaster, exercising twice a day is a bit much, don't you think? She'll be fine. You are so funny and such a worry wart.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fhappy%2520new%2520year-2_zpsqqk0fndl.gif&hash=5d65d1bc6b22605562d82b61329728d1ebfeb1b6) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/happy%20new%20year-2_zpsqqk0fndl.gif.html)
-
happy new year everybody.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Thanks for your good wishes everyone!
General Hercules, I read further back that your mom wasn't doing well, but you got her some antibiotics. I hope she is much better.
It has been abnormally warm. Mid to upper England is flooded. Warmest December on record. Cloudy, rainy, here.
In the past, I've seen some warm days here and there in December, but nothing like this.
Finally, we are about to feel some colder air here in north central Europe. Below freezing clear weather forecast from Wed Dec 30 into the New Year (-5C/23F).
Meanwhile in Melbourne, Australia, New Year's Eve looks to be over 100 F/39. But then temps will abate to more reasonable temps as the new tennis season begins.
Respectfully,
masterclass
good to hear from you general masterclass. mom is doing well now general but still wont listen.
I told her to exercise 2 times a day and drink a glass of red wine daily.
she is not doing it. she is content to exercise just once a day and drink no more than a few sips of red wine.
they are staying at Hollywood casino tonight and tomorrow night. I will go join them shortly for a drink and then the big seafood dinner.
-
You're welcome, Masterclass. The River Calder has burst it's banks. I'm hoping it doesn't affect buses in Wakefield so my Sister can go to work as she lives nr Pontefract but works nr Wakefield. I've also got a friend who lives between Tadcaster & York so I'm hoping she's o.k. as both Tadcaster & York have been hit badly & the weather forecast has predicted more rain for the next few days which is going to make things worse.
-
Thanks for your good wishes everyone!
General Hercules, I read further back that your mom wasn't doing well, but you got her some antibiotics. I hope she is much better.
It has been abnormally warm. Mid to upper England is flooded. Warmest December on record. Cloudy, rainy, here.
In the past, I've seen some warm days here and there in December, but nothing like this.
Finally, we are about to feel some colder air here in north central Europe. Below freezing clear weather forecast from Wed Dec 30 into the New Year (-5C/23F).
Meanwhile in Melbourne, Australia, New Year's Eve looks to be over 100 F/39. But then temps will abate to more reasonable temps as the new tennis season begins.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Less than three weeks to go. It's amazing how quickly time flies. I'm getting excited. I can't wait to see what happens this year. There wasn't much movement from the "new guns." Tennis's greatest prospects were beset with injuries (Kei and Raonic), Andy was distracted with the Davis Cup, the wedding, and the baby. Rafa had the worst year of his career. Roger played well, but couldn't take a major, and Novak was at the top of the heap for the second or third year running.
Hope we see some positive change for the new year.
-
Hi everyone!
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
I hope you and your families have the best of health and fortune in the coming year.
I've had a tough battle concerning my health the last month or so, so I can safely say how I've taken my health for granted.
But finally with the correct diagnosis, I'm improving, but not before being in a lot of pain and in and out of the hospital and many doctor visits.
I still will probably need to have some surgery for another problem found, but it's no emergency at the moment.
Anyway, I hope you all are doing well, and are happy in your lives.
The 2016 tennis season will be upon us soon with all the familiar faces and hopefully some new ones. :)
Take care, and as always,
Best Regards,
masterclass
great to see you general masterclass.
very sorry to hear that you have not been well.
a very merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. hope you have 100% recovery fast.
lets get ready for the Australian Open.
-
Thank you very much, "The Truth". Happy New Year! Good luck with any resolutions you may make.
-
Hi! Merry Christmas! Thank you very much for your kind wishes, Masterclass. I hope you feel better soon. I'm fine, thank you. I am happier than I've ever been & would like to thank everyone here for their kind comments, gestures, welcoming ways, help, advice, encouragement & acceptance. I'm very sorry if I did anybody's head in with my confidence issues & harsh opinions of myself. I've really got these sorted out now. Thank you very much once again.
Great post Equine Ann. It's so nice to see your transition and hearing about it as we enter a new phase. Continued blessings in 2016 and beyond.
-
What Rafa said:
Rafa Nadal says "I hope to be in the best players next year"
via cadenaser.com translated by Ericka Domenzáin for Vamos Rafael Nadal page.
"Ok,this year started very bad for my game,we improved a littl but there were many ups and downs and at the end of the year,especially the last 3 years I got a better level,I finished the year with good sensations and I am training hard to start the best way I can next year,I hope I can have the continuity of the good feeling I had this ending of the year.I am really confident that I can start well the year.I have been training a lo and the feeeling sI have are the right ones,good enough to feel confident abt next year.
The truth is when u come from a season where u didn´t play that well and then u start to improve..that makes u feel better and more willing to succeed,that is exactly where I am,I have good motivation.Many ppl have talked abt my "bad year" but at the end I am number 5 of the world,so no one should make so much drama abt this..it was not a good year but I am still here.
Abt next year,well I feel very motivated to play in the Olympic games as u all know,I couldn´t attend the previous ones so we need to put that event in the calendar of the year.It was very painful to miss those ones..at to be honest,as I started this year,I was very far from being in the right level to be in Rio next year...so I have many plans to improve before going there.If I have the chance,I will love to compete in doubles in mixed and singles..we have to take advantage of being there at the Olympic games.I don´t know who I am going to play with in mixed and doubles we have to wait.
My goal first next year is to be competitive to try to get my level back and to train as much as I can.I do not know what will happen,if I will win another GS or tournament,that is something just time will have the answer...all I can do is to work hard and try to do my best.I want to continue enjoying training.
Abt AO 2016,I will go there with the same approach as every year,to try to do the best and I cannot see it in any other way..
I cannot predict the future,s I donpt know if Djok will continue with the same level and if he does,then we will congratulate him,I think Federer,Murray,Ferrer will also be there at the top next year and I hope I could be there with them on the top...if Djok is reachable or not,we will see during the year...
he just needs Barcelona, Rome, and RG (Paris). and then just ride into the sunset.
nothing else matters.
these 3 titles takes care of everything in 2016. they will put him at a whole new other level that cannot ever be equaled or matched.
but to do that he has to embrace clay. and he has to skip Miami which is he is not willing to do.
You think he should retire in 2016?
I was just thinking that what a way to ride into the sunset after having taken his 10th RG crown.
that of course assumes that he wants to retire after his 10th RG.
he just has to fix his fitness and he can start winning titles again. and he can play for another 2-3 more years if he wants to.
Oh OK. I see what you mean. I hope he does get his fitness, desire, and competitive level back and plays for another two or three years. That would be fantastic.
-
What Rafa said:
Rafa Nadal says "I hope to be in the best players next year"
via cadenaser.com translated by Ericka Domenzáin for Vamos Rafael Nadal page.
"Ok,this year started very bad for my game,we improved a littl but there were many ups and downs and at the end of the year,especially the last 3 years I got a better level,I finished the year with good sensations and I am training hard to start the best way I can next year,I hope I can have the continuity of the good feeling I had this ending of the year.I am really confident that I can start well the year.I have been training a lo and the feeeling sI have are the right ones,good enough to feel confident abt next year.
The truth is when u come from a season where u didn´t play that well and then u start to improve..that makes u feel better and more willing to succeed,that is exactly where I am,I have good motivation.Many ppl have talked abt my "bad year" but at the end I am number 5 of the world,so no one should make so much drama abt this..it was not a good year but I am still here.
Abt next year,well I feel very motivated to play in the Olympic games as u all know,I couldn´t attend the previous ones so we need to put that event in the calendar of the year.It was very painful to miss those ones..at to be honest,as I started this year,I was very far from being in the right level to be in Rio next year...so I have many plans to improve before going there.If I have the chance,I will love to compete in doubles in mixed and singles..we have to take advantage of being there at the Olympic games.I don´t know who I am going to play with in mixed and doubles we have to wait.
My goal first next year is to be competitive to try to get my level back and to train as much as I can.I do not know what will happen,if I will win another GS or tournament,that is something just time will have the answer...all I can do is to work hard and try to do my best.I want to continue enjoying training.
Abt AO 2016,I will go there with the same approach as every year,to try to do the best and I cannot see it in any other way..
I cannot predict the future,s I donpt know if Djok will continue with the same level and if he does,then we will congratulate him,I think Federer,Murray,Ferrer will also be there at the top next year and I hope I could be there with them on the top...if Djok is reachable or not,we will see during the year...
he just needs Barcelona, Rome, and RG (Paris). and then just ride into the sunset.
nothing else matters.
these 3 titles takes care of everything in 2016. they will put him at a whole new other level that cannot ever be equaled or matched.
but to do that he has to embrace clay. and he has to skip Miami which is he is not willing to do.
You think he should retire in 2016?
I was just thinking that what a way to ride into the sunset after having taken his 10th RG crown.
that of course assumes that he wants to retire after his 10th RG.
he just has to fix his fitness and he can start winning titles again. and he can play for another 2-3 more years if he wants to.
-
Hi everyone!
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
I hope you and your families have the best of health and fortune in the coming year.
I've had a tough battle concerning my health the last month or so, so I can safely say how I've taken my health for granted.
But finally with the correct diagnosis, I'm improving, but not before being in a lot of pain and in and out of the hospital and many doctor visits.
I still will probably need to have some surgery for another problem found, but it's no emergency at the moment.
Anyway, I hope you all are doing well, and are happy in your lives.
The 2016 tennis season will be upon us soon with all the familiar faces and hopefully some new ones. :)
Take care, and as always,
Best Regards,
masterclass
Thanks for the Christmas greetings and sorry to hear about your health issues, but it's great knowing that everything is being taken care of.
We don't have that long for a new tennis season to unfold. I can't wait.
-
Hi! Merry Christmas! Thank you very much for your kind wishes, Masterclass. I hope you feel better soon. I'm fine, thank you. I am happier than I've ever been & would like to thank everyone here for their kind comments, gestures, welcoming ways, help, advice, encouragement & acceptance. I'm very sorry if I did anybody's head in with my confidence issues & harsh opinions of myself. I've really got these sorted out now. Thank you very much once again.
-
Hi everyone!
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
I hope you and your families have the best of health and fortune in the coming year.
I've had a tough battle concerning my health the last month or so, so I can safely say how I've taken my health for granted.
But finally with the correct diagnosis, I'm improving, but not before being in a lot of pain and in and out of the hospital and many doctor visits.
I still will probably need to have some surgery for another problem found, but it's no emergency at the moment.
Anyway, I hope you all are doing well, and are happy in your lives.
The 2016 tennis season will be upon us soon with all the familiar faces and hopefully some new ones. :)
Take care, and as always,
Best Regards,
masterclass
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fbick-20_zpsfk8t5dps.jpg&hash=b039caedb8f378ac5c8d31d16d5e7e36225655a3) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/bick-20_zpsfk8t5dps.jpg.html)
-
What Rafa said:
Rafa Nadal says "I hope to be in the best players next year"
via cadenaser.com translated by Ericka Domenzáin for Vamos Rafael Nadal page.
"Ok,this year started very bad for my game,we improved a littl but there were many ups and downs and at the end of the year,especially the last 3 years I got a better level,I finished the year with good sensations and I am training hard to start the best way I can next year,I hope I can have the continuity of the good feeling I had this ending of the year.I am really confident that I can start well the year.I have been training a lo and the feeeling sI have are the right ones,good enough to feel confident abt next year.
The truth is when u come from a season where u didn´t play that well and then u start to improve..that makes u feel better and more willing to succeed,that is exactly where I am,I have good motivation.Many ppl have talked abt my "bad year" but at the end I am number 5 of the world,so no one should make so much drama abt this..it was not a good year but I am still here.
Abt next year,well I feel very motivated to play in the Olympic games as u all know,I couldn´t attend the previous ones so we need to put that event in the calendar of the year.It was very painful to miss those ones..at to be honest,as I started this year,I was very far from being in the right level to be in Rio next year...so I have many plans to improve before going there.If I have the chance,I will love to compete in doubles in mixed and singles..we have to take advantage of being there at the Olympic games.I don´t know who I am going to play with in mixed and doubles we have to wait.
My goal first next year is to be competitive to try to get my level back and to train as much as I can.I do not know what will happen,if I will win another GS or tournament,that is something just time will have the answer...all I can do is to work hard and try to do my best.I want to continue enjoying training.
Abt AO 2016,I will go there with the same approach as every year,to try to do the best and I cannot see it in any other way..
I cannot predict the future,s I donpt know if Djok will continue with the same level and if he does,then we will congratulate him,I think Federer,Murray,Ferrer will also be there at the top next year and I hope I could be there with them on the top...if Djok is reachable or not,we will see during the year...
he just needs Barcelona, Rome, and RG (Paris). and then just ride into the sunset.
nothing else matters.
these 3 titles takes care of everything in 2016. they will put him at a whole new other level that cannot ever be equaled or matched.
but to do that he has to embrace clay. and he has to skip Miami which is he is not willing to do.
You think he should retire in 2016?
-
What Rafa said:
Rafa Nadal says "I hope to be in the best players next year"
via cadenaser.com translated by Ericka Domenzáin for Vamos Rafael Nadal page.
"Ok,this year started very bad for my game,we improved a littl but there were many ups and downs and at the end of the year,especially the last 3 years I got a better level,I finished the year with good sensations and I am training hard to start the best way I can next year,I hope I can have the continuity of the good feeling I had this ending of the year.I am really confident that I can start well the year.I have been training a lo and the feeeling sI have are the right ones,good enough to feel confident abt next year.
The truth is when u come from a season where u didn´t play that well and then u start to improve..that makes u feel better and more willing to succeed,that is exactly where I am,I have good motivation.Many ppl have talked abt my "bad year" but at the end I am number 5 of the world,so no one should make so much drama abt this..it was not a good year but I am still here.
Abt next year,well I feel very motivated to play in the Olympic games as u all know,I couldn´t attend the previous ones so we need to put that event in the calendar of the year.It was very painful to miss those ones..at to be honest,as I started this year,I was very far from being in the right level to be in Rio next year...so I have many plans to improve before going there.If I have the chance,I will love to compete in doubles in mixed and singles..we have to take advantage of being there at the Olympic games.I don´t know who I am going to play with in mixed and doubles we have to wait.
My goal first next year is to be competitive to try to get my level back and to train as much as I can.I do not know what will happen,if I will win another GS or tournament,that is something just time will have the answer...all I can do is to work hard and try to do my best.I want to continue enjoying training.
Abt AO 2016,I will go there with the same approach as every year,to try to do the best and I cannot see it in any other way..
I cannot predict the future,s I donpt know if Djok will continue with the same level and if he does,then we will congratulate him,I think Federer,Murray,Ferrer will also be there at the top next year and I hope I could be there with them on the top...if Djok is reachable or not,we will see during the year...
he just needs Barcelona, Rome, and RG (Paris). and then just ride into the sunset.
nothing else matters.
these 3 titles takes care of everything in 2016. they will put him at a whole new other level that cannot ever be equaled or matched.
but to do that he has to embrace clay. and he has to skip Miami which is he is not willing to do.
-
Less than a month before the Oz Open. Time sure does fly.
-
What Rafa said:
Rafa Nadal says "I hope to be in the best players next year"
via cadenaser.com translated by Ericka Domenzáin for Vamos Rafael Nadal page.
"Ok,this year started very bad for my game,we improved a littl but there were many ups and downs and at the end of the year,especially the last 3 years I got a better level,I finished the year with good sensations and I am training hard to start the best way I can next year,I hope I can have the continuity of the good feeling I had this ending of the year.I am really confident that I can start well the year.I have been training a lo and the feeeling sI have are the right ones,good enough to feel confident abt next year.
The truth is when u come from a season where u didn´t play that well and then u start to improve..that makes u feel better and more willing to succeed,that is exactly where I am,I have good motivation.Many ppl have talked abt my "bad year" but at the end I am number 5 of the world,so no one should make so much drama abt this..it was not a good year but I am still here.
Abt next year,well I feel very motivated to play in the Olympic games as u all know,I couldn´t attend the previous ones so we need to put that event in the calendar of the year.It was very painful to miss those ones..at to be honest,as I started this year,I was very far from being in the right level to be in Rio next year...so I have many plans to improve before going there.If I have the chance,I will love to compete in doubles in mixed and singles..we have to take advantage of being there at the Olympic games.I don´t know who I am going to play with in mixed and doubles we have to wait.
My goal first next year is to be competitive to try to get my level back and to train as much as I can.I do not know what will happen,if I will win another GS or tournament,that is something just time will have the answer...all I can do is to work hard and try to do my best.I want to continue enjoying training.
Abt AO 2016,I will go there with the same approach as every year,to try to do the best and I cannot see it in any other way..
I cannot predict the future,s I donpt know if Djok will continue with the same level and if he does,then we will congratulate him,I think Federer,Murray,Ferrer will also be there at the top next year and I hope I could be there with them on the top...if Djok is reachable or not,we will see during the year...
-
Ferru and Marc Lopez also got married recently.
So did Feliciano Lopez. I hope Rafa doesn't do it until he's close to retiring or after he retires. Having a family is a huge responsibility.
-
Ferru and Marc Lopez also got married recently.
-
30 days and 8 hours to go for the Australian Open.
Andy said he might have to pull out if his wife goes into labor.
Thanks for posting that. I saw where he said he might have to pull out, but I didn't get to read the article. Wow, that was quick. Andy, a daddy. They're all turning into fathers and husbands. Soon they will be gone. It will be a sad time for tennis fans everywhere.
-
30 days and 8 hours to go for the Australian Open.
Andy said he might have to pull out if his wife goes into labor.
-
About the IPTL. I was surprised to find out that all of the top players play this exhibition. The only one that I know of who didn't play this year was Novak, all of the others were there. After having it, I understand. It looks like a lot of fun for the players, and a chance to work on different things.
Rafael Nadal: ´I have good feelings for 2016, I hope to be consistent for the whole season´
Tennis - The Spaniard is very ´excited´ to start playing next year. And reveals: ´I´ll stay out of Mallorca for three months!´ ..
Rafael Nadal 16 Dec 2015
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-I-have-good-feelings-for-2016-I-hope-to-be-consistent-for-the-whole-season-articolo28673.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Rafael Nadal was already back to practice last Monday in Manacor in order to prepare 2016 season to which he approachs very confident. 'Feelings keep being excellent - assured to the journalists in Manacor - I'm very excited for 2016. I've ended the season playing well, being competitive and enjoying. I hope to be consistent the whole 2016. From the last three months, my game is rising'.
Last week he played IPTL in Manila and New Delhi: 'It has been a good experience, I played very seriously all the eight matches'.
Nadal will spend the Christmas with his family and then will land to Abu Dhabi next 30th December. Despite the celebrations, 'I'll work at 100% with the goals to lose as fewer practice days as possible.'
After the exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, the World No. 5 will play Doha, Australian Open and from Melbourne will land to Rio de Janeiro, where he'll play ATP 500 tournament on clay only in the middle of February. After that, he will land to Indian Wells and then will play Miami. It means he will stay out of Mallorca for three months in order to avoid European' cold.
-
I agree Britbox, but that's smart. You should never get ahead of yourself. Anything can happen and usually does.
Did you guys know that Roger is playing in the IPTL league games? He came last week. Stan, Andy and Novak haven't showed up yet, but Novak and Fed did play it last year. I missed it last year but it's actually kind of fun.
-
In fairness, Nadal has always downplayed his chances and his achievements in public. It's more of a character trait. I wouldn't read too much into it.
I hear ya general britbox.
right now it is fitness and practice that matters the most.
lets see if he can make some strides with a few off days that are left.
-
In fairness, Nadal has always downplayed his chances and his achievements in public. It's more of a character trait. I wouldn't read too much into it.
-
My biggest fear is the toll the hard courts are taking on his body and knees and the risk of injury.
I would have spent a month training on clay in order to prepare best for 2016.
He doesn't seem to be concerned with the big picture at all. It is odd. And he's been doing a lot of going back and forth lately. His heart still isn't in it He seems to be playing only for his contracts. I think Rafa has wearied of the game. It's sad to say, but I really believe this. He no longer has the eye of the tiger. They have been comparing his stats and are findng nothing to explain his results, They only thing missing is desire and motivation. Rafa seems to have neither. He's sliding back into lackadaisical mode yet again.
Still, he hasn't done too bad. He's right behind the Big Four, so I guess I can't complain too much.
he is an all time great. beating the lesser players just does not matter.
it is roger, andy, stan, and djokovic that he has to be able to beat at the big events in order to win the big events again.
he just said the other day that he does not know if he can be a factor at the big events again.
-
Rafa is back in Mallorca.
now I just wish he would get his ass on clay for a week or so at least.
-
This Rafa encapsulated everything that I feel about Rafa. I love Rafa not because he's a great sportsman, but because he is a great human being. Watching him over the years has helped me to overcome obstacles and give it a good fight. He has taught me to never give up and to be gracious in both winning and losing. Sports are one thing, I'm not a competitive person, but when I endeavor to do something I give it my all. If I win great, but if I lose, I learn. This is what Rafa means to me. No matter how big you are, how celebrated you are, you are still a human being and no better than your fellow man. I am proud of Rafa because of the way that he was raised and how he has managed to enthrall millions, not only for his tennis, but more importantly, for being the person that he is. The lessons that I have learned from Rafa extend well beyond the duration of his career. It is mind-boggling to me that a person could achieve so much and remain so humble. I feel forever indebted to Rafa for having watched him nativate not only tennis, but life in general.
Ode to Rafa Nadal: A special athlete, a special human being
December 12, 2015, 4:05 pm IST Rudroneel Ghosh in Talking Turkey | Sports | TOI
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/talkingturkey/ode-to-rafa-nadal-a-special-athlete-a-special-human-being/
How do you react when your sports idol manifests himself before you, shakes your hand and winks at you? What do you say to the man who has been an inspiration to you for a large part of your life? How do you stay calm when you realise that in addition to his awesome prowess on the tennis court, Rafael Nadal is perhaps the most charming person you have ever met?
As a die hard Nadal fan, meeting the man himself during his latest visit to India for the second season of the International Premier Tennis League was certainly one of the high points in my life. As he walked into the meeting room and greeted everyone, you knew you were in the presence of a special athlete. Nadal’s been called the ‘King of Clay’ for his superhuman exploits at the French Open, which he has won a record nine times. His determination on court, sheer force of will and never-say-die attitude has earned him the tag of one of the toughest sportsmen in the world. But behind that superstar veneer is a man who is sensitive and humble to the core.
The first thing he asked when he walked into the room was how things are in Chennai. He was following the post-flood situation in the city and sincerely hoped that it was making a positive recovery. Nadal had been to the city for the Chennai Open before and visibly felt a connection to it. His concern was genuine, not a PR stunt. For here was a man who simply wasn’t given to the headiness of fame. On a visit to Morocco in 2011 to cover the general elections in the North African country, I had met a senior Spanish journalist. When I told him about my adoration for Nadal, he said that even though the tennis ace was the biggest Spanish superstar in generations, he and his family were absolutely “normal”.
‘Normal’ may not be the first adjective that comes to mind when describing Nadal’s stupendous tennis career. But in my brief interaction with him, it was clear that ‘normality’ for him was his greatest asset. He had been shielded and nurtured by a loving family, his uncle was his coach, his father was his business manager/adviser, and his mother, sister and girlfriend were his spiritual core. In fact, the team of professional trainers and assistants around him were all his friends.
‘Normality’ is Nadal’s greatest strength that allows him to do what he does on the tennis court. Without this close-knit family structure, Nadal wouldn’t be Nadal. This has also given him a humble approach to the sport. In response to a question about how he comes back from defeats, Nadal simply said that he was a good loser and accepted that losses are part of the game. In the same vein, he also asserted that doubts are part of life. “If you don’t have doubts, maybe it’s because you are too arrogant, because nothing is clear in this world,” he added.
Yet Nadal’s incredible ability to overcome doubts, comeback from injuries and remain positive is what marks him out from other athletes. It’s this inner strength that has helped him conquer mountains in his career. And for Nadal, the greatest mountain was the 2008 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. I remember watching that rain-hit marathon of a match with my brother late into the night. And on the final point as Federer netted the ball – relinquishing his Wimbledon crown – I fell to the floor in unison with Nadal (overcome by joy I subsequently went on to make several deep bows in front of the television set).
Nadal once again told us that his 2008 Wimbledon crown was one of the most beautiful moments of his career. But as I put forward my copy of his biography ‘Rafa: My Story’ for him to autograph, I gently whispered to him that I thought that the 2009 Australian Open final – when he defeated Federer in a titanic battle after vanquishing Fernando Verdasco in a mammoth semi-final that stretched his body to the limit – was the most special for me. “Really? For me too,” he said giving me his charming smile.
Rafa (I actually got to call him that during our interaction), you will always be the best sportsman for me. Meeting you was a real privilege. As a fan, all I can say is you are everything that I had imagined and more. By your example I have learned to never give up and give my best in whatever it is that I have to do. Rafa, you are a special athlete and an even more special person. Here’s wishing you all the success and happiness in life. Vamos!
-
My biggest fear is the toll the hard courts are taking on his body and knees and the risk of injury.
I would have spent a month training on clay in order to prepare best for 2016.
He doesn't seem to be concerned with the big picture at all. It is odd. And he's been doing a lot of going back and forth lately. His heart still isn't in it He seems to be playing only for his contracts. I think Rafa has wearied of the game. It's sad to say, but I really believe this. He no longer has the eye of the tiger. They have been comparing his stats and are findng nothing to explain his results, They only thing missing is desire and motivation. Rafa seems to have neither. He's sliding back into lackadaisical mode yet again.
Still, he hasn't done too bad. He's right behind the Big Four, so I guess I can't complain too much.
-
My biggest fear is the toll the hard courts are taking on his body and knees and the risk of injury.
I would have spent a month training on clay in order to prepare best for 2016.
-
money.
easy cash. but it hurts Rafa the most.
Roger has an easy playing lifestyle and he is 35 so he knows his days are numbered on the tour in terms of being a factor at slams.
Rafa is the only one who can challenge Djokovic which will have to be on clay.
so why waste away by going from country to country playing in meaningless exos on the hard courts.
he has clearly said for 5 years running now that there are too many hard court events. he just finished saying that WTF in London should have been on clay.
the bottom line is that he has to be able to win on clay in order to win big at slams. he has to make a difference on the red clay in 2016.
that is where the resurgence starts for him. he has to go out there and just do it.
-
IPTL ends in 12 days folks.
Abu Dhabi event is hurrying near.
we will get a chance to have a look at Rafa's form.
This competion goes on that long? Why on earth are so many top players farting around. That is crazy.
-
IPTL ends in 12 days folks.
Abu Dhabi event is hurrying near.
we will get a chance to have a look at Rafa's form.
-
The IPTL League is a fool's errand for the top tier players. How many times have we heard them talking about the season being too gruelling... yet they sign up for stuff like this and other needless exhibitions.
i was thinking the same thing. there's this singles, doubles type exhibition going on now and it automatically recorded on my DVR. I started watching it thinking it would be the lower tier players that would be participating, but no, many of the people at the top of the game are participating in these games. It was confusing because even if they don't see it's easy to see that the season is too long, so why do they do it? It makes no sense. Serena, Maria, Gasquet, Ivanovic, Nishikori, Raonic, and tons of others. The new season starts in a month and then they'll show up to the Australian Open depleted and out of sorts. I don't get it, but this happens all the time.
-
The IPTL League is a fool's errand for the top tier players. How many times have we heard them talking about the season being too gruelling... yet they sign up for stuff like this and other needless exhibitions.
-
I couldn't find my Funnies Board so I have to post this joke here.
https://www.facebook.com/MrVegasMusic/photos/a.137795359485.107445.39041669485/10153704017684486/?type=3&theater
-
they are just 113 miles away lady TT.
That's great. What a blessing.
-
Rafa is going to fart around with this stupid IPTL league play until December 20th.
now you know why he says he wont be prepared for the Australian open.
each RG crown is worth $30 million and he can stop Djokovic in the process. he can even stop Djokovic from declaring an assault on his total slam record.
but no. he rather fart around and waste precious time while Djokovic works day and night to take as many slams as he possibly can in the next 2-3 years.
this stupid league pays him around $1 million a match and he can make $50-$60 million by winning a couple of more slams and carve out his immortality for good.
I don't know why he is doing this. he also said he is doing good and that he is not going to change a damn thing.
and this hard court play also exposes him to injury. finally remember that he keeps crying about all the hard court events on the tour. so why not get off the bloody hard courts for 3 weeks and go work on his ground game on soft clay. he saw what happened to him this year. he fell apart and I can assure you that there is no end in sight at this current rate. being in the top 5 is not an accomplishment for him. all he has to his name in 2015 is 3 rinky dink events where he did not beat anybody of any significance.
there are 30% more clay events today since he turned pro.
-
they are just 113 miles away lady TT.
-
I can see it OK CD. I'm using Chrome on a laptop. What browser do you use?
chrome and regular PC.
I may be missing some software.
I will fix this when I have get home. I have been away. I was in baton rouge all day yesterday. my mom was not feeling well.
I went to check up on her. she is doing better. she should be well in a day or so now.
I got her some antibiotics.
How far away do your parents live from you? Hours in a car, or miles? That's so great that you can go and see them any time. Glad to hear that she's doing better.
-
I can see it OK CD. I'm using Chrome on a laptop. What browser do you use?
chrome and regular PC.
I may be missing some software.
I will fix this when I have get home. I have been away. I was in baton rouge all day yesterday. my mom was not feeling well.
I went to check up on her. she is doing better. she should be well in a day or so now.
I got her some antibiotics.
-
I'm using Firefox and I'm not having any problems either.
-
I can see it OK CD. I'm using Chrome on a laptop. What browser do you use?
-
I wonder if I am missing some software.
it is still not showing up for me.
I put the name of the video on it, that's how it's labeled on YT.
-
I wonder if I am missing some software.
it is still not showing up for me.
-
que pasa general britbox. damn good to see you.
nothing is showing in that box mate.
It showed up for me. It's also on youtube named:
Jo Durie - “Maria Sharapova and Nadal are my Favourites"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrzEdl0Gurk
Interesting video.
-
que pasa general britbox. damn good to see you.
nothing is showing in that box mate.
-
Former British #1 Talks Tennis and about her fondness of Rafa and Masha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrzEdl0Gurk
-
I hope this video works. Rafa at sixteen.
https://www.facebook.com/Tennisfocuson/videos/1046013075429763/
-
Rafa goes on being a reference: he's been the most searched for athlete on Yahoo, more than Messi, CR7, Alonso, Casillas.
Rafa is more popular than ever.
also richer than ever. last year he made over $41 million. this year he could top $50 million.
It's because of his personality, I think. People relate to him being a normal person rather than a superstar. He seems like a person you can talk to, no airs. He and Andy act so normal. It's like they realize that they hit the ball over a net for a living and don't take the hype so seriously. I think that has a lot to do with their appeal. Regular guys who treat others right.
-
Toni Nadal: Rafa crisis? He is human. Winning a Slam Why not´
Tennis - The Spaniard coach speaks about Rafa´s improvements and analyzed his 2015 season, focusing on 2016 ..
Rafael Nadal 27 Nov 2015 - 09:15 / by Gatto Luigi /
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Toni-Nadal-Rafas-crisis--Hes-human-Winning-a-Slam--Why-not-articolo28195.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
In an interview to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Toni Nadal spoke about Rafa's improvements and analyzed his 2015 season.
'We didn't arrive to the goal. There is much to do, to work. Maybe Nadal played his best tournament of the year at the ATP Finals. Against Ferrer it was a very tough match, but we understood how much time he could fight. He competed against the best players in the World. Against him, Djokovic was perfect but Rafa fought', said Toni.
'Surely it wasn't the year we expected. It was a transition season characterized by ups and downs, it's true that we have not won important titles but at the end we have been good to improve. Qualifying for the Masters as World No. 5 and reaching the semifinals is a good way to end 2015'.
The lack of confidence 'was the most difficult problem to face. When you are not confident on court it's very complicated to get good results. But also players are humans and even an athlete can have these problems.'
Is Rafa a normal guy even if he won 9 Roland Garros, 14 Slams in total and one Olympics? 'He has been always good athletically and always wants to work. He wasn't good enough to control emotions and it influenced his game, but already before ATP Finals his tennis improved and we've to improve even more.'
Can his nephew win a Grand Slam again? 'Why not? In London he competed against the best players. If you are able to beat Murray, Ferrer, Wawrinka, then you can win a Slam too'.
In 2016 'the goal is to start well with confidence and enthusiasm. And then as always win more than what you do. When you take the training wheels off, everything is easier: a victory calls another victory'.
Rafa said that he'll rest just a few days because he doesn't deserve vacations. Is he right? 'For sure, after a short rest period we start practicing again. You've to be used and mentally prepared to work. On January we'll start the year in Doha'.
What does Rafa do in a normal day? 'I don't follow much what he does. He's old enough and doesn't need to be controlled all the time. He trains physically, gym, and every day two hours and a half with me'.
Best qualify of his nephew? 'Tenacity and the predisposition to work'.
His worst quality? 'As uncle and coach, it's normal that there is some friction but one things makes me really angry: the wrong attitude when you work. When you've not will and makes mistakes because he hasn't will to commit, I get mad'.
great read lady TT.
thanks for sharing.
-
Rafa goes on being a reference: he's been the most searched for athlete on Yahoo, more than Messi, CR7, Alonso, Casillas.
Rafa is more popular than ever.
also richer than ever. last year he made over $41 million. this year he could top $50 million.
-
Toni Nadal: Rafa crisis? He is human. Winning a Slam Why not´
Tennis - The Spaniard coach speaks about Rafa´s improvements and analyzed his 2015 season, focusing on 2016 ..
Rafael Nadal 27 Nov 2015 - 09:15 / by Gatto Luigi /
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Toni-Nadal-Rafas-crisis--Hes-human-Winning-a-Slam--Why-not-articolo28195.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
In an interview to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Toni Nadal spoke about Rafa's improvements and analyzed his 2015 season.
'We didn't arrive to the goal. There is much to do, to work. Maybe Nadal played his best tournament of the year at the ATP Finals. Against Ferrer it was a very tough match, but we understood how much time he could fight. He competed against the best players in the World. Against him, Djokovic was perfect but Rafa fought', said Toni.
'Surely it wasn't the year we expected. It was a transition season characterized by ups and downs, it's true that we have not won important titles but at the end we have been good to improve. Qualifying for the Masters as World No. 5 and reaching the semifinals is a good way to end 2015'.
The lack of confidence 'was the most difficult problem to face. When you are not confident on court it's very complicated to get good results. But also players are humans and even an athlete can have these problems.'
Is Rafa a normal guy even if he won 9 Roland Garros, 14 Slams in total and one Olympics? 'He has been always good athletically and always wants to work. He wasn't good enough to control emotions and it influenced his game, but already before ATP Finals his tennis improved and we've to improve even more.'
Can his nephew win a Grand Slam again? 'Why not? In London he competed against the best players. If you are able to beat Murray, Ferrer, Wawrinka, then you can win a Slam too'.
In 2016 'the goal is to start well with confidence and enthusiasm. And then as always win more than what you do. When you take the training wheels off, everything is easier: a victory calls another victory'.
Rafa said that he'll rest just a few days because he doesn't deserve vacations. Is he right? 'For sure, after a short rest period we start practicing again. You've to be used and mentally prepared to work. On January we'll start the year in Doha'.
What does Rafa do in a normal day? 'I don't follow much what he does. He's old enough and doesn't need to be controlled all the time. He trains physically, gym, and every day two hours and a half with me'.
Best qualify of his nephew? 'Tenacity and the predisposition to work'.
His worst quality? 'As uncle and coach, it's normal that there is some friction but one things makes me really angry: the wrong attitude when you work. When you've not will and makes mistakes because he hasn't will to commit, I get mad'.
-
Rafa goes on being a reference: he's been the most searched for athlete on Yahoo, more than Messi, CR7, Alonso, Casillas.
-
David Nalbandian just said what we have been saying all along here:
he said it is clay or nothing for Rafa in 2016.
-
Rafa has golf this weekend and then there is that IPTL league play until December 20th.
I can assure you that nothing is going to happen in 2016.
unless he can produce huge blocks of training on clay going into his clay season, nothing is going to happen.
at the current rate I don't expect 2016 to be any better than 2015.
quite honestly just being in the top 5 or top 10 is not good enough. he is an all time great.
he has to stand up and rise to the challenge that djokovic is throwing down at him.
-
happy thanksgiving everybody.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
I'm British so don't celebrate myself. Happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone who does celebrate it! You may if you wish explain what it is all about as I like to know about other people's cultures, beliefs & ways. This helps me to understand & respect them.
-
Happy Thanksgiving to all of Camelot's inhabitant and their loved ones. For those who celebration...moderation, LOL!
-
Federer to Djokovic this years pace will be hard to keep up
AFP By Steven Griffiths
November 22, 2015 8:05 PM
London (AFP) - Roger Federer has warned Novak Djokovic he will find it hard to repeat his incredible year.
Federer was Djokovic's last victim of the year as the Serb romped to a 6-3, 6-4 victory in the final of the ATP Tour Finals on Sunday.
It was 28-year-old Djokovic's 11th title of a golden year that saw the world number one win 82 of his 88 matches, reach all four Grand Slam finals and win Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the US Open.
But 17-time Grand Slam champion Federer knows just how difficult it will be for Djokovic to emulate his triumphs in 2016.
"It's hard to play at this pace all the time. You are talking about narrow margins; a break point here and there can change the whole outcome," Federer said. "You can't always be on the winning side. Margins are very small at the top.
"That is why this year of Novak's is amazing. I've been there, Rafa (Nadal) has been there. We both know how hard it is to back it up year after year.
"It's not the first good year for Novak. Certainly he's going into next year with massive confidence. He's playing great.
"It's going to be hard for him to have a bad year, but you can't just repeat a year like this.
"It takes a lot of effort. You've got to be in shape physically with no injuries whatsoever. Mentally you have to be at your peak at all times. It's not as easy as it seems sometimes."
Federer remains one of the few players capable of troubling Djokovic, as he showed when he ended the Serb's 23-match winning run with a straight sets victory in the group stage of this year's Tour Finals.
While he was unable to repeat that performance in the final, and also lost the Wimbledon and US Open finals to Djokovic, the 34-year-old is adamant he doesn't need to change much in his game to wrestle the major trophies away from the world number one.
Asked if he needed to alter hs style of play in a bid to subdue Djokovic, Federer said: "Not really because I feel I need to work on my overall game [and] that is going to have an impact against most players.
"For me Rafa is the unique player in the field. I used to work more precisely against him.
"With Novak it's more straightforward. If you don't play very well you are going to have a hard time. If you play better I know I have my chances with my game."
Federer will now head off to recharge his batteries and plan a fresh assault on Djokovic in 2016.
As ever, winning another Wimbledon title is high on his list of priorities and he will also target a gold medal at the Rio Olympics.
"Wimbledon is a big one. Rio as well but it's not my number one priority. It starts with the Australian Open which is just around the corner," he said.
"Once that's over then I look more towards the future.
"I don't think there's that much I need to change, other than a few tactical things against certain players at some times. I had a lot of great things in my game this year."
-
I hope you all had a good time & that your parents were o.k. See you tomorrow!
-
just got home. I had been on the road.
I went to see mom and dad.
very long day today. I will see you all tomorrow.
djokovic did say that he is in a good place. he very specifically said that he can go after rafa and roger slam records.
and becker added that djokovic can improve. and I can assure you that they are going to do exactly that. djokovic said he is working all the time on his game and his fitness. he is not that sharp and that fit by accident.
if that does not fire you up to meet this challenge then nothing will. resolve to outwork this guy and you can beat him on clay.
Rafa is one who has the best shot to stop Djokovic but it has to be on clay.
-
Rafael Nadal Named One of 2015’s Sexiest Men Alive By ‘People’
On November 23, 2015
http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2015/11/23/rafael-nadal-named-one-of-2015s-sexiest-men-alive-by-people/
The winner of People’s annual Sexiest Man Alive content was announced last week, and David Beckham walked away with the crown. But while he didn’t snag the cover, Rafael Nadal managed to earn a spot on the list.
Clay courts points to defend until the clay season.
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12279056_1178007702213874_588833813302551571_n.jpg?oh=390607c6a6b46b25004772399f3afe93&oe=56B4646B
-
ATP Finals: An interview with Rafael Nadal (November 21, 2015)
On November 22, 2015
http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2015/11/22/atp-finals-an-interview-with-rafael-nadal-november-21-2015/
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. From your point of view, what makes Novak so difficult these days? What are the key factors?
RAFAEL NADAL: Everything. Hitting amazing. Well, the return always amazing. This year he serving great, I think. And then he is able to play with no mistakes and changing directions so easy, playing so, so long. He’s doing everything good.
He was better than me and he deserved to do what he did during the whole season. He played just fantastic. When somebody’s doing like this, just the only thing I can do is congratulate him and just wish not the best of luck for the next year (smiling).
Q. I observed in these last months you changed something about your forehand technique. I think you play more forward, more flat, less spin, you attack more. What is your next step of improvement in your technique?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, my technique, we didn’t try to change the technique of nothing. I think the technique was good. Another thing is the position on court. Another thing is the way that I play the points. I think I improved that a lot last couple of months. My next step is just keep practicing the way that I am doing. I know I need to keep improving things if I want to have chances against Novak next year. That’s what I going to try. Just keep working the way that I am doing.
I think I am doing well. Happy about the tournament. Happy about finish the season with that positive energy. Now I have a week off, and that’s it.
Q. Today did you think you felt the effects of your match yesterday against David, a long match?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, no, I don’t think so.
Q. Is it tough not to feel frustrated in a match like that, or you just don’t have time to be frustrated and you have to be concentrating on trying to turn it around?
RAFAEL NADAL: You know, very few moments in my career I get frustrated. When one player is better than you, the only thing you can do is try to find solution. That’s what I try during the match. But was not a real solution today.
So just accept that the opponent is better than me today and keep working hard to try to reduce that difference that I believe in the last couple of months, because he cannot improve much, I think I could improve a lot, so I reduce a little bit the distance. Not with Novak, but with the rest of the top guys. I was able to compete with everybody. That’s a big improvement for me. But that’s not enough for me. I want to keep going and I want to feel myself better than what I am doing today for next year. I going to work hard to make that happen.
Q. In the off-season do you and the other top guys think about, How can we beat Novak? He’s always there at the end of every tournament. In most tournaments you have to beat Novak to win.
RAFAEL NADAL: For the moment, yes. I never practice thinking about others. I practice thinking about what I have to do to be better, then we’ll see if I am enough good. I think about my personal motivation to keep improving the things that we believe we need to improve to be better players, and that’s it. Everyone has a different motivation. I never practice thinking what do I have to do to beat Novak, what do I have to do to beat Roger. My motivation has always been just personal, that I want to improve myself, I want to be better. That’s what I going to try to keep doing. We’ll see. 2016 going to be a new year. Hopefully better one for me. We’ll see. Novak for the moment is almost unbeatable. As I say before, the only thing you can do is congratulate him. But things are like this today. You never know what’s going on in the future. I have been in very good situations a couple of times, then I get some injuries, things change. Not everything is that easy. What Novak is doing is just amazing. But is obvious that it’s true if somebody can do it, it’s him, but it’s not easy to stay at that high level four years in a row or five years in a row.
Q. I don’t know if you will watch it or not, but next week’s Davis Cup Final, what are your thoughts on it? Do you think clay is a good surface for Belgium?
RAFAEL NADAL: I don’t know if I going to watch it. I have a charity event for my foundation, and Olazabal won. I probably going to be in the golf course doing the event. I don’t know if clay is a good surface for Belgium or not. I think is the right one, yes. For Belgium is the surface that probably has a better chance because the second player of Great Britain is Bedene or who is playing? It’s true that probably both players play better on hard than in clay. I don’t think about Andy because Andy plays very well in every surface. But for the second player, I think for Belgium in his mind is probably try to win both points against the No. 2, then try to win the doubles. If I am Belgium, that’s what’s going to be in my mind.
Then if I am able to win a match against Andy, fantastic. But that’s what I believe they should think, and probably that’s why they choose clay.
Q. Back to you trying to beat Novak, but concentrating on your own game. In 2011 you lost seven finals against him. In 2012 and 2013 you were back beating him in majors at that stage. What did you do and are there lessons to learn to come back on how you maybe can beat him next year?
RAFAEL NADAL: You ask me questions about the future. I cannot predict the future. I cannot say what going to happen in a few months, what going to happen in the next year. The only thing that I can talk is what can happen if I am able to keep improving, no? In 2011, I lost a lot of finals in a row. He was playing fantastic, too. I didn’t play against him at the right level to compete against him. The last two finals that I lost against him before my first victory in Monte-Carlo I think was final of the US Open. That was helping me for the future. And of course to have final in Australia keep helping me for the future, too. I didn’t have that kind of feeling, I was not that close against him yet. Against other rivals I was competing great, and that’s it. As I said before the tournament, I was not able to think about Novak for the whole season. I have been playing in another league. Seems like the last month and a half, two months, I was in this league, I am in this top league. So my motivation and my goal is try to keep being in that top league, that is the top five, top four of the world. That’s my goal, and we’ll see if I am able to keep doing this.
Q. You’ve had injuries in your career that have kept you off the tour. You’re going to be 30 next year. After playing this season, how do you feel your body is? Are you more or less confident that your body is going to stay strong? Secondly, Novak tied his rivalry with you in his head-to-head. He has a chance to do that if he plays Roger. How important are these head-to-heads among rivals?
RAFAEL NADAL: I think the head-to-head records are a statistic one more. To analyze who is better or worst is a global thing, no? Is just one more statistic. Well, I think is fair and is great. I don’t want to be arrogant, but between two good players, Novak and me, have a very tight head-to-head. I think that’s normal. Is completely normal, and that’s it.
Q. And your body. How do you feel?
RAFAEL NADAL: Today I’m feeling good. My body is healthy, is strong. I feel good physically. I am able to practice a lot. I am able to compete great in long matches, too. Today I am not worried about my body. I was much more worried when I started this season than how I am today. I played the full season with not many problems. I finished the season healthy, with good health. That’s so important for me to keep practicing, have confidence in my body, my movements, and another important thing: if you want to improve your game, you need to practice. So for sure one of the reasons of my improvement is because I lost the strange feelings on court that I had during the season. Another reason is because I am able to practice as much as I can every day. That’s a big help.
Q. You just said that Novak was almost unbeatable. You played him at his peak. You played Roger at his peak. Is it possible or impossible to compare the two of them when they were at their very best?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, is possible but I don’t want to do it (smiling).
Thank you very much. Have a good Christmas and Happy New Year. See you next year.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
-
terrible match from Federer.
I don't know why he got so tight. the forehand needed to really click today.
he also missed a couple of key volleys at the net.
just a bad day at the office for him.
I didn't watch the match. I just assumed Novak played very well. Bad day with the forehand though? I hate when the the finale ends up being a dud. Oh well, finally we can go into 2016 with a clean slate.
-
terrible match from Federer.
I don't know why he got so tight. the forehand needed to really click today.
he also missed a couple of key volleys at the net.
just a bad day at the office for him.
-
this is what David Nalbandian had to say:
Djokovic is surprising. His season is comparable to Nadal and Federer's best seasons. Now Nole is able to break every record. Nadal has improved in the second half of the year and next year the clay season will be the key to determine his future, whether he will be in or out".
-
Did you know?! @RafaelNadal is the only person to have won Laureus Awards in three different categories! #legend
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUHEwdiWUAAIfMn.jpg
Laureus World Breakthrough, Sportsman and Comeback of the Year!
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/barclays-atp-world-tour-finals/605/daily-schedule
-
Terrible match from Rafa today. He and Ferrer always have strange matches. Which Rafa will show up tomorrow? The one from earlier in the week, or Friday's?
it took him 2 hours and 37 minutes to get rid of Ferru.
he said he may be tired tomorrow. I have a feeling that he is tired today.
lets just hope he can manage to recover.
-
Terrible match from Rafa today. He and Ferrer always have strange matches. Which Rafa will show up tomorrow? The one from earlier in the week, or Friday's?
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fart%2520pics-80_zpsamw7n2o7.jpg&hash=3c00332e605686a9ab9666cc7b43cb63ff088a36) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/art%20pics-80_zpsamw7n2o7.jpg.html)
-
this one is just for you:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Frafa%2520nadal-7_zpss7drffn6.jpg&hash=13343bc0b5151ed361760b95f4448a6b0bd30320) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/rafa%20nadal-7_zpss7drffn6.jpg.html)
-
most probably Stan if Andy is supporting some sort of minor injury.
also I think it is wise for Andy to take a strategic loss here and to go get on clay for Davis Cup.
-
Who wins between Andy and Stan? It's hard to say which one is the better prospect. Both of them are iffy regarding form when somethings on the line. They range from brilliant to mediocre. Rafa should get past David who seems rather flat this entire tournament.
-
Rafa's AO 2016 Outfit. I like it. Rafa looks good in vivid colors.
https://www.facebook.com/313181622149983/photos/pcb.711501602317981/711501535651321/?type=3
great outfit lady TT.
Thanks for posting it. Rafa's going to look good wearing that.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Frafa%2520outfit-1_zpsixy7eikv.jpg&hash=f82bacc8fe42547cb760a8aad8cbacb22cc5c6e5) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/rafa%20outfit-1_zpsixy7eikv.jpg.html)
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Frafa%2520outfit-2_zpsykeemx9m.jpg&hash=123f783d7e3302fdca0720a28252d2d8d3dba0f5) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/rafa%20outfit-2_zpsykeemx9m.jpg.html)
-
Rafa's AO 2016 Outfit. I like it. Rafa looks good in vivid colors.
https://www.facebook.com/313181622149983/photos/pcb.711501602317981/711501535651321/?type=3
great outfit lady TT.
-
Great match between Roger and Kei. You had no idea who was going to pull that one out. Great shotmaking, heart, and will. Easily the match of the tournament so far. It's getting real now, folks!
-
Rafa's AO 2016 Outfit. I like it. Rafa looks good in vivid colors.
https://www.facebook.com/313181622149983/photos/pcb.711501602317981/711501535651321/?type=3
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/barclays-atp-world-tour-finals/605/daily-schedule
-
this one is for you lady TT:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fnadal_playerpopout_fullbody_zpsfhmoy9vf.png&hash=1bd2b491d840e91936b3e999e00407b53fcbdb9c) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/nadal_playerpopout_fullbody_zpsfhmoy9vf.png.html)
Thank you. This is a great pic. Look for it on a tennis board soon!
-
I hear that Roger is not too happy with this remark:
"I just handed him the win, especially in the second set," said Novak Djokovic.
I'm sure Novak felt that way since he's not known for making that many errors, but Federer forced him into those errors. Novak had an off day and Federer had a good day. That's the way the cookie crumbles.
-
this one is for you lady TT:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fnadal_playerpopout_fullbody_zpsfhmoy9vf.png&hash=1bd2b491d840e91936b3e999e00407b53fcbdb9c) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/nadal_playerpopout_fullbody_zpsfhmoy9vf.png.html)
-
this dude is all business:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Ffederer-playerbar-popout_zpsxiyvr8gb.png&hash=421f207e2eefe8dfad38d31ada1040acf8d8ae90) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/federer-playerbar-popout_zpsxiyvr8gb.png.html)
-
order of play for tomorrow:
Federer has the day match while Djokovic gets the night match.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/barclays-atp-world-tour-finals/605/daily-schedule
-
looks like Rafa is going to score a straight sets win today.
-
I hear that Roger is not too happy with this remark:
"I just handed him the win, especially in the second set," said Novak Djokovic.
-
here is what Djokovic said:
“You have those days as well when you're not feeling your best — not even close to the best," said Djokovic, the reigning three-time champion. “Credit to Roger for mixing up the pace, giving me always a different ball. He used the slice and spin very wisely. He served very efficiently. I made a lot of unforced errors [22]. Just handed him the win, especially in the second set.
here is what Federer said:
"I didn't think I mixed it up that crazy, to be honest," Federer asserted. "I didn't play any insane tactics. It was pretty straightforward, in a way I've played him many times in the past. My game is to mix it up, change up the spins. His game is to press you away. I think we both played our regular game, and it was a good outcome for me tonight."
-
Federer takes down Djokovic in straights: 7-6, 6-2.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fplayers-31_zpsgjbgz9h4.jpg&hash=1820c90c2eadbff65e3a9e4af1b63f05ebf4e3f0) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/players-31_zpsgjbgz9h4.jpg.html)
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fplayers-34_zpsdx0lsyzq.jpg&hash=f8d176bbf9bdfe9c556b2fe8e6b2685743e31b81) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/players-34_zpsdx0lsyzq.jpg.html)
-
Definitely, Clay. I find your health & well-being section interesting too.
-
I'm loving the horse pictures, poetry, history & music shared on here too.
Camelot is magical lady Ann.
there is something for everyone here.
-
I'm loving the horse pictures, poetry, history & music shared on here too.
-
Both you and Masterclass wrote some fantastic posts. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to school me on what is going on. I never knew that stuff about the topspin game so it was very helpful.
Camelot is the place to be for tennis lovers. If only we could nab some of them and make them see what they're missing.
-
I have some questions that maybe you guys can answer, because honestly, a lot of what I hear doesn't jibe with what I see.
1. What is this "punishing style" of play that Rafa has, and is he the only one in the history of the sport to have this "punishing style?" Before Rafa I had never heard that term before and I have been watching tennis for decades. I usually watch matches twice, the first time without sound because I can't stand to hear the commentators all use the same phrases and vernacular. I think that's odd. It's like they all share the same brain. It's the sameness that irks me. Does anyone have a different POV? Who is someone else who has a punishing style? There has to be someone else. To me, the game is extremely physical and everyone looks like they're working hard out there.
2. Why do they say that Agassi is a better returner than Novak? I don't see that either. Agassi doesn't have half the movement that Novak has, or return. So that confuses me as well.
These questions may seem odd to you all, but they really bother me because I don't think it's true, maybe you all can answer it, because someone saying something ad nauseum is not enough to convince me. I need cold, hard, facts!
Hi Lady TT,
1. I think I'll defer this one to general hercules. But from experience I'll say the topspin game is very hard on a player, which is what I think is meant as "punishing". Generally, one has to stay farther behind the baseline because one needs more time to be able to give the big swing that is needed to provide the rotation on the ball. One is also hitting the ball on the decline instead of the rise. That means the ball is slowing down, so requires more of one's own power. It also equals more power needed to get the produce the distance and spin, more leg strength, more arm strength. The other part is that he does a lot of running behind the baseline, often because he likes to run around the backhand to hit his forehand. If it is not an outright winner, he often has to run across to cover the opened up forehand wing.
2. Cold hard facts about Agassi's return game. Hmm. I watched Agassi, and yes, he had a great return, but even better baseline game. He could hit many on the half volley, and returned early (on the rise) and not a great deal of clearance over the net (but more than Connors who also had a great flat return). But hard facts? What about stats?
Return games won percentage Career on All surfaces:
Agassi is 4th, behind Coria 35%, Nadal 33%, Ferrer 32%, Agassi 32%, and Djokovic is 5th.
On hard court, return games won pct. for career, Agassi is 2nd behind Andy Murray, Djokovic is 3rd.
2nd serve return points won % for career on all surfaces? Agassi is on top, Ferrer 3rd, Nadal 4th, and Djokovic 5th.
Career 1st serve return pts won on all surfaces? Coria 1st, Ferrer 2nd, Nadal 3rd, Murray 4th, Federer 10th, and Djokovic 11th, Agassi 26th. But even though there is a relatively large separation on placement, note the percentage differences are often tiny. In this stat, Coria had 36%. Ferrer, Nadal, and Murray at 34 and fraction, Federer and Djokovic at 33% and a fraction, Agassi at 32% and a fraction.
Of course, some players return better on grass, or hard, or clay.
And lastly, Agassi did it mostly back in the day when the surfaces were more different. Fast inconsistent grass instead of the higher bouncing table top grass of the last few years. Slow clay. Faster hard courts and carpet. So I judge that it was more difficult to return and the baseline game was more difficult to play on 3 of 4 surfaces. Whereas today, the baseline game is almost the only one that gets played because of the generally slower, higher bouncing surfaces. This started in 2002 with grass, later with hard courts - 2006 or so, and carpet was steadily replaced during the early-mid 2000's, and was totally removed by 2009. There are exceptions of course, like Cincinnati, which has stayed about medium fast, Dubai, and some of the 250 tournaments, like Brisbane and Sydney, and a couple in France, but for the most part everything other than clay has been slowed down from what I saw in the 70's , 80's, and 90's. So I give Agassi extra credit for his ability to return on generally faster surfaces.
Those are the stats.
Respectfully,
masterclass
fantastic post.
-
Wow, this is a great article. Not good for me as a fan, but the truth is the truth.
Statisfaction: Looking at Nadal's Difficult 2015
By Chris Oddo | Wednesday, November 11, 2015
http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2015/November/Statisfaction-Looking-at-Nadal-s-Difficult-2015.aspx
Rafael Nadal's struggles against the top-10 have hindered his progress in the second half of 2015.
It has been a trying year for Rafael Nadal—that’s no secret. He's gone 4-10 vs. the Top-10 and won only one of eight vs. the Top-5. But the burning question still remains: why has Nadal’s once legendary game been diluted so much? Has Nadal just been the victim of nerves and are his struggles simply related to a lack of confidence in the big points? Or, are his issues larger and less correctable? Has the explosiveness and potency left his game, leaving his movement a step slow and his power less potent? If so, can he remedy this by 2016?
All year we’ve been curious to know what exactly is holding Nadal back. Rather than speculate we headed over to Tennis Abstract to get some cold, hard statistical insight into Nadal’s 2015. Has it really been as bad as it seems? Is he close to pulling out of it? We pulled five stats that tell the story of Rafael Nadal’s struggles. While they are no means a death sentence—it feels like Nadal is getting closer to finding his missing mojo every week—they do paint a picture of a player who has at least temporarily lost his dominion over the elite.
All stats come courtesy of Tennis Abstract:
1: Service Games Held: After spending 2012 and 2013 in the top-5 of this category, Nadal’s numbers have slipped in the last two years.
Service Games Held, Overall ranking/ Pct
2015: 16th, 84.1
2014: 13th, 85.3
2013: 5th, 88.1
2. Serving Woes vs. Top-10: Nadal has struggled even more vs. the ATP’s elite. This is where we really begin to see the difference in Nadal’s statistics.
Service Games Held vs. Top-10, Ranking/Pct
2015: 21st, 70.8
2014: 18th, 78.7
2013: 5th, 82.7
3. Sets won vs Top-10: Winning sets has been a challenge vs. the top-10. Again, the numbers are quite startling.
Sets Won vs. Top-10, Pct:
2015: 10-23, 30.3
2014: 18-12, 60
2013: 52-19, 73.2
4. Struggling to break Top-10 also: Our belief is that Nadal’s serve, and his difficulty holding serve, has been his biggest issue in 2015. But the stats show that he’s struggling to break against elite players as well:
Return games won vs. Top-10, Pct/ overall ranking
2015: 14.6, 18th
2014: 29.5, 3rd
2013: 31.5, 1st
Nadal’s doing fine in his return games overall, however:
Return Games Won, Overall, PCT/ overall ranking:
2015: 34.8, 2nd
2014: 35, 1st
2013: 33.8, 2nd
Note: Nadal broke 37.4 percent of the time on clay against the ATP this year, but against the Top-10 on clay, he only broke 19.7 percent of the time (in six matches). Apparently, Nadal has a mountain to climb on clay, just as he does on hard.
Do these statistics help shed any light on Nadal’s form, and give any guidance as to what he might need to do to improve his results? They probably make his situation look far worse than it really is. In reality, it doesn’t seem like he’s in a different league as the ATP’s Top-10 at the moment. But the stats do tell a different story.
We should find out a whole lot more next week in London, when only the Top-8 will be in play at the World Tour Finals. It’s the perfect opportunity for Nadal to get his confidence back against the players he’ll need to beat next year if he is to return to Grand Slam and Masters 1000 winning form.
that just shows that this fall was not by accident but by design. he walked away. that is why the casualties are so heavy on every front.
we have been saying that here for a while now.
also I saw this coming nearly 4 years ago. this drop is nearly 4 years in the making.
now you know what he is up against. this article says that he has a mountain to climb on clay as well.
well that is where they are wrong. he was never going to be much of a factor on the hard courts after that dream run of hard courts titles in 2013.
too many injury setbacks were right around the corner and they happened. that is one thing. secondly, little by little he was giving away his clay kingdom.
he was slowly and surely losing his unique competitive edge on the red clay. some of that was by design and some of that was injuries sustained on the hard courts.
at some point he was going to lose his competitive advantage on the red clay. it had to happen and it did.
excessive infatuation with the hard courts cost him. there was a time to back off the hard courts and it was right after 2013 U.S. Open title.
he foolishly chased #1 rank and ran his body into the ground to a point where it would hit the wall at the Australian Open.
sometimes in 2015--most likely after Barcelona--he called off the dogs and walked away.
this is why the casualties are so heavy. this is not a crisis of confidence. this is a crisis of lack of sufficient hunger and drive which led to doing as little as possible with the game and the fitness.
in the mean time his global popularity continues to soar and the world places huge demands on his time but also throws millions and millions at him for that time.
sometime after Barcelona he walked away.
he also prepared for his clay season in a worst possible way. he went on a vacation to costa rica before indian wells and he went to Miami where he nearly sprained his ankle. he accomplished nothing in indian wells and in Miami this time around.
he had skipped Miami last year.
so to prepare a little bit for monte carlo he brought in his buddy Monaco. not surprisingly his practice sessions were lame and pretty much a joke. they laughed and wasted a lot of time.
so it is possible that he walked away even before Indian Wells. but you can see the results of such little activity.
everything is suffering. he has no consistency at all. his serve is weak. his shots lack the depth and the pace.
his movement is horrible at best. his court positioning is now worse because he is trying to compensate for his lack of proper fitness.
he has a very tall mountain to climb. and it has to start on clay. if he cant beat them there then he cant beat them anywhere.
he did all this to himself and only he can fix it. by immense amount of hard work.
more on this later.
Superb post General. Here's what Rafa and Toni have to say:
After several tough losses and disappointments, Rafael's motivation is still intact for the end of this season and for his ambitions for 2016. “My goal is to recover the level especially to play my best on clay next year,” he said.
“His confidence is built on that, his game is built on that,” Toni said of Roland Garros, where Rafael has won nine titles. “So yes, in order to regain those two we need to win back the clay. Of course we shouldn’t wait for the clay to start playing well again but the main goal remains to be again the No. 1 on the clay.”
Of course, as Toni likes to say, "talk is cheap", so let's see how and where Rafa trains and plays, and what happens.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I hope they see the bloody light before it is too late.
2016 is all they have.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
-
heavy topspin strokes--backhand and the forehand require an extreme expenditure of energy.
and that is each and every single shot executed requires almost 2 times the energy expenditure of somebody just hitting it flat and early.
andre Agassi is an example of that. djokovic is another example except that it is even less than usual energy expenditure because of the leverage he enjoys due to his height.
just look the RPMs Rafa generates on his forehand wing with each and every single shot hit from that wing and usually from deep behind the baseline.
heavy topspin players like vilas, muster, borg, and rafa had to develop extreme fitness to practice their trade on the courts.
muster had no problem running for 20 miles after 3-4 hours of practice.
borg could practice for 6+ hours and not even break a sweat.
vilas once practiced for nearly 3 hours after one of his matches at the Italian Open.
translation: these men were called the iron men of tennis because they had to be. their game and their style of play demanded it.
finally extreme fitness (physical endurance) was not enough alone. they had to be very strong physically as well. meaning they needed supreme physicality as well.
Rafa failed to maintain and even improve his fitness and his physicality so vital to his trade. that is the biggest reason for his decline.
he simply fades away in the middle of his matches. uncle tony said he "checks out". and then he also said that Rafa lost his fighting spirit.
Rafa became a little bit complacent after 2010. he failed to maintain his extreme fitness and his immense physicality. this led to enormous number of injuries and also a staggering number of losses to djokovic.
djokovic, in the mean time, saw an opportunity and never looked back. he took his fitness higher than ever before while Rafa allowed himself to stagnate.
Rafa also failed to progress and innovate his game which caused the rest of the world to catch up a little bit.
what djokovic saw is this: he saw that he could own the world if he could win the long rally. he basically stole Rafa's book.
Rafa was the greatest baseliner on the planet in 2010. that alone allowed him to bag 4 more RG crowns.
but he started to lose the long rally. meaning that he could not fight to death for every single point like he always had. he could not control the baseline as he always had. he could not outwill and outlast them time and again. so the losses started to become more frequent.
djokovic saw what was happening and took full advantage. now he owns the long rally and the world.
own the long rally and you can own the world.
this is what djokovic did to andy murray in Bercy. he took nearly 70% of the points from the baseline. he took the long rally and totally demolished andy murray. looked at another way, Rafa was able to win just 10% of the points from the baseline against Berdych in Melbourne and accordingly got destroyed in the process.
but getting back what we were talking about, the heavy topspin strokes--by their very mechanics and nature--require extreme energy expenditure.
it is the most demanding style of play on the planet.
the sport is very demanding today and becoming more so with each passing week no matter what your style of play is but the heavy topspin game is the most demanding of all styles of play.
more next time.
Great post. It also would explain why Borg left the game so early. If it was me I'd quit. Why kill yourself over a few trophies? That doesn't seem worth it to me. I guess Jack Sock is also risk then?
-
heavy topspin strokes--backhand and the forehand require an extreme expenditure of energy.
and that is each and every single shot executed requires almost 2 times the energy expenditure of somebody just hitting it flat and early.
andre Agassi is an example of that. djokovic is another example except that it is even less than usual energy expenditure because of the leverage he enjoys due to his height.
just look the RPMs Rafa generates on his forehand wing with each and every single shot hit from that wing and usually from deep behind the baseline.
heavy topspin players like vilas, muster, borg, and rafa had to develop extreme fitness to practice their trade on the courts.
muster had no problem running for 20 miles after 3-4 hours of practice.
borg could practice for 6+ hours and not even break a sweat.
vilas once practiced for nearly 3 hours after one of his matches at the Italian Open.
translation: these men were called the iron men of tennis because they had to be. their game and their style of play demanded it.
finally extreme fitness (physical endurance) was not enough alone. they had to be very strong physically as well. meaning they needed supreme physicality as well.
Rafa failed to maintain and even improve his fitness and his physicality so vital to his trade. that is the biggest reason for his decline.
he simply fades away in the middle of his matches. uncle tony said he "checks out". and then he also said that Rafa lost his fighting spirit.
Rafa became a little bit complacent after 2010. he failed to maintain his extreme fitness and his immense physicality. this led to enormous number of injuries and also a staggering number of losses to djokovic.
djokovic, in the mean time, saw an opportunity and never looked back. he took his fitness higher than ever before while Rafa allowed himself to stagnate.
Rafa also failed to progress and innovate his game which caused the rest of the world to catch up a little bit.
what djokovic saw is this: he saw that he could own the world if he could win the long rally. he basically stole Rafa's book.
Rafa was the greatest baseliner on the planet in 2010. that alone allowed him to bag 4 more RG crowns.
but he started to lose the long rally. meaning that he could not fight to death for every single point like he always had. he could not control the baseline as he always had. he could not outwill and outlast them time and again. so the losses started to become more frequent.
djokovic saw what was happening and took full advantage. now he owns the long rally and the world.
own the long rally and you can own the world.
this is what djokovic did to andy murray in Bercy. he took nearly 70% of the points from the baseline. he took the long rally and totally demolished andy murray. looked at another way, Rafa was able to win just 10% of the points from the baseline against Berdych in Melbourne and accordingly got destroyed in the process.
but getting back what we were talking about, the heavy topspin strokes--by their very mechanics and nature--require extreme energy expenditure.
it is the most demanding style of play on the planet.
the sport is very demanding today and becoming more so with each passing week no matter what your style of play is but the heavy topspin game is the most demanding of all styles of play.
more next time.
-
general masterclass is the greatest tennis poster in the world and also one of the finest minds in tennis.
there is no one like him.
the buck stops at his desk.
-
Great post, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although time is limited it pains me that each broadcast constantly spits out the same “facts.” For a person who watches a lot of tennis it’s total overkill and especially when you’re throwing out terms without explaining what you mean. We’ve heard it all before and while I understand that new viewers come on board constantly it just smacks of being lazy to me.
2. They don't realize the audience level of understanding and experience varies so they kind of assume the watcher is rather dumb, and will just accept whatever they say, or perhaps very knowledgeable and not care much what they say. So the middle ground watcher is often left begging for more information, or rather the why's and hows behind their sometimes brash declarations.
I agree with this, but for me it’s killing the sport. I have a hard time listening to that bull crap. When I first started watching tennis the commentators did not act like this. They didn't talk during points and waited for more opportune times to speak. It's such a relief sometimes to watch a match and enjoy the decorum used during the match.
3. They are often paid to glorify the top players and make them look like supermen or the most courageous athletes on the planet.
That’s another problem and I don’t how other fans view it, but when they constantly talk about the top player and give no credit to the other player, that irks me. It’s even worse when they omit stats and figures and slant it however they please.
4. They are paid to keep the viewers entertained and watching, even if it is a dull or never in doubt match. Sometimes they will say outrageous things, infuriating some viewers, similar to trolls on an internet forum.
That’s a perfect analogy. They remind me of internet trolls and it is infuriating.
The best commentators don't say too much, but commentate when a particular strategy is being used, or might be used, and explain why it might have a better chance or less chance of working against a particular opponent. They inform the watcher, but do it in such a way that someone new to the sport can understand, but someone experienced can still appreciate.
Yeah, there’s some guys, not from the U.S. and that’s exactly what they do. It is more interesting and informative to speak about the game, moreso than just the players. The American commentators also engage in a lot of gossip. Who’s going with who, how someone’s parents abused them and things totally unrelated to the match at hand.
Stan’s mentality has changed big time, but he still bores me to death so not much to say about him. He’s too inconsistent for my taste, not in skills, but in mentality. If he doesn’t seem to care many times, why should I as a fan?
Not everyone is made the same, not everyone is committed to wanting to win everything in sight at the cost of other things, and I respect his choice.
I don’t think you have to win everything in sight and maybe compromise important things, but I also don’t like to waste my time watching a contest where one of the combatants doesn’t seem to care half the time. And that’s the vibe I get from Stan, Monfils, and some others.
Thanks for the information. You make things so clear and easy to understand. I appreciate you filling in the gaps.
-
Glad to advise Lady TT.
Commentators are different like people are different. Some good , some average, some relatively poor (though they shouldn't be).
Now I'll make up some excuses for them.
1. During a match there isn't always time to explain things.
2. They don't realize the audience level of understanding and experience varies so they kind of assume the watcher is rather dumb, and will just accept whatever they say, or perhaps very knowledgeable and not care much what they say. So the middle ground watcher is often left begging for more information, or rather the why's and hows behind their sometimes brash declarations.
3. They are often paid to glorify the top players and make them look like supermen or the most courageous athletes on the planet. So if they say how much the player suffers to play his style of game, then when he succeeds in spite of that, it makes him look like a Spartan. IF they say how beautiful and effortless the player is to watch, it makes him look like a genius. If they say how great the player moves on the court returning everything hit to him, it makes him look like Usain Bolt combined with a force field like a wall. Now, no doubt some of these things are true to an extent, like a myth or legend is true. But there is a lot of hyperbole.
4. They are paid to keep the viewers entertained and watching, even if it is a dull or never in doubt match. Sometimes they will say outrageous things, infuriating some viewers, similar to trolls on an internet forum.
And more...
The best commentators don't say too much, but commentate when a particular strategy is being used, or might be used, and explain why it might have a better chance or less chance of working against a particular opponent. They inform the watcher, but do it in such a way that someone new to the sport can understand, but someone experienced can still appreciate.
As for Wawrinka, yes, he generally stands pretty far back, especially on the slowest courts, because he also takes big swings at the ball, and needs the time. He's generally not as comfortable on faster courts, and low bouncing where he needs to take the ball earlier. Yes, he is one of the strongest players on the tour, especially in the legs and torso. He gets tremendous power from the torque of his body as he loads up turning, and then releases. He can produce a better shot than Federer, for example, on the high backhand, even with one hand, because of that strength.
The reasons for his inconsistency may partially be physical, and quite possibly mental. He has said that he just doesn't feel like the kind of player who can show up every week and give it 100%. But recently he says that in any one tournament, he knows he can beat any player if he plays his best tennis, which is a big change from how he used to think before hiring Magnus Norman and beating the likes of Djokovic and Nadal in Australia. So it appears to me like he saves his best effort for the most important tournaments.
He has made enough money now that he can afford to do this. He's achieved more than he thought he would. He's fulfilled his biggest dreams of winning a major and winning Davis Cup. So I believe he believes that everything else is gravy, so he'll enjoy life between the slams, and then put out the biggest effort in the slams and a couple of other tournaments where he knows he can do well. Not everyone is made the same, not everyone is committed to wanting to win everything in sight at the cost of other things, and I respect his choice.
Anyway, again, I'll wait for General Hercules explain more why Rafa's game takes such a high degree of fitness, and when it isn't there, his game and confidence suffers. Time and time again throughout tennis history, players who played the topspin game have burned out faster than others for a reason, and often need long breaks from the game or retire early.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
This is a strange article from Pat. I can’t imagine Rafa working with him. Why does he think Murray doesn’t have that many years left in him, and he makes no mention of Novak at all. This dude is weird.
Pat Cash: I'd help Rafael Nadal return to the top of tennis
Sunday 15 November 2015
http://sport360.com/article/tennis/45190/pat-cash-id-help-rafael-nadal-return-top-tennis
Rafael Nadal will commence his ATP World Tour Finals campaign today in London and he will also be coming back to Abu Dhabi in December for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
Some people say that next year will be make or break for him but I’m reluctant to ever say something like that about Rafa.
Rafael Nadal will commence his ATP World Tour Finals campaign today in London and he will also be coming back to Abu Dhabi in December for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
Some people say that next year will be make or break for him but I’m reluctant to ever say something like that about Rafa.
This year he’s had a lot of problems with his consistency. Rafa’s biggest issue is because there’s so many movements going on in his groundstrokes, and he swings so fast at the ball, if something is slightly off, then it goes very off.
I’ll be very surprised to see him come back and have a year where you win two grand slams but he could win one and be right up there in the others.
He’s going to have to really build on the confidence he’s getting at the moment. I don’t think it’s make or break but he’s getting towards the end of his career and he’s put his body through everything so he hasn’t got many years left, but neither is Andy Murray, or Novak Djokovic, or Roger Federer.
Federer is a different beast altogether, I don’t regard him as normal by any means, but I think Rafa’s body and probably Andy’s as well won’t last as long as Federer. So they’ve got a couple of good years left in them.
Rafa’s form is the most talked about conversation in most locker rooms. Every player has a different opinion on what’s going on with his game.
I’ve looked at it from a completely different way - some say ‘it’s his confidence, it’s this and that’... I don’t see that, I see it as a technical issue. He’s got such a complex swing that is slightly off. He’s got to develop consistency and his way of developing consistency is by hitting a lot of balls and he feels that’s the way he can do it.
Whether his team have picked up the thing that I’ve picked up in his game, I don’t know, I’m not sure. I’ll have to have a closer look to see what he’s doing now. He’s got this whole thing he does in his game that nobody else can do. If you have a junior that does that you’ll tell him ‘you’ve got to completely fix that, that’s bad’. But in Rafa it works. That’s my opinion.
I was on the seniors tour the other day and you’ve got six different opinions on what Rafa needed to do, all from great people. To me I was really clear on what was going on. The other guys were all about it’s confidence, he’s got to do this, he’s got to do that, he’s got to hit the ball deeper, he’s got to be more consistent on his groundstrokes, he’s got to stop mis-hitting the ball, but how? That’s the question. How?
If they can’t work that out I think his team will need to look elsewhere. I would say, there’s a lot of good Spanish coaches out there, and I think it would be very arrogant for uncle Toni to think that he knows everything. He’s very open-minded, I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t at least listening to what some coaches had to say.
When things don’t go right, you have to look outside and make up your own mind. Is it necessary to bring somebody in? I don’t know if he needs to bring somebody in but he probably needs to have a listen to some people’s opinions.
Would I be willing to help him? Yes, I know what’s wrong. But nobody has asked me. I’m a real stickler with technique and there’s not many players’ coaches out there who can break it down. I’ve broken it down and I know what he does.
The ATP World Tour Finals will be staying at the O2 in London through 2018 and I’ve seen Rafa’s comments about it being unfair to him, considering indoor hard court is not his favorite surface.
I think the Finals need to be a big event first of all. I’ve always believed that the event should move around the world and give everybody a chance to have a look at it. It could come here to the Middle East. I don’t see any reason why that shouldn’t happen. But it’s such a massive success in London, so if it ain’t broke, why fix it? But I think Rafa’s right, I think it is a little unfair just to have it indoors. It’s clearly his weakest surface. Even if it was on outdoor hard court it would probably be better for him than the indoor surface they have, it just doesn’t suit his style.
-
I have some questions that maybe you guys can answer, because honestly, a lot of what I hear doesn't jibe with what I see.
1. What is this "punishing style" of play that Rafa has, and is he the only one in the history of the sport to have this "punishing style?" Before Rafa I had never heard that term before and I have been watching tennis for decades. I usually watch matches twice, the first time without sound because I can't stand to hear the commentators all use the same phrases and vernacular. I think that's odd. It's like they all share the same brain. It's the sameness that irks me. Does anyone have a different POV? Who is someone else who has a punishing style? There has to be someone else. To me, the game is extremely physical and everyone looks like they're working hard out there.
2. Why do they say that Agassi is a better returner than Novak? I don't see that either. Agassi doesn't have half the movement that Novak has, or return. So that confuses me as well.
These questions may seem odd to you all, but they really bother me because I don't think it's true, maybe you all can answer it, because someone saying something ad nauseum is not enough to convince me. I need cold, hard, facts!
Hi Lady TT,
1. I think I'll defer this one to general hercules. But from experience I'll say the topspin game is very hard on a player, which is what I think is meant as "punishing". Generally, one has to stay farther behind the baseline because one needs more time to be able to give the big swing that is needed to provide the rotation on the ball. One is also hitting the ball on the decline instead of the rise. That means the ball is slowing down, so requires more of one's own power. It also equals more power needed to get the produce the distance and spin, more leg strength, more arm strength. The other part is that he does a lot of running behind the baseline, often because he likes to run around the backhand to hit his forehand. If it is not an outright winner, he often has to run across to cover the opened up forehand wing.
2. Cold hard facts about Agassi's return game. Hmm. I watched Agassi, and yes, he had a great return, but even better baseline game. He could hit many on the half volley, and returned early (on the rise) and not a great deal of clearance over the net (but more than Connors who also had a great flat return). But hard facts? What about stats?
Return games won percentage Career on All surfaces:
Agassi is 4th, behind Coria 35%, Nadal 33%, Ferrer 32%, Agassi 32%, and Djokovic is 5th.
On hard court, return games won pct. for career, Agassi is 2nd behind Andy Murray, Djokovic is 3rd.
2nd serve return points won % for career on all surfaces? Agassi is on top, Ferrer 3rd, Nadal 4th, and Djokovic 5th.
Career 1st serve return pts won on all surfaces? Coria 1st, Ferrer 2nd, Nadal 3rd, Murray 4th, Federer 10th, and Djokovic 11th, Agassi 26th. But even though there is a relatively large separation on placement, note the percentage differences are often tiny. In this stat, Coria had 36%. Ferrer, Nadal, and Murray at 34 and fraction, Federer and Djokovic at 33% and a fraction, Agassi at 32% and a fraction.
Of course, some players return better on grass, or hard, or clay.
And lastly, Agassi did it mostly back in the day when the surfaces were more different. Fast inconsistent grass instead of the higher bouncing table top grass of the last few years. Slow clay. Faster hard courts and carpet. So I judge that it was more difficult to return and the baseline game was more difficult to play on 3 of 4 surfaces. Whereas today, the baseline game is almost the only one that gets played because of the generally slower, higher bouncing surfaces. This started in 2002 with grass, later with hard courts - 2006 or so, and carpet was steadily replaced during the early-mid 2000's, and was totally removed by 2009. There are exceptions of course, like Cincinnati, which has stayed about medium fast, Dubai, and some of the 250 tournaments, like Brisbane and Sydney, and a couple in France, but for the most part everything other than clay has been slowed down from what I saw in the 70's , 80's, and 90's. So I give Agassi extra credit for his ability to return on generally faster surfaces.
Those are the stats.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Thank you so much Masterclass. Everything that you said makes perfect sense. It is frustrating as a fan when commentators consistently reiterate nebulous facts and never explain what they're talking about. For those of us who lack in the mechanics of tennis we have no idea what they're talking about. When guys are running across the court, hitting balls it doesn't look that different to the untrained eye. By explaining catching the ball on the decline vs. the rise, that makes sense; even I can understand why you would need to exert more of your own strength.
I think this is what is most irritating about the commentators, the average viewer is not learning from their commentating, which to me is the purpose of them being "experts" in their fields. I have not understood that for years, but I've never had anything that helped make their statements plausible.
Interesting about Agassi's return. It didn't look like he was doing anything special to me. In fact, I found him quite boring to watch. The only thing that I noticed about his game was that he rarely moved more than his opponent, but I didn't know why.
It's amazing that surfaces can vary so much, even today playing good on grass does not equate to playing well on hard or medium speed hard surfaces. This can be seen more easily in the women's game where some players only play well on grass and have mediocre results on the other surfaces.
This is why you should write. There are many things that can be cleared up for fans who love the sport but lack the experience to understand so many of the nuances and think that they receive what appear to be garbled messages from the commentators. The commentators need to explain what they mean instead of using trite words that further blur whatever the heck they're talking about. It would make more sense and viewers would be more informed.
I really appreciate you taking the time to explain what so many commentators have failed to deliver over the decades. Maybe they think the average person understands the effect of not taking the ball on the rise and the extra effort needed to produce your shots. You have no idea how much your post clears up questions that I have struggled with for years.
Having said that, what about Wawrinka? He seems to use an extreme amount of arm power to produce his one-handed backhand and it appears that he takes it on the decline as well. Is this why he tends to be inconsistent from match to match because it's so hard to produce his strokes? I'll have to start looking at the mechanics of the strokes, but this is just a start.
Thanks again.
-
I have some questions that maybe you guys can answer, because honestly, a lot of what I hear doesn't jibe with what I see.
1. What is this "punishing style" of play that Rafa has, and is he the only one in the history of the sport to have this "punishing style?" Before Rafa I had never heard that term before and I have been watching tennis for decades. I usually watch matches twice, the first time without sound because I can't stand to hear the commentators all use the same phrases and vernacular. I think that's odd. It's like they all share the same brain. It's the sameness that irks me. Does anyone have a different POV? Who is someone else who has a punishing style? There has to be someone else. To me, the game is extremely physical and everyone looks like they're working hard out there.
2. Why do they say that Agassi is a better returner than Novak? I don't see that either. Agassi doesn't have half the movement that Novak has, or return. So that confuses me as well.
These questions may seem odd to you all, but they really bother me because I don't think it's true, maybe you all can answer it, because someone saying something ad nauseum is not enough to convince me. I need cold, hard, facts!
Hi Lady TT,
1. I think I'll defer this one to general hercules. But from experience I'll say the topspin game is very hard on a player, which is what I think is meant as "punishing". Generally, one has to stay farther behind the baseline because one needs more time to be able to give the big swing that is needed to provide the rotation on the ball. One is also hitting the ball on the decline instead of the rise. That means the ball is slowing down, so requires more of one's own power. It also equals more power needed to get the produce the distance and spin, more leg strength, more arm strength. The other part is that he does a lot of running behind the baseline, often because he likes to run around the backhand to hit his forehand. If it is not an outright winner, he often has to run across to cover the opened up forehand wing.
2. Cold hard facts about Agassi's return game. Hmm. I watched Agassi, and yes, he had a great return, but even better baseline game. He could hit many on the half volley, and returned early (on the rise) and not a great deal of clearance over the net (but more than Connors who also had a great flat return). But hard facts? What about stats?
Return games won percentage Career on All surfaces:
Agassi is 4th, behind Coria 35%, Nadal 33%, Ferrer 32%, Agassi 32%, and Djokovic is 5th.
On hard court, return games won pct. for career, Agassi is 2nd behind Andy Murray, Djokovic is 3rd.
2nd serve return points won % for career on all surfaces? Agassi is on top, Ferrer 3rd, Nadal 4th, and Djokovic 5th.
Career 1st serve return pts won on all surfaces? Coria 1st, Ferrer 2nd, Nadal 3rd, Murray 4th, Federer 10th, and Djokovic 11th, Agassi 26th. But even though there is a relatively large separation on placement, note the percentage differences are often tiny. In this stat, Coria had 36%. Ferrer, Nadal, and Murray at 34 and fraction, Federer and Djokovic at 33% and a fraction, Agassi at 32% and a fraction.
Of course, some players return better on grass, or hard, or clay.
And lastly, Agassi did it mostly back in the day when the surfaces were more different. Fast inconsistent grass instead of the higher bouncing table top grass of the last few years. Slow clay. Faster hard courts and carpet. So I judge that it was more difficult to return and the baseline game was more difficult to play on 3 of 4 surfaces. Whereas today, the baseline game is almost the only one that gets played because of the generally slower, higher bouncing surfaces. This started in 2002 with grass, later with hard courts - 2006 or so, and carpet was steadily replaced during the early-mid 2000's, and was totally removed by 2009. There are exceptions of course, like Cincinnati, which has stayed about medium fast, Dubai, and some of the 250 tournaments, like Brisbane and Sydney, and a couple in France, but for the most part everything other than clay has been slowed down from what I saw in the 70's , 80's, and 90's. So I give Agassi extra credit for his ability to return on generally faster surfaces.
Those are the stats.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I have some questions that maybe you guys can answer, because honestly, a lot of what I hear doesn't jibe with what I see.
1. What is this "punishing style" of play that Rafa has, and is he the only one in the history of the sport to have this "punishing style?" Before Rafa I had never heard that term before and I have been watching tennis for decades. I usually watch matches twice, the first time without sound because I can't stand to hear the commentators all use the same phrases and vernacular. I think that's odd. It's like they all share the same brain. It's the sameness that irks me. Does anyone have a different POV? Who is someone else who has a punishing style? There has to be someone else. To me, the game is extremely physical and everyone looks like they're working hard out there.
2. Why do they say that Agassi is a better returner than Novak? I don't see that either. Agassi doesn't have half the movement that Novak has, or return. So that confuses me as well.
These questions may seem odd to you all, but they really bother me because I don't think it's true, maybe you all can answer it, because someone saying something ad nauseum is not enough to convince me. I need cold, hard, facts!
-
djokovic said he is already fired up about the off season so he can work hard on his game and his fitness.
he also said he was going to set new goals.
and this man is winning 94% of his matches and leaving everyone in the dust. he does not even have any competition and he is saying that he cant wait to take his game and his fitness even higher.
take note Rafa. outwork this guy.
-
Wow, this is a great article. Not good for me as a fan, but the truth is the truth.
Statisfaction: Looking at Nadal's Difficult 2015
By Chris Oddo | Wednesday, November 11, 2015
http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2015/November/Statisfaction-Looking-at-Nadal-s-Difficult-2015.aspx
Rafael Nadal's struggles against the top-10 have hindered his progress in the second half of 2015.
It has been a trying year for Rafael Nadal—that’s no secret. He's gone 4-10 vs. the Top-10 and won only one of eight vs. the Top-5. But the burning question still remains: why has Nadal’s once legendary game been diluted so much? Has Nadal just been the victim of nerves and are his struggles simply related to a lack of confidence in the big points? Or, are his issues larger and less correctable? Has the explosiveness and potency left his game, leaving his movement a step slow and his power less potent? If so, can he remedy this by 2016?
All year we’ve been curious to know what exactly is holding Nadal back. Rather than speculate we headed over to Tennis Abstract to get some cold, hard statistical insight into Nadal’s 2015. Has it really been as bad as it seems? Is he close to pulling out of it? We pulled five stats that tell the story of Rafael Nadal’s struggles. While they are no means a death sentence—it feels like Nadal is getting closer to finding his missing mojo every week—they do paint a picture of a player who has at least temporarily lost his dominion over the elite.
All stats come courtesy of Tennis Abstract:
1: Service Games Held: After spending 2012 and 2013 in the top-5 of this category, Nadal’s numbers have slipped in the last two years.
Service Games Held, Overall ranking/ Pct
2015: 16th, 84.1
2014: 13th, 85.3
2013: 5th, 88.1
2. Serving Woes vs. Top-10: Nadal has struggled even more vs. the ATP’s elite. This is where we really begin to see the difference in Nadal’s statistics.
Service Games Held vs. Top-10, Ranking/Pct
2015: 21st, 70.8
2014: 18th, 78.7
2013: 5th, 82.7
3. Sets won vs Top-10: Winning sets has been a challenge vs. the top-10. Again, the numbers are quite startling.
Sets Won vs. Top-10, Pct:
2015: 10-23, 30.3
2014: 18-12, 60
2013: 52-19, 73.2
4. Struggling to break Top-10 also: Our belief is that Nadal’s serve, and his difficulty holding serve, has been his biggest issue in 2015. But the stats show that he’s struggling to break against elite players as well:
Return games won vs. Top-10, Pct/ overall ranking
2015: 14.6, 18th
2014: 29.5, 3rd
2013: 31.5, 1st
Nadal’s doing fine in his return games overall, however:
Return Games Won, Overall, PCT/ overall ranking:
2015: 34.8, 2nd
2014: 35, 1st
2013: 33.8, 2nd
Note: Nadal broke 37.4 percent of the time on clay against the ATP this year, but against the Top-10 on clay, he only broke 19.7 percent of the time (in six matches). Apparently, Nadal has a mountain to climb on clay, just as he does on hard.
Do these statistics help shed any light on Nadal’s form, and give any guidance as to what he might need to do to improve his results? They probably make his situation look far worse than it really is. In reality, it doesn’t seem like he’s in a different league as the ATP’s Top-10 at the moment. But the stats do tell a different story.
We should find out a whole lot more next week in London, when only the Top-8 will be in play at the World Tour Finals. It’s the perfect opportunity for Nadal to get his confidence back against the players he’ll need to beat next year if he is to return to Grand Slam and Masters 1000 winning form.
that just shows that this fall was not by accident but by design. he walked away. that is why the casualties are so heavy on every front.
we have been saying that here for a while now.
also I saw this coming nearly 4 years ago. this drop is nearly 4 years in the making.
now you know what he is up against. this article says that he has a mountain to climb on clay as well.
well that is where they are wrong. he was never going to be much of a factor on the hard courts after that dream run of hard courts titles in 2013.
too many injury setbacks were right around the corner and they happened. that is one thing. secondly, little by little he was giving away his clay kingdom.
he was slowly and surely losing his unique competitive edge on the red clay. some of that was by design and some of that was injuries sustained on the hard courts.
at some point he was going to lose his competitive advantage on the red clay. it had to happen and it did.
excessive infatuation with the hard courts cost him. there was a time to back off the hard courts and it was right after 2013 U.S. Open title.
he foolishly chased #1 rank and ran his body into the ground to a point where it would hit the wall at the Australian Open.
sometimes in 2015--most likely after Barcelona--he called off the dogs and walked away.
this is why the casualties are so heavy. this is not a crisis of confidence. this is a crisis of lack of sufficient hunger and drive which led to doing as little as possible with the game and the fitness.
in the mean time his global popularity continues to soar and the world places huge demands on his time but also throws millions and millions at him for that time.
sometime after Barcelona he walked away.
he also prepared for his clay season in a worst possible way. he went on a vacation to costa rica before indian wells and he went to Miami where he nearly sprained his ankle. he accomplished nothing in indian wells and in Miami this time around.
he had skipped Miami last year.
so to prepare a little bit for monte carlo he brought in his buddy Monaco. not surprisingly his practice sessions were lame and pretty much a joke. they laughed and wasted a lot of time.
so it is possible that he walked away even before Indian Wells. but you can see the results of such little activity.
everything is suffering. he has no consistency at all. his serve is weak. his shots lack the depth and the pace.
his movement is horrible at best. his court positioning is now worse because he is trying to compensate for his lack of proper fitness.
he has a very tall mountain to climb. and it has to start on clay. if he cant beat them there then he cant beat them anywhere.
he did all this to himself and only he can fix it. by immense amount of hard work.
more on this later.
Superb post General. Here's what Rafa and Toni have to say:
After several tough losses and disappointments, Rafael's motivation is still intact for the end of this season and for his ambitions for 2016. “My goal is to recover the level especially to play my best on clay next year,” he said.
“His confidence is built on that, his game is built on that,” Toni said of Roland Garros, where Rafael has won nine titles. “So yes, in order to regain those two we need to win back the clay. Of course we shouldn’t wait for the clay to start playing well again but the main goal remains to be again the No. 1 on the clay.”
Of course, as Toni likes to say, "talk is cheap", so let's see how and where Rafa trains and plays, and what happens.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Interesting. Thanks Lady TT.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Not to bother you Masterclass, but here I go again.
But this mag is looking for contributors:
ATP Reactions @ATPreactions
Men’s tennis players - they’re human too! (Now looking for contributors! Interested? Send an email to atptennisreactions@gmail.com.)
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/barclays-atp-world-tour-finals/605/daily-schedule
-
Monte Carlo title can get him rolling again.
He can do it but he has to prepare well.
I would skip Miami this time and spend extra 2 weeks on clay.
-
One more day and it's the WTF. Finally, this season will be in the books. In some ways it went fast, and in other ways it was slower than than a turtle's gait. Anyway, onward and upward, 2016 here we come!
-
Wow, this is a great article. Not good for me as a fan, but the truth is the truth.
Statisfaction: Looking at Nadal's Difficult 2015
By Chris Oddo | Wednesday, November 11, 2015
http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2015/November/Statisfaction-Looking-at-Nadal-s-Difficult-2015.aspx
Rafael Nadal's struggles against the top-10 have hindered his progress in the second half of 2015.
It has been a trying year for Rafael Nadal—that’s no secret. He's gone 4-10 vs. the Top-10 and won only one of eight vs. the Top-5. But the burning question still remains: why has Nadal’s once legendary game been diluted so much? Has Nadal just been the victim of nerves and are his struggles simply related to a lack of confidence in the big points? Or, are his issues larger and less correctable? Has the explosiveness and potency left his game, leaving his movement a step slow and his power less potent? If so, can he remedy this by 2016?
All year we’ve been curious to know what exactly is holding Nadal back. Rather than speculate we headed over to Tennis Abstract to get some cold, hard statistical insight into Nadal’s 2015. Has it really been as bad as it seems? Is he close to pulling out of it? We pulled five stats that tell the story of Rafael Nadal’s struggles. While they are no means a death sentence—it feels like Nadal is getting closer to finding his missing mojo every week—they do paint a picture of a player who has at least temporarily lost his dominion over the elite.
All stats come courtesy of Tennis Abstract:
1: Service Games Held: After spending 2012 and 2013 in the top-5 of this category, Nadal’s numbers have slipped in the last two years.
Service Games Held, Overall ranking/ Pct
2015: 16th, 84.1
2014: 13th, 85.3
2013: 5th, 88.1
2. Serving Woes vs. Top-10: Nadal has struggled even more vs. the ATP’s elite. This is where we really begin to see the difference in Nadal’s statistics.
Service Games Held vs. Top-10, Ranking/Pct
2015: 21st, 70.8
2014: 18th, 78.7
2013: 5th, 82.7
3. Sets won vs Top-10: Winning sets has been a challenge vs. the top-10. Again, the numbers are quite startling.
Sets Won vs. Top-10, Pct:
2015: 10-23, 30.3
2014: 18-12, 60
2013: 52-19, 73.2
4. Struggling to break Top-10 also: Our belief is that Nadal’s serve, and his difficulty holding serve, has been his biggest issue in 2015. But the stats show that he’s struggling to break against elite players as well:
Return games won vs. Top-10, Pct/ overall ranking
2015: 14.6, 18th
2014: 29.5, 3rd
2013: 31.5, 1st
Nadal’s doing fine in his return games overall, however:
Return Games Won, Overall, PCT/ overall ranking:
2015: 34.8, 2nd
2014: 35, 1st
2013: 33.8, 2nd
Note: Nadal broke 37.4 percent of the time on clay against the ATP this year, but against the Top-10 on clay, he only broke 19.7 percent of the time (in six matches). Apparently, Nadal has a mountain to climb on clay, just as he does on hard.
Do these statistics help shed any light on Nadal’s form, and give any guidance as to what he might need to do to improve his results? They probably make his situation look far worse than it really is. In reality, it doesn’t seem like he’s in a different league as the ATP’s Top-10 at the moment. But the stats do tell a different story.
We should find out a whole lot more next week in London, when only the Top-8 will be in play at the World Tour Finals. It’s the perfect opportunity for Nadal to get his confidence back against the players he’ll need to beat next year if he is to return to Grand Slam and Masters 1000 winning form.
that just shows that this fall was not by accident but by design. he walked away. that is why the casualties are so heavy on every front.
we have been saying that here for a while now.
also I saw this coming nearly 4 years ago. this drop is nearly 4 years in the making.
now you know what he is up against. this article says that he has a mountain to climb on clay as well.
well that is where they are wrong. he was never going to be much of a factor on the hard courts after that dream run of hard courts titles in 2013.
too many injury setbacks were right around the corner and they happened. that is one thing. secondly, little by little he was giving away his clay kingdom.
he was slowly and surely losing his unique competitive edge on the red clay. some of that was by design and some of that was injuries sustained on the hard courts.
at some point he was going to lose his competitive advantage on the red clay. it had to happen and it did.
excessive infatuation with the hard courts cost him. there was a time to back off the hard courts and it was right after 2013 U.S. Open title.
he foolishly chased #1 rank and ran his body into the ground to a point where it would hit the wall at the Australian Open.
sometimes in 2015--most likely after Barcelona--he called off the dogs and walked away.
this is why the casualties are so heavy. this is not a crisis of confidence. this is a crisis of lack of sufficient hunger and drive which led to doing as little as possible with the game and the fitness.
in the mean time his global popularity continues to soar and the world places huge demands on his time but also throws millions and millions at him for that time.
sometime after Barcelona he walked away.
he also prepared for his clay season in a worst possible way. he went on a vacation to costa rica before indian wells and he went to Miami where he nearly sprained his ankle. he accomplished nothing in indian wells and in Miami this time around.
he had skipped Miami last year.
so to prepare a little bit for monte carlo he brought in his buddy Monaco. not surprisingly his practice sessions were lame and pretty much a joke. they laughed and wasted a lot of time.
so it is possible that he walked away even before Indian Wells. but you can see the results of such little activity.
everything is suffering. he has no consistency at all. his serve is weak. his shots lack the depth and the pace.
his movement is horrible at best. his court positioning is now worse because he is trying to compensate for his lack of proper fitness.
he has a very tall mountain to climb. and it has to start on clay. if he cant beat them there then he cant beat them anywhere.
he did all this to himself and only he can fix it. by immense amount of hard work.
more on this later.
-
Wow, this is a great article. Not good for me as a fan, but the truth is the truth.
Statisfaction: Looking at Nadal's Difficult 2015
By Chris Oddo | Wednesday, November 11, 2015
http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2015/November/Statisfaction-Looking-at-Nadal-s-Difficult-2015.aspx
Rafael Nadal's struggles against the top-10 have hindered his progress in the second half of 2015.
It has been a trying year for Rafael Nadal—that’s no secret. He's gone 4-10 vs. the Top-10 and won only one of eight vs. the Top-5. But the burning question still remains: why has Nadal’s once legendary game been diluted so much? Has Nadal just been the victim of nerves and are his struggles simply related to a lack of confidence in the big points? Or, are his issues larger and less correctable? Has the explosiveness and potency left his game, leaving his movement a step slow and his power less potent? If so, can he remedy this by 2016?
All year we’ve been curious to know what exactly is holding Nadal back. Rather than speculate we headed over to Tennis Abstract to get some cold, hard statistical insight into Nadal’s 2015. Has it really been as bad as it seems? Is he close to pulling out of it? We pulled five stats that tell the story of Rafael Nadal’s struggles. While they are no means a death sentence—it feels like Nadal is getting closer to finding his missing mojo every week—they do paint a picture of a player who has at least temporarily lost his dominion over the elite.
All stats come courtesy of Tennis Abstract:
1: Service Games Held: After spending 2012 and 2013 in the top-5 of this category, Nadal’s numbers have slipped in the last two years.
Service Games Held, Overall ranking/ Pct
2015: 16th, 84.1
2014: 13th, 85.3
2013: 5th, 88.1
2. Serving Woes vs. Top-10: Nadal has struggled even more vs. the ATP’s elite. This is where we really begin to see the difference in Nadal’s statistics.
Service Games Held vs. Top-10, Ranking/Pct
2015: 21st, 70.8
2014: 18th, 78.7
2013: 5th, 82.7
3. Sets won vs Top-10: Winning sets has been a challenge vs. the top-10. Again, the numbers are quite startling.
Sets Won vs. Top-10, Pct:
2015: 10-23, 30.3
2014: 18-12, 60
2013: 52-19, 73.2
4. Struggling to break Top-10 also: Our belief is that Nadal’s serve, and his difficulty holding serve, has been his biggest issue in 2015. But the stats show that he’s struggling to break against elite players as well:
Return games won vs. Top-10, Pct/ overall ranking
2015: 14.6, 18th
2014: 29.5, 3rd
2013: 31.5, 1st
Nadal’s doing fine in his return games overall, however:
Return Games Won, Overall, PCT/ overall ranking:
2015: 34.8, 2nd
2014: 35, 1st
2013: 33.8, 2nd
Note: Nadal broke 37.4 percent of the time on clay against the ATP this year, but against the Top-10 on clay, he only broke 19.7 percent of the time (in six matches). Apparently, Nadal has a mountain to climb on clay, just as he does on hard.
Do these statistics help shed any light on Nadal’s form, and give any guidance as to what he might need to do to improve his results? They probably make his situation look far worse than it really is. In reality, it doesn’t seem like he’s in a different league as the ATP’s Top-10 at the moment. But the stats do tell a different story.
We should find out a whole lot more next week in London, when only the Top-8 will be in play at the World Tour Finals. It’s the perfect opportunity for Nadal to get his confidence back against the players he’ll need to beat next year if he is to return to Grand Slam and Masters 1000 winning form.
-
I don't think Rafa will be too concerned about being in the top 2... Top 4 will be fine for him. Ideally he'd want Djokovic on the other side of the draw.
A lot can change before then though - a win of any description over Djokovic before RG could be a game changer.
agreed.
a win in Rome and a top 4 ranking could change the landscape.
and meeting djokovic in the final is a better deal.
-
I don't think Rafa will be too concerned about being in the top 2... Top 4 will be fine for him. Ideally he'd want Djokovic on the other side of the draw.
A lot can change before then though - a win of any description over Djokovic before RG could be a game changer.
-
http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/November/Video-Rafa-Nadal-vs-Underwear-Model.aspx
Rafa is so d*mn cool and charismatic. He's so down to earth which only adds to his charm. I love his honesty and regular folks attitude. I can't imagine him acting like a diva. I don't like divas.
everybody loves Rafa. they all want his time. and the corporate world is beating a path to his door. this deal with Tommy Hilfiger is massive. it has to be massive. I don't have any numbers yet but I am willing to bet that is around $10 million a year.
that, however, does not mean that I am happy with him.
Ha ha ha. You will be if he gets fit and starts playing like we're used to seeing. I have a feeling that you'll forgive him fo all the stress he's caused you in 2015.
ha ha ha ha. its shame that muster's old fitness coach is not his fitness coach.
and then me, you and general masterclass need to be on the staff too.
tony said that Rafa lost his fighting spirit. we have been saying that here well in advance.
but he is fighting a little bit. tony said he can only get stronger now at this rate.
we have to arrive at RG next year ranked #2.
that should be his #1 goal for 2016.
That would be nice. A lot of hard work ahead, though. I hope he can do it.
-
have you seen our new feature at the top?
I added countdown clocks to the first few big events in 2016.
and I blended them with the new colors of our Camelot.
No, I hadn't seen it. Thanks for telling me, that's so cool.
-
http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/November/Video-Rafa-Nadal-vs-Underwear-Model.aspx
Rafa is so d*mn cool and charismatic. He's so down to earth which only adds to his charm. I love his honesty and regular folks attitude. I can't imagine him acting like a diva. I don't like divas.
everybody loves Rafa. they all want his time. and the corporate world is beating a path to his door. this deal with Tommy Hilfiger is massive. it has to be massive. I don't have any numbers yet but I am willing to bet that is around $10 million a year.
that, however, does not mean that I am happy with him.
Ha ha ha. You will be if he gets fit and starts playing like we're used to seeing. I have a feeling that you'll forgive him fo all the stress he's caused you in 2015.
ha ha ha ha. its shame that muster's old fitness coach is not his fitness coach.
and then me, you and general masterclass need to be on the staff too.
tony said that Rafa lost his fighting spirit. we have been saying that here well in advance.
but he is fighting a little bit. tony said he can only get stronger now at this rate.
we have to arrive at RG next year ranked #2.
that should be his #1 goal for 2016.
-
have you seen our new feature at the top?
I added countdown clocks to the first few big events in 2016.
and I blended them with the new colors of our Camelot.
-
http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/November/Video-Rafa-Nadal-vs-Underwear-Model.aspx
Rafa is so d*mn cool and charismatic. He's so down to earth which only adds to his charm. I love his honesty and regular folks attitude. I can't imagine him acting like a diva. I don't like divas.
everybody loves Rafa. they all want his time. and the corporate world is beating a path to his door. this deal with Tommy Hilfiger is massive. it has to be massive. I don't have any numbers yet but I am willing to bet that is around $10 million a year.
that, however, does not mean that I am happy with him.
Ha ha ha. You will be if he gets fit and starts playing like we're used to seeing. I have a feeling that you'll forgive him fo all the stress he's caused you in 2015.
-
djokovic is saying a lot more lady TT:
1. he said very specifically that he likes chances against anybody from the baseline.
2. he said surface does not matter. he is ready. anywhere, anytime.
3. I think he said something to the effect that "wawrinka stole his court at RG". that was a foolish thing to say in my estimation but he did say it.
wawrinka earned that victory with his game and with his heart and by his proper positive mindset.
and most importantly he earned it off the courts: he worked very hard to prepare for that deep run for the title at RG.
Wow, he's so cocky it's hard to be happy for him. That's what I don't like about Novak. He has all of these different faces and personas. He's too full of himself. He's a great player, always has been, but there's underneath the surface that colors his entire personality.
Those matches that Stan won against him, Stan won fair and square. Give credit where credit is due. After that win at RG when he came to the net he said, "I have so much respect for you." Then, months later he says, "Stan stole my RG" as if Stan had no business winning? Ridiculous. It's hard for me to imagine that Novak will prosper from this type of attitude in the end, because he lacks humility. He doesn't seem to realize that anything can happen and anyone can end up with a life threatening injury at any time. His attitude is such a turn off to me.
He will never be regarded in the highest esteem like many of the other players; even in his dominance he is not universally loved. He needs to wonder why?
rafa and Federer will go down in history as the most popular tennis players ever.
and among the most popular global athletes of all time.
Jordan, Messi, and Ronaldo are the most popular athletes on the globe.
Nole recently said, "Federer and Rafa are more popular than me."
How petty is that? Why would you even be thinking about things like that. That sounds silly to me. Everyone knows that there's no reason to state it. What does he want someone's response to be?
-
http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/November/Video-Rafa-Nadal-vs-Underwear-Model.aspx
Rafa is so d*mn cool and charismatic. He's so down to earth which only adds to his charm. I love his honesty and regular folks attitude. I can't imagine him acting like a diva. I don't like divas.
everybody loves Rafa. they all want his time. and the corporate world is beating a path to his door. this deal with Tommy Hilfiger is massive. it has to be massive. I don't have any numbers yet but I am willing to bet that is around $10 million a year.
that, however, does not mean that I am happy with him.
-
djokovic is saying a lot more lady TT:
1. he said very specifically that he likes chances against anybody from the baseline.
2. he said surface does not matter. he is ready. anywhere, anytime.
3. I think he said something to the effect that "wawrinka stole his court at RG". that was a foolish thing to say in my estimation but he did say it.
wawrinka earned that victory with his game and with his heart and by his proper positive mindset.
and most importantly he earned it off the courts: he worked very hard to prepare for that deep run for the title at RG.
Wow, he's so cocky it's hard to be happy for him. That's what I don't like about Novak. He has all of these different faces and personas. He's too full of himself. He's a great player, always has been, but there's underneath the surface that colors his entire personality.
Those matches that Stan won against him, Stan won fair and square. Give credit where credit is due. After that win at RG when he came to the net he said, "I have so much respect for you." Then, months later he says, "Stan stole my RG" as if Stan had no business winning? Ridiculous. It's hard for me to imagine that Novak will prosper from this type of attitude in the end, because he lacks humility. He doesn't seem to realize that anything can happen and anyone can end up with a life threatening injury at any time. His attitude is such a turn off to me.
He will never be regarded in the highest esteem like many of the other players; even in his dominance he is not universally loved. He needs to wonder why?
rafa and Federer will go down in history as the most popular tennis players ever.
and among the most popular global athletes of all time.
Jordan, Messi, and Ronaldo are the most popular athletes on the globe.
-
http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/November/Video-Rafa-Nadal-vs-Underwear-Model.aspx
Rafa is so d*mn cool and charismatic. He's so down to earth which only adds to his charm. I love his honesty and regular folks attitude. I can't imagine him acting like a diva. I don't like divas.
-
http://2015.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2015-02-01/rafa_the_social_king_.html?promo=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Australian-Open+%28Australian+Open%29
He has nearly three million Twitter followers more than the next closest tennis player on the planet and a handy 14 Grand Slam singles titles to his name certainly helps his popularity, so it is little wonder Rafael Nadal has topped the Australian Open’s Social Leaderboard for 2015.
The leaderboard tracks Twitter to determine the most popular players at the Open during the fortnight, and with a day of the tournament left to play, the Spaniard led the count for the tournament with 1,126,524 tweets, 76 per cent of them positive.
Two of the world No.3’s matches, in particular, drew a huge response – his scratchy five-set survival against American Tim Smyczek in the second round peaking at more than 10,000 positive tweets immediately after the win, and his quarterfinal loss to Tomas Berdych generating more than 8000 positive tweets.
Novak Djokovic came in a distant second with 562,470 tweets (keeping in mind this was before the men’s final had been played), with 90 per cent of them positive.
His five-set semifinal win over Stan Wawrinka drew the highest number of positive tweets for a match this tournament with nearly 19,000.
Maria Sharapova was the best of the girls, coming in at No.3 with 476, 493 tweets, 84 per cent of them positive. Her final showdown with Serena Williams drew nearly 8000 positive tweets, while her second round comeback from match point down extracted nearly 6000 positive tweets.
Despite losing in just the third round, Roger Federer still came in at No.4, with 343,511 tweets. His upset loss to Andreas Seppi had just 5000 positive tweets, while Seppi, who came in at No.10 overall, had nearly 9000 positive tweets after pulling off the win.
Serena Williams was the best of the rest, coming in at No.5 with 317,258 tweets, more than 16,000 of them positive.
Andy Murray came in at No.6, outgoing defending champion Wawrinka at No.7, Australian sensation Nick Kyrgios at No.8 and Nadal-slayer Berdych at No.9.
IBM developer Tony Johnson said the system only counted positive sentiment, with tweets linked via hashtags, twitter handles and the player’s name.
“It is a fun way to engage fans, they get to participate in the tournament by pushing their favourite to the top. It also give a real indication of the level of global buzz, or conversation about a player on Twitter,” he said.
“Negative, neutral and indeterminate sentiment is counted in the overall number of tweets for a particular player, but there's no classification for them.”
Nadal boasts 7.4 million followers on Twitter, ahead of Williams, with 4.56 million. Djokovic has 3.83 million, Murray 2.89 million, Federer 2.61 million, and Sharapova with 1.47 million.
This is why I believe in the numbers as opposed to what the commentators say. It's been this way for years.
-
say hello to two of the greatest left handers in history:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fplayers-5_zpsp66hmlfe.png&hash=3567f753b7c9cd589405b682cdb4408b190ac628) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/players-5_zpsp66hmlfe.png.html)
Hi Lefties, from another lefty. Gosh, we're cool.
-
djokovic is saying a lot more lady TT:
1. he said very specifically that he likes chances against anybody from the baseline.
2. he said surface does not matter. he is ready. anywhere, anytime.
3. I think he said something to the effect that "wawrinka stole his court at RG". that was a foolish thing to say in my estimation but he did say it.
wawrinka earned that victory with his game and with his heart and by his proper positive mindset.
and most importantly he earned it off the courts: he worked very hard to prepare for that deep run for the title at RG.
Wow, he's so cocky it's hard to be happy for him. That's what I don't like about Novak. He has all of these different faces and personas. He's too full of himself. He's a great player, always has been, but there's underneath the surface that colors his entire personality.
Those matches that Stan won against him, Stan won fair and square. Give credit where credit is due. After that win at RG when he came to the net he said, "I have so much respect for you." Then, months later he says, "Stan stole my RG" as if Stan had no business winning? Ridiculous. It's hard for me to imagine that Novak will prosper from this type of attitude in the end, because he lacks humility. He doesn't seem to realize that anything can happen and anyone can end up with a life threatening injury at any time. His attitude is such a turn off to me.
He will never be regarded in the highest esteem like many of the other players; even in his dominance he is not universally loved. He needs to wonder why?
-
http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/November/Video-Rafa-Nadal-vs-Underwear-Model.aspx
-
http://2015.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2015-02-01/rafa_the_social_king_.html?promo=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Australian-Open+%28Australian+Open%29
He has nearly three million Twitter followers more than the next closest tennis player on the planet and a handy 14 Grand Slam singles titles to his name certainly helps his popularity, so it is little wonder Rafael Nadal has topped the Australian Open’s Social Leaderboard for 2015.
The leaderboard tracks Twitter to determine the most popular players at the Open during the fortnight, and with a day of the tournament left to play, the Spaniard led the count for the tournament with 1,126,524 tweets, 76 per cent of them positive.
Two of the world No.3’s matches, in particular, drew a huge response – his scratchy five-set survival against American Tim Smyczek in the second round peaking at more than 10,000 positive tweets immediately after the win, and his quarterfinal loss to Tomas Berdych generating more than 8000 positive tweets.
Novak Djokovic came in a distant second with 562,470 tweets (keeping in mind this was before the men’s final had been played), with 90 per cent of them positive.
His five-set semifinal win over Stan Wawrinka drew the highest number of positive tweets for a match this tournament with nearly 19,000.
Maria Sharapova was the best of the girls, coming in at No.3 with 476, 493 tweets, 84 per cent of them positive. Her final showdown with Serena Williams drew nearly 8000 positive tweets, while her second round comeback from match point down extracted nearly 6000 positive tweets.
Despite losing in just the third round, Roger Federer still came in at No.4, with 343,511 tweets. His upset loss to Andreas Seppi had just 5000 positive tweets, while Seppi, who came in at No.10 overall, had nearly 9000 positive tweets after pulling off the win.
Serena Williams was the best of the rest, coming in at No.5 with 317,258 tweets, more than 16,000 of them positive.
Andy Murray came in at No.6, outgoing defending champion Wawrinka at No.7, Australian sensation Nick Kyrgios at No.8 and Nadal-slayer Berdych at No.9.
IBM developer Tony Johnson said the system only counted positive sentiment, with tweets linked via hashtags, twitter handles and the player’s name.
“It is a fun way to engage fans, they get to participate in the tournament by pushing their favourite to the top. It also give a real indication of the level of global buzz, or conversation about a player on Twitter,” he said.
“Negative, neutral and indeterminate sentiment is counted in the overall number of tweets for a particular player, but there's no classification for them.”
Nadal boasts 7.4 million followers on Twitter, ahead of Williams, with 4.56 million. Djokovic has 3.83 million, Murray 2.89 million, Federer 2.61 million, and Sharapova with 1.47 million.
-
say hello to two of the greatest left handers in history:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fplayers-5_zpsp66hmlfe.png&hash=3567f753b7c9cd589405b682cdb4408b190ac628) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/players-5_zpsp66hmlfe.png.html)
-
I recall reading something about Nasty (Nastase). one year he went to England and took down a couple of big names on a small grass event going into Wimbledon.
he said---but most likely jokingly---he could just toy with guys like Connors and Borg.
they say that Nasty was a party animal. he hit #1 in 1973 if I am not mistaken. we can double check that.
-
djokovic is saying a lot more lady TT:
1. he said very specifically that he likes chances against anybody from the baseline.
2. he said surface does not matter. he is ready. anywhere, anytime.
3. I think he said something to the effect that "wawrinka stole his court at RG". that was a foolish thing to say in my estimation but he did say it.
wawrinka earned that victory with his game and with his heart and by his proper positive mindset.
and most importantly he earned it off the courts: he worked very hard to prepare for that deep run for the title at RG.
-
great post general britbox.
nishikori has the talent but not the physical attributes to sustain quality.
also I think djokovic just keeps taking his game and his fitness higher with each passing week.
Tis' true. Kei is too small. They'd all better work hard if they want to keep up with Novak because he's serious. He's already announced that he's looking towards Roger's haul. If that's not throwing down the gauntlet, I don't know what is.
-
great post general britbox.
nishikori has the talent but not the physical attributes to sustain quality.
also I think djokovic just keeps taking his game and his fitness higher with each passing week.
-
Murray isn't going to put a dent in Djoker for the forseeable future. Federer at his best can give Novak a run out... but I think we're in three set territory these days. Nadal is the big question mark... we'll have to wait until the 2016 Clay season.... Other than that it takes an outlier like Wawrinka playing out of his skin and redlining for 3 or 4 hours. It's also kind of concerning that we seem to have a lost generation of mediocrity just behind. Younger guys like Kyrgios et al are going to have to step up over the next couple of years to fill the vacuum.
-
djokovic is so fit and so hungry that he is almost always there to hit the ball on time. he is giving them nearly nothing right now.
he is the one taking time away from his opponents by playing a little closer to the baseline.
he is like a man possessed. he wants to get every single ball back.
either you have to redline your game and blow him away like wawrinka did at RG or you have to outlast him. that only works once in a lifetime against this guy.
clearly nobody out there is good enough and fit enough to outlast him.
rafa remains the only man who can stop djokovic and it will have to be on clay.
-
article from the ATP site:
Murray is the second best baseliner in the world in today’s game, but the gap between Djokovic and the rest of the field only seems to be getting wider. In the opening set, Djokovic completely controlled the back of the court, winning 69 per cent (27/39) of baseline points. Overall, the Serb won 67 per cent (47/70) of baseline points for the match, which is a massive advantage that allows the rest of his game to flow freely.
Djokovic’s real advantage came in mid-length rallies of five to nine shots where he stole the show, winning 68 per cent (28/41) of points, as both players tried to force their baseline patterns on the opponent. Murray actually won the longer rallies over nine shots (10-8), but with so few rallies getting this far, it simply wasn’t enough to make an impact on the final outcome.
The real key to Djokovic’s dominance was the backhand-to-backhand arm wrestle in the ad court. Murray made 25 backhand errors to Djokovic’s 11, shutting down the Brit’s strength, and making him bend to his own intentions. The quality of Murray’s backhand errors also speaks to the pressure Djokovic was putting him under in their baseline exchanges.
The number one backhand error by far from Murray was into the net with 13. Djokovic was often making contact standing closer to the baseline, which enabled better depth, and took time away from Murray’s preparation, hence the high number of net errors. Murray also made eight backhand errors long, three wide cross-court, and only one wide down the line. Murray did go to “Plan B” by coming forward to the net, winning 79 per cent (11/14) approaching, and two of three serving and volleying. The problem here for Murray is sheer volume, as dominating 17 points at the net does not come close to negating the 70 points Djokovic controlled from the back of the court.
Djokovic also applied pressure with his deep returns right down the middle, giving no angle for Murray to initially hurt him with. Murray won only 35 per cent (11/31) of his second serve points, as he often had to get out of the way of a deep Djokovic return hit right at him. The deep middle return is a hidden gem in Djokovic’s suffocating game plan. Leading into the Paris final, he had hit 49 per cent of his returns to the middle area of the court, 38 per cent wide in the ad court, and only 13 per cent wide in the deuce court. The middle of the court is a great way for Djokovic to begin the point, enabling him to then dictate from the middle of the court with his first shot after the return.
Djokovic’s forehand produced four winners, but more importantly only made eight groundstroke errors to Murray’s 19. A key pattern of play for Djokovic was to attack Murray’s forehand on the run in the deuce court, forcing Murray to make 15 of his 19 errors standing in the deuce, including seven running hard out wide near the deuce court alley. In the opening set, Murray hit 56 per cent of his forehands down the line, but 95 per cent (18/21) of those were down the line to Djokovic’s impenetrable backhand wing.
Djokovic hit 51 per cent of his forehands down the line in the opening set, and his seven inside-in forehands to Murray’s forehand primarily landed deep and close to the line in the deuce court. Beating an in-form Djokovic is a complex jigsaw puzzle of playing more to his forehand and getting to the net more than feels comfortable.
Simply hitting more winners clearly doesn’t work, as Murray hit 20 winners to the Serb’s 10 for the match, while Murray committed 34 unforced errors to Djokovic’s 12.
Djokovic makes everyone on the planet bend to his rules of engagement, and unless you have got several plans of attack mixed at exactly the right time, the Serb’s reign as the world’s best player is only getting stronger.
Great article, all true too.
-
article from the ATP site:
Murray is the second best baseliner in the world in today’s game, but the gap between Djokovic and the rest of the field only seems to be getting wider. In the opening set, Djokovic completely controlled the back of the court, winning 69 per cent (27/39) of baseline points. Overall, the Serb won 67 per cent (47/70) of baseline points for the match, which is a massive advantage that allows the rest of his game to flow freely.
Djokovic’s real advantage came in mid-length rallies of five to nine shots where he stole the show, winning 68 per cent (28/41) of points, as both players tried to force their baseline patterns on the opponent. Murray actually won the longer rallies over nine shots (10-8), but with so few rallies getting this far, it simply wasn’t enough to make an impact on the final outcome.
The real key to Djokovic’s dominance was the backhand-to-backhand arm wrestle in the ad court. Murray made 25 backhand errors to Djokovic’s 11, shutting down the Brit’s strength, and making him bend to his own intentions. The quality of Murray’s backhand errors also speaks to the pressure Djokovic was putting him under in their baseline exchanges.
The number one backhand error by far from Murray was into the net with 13. Djokovic was often making contact standing closer to the baseline, which enabled better depth, and took time away from Murray’s preparation, hence the high number of net errors. Murray also made eight backhand errors long, three wide cross-court, and only one wide down the line. Murray did go to “Plan B” by coming forward to the net, winning 79 per cent (11/14) approaching, and two of three serving and volleying. The problem here for Murray is sheer volume, as dominating 17 points at the net does not come close to negating the 70 points Djokovic controlled from the back of the court.
Djokovic also applied pressure with his deep returns right down the middle, giving no angle for Murray to initially hurt him with. Murray won only 35 per cent (11/31) of his second serve points, as he often had to get out of the way of a deep Djokovic return hit right at him. The deep middle return is a hidden gem in Djokovic’s suffocating game plan. Leading into the Paris final, he had hit 49 per cent of his returns to the middle area of the court, 38 per cent wide in the ad court, and only 13 per cent wide in the deuce court. The middle of the court is a great way for Djokovic to begin the point, enabling him to then dictate from the middle of the court with his first shot after the return.
Djokovic’s forehand produced four winners, but more importantly only made eight groundstroke errors to Murray’s 19. A key pattern of play for Djokovic was to attack Murray’s forehand on the run in the deuce court, forcing Murray to make 15 of his 19 errors standing in the deuce, including seven running hard out wide near the deuce court alley. In the opening set, Murray hit 56 per cent of his forehands down the line, but 95 per cent (18/21) of those were down the line to Djokovic’s impenetrable backhand wing.
Djokovic hit 51 per cent of his forehands down the line in the opening set, and his seven inside-in forehands to Murray’s forehand primarily landed deep and close to the line in the deuce court. Beating an in-form Djokovic is a complex jigsaw puzzle of playing more to his forehand and getting to the net more than feels comfortable.
Simply hitting more winners clearly doesn’t work, as Murray hit 20 winners to the Serb’s 10 for the match, while Murray committed 34 unforced errors to Djokovic’s 12.
Djokovic makes everyone on the planet bend to his rules of engagement, and unless you have got several plans of attack mixed at exactly the right time, the Serb’s reign as the world’s best player is only getting stronger.
-
That's a great idea, Clay. Please warn me if there is animal or vulnerable people cruelty stories in advance though as I let emotions take over my judgement & I don't want to act like an idiot again & react before I get all the information.
-
I am thinking about adding a world and national news section here at Camelot.
Camelot is one stop shopping center for a lot of things.
we are one stop resource. you don't have to waste precious time looking for things all over the internet.
you can find a lot of relevant info right here with a little bit of navigation.
So true, sometimes I get lost on other boards reading all of the new information. We're blessed to have so many new members with s various interests. Camelot is coming along just fine.
-
I am thinking about adding a world and national news section here at Camelot.
Camelot is one stop shopping center for a lot of things.
we are one stop resource. you don't have to waste precious time looking for things all over the internet.
you can find a lot of relevant info right here with a little bit of navigation.
-
hard work is key. Rafa has to put in the long hard yards on the practice courts and on the fitness front.
results will come if he can do that.
rafa has the natural competitive advantage on clay. he has to exploit that once again.
if he can stop them on clay then he improves his chances of stopping them on other surfaces.
London will be over soon. it starts in 7 days.
rafa has to go on a fitness program after that and spend the maximum time possible on the practice courts.
I don't expect anything in London and at the Australian open but monte carlo is a few months away.
he has this small window to produce his magic once again and then just go and capture RG.
that will fix everything.
Agree to all and am glad to see that he is on board. Rafa is so honest in his assessments of himself and his game. He's come a long way in the last few months, not Australia, but I think he'll have a good 2016.
-
hard work is key. Rafa has to put in the long hard yards on the practice courts and on the fitness front.
results will come if he can do that.
rafa has the natural competitive advantage on clay. he has to exploit that once again.
if he can stop them on clay then he improves his chances of stopping them on other surfaces.
London will be over soon. it starts in 7 days.
rafa has to go on a fitness program after that and spend the maximum time possible on the practice courts.
I don't expect anything in London and at the Australian open but monte carlo is a few months away.
he has this small window to produce his magic once again and then just go and capture RG.
that will fix everything.
-
you have to outwork him to stop him.
he is constantly bringing in experts to help him and advise him.
he is paying attention to every single detail. he is even taken recovery very seriously for instance.
he has made changes in his diet, his training, his fitness.
more on this later.
I know who can stop him. it is Rafa and it will have to be on clay.
Great post. Rafa made great strides considering how he started. He seems very much motivated to improve now, and I think he'll do it. So, while the season started with a dud, it ended on an up note. Here are some quotes about Rafa.
#ATP Ranking. #Nadal will be No.5 next Monday after Ferrer loss in #ParisBercy semifinals. He comes back to Top5 for first time since April.
#Nadal started 2015 No.3, he fell down to No.10 in June and could end it No.5. Not a bad performance at his "worst" season since 2004. Right?
Rafa Nadal: “I am working hard to improve every day. Mentally I am starting to feel great. You can’t really compare the previous years, the different levels of play, I just need to get back what I lost this year and I think I am working in the best possible way to achieve that. Compared to the start of the season, I have had many steps forward."
Nadal improved to 58-19 on the year.
His 764 career wins are good enough for ninth place on the Open Era list, one ahead of Pete Sampras.
-
Rafa has to make his move on clay. time is in short supply.
he has to get with the program ASAP.
he lost early and in straight sets in a climate controlled environment in Bercy and declared that he needed rest.
he said he needed a break. he needed rest.
that is the whole problem. too much damn inactivity as it relates to tennis and the critical work on fitness.
believe it or not but Rafa actually said that he is in awe of djokovic's fitness.
Rafa is the greatest physical specimen the sport of tennis has ever produced. he took home 14 slams with all his injuries.
he has born to fight. he has to go out there and engage them in battle again.
-
you have to outwork him to stop him.
he is constantly bringing in experts to help him and advise him.
he is paying attention to every single detail. he is even taken recovery very seriously for instance.
he has made changes in his diet, his training, his fitness.
more on this later.
I know who can stop him. it is Rafa and it will have to be on clay.
-
Djokovic is playing at the highest level I've ever seen since I've been watching tennis. The only option is for him to have an off day, a super tennis talent emerges, or his window closes as happens to everyone. Other than that, at this rate, Djokovic can overtake Federer and Rafa. It is within his grasp and if things continue as they are, it will take two and a half years considering that he has two off days at the majors.
Credit where credit is due. Novak has raised the level to a level unseen before. He rarely misses, he understands the geography of the court, he's fast as lightning, and his mental strength is now off the chain. There is no hope for the others outside of Novak being under the weather, IMO. Sadly, Novak has already announced his intention to go after Federer's haul of majors? Who's going to stop him?
-
Here is what djokovic said:
He said he is not interested in farting around. He said only way he can keep achieving like this is if he keeps progressing. He said he will not stand still.
He said he is working on his game all the time. He said he wants to improve.
While others say they need rest or more time off for vacations, djokovic goes and works on his game and his fitness.
I think he has 27-28 wins against top 10 opponents alone this year.
That has to be a record.
-
David Ferrer - "Train hard until your legs hurt".
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
10th RG crown for him is my dream.
but he is going to have to put in an immense amount hard work to get it.
-
2016 Roland Garros - May 22 - June 5, 2016
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpbs.twimg.com%2Fmedia%2FCF9EHD2UMAAqpBT.jpg%3Alarge&hash=de8a949808a82ee289333dc27da64a888a5c69b5)
Predictably,
masterclass
that is pretty cool.
Australian Open is 71 days away now.
French Open is huge next year. History will be made. you just know what Djokovic wants it bad.
and the real Rafa may show up to battle once again so he ride into the sunset.
Yes, the Real Rafa will Return.
He's getting there. I'm please with the improvements that he's made since the start of the year, because the first nine months were abysmal. At least now he's improving. If he can only get some consistency and stop being so up and down. But, he'll get there.
-
2016 Roland Garros - May 22 - June 5, 2016
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpbs.twimg.com%2Fmedia%2FCF9EHD2UMAAqpBT.jpg%3Alarge&hash=de8a949808a82ee289333dc27da64a888a5c69b5)
Predictably,
masterclass
that is pretty cool.
Australian Open is 71 days away now.
French Open is huge next year. History will be made. you just know what Djokovic wants it bad.
and the real Rafa may show up to battle once again so he ride into the sunset.
-
2016 Roland Garros - May 22 - June 5, 2016
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpbs.twimg.com%2Fmedia%2FCF9EHD2UMAAqpBT.jpg%3Alarge&hash=de8a949808a82ee289333dc27da64a888a5c69b5)
Predictably,
masterclass
-
That sounds good.
-
Rafa is out of Bercy.
he just has work to do folks. I hope he relishes the challenge of getting back to being himself again.
he should not be struggling like this. he got in plenty of court time in Basel, Switzerland.
that should have been enough to take down Wawrinka. he had beaten him 13 times in a row without ever losing a set. on all surfaces.
so I don't think there was any pressure. Rafa beat them all. he had a winning record against 100% of the top 30 players.
Rafa just lacks quality and consistency in his game at the moment.
he can get it all back with hard work, focus, and some sacrifice. I just don't know if he really wants to.
European clay circuit next year will tell all. he has to be make sure he is a factor there.
he has to change his stars. Clay is the way for him.
Yeah, that was pretty bad. I had things to do so I was just checking in here and there. Every time I left he was up in the score and every time I came back, he was down. I couldn't believe it. The play was so up and down. Could he be intimidated by the elite? He plays great (as of late) when he's playing other good players, but whenever he faces #5 and down he plays bad.
Still, he's close so I'm not complaining he's gained by leaps and bounds from the first ten months. I hope he gets it together soon. This has been hard to watch.
-
That's a great idea! What are you planning or are you going to surprise us all?
it is going to be something similar. I just have to change it a little bit.
-
Rafa is out of Bercy.
he just has work to do folks. I hope he relishes the challenge of getting back to being himself again.
he should not be struggling like this. he got in plenty of court time in Basel, Switzerland.
that should have been enough to take down Wawrinka. he had beaten him 13 times in a row without ever losing a set. on all surfaces.
so I don't think there was any pressure. Rafa beat them all. he had a winning record against 100% of the top 30 players.
Rafa just lacks quality and consistency in his game at the moment.
he can get it all back with hard work, focus, and some sacrifice. I just don't know if he really wants to.
European clay circuit next year will tell all. he has to be make sure he is a factor there.
he has to change his stars. Clay is the way for him.
-
That's a great idea! What are you planning or are you going to surprise us all?
-
I think I will work on a new super sig for myself when I get home.
-
ATP world tour finals just 9 days away.
-
Nishikori is a great talent but so unfortunate with those endless injury bouts.
Rafa has had to endure so many injuries in his career also. it is so damned hard to sustain high performance with injuries constantly knocking you to the ground.
but thank god he has been healthy this year. he has to realize the urgency of the matter now and go after 2016.
he still has it in him. we just have to see if he will do it.
-
action heating up in Bercy.
here is the order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/paris/352/daily-schedule
Darn, I wish Rafa wouldn't keep getting the last match. It takes all day to watch his matches.
But, you're right. The action is definitely heating up.
Poor Kei, so many injuries. Why do you think that is? Too small?
-
action heating up in Bercy.
here is the order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/paris/352/daily-schedule
-
Djokovic gets berdych next.
Bye bye berdych.
-
Rafa has to deal with Anderson tomorrow.
Anderson is nearly 6 foot 7. he can serve from the sky. Rafa has to return well and hit the ball deep.
no pushing and shoving that backhand. the key is hitting the ball with conviction and confidence.
pushing and shoving the ball off the backhand keeps his topspin backhand from finding its groove.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/paris/352/daily-schedule
Thanks, all great matches tomorrow.
-
check out this volley by Dimitrov:
http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2015-11-04/21062.php
Oh wow, and moving forward. Sweet!
-
check out this volley by Dimitrov:
http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2015-11-04/21062.php
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/paris/352/daily-schedule
-
That's great, Clay.
-
Federer decimated Seppi to pieces.
6-1, 6-1.
-
I was wrong about tennis4you.
They have nearly 6000 members and less posting activity than we do.
-
We have no rules and no regulations at Camelot lady Ann.
We enjoy maximum freedom here.
People are free to create as many threads as they wish and pursue any interest to enjoy or to share with others.
-
That's very nice of you, Clay. Do you really think the gods would approve of us? "Well, yeah, we're nice to each other & animals". Are you saying the only other regulations we have are the ones we impose on ourselves, notably caused by what is going on inside our little heads?
-
Lady TT, Please post a link if you find the match on the internet. I'll do the same.
I personally think Rafa and Roger's best matches from a competitive point of view were on the soft surfaces grass - 2007 & 2008, and a few on clay (like Rome 2006), but not many, pretty much where their peak play crossed. Their hard court matches, not so much, bleah. They play either on slow high bouncing courts like Miami or indoor low bouncing courts like WTF, Basel, and the differences are accentuated.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Ha ha ha. I was going to post that to you. The Tennis Channel hasn't re-run it because of Paris. Where's CETSvids when we need him? I really want to see what I didn't see.
general CETSvids is living it up at tennis4you tennis forum.
that forum has been around a long time and has over 5000 members. he wanted to be where the party is.
but in terms of posting activity, we are more active than that forum. and all we have is our small Camelot family.
I think this works for us. we love the peace and the calm, soothing serenity of Camelot.
we make time stand still here so we can enjoy the sights and sounds and the dance of existence.
we are at home here. it is our home.
To each their own. i can't do the big forums anymore. I've gotten spoiled by Camelot. I enjoy intelligent conversations and nice people. All the bickering and stupid threads got old.
5,000 people and not much activity? Wow! Have you been to TW lately? I haven't. The last time I went there they had changed the forum and I hate learning new computer things so I left. I don't even remember how long ago it was.
They're always doing something janky with the Nadal thread and that's the only thing worth going over there for.
You can't have everything you want in life, but at least at Camelot we have peace. So grateful for this place and its peaceful existence. Thank you.
There are really only 3 big forums left and they are owned by companies. Forums like MTF and tennis warehouse talk tennis forum have been around a long time.
They can have their endless bickering and madness.
I like the simple and serene elegance of Camelot. Our Camelot family is free here. nobody but the gods can tell us what to do and they are on our side.
-
Nothing like taking out your opponents 2 and 2.
Rafa shakes and bakes.
-
nishikori needed 3 sets to remove chardy from the facilities.
here are all the scores so far:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
Lady TT, Serena might be done. Even if she is, she has done plenty.
In other news, Uncle Toni fires back, remains optimistic, and predicts big things for Rafa next year.
'Rafa played very well in 2013 and began well last year with the final in Melbourne. Then the back injury came back. If you have a physical problem, it is even worse than losing. He played well on clay again and won Roland Garros. Then with the wrist injury, it was too much really. Then appendicitis. This year he began in a bad way and has not been playing a good season. The problem was he was losing his fighting spirit when things didn't go well, like in Wimbledon against Dustin Brown. In USA, he didn't play much better, but he was ready again to fight, like now in Basel. Against Rosol, he began badly but ran and ran'.
'If we are be able to work like we are doing now, he'll be very strong in a few months. I expect we come back to the top. Rafa will be able to win Slams'.
'For me, 14 it's something incredible. But I expect something better. Against Novak Djokovic in Beijing, he played very well even if the result didn't show it'.
Many people said that Rafa would have had a short career due to his game: 'They said so many things, people speak too much, speaking is free. Before they said that Rafa would have not won any important tournament on hard courts and then he had already played three US Open Finals, three at the Australian Open and five in Wimbledon. So they said that he would not have played for much time. He's been on tour for 11 years'.
Wow. Here' is my interpretation:
The shackles have been removed.
The 3 year cycle will continue.
Even Australia is on the table in 2016.
Rafa's topspin cyclones of death will sweep away all in his path.
La Decima at Roland Garros is a lock unless Clay Warrior injures himself. Book it. :cool:
Uncle Toni hath spoken
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.supersport.com%2FToni-Nadal090522ProfileG300.jpg&hash=c2a8b77576cb734ec851a33738cb54bd8fabedc4)
Respectfully,
masterclass
Serena done? You think so? It can't be. She's so good.
I don't think Rafa will be ready by Australia. There's not enough of an off season and while he's playing better, his groundstrokes are still not grooved. He needs at least four months to be prepared mentally and physically. To me he didn't look interested until after the USO. These last three tournaments to be exact. Then the whirlwind of exhibitions, January will be here before we know it.
Roger is re-energized and he's even more ready to take on his younger competition and he's awfully motivated, so I think he'll have a good year as well.
Novak is unbelievable at this point, so we'll see how the cards fall.
Andy, I'm no sure what he's doing. He seems to have lost a lot of zest since the back surgery and doesn't seem capable of raising his level.
Stan, is too inconsistent so I wouldn't count on him.
The young guns are coming at a slow and steady pace, but 2016 may not be their year, just yet.
So many stories to unfold in the new year, as always.
-
Lady TT, Serena might be done. Even if she is, she has done plenty.
In other news, Uncle Toni fires back, remains optimistic, and predicts big things for Rafa next year.
'Rafa played very well in 2013 and began well last year with the final in Melbourne. Then the back injury came back. If you have a physical problem, it is even worse than losing. He played well on clay again and won Roland Garros. Then with the wrist injury, it was too much really. Then appendicitis. This year he began in a bad way and has not been playing a good season. The problem was he was losing his fighting spirit when things didn't go well, like in Wimbledon against Dustin Brown. In USA, he didn't play much better, but he was ready again to fight, like now in Basel. Against Rosol, he began badly but ran and ran'.
'If we are be able to work like we are doing now, he'll be very strong in a few months. I expect we come back to the top. Rafa will be able to win Slams'.
'For me, 14 it's something incredible. But I expect something better. Against Novak Djokovic in Beijing, he played very well even if the result didn't show it'.
Many people said that Rafa would have had a short career due to his game: 'They said so many things, people speak too much, speaking is free. Before they said that Rafa would have not won any important tournament on hard courts and then he had already played three US Open Finals, three at the Australian Open and five in Wimbledon. So they said that he would not have played for much time. He's been on tour for 11 years'.
Wow. Here' is my interpretation:
The shackles have been removed.
The 3 year cycle will continue.
Even Australia is on the table in 2016.
Rafa's topspin cyclones of death will sweep away all in his path.
La Decima at Roland Garros is a lock unless Clay Warrior injures himself. Book it. :cool:
Uncle Toni hath spoken
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.supersport.com%2FToni-Nadal090522ProfileG300.jpg&hash=c2a8b77576cb734ec851a33738cb54bd8fabedc4)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Did you see this? I got it from your new Tennis Tweets board. That's a cool board.
I don’t know if I believe this fully. Rafa’s knee problem is due to the congenital bone defect that makes him have to wear special shoes to play tennis. Supposedly it is something that should have been detected in childhood, but wasn’t. I wish I remembered the whole story, but anyway, it’s hard to believe that they have the same thing for the same reasons. I don’t buy that.
Serena Williams dealing with same knee issues that plagued Rafael Nadal
Serena Williams is dealing with the same knee injuries that affected Rafael Nadal, her coach Patrick Mouratoglou said at the Paris Open on Tuesday.
by SI Wire November 3, 2015
Serena Williams is missing almost all of the cartilage in her knee, something that plagued Rafael Nadal over the years, her coach Patrick Mouatoglu told reporters at the Paris Open on Tuesday.
“It’s the same as Rafa,” he said. “It’s just playing for so many years, the cartilage is [almost] gone. Not all of it, but a big part, so the bones just hit themselves.”
Williams last appeared in this summer’s U.S. Open, exiting in the semifinals against Roberta Vinci. A month ago, she announced she would not play any more competitive tennis in 2015 due to elbow and knee issues.
“She has bone bruises and if you keep on playing with this for too long, the next step is a stress fracture,” Mouatoglu said. “At her age, her career could really be in danger if she went too far and got more injured like Rafa [Nadal] did in the past. He kept on playing with the same problem and then it got worse and he had to stop for almost a year. We don’t want this to happen. She is 34. If she has to stop for a year then it is really bad for her.”
The 34-year-old dominated the women’s circuit in 2015 with five singles titles—three of them at Grand Slam events—and a combined record of 53–3. With 21 Grand Slams, she is attempting to break Margaret Court’s record of 24 for career.
-
Lady TT, Please post a link if you find the match on the internet. I'll do the same.
I personally think Rafa and Roger's best matches from a competitive point of view were on the soft surfaces grass - 2007 & 2008, and a few on clay (like Rome 2006), but not many, pretty much where their peak play crossed. Their hard court matches, not so much, bleah. They play either on slow high bouncing courts like Miami or indoor low bouncing courts like WTF, Basel, and the differences are accentuated.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Ha ha ha. I was going to post that to you. The Tennis Channel hasn't re-run it because of Paris. Where's CETSvids when we need him? I really want to see what I didn't see.
general CETSvids is living it up at tennis4you tennis forum.
that forum has been around a long time and has over 5000 members. he wanted to be where the party is.
but in terms of posting activity, we are more active than that forum. and all we have is our small Camelot family.
I think this works for us. we love the peace and the calm, soothing serenity of Camelot.
we make time stand still here so we can enjoy the sights and sounds and the dance of existence.
we are at home here. it is our home.
To each their own. i can't do the big forums anymore. I've gotten spoiled by Camelot. I enjoy intelligent conversations and nice people. All the bickering and stupid threads got old.
5,000 people and not much activity? Wow! Have you been to TW lately? I haven't. The last time I went there they had changed the forum and I hate learning new computer things so I left. I don't even remember how long ago it was.
They're always doing something janky with the Nadal thread and that's the only thing worth going over there for.
You can't have everything you want in life, but at least at Camelot we have peace. So grateful for this place and its peaceful existence. Thank you.
-
Lady TT, Please post a link if you find the match on the internet. I'll do the same.
I personally think Rafa and Roger's best matches from a competitive point of view were on the soft surfaces grass - 2007 & 2008, and a few on clay (like Rome 2006), but not many, pretty much where their peak play crossed. Their hard court matches, not so much, bleah. They play either on slow high bouncing courts like Miami or indoor low bouncing courts like WTF, Basel, and the differences are accentuated.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Ha ha ha. I was going to post that to you. The Tennis Channel hasn't re-run it because of Paris. Where's CETSvids when we need him? I really want to see what I didn't see.
general CETSvids is living it up at tennis4you tennis forum.
that forum has been around a long time and has over 5000 members. he wanted to be where the party is.
but in terms of posting activity, we are more active than that forum. and all we have is our small Camelot family.
I think this works for us. we love the peace and the calm, soothing serenity of Camelot.
we make time stand still here so we can enjoy the sights and sounds and the dance of existence.
we are at home here. it is our home.
-
Lady TT, Please post a link if you find the match on the internet. I'll do the same.
I personally think Rafa and Roger's best matches from a competitive point of view were on the soft surfaces grass - 2007 & 2008, and a few on clay (like Rome 2006), but not many, pretty much where their peak play crossed. Their hard court matches, not so much, bleah. They play either on slow high bouncing courts like Miami or indoor low bouncing courts like WTF, Basel, and the differences are accentuated.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Ha ha ha. I was going to post that to you. The Tennis Channel hasn't re-run it because of Paris. Where's CETSvids when we need him? I really want to see what I didn't see.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/paris/352/daily-schedule
-
Super posts general.
I confess I was a little surprised Paes and Nadal didn't do better. 42 year old Paes is and has been one of the best doubles players in the world. He and Martina Hingis teamed up for 3 mixed doubles slams this year on the hard courts of Australian Open and US Open and the grass at Wimbledon, and if I recall correctly, he won the US Open doubles in 2013 with Stepanek. I guess he and Nadal just didn't mesh as they were hustled out 3 & 4 in an hour by Inglot and Lindstedt
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.atpworldtour.com%2Fen%2Fnews%2F%7E%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fnews%2F2015%2F11%2F03%2F17%2F17%2Fparis-2015-tuesday-paes-nadal.jpg&hash=81ca9f1b3d789f0b98caf2ba9452240ce2b553e6)
But as you say, it's probably for the best. I'm not sure he gets much out of doubles anyway General.
Tomorrow, Rosol again plays Nadal, and Seppi again plays Federer and Coric plays Murray. NoDjok got through today against Bellucci.
Respectfully,
masterclass
rafa just wasted his time with this foolish doubles activity. he wasted a whole day basically.
he could have used this day to get in about 3 hours of practice with some concentrated work on the serve, the return of serve, and the topspin backhand.
and that could have served him well tomorrow.
last time these 2 met, rosol took the first set in 23 minutes and lost just one point on his first serve.
again I can only arrive at one conclusion: failing to plan is planning to fail. and that is what he is doing. he is failing.
he is not only not working hard enough, he is also not working smart enough.
he can win if he wants to. he just has to go get on clay and work out his ground game issues.
and he has to go and start doing serious work on the fitness front. and that is how he can turn things around.
-
Super posts general.
I confess I was a little surprised Paes and Nadal didn't do better. 42 year old Paes is and has been one of the best doubles players in the world. He and Martina Hingis teamed up for 3 mixed doubles slams this year on the hard courts of Australian Open and US Open and the grass at Wimbledon, and if I recall correctly, he won the US Open doubles in 2013 with Stepanek. I guess he and Nadal just didn't mesh as they were hustled out 3 & 4 in an hour by Inglot and Lindstedt
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.atpworldtour.com%2Fen%2Fnews%2F%7E%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fnews%2F2015%2F11%2F03%2F17%2F17%2Fparis-2015-tuesday-paes-nadal.jpg&hash=81ca9f1b3d789f0b98caf2ba9452240ce2b553e6)
But as you say, it's probably for the best. I'm not sure he gets much out of doubles anyway General.
Tomorrow, Rosol again plays Nadal, and Seppi again plays Federer and Coric plays Murray. NoDjok got through today against Bellucci.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Rafa lost his doubles match but I fully expected it.
I figured he would get 1-2 matches in doubles and 1-2 in singles here in Bercy.
also it is totally pointless to work like a dog here only to risk injury in this current state.
finally what purpose does it serve to try to get to the final just to be humiliated by Djokovic who is fully prepared and focused.
I am just worried about the injury. it is perfectly ok if he exits quickly here. it will be a blessing in disguise as they say.
he has had to call the trainer at his last 4 events.
-
this man offers you all the inspiration you will ever need. he has well over $400 million in the bank. he has 4 kids and a wife at home.
still he is driven to achieve more. he is still winning masters events and he is still a contender in slams.
and he is pushing 35.
he goes to the gym and he stretches at least 2 times a day. he is focused, driven, and working hard on his fitness.
he is not achieving all these results by accident. you have to make a few sacrifices and you have to set some goals. and then you try to go after them.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fmel-700_zpsxkzgaunz.jpg&hash=e56bf37695289fd7c48ff8b69cc468aa69c26d34) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/mel-700_zpsxkzgaunz.jpg.html)
-
this is where it has to begin or its no cigar. clay is the wellspring from which he flows. if he cant dominate them on clay then he is not beating them anywhere else.
he has to prepare properly for the clay season this time around otherwise he will exit the sport at the end of 2016. that is the only logical conclusion.
I firmly believe that 2016 is the last time we will see him on the tour unless he can change his training and his fitness to make an impact on the clay season.
nobody really wants to see him this way either. lets face the music right. he is not winning any titles on any surface at this current rate.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fblank%2520rafa-1_zpsgni76e9p.jpg&hash=8b844ac65857c5028632577c99a6ff127f4a7b60) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/blank%20rafa-1_zpsgni76e9p.jpg.html)
-
I'm glad everyone gets on well, Clay. I know everyone is busy, me included. I know. It's just what runs through my little head at times. I can't help it. I'm overly conscientious & my head goes about 10 times faster than the rest of me can deal with. I write my poems here 1st then copy & paste them to my fans on twitter & in D.M.'s there. I've got a few fans who can't get enough of my works especially my poems. Thank you very much, Clay. I am free to say what I want as often as I want then.
-
Clay, I felt like saying things when I went kinda quiet but didn't want people to be sick of "hearing" me with their minds "ears" so to speak & didn't want anyone to think I was "up myself" thinking I was so good when I wasn't so to speak by having too much to say. Sometimes I thought that what I had to say wasn't relevant to what was being said & if I want to join in & have a laugh I have to ensure I either have something relevant to say or explain my ignorance in certain areas & ask questions. Niceties are important too. I hope that if anybody ever has a problem with me they'll tell me privately, euphemistically, diplomatically & tactfully like the civilised human beings we are. I can also be too conscientious for my own good at times. I know you offer everyone freedom but I always feel the necessity to answer them as soon as possible after they've asked me a question & feel guilty if I haven't & I know I regulate myself too strictly sometimes. I've also been working on those pieces I said I was doing.
nobody has any issues with anybody lady Ann.
everybody is free as the wind at Camelot and people just do their own thing.
it is a very busy world and people just post when they can.
our only deal is that we don't have about 700 members here. it is a very small family.
I have speculated that we need around 700 members. and out of those 700 we could easily see about 20-25-30 interacting a little bit.
but the forums are different now. most of them are dying out or quite inactive.
we do the best we can here. it is our home for life. we will just enjoy it.
it is our Camelot and nobody can tell us what to do here. we just do whatever we please and we try to share with the world the best we can.
-
I think that's a great idea as it reflects the fact that people have many different interests & know about many things so it makes things more interesting.
-
I have, Clay, but to tell you the truth I still live at home with my parents. I care for my Mother as she is disabled & Father is elderly. Dad has sole control of the remote control & doesn't watch tennis. I only watch selected t.v. programmes & D.V.D.'s when my sister takes my parents out shopping or to her house to give me a break. The rest of my time when I'm not working or when I'm waiting for the washing machine I read. I'm trying to sort out my books but keep getting ideas for short stories, poems songs & more innovative pieces which I need to get down so take longer. Then people buy me other books which means it takes longer still. I used to play tennis myself in high school but was only good at serving. I've forgotten how the scoring system works.
-
Clay, I felt like saying things when I went kinda quiet but didn't want people to be sick of "hearing" me with their minds "ears" so to speak & didn't want anyone to think I was "up myself" thinking I was so good when I wasn't so to speak by having too much to say. Sometimes I thought that what I had to say wasn't relevant to what was being said & if I want to join in & have a laugh I have to ensure I either have something relevant to say or explain my ignorance in certain areas & ask questions. Niceties are important too. I hope that if anybody ever has a problem with me they'll tell me privately, euphemistically, diplomatically & tactfully like the civilised human beings we are. I can also be too conscientious for my own good at times. I know you offer everyone freedom but I always feel the necessity to answer them as soon as possible after they've asked me a question & feel guilty if I haven't & I know I regulate myself too strictly sometimes. I've also been working on those pieces I said I was doing.
-
http://www.camelotelitetennis.com/general-discussion/tennis-tweets/
folks have you seen this feature at our tennis section?
I can post it here also for lightening fast access.
-
You got that right General. ;D
Respectfully,
masterclass
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
lady TT's Rant and Rave show is rocking.
it is nice to see Camelot being active again.
we have to reinvent Camelot to keep it going and to make sure we have our home forever but tennis is in our blood.
we will never let go of tennis because we just cant. we bleed tennis.
-
Lady TT, Please post a link if you find the match on the internet. I'll do the same.
I personally think Rafa and Roger's best matches from a competitive point of view were on the soft surfaces grass - 2007 & 2008, and a few on clay (like Rome 2006), but not many, pretty much where their peak play crossed. Their hard court matches, not so much, bleah. They play either on slow high bouncing courts like Miami or indoor low bouncing courts like WTF, Basel, and the differences are accentuated.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
My mom just got back from a week's visit to Quebec - Mont Tremblant.
She said it was too cold. She's happy to be back in sunny Florida. ;D
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Here you go, Lady TT. Not bad actually, especially compared to the other matches this week. Everything is relative. These two haven't played many matches where they have both been relatively healthy since 2012 sometime. Roger had his poor 2013, and Rafa has had problems since 2014. They played only one match in 2014, the Australian Open, which was only really close for the first set (7-6). Rafa took it in straights with his bruised hand, and then went on to lose to Stan as he injured his back, and it started going downhill from there for him. Only RG was a brief positive. Then it was bad after that for Rafa.
On Sunday, for a long while in the match, Rafa didn't have many winners (or errors). Roger was much more aggressive and was going for winners, but missing quite a few cost him. But then Rafa got more aggressive from mid to late second set and Roger showed some nervousness.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxTRqaOe.jpg&hash=f8b7557ba378ef49f4933d4112648bc34ad50c31)
As I said previously, I believe both players had some poor patches and good patches. I thought the 3rd set may have been the best.
But I'm generally a positive person. As I watched the match, I thought early on that Rafa was playing better and Roger was very nervous, but as I said in the other post, Rafa didn't take advantage of that. Then when Rafa's level dropped some, Roger's went up and he went on a bit of a roll and won the set, and then continued the second in the same way.
I thought Roger was going to win the second as Rafa looked a little demoralized. Roger had more break opportunities, but couldn't capitalize. But then Roger for some reason, (maybe nervousness?) got sloppy near the end of the set, and Rafa was quick to seize on that and elevated his play for awhile and took the set and the momentum into the 3rd. I thought Roger looked discouraged from not taking the second set when it was in his grasp, even thought a loss was coming, but he hung in there and eventually righted the ship (his mentality), and then I thought they both fought hard to near the end, but I sensed a little tiredness or something in Nadal right at the end.
Ideally, I would have liked Federer to have played a little more in Shanghai, and I think his form would be more steady in Basel, and for Rafa, I would have liked to see him more physically fit and confident. But I took the positives for both of them. I think this was a difficult surface for Rafa, and it favored his opponents, he could have been out in his first match, but he somehow hung in and fought to the end, and someone has to lose the final. Roger won in his home tournament, and it's kind of expected, so he had to overcome that pressure, the inactivity since the US Open, and the presence of Rafa. Things might work out well for both of them. We'll see.
Note that I wanted to watch the match again so that I could get another read on it, but I haven't found the full match anywhere.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Great post and thanks for the match stats. I couldn’t find them anywhere. The stats don’t look too bad. I’m surprised. I thought they would be terrible, but they’re not.
Roger was very nervous at the beginning and I was surprised about that. I know he has history with Rafa, but usually when Rafa’s in a down cycle Roger is quick to capitalize, think their last WTF encounter. That threw me. And Rafa, I don’t know what was wrong with him but his body language from the beginning looked off to me. Maybe he was concerned about his previous “dominance” over Roger, but he didn’t look right to me. I can look at Rafa’s face and know if he is going to compete well. That’s been lacking this year. That’s why I haven’t been concerned about his losses because for most of the year he’s just phoned it in and didn’t seem to care about the losses. In 2015, there’s only been three times that I saw him disappointed in his effort; the last loss to Novak, and two of the losses to Fognini.
So from the beginning I didn’t have high hopes for a good match, because it’s only a good match if both combatants want it badly.
I wanted Federer to play well to better gauge Rafa’s level. That’s the only way I’ll see where Rafa is and how close he is to getting back to the top. So, the match was a disappointment for me because I got none of that.
Reviewing these stats, I want to see the match again, because I seriously thought it was horrible. I’m most shocked at the winners stats and the net coverage. I truly didn’t see that.
Maybe The Tennis Channel will re-run it, because I was bummed out from the beginning and may not have given it a fair chance. I didn’t expect Rafa to beat Roger, but I did expect a better effort from him.
I also agree that sometimes you have to re-watch things to get all the nuances. If I find it I'll re-watch because if I'm wrong I'll readily admit to that. Guess I'm just living in the past, for the most part when these two get together I expect sparks, electricity, and a match for the ages, but I guess I shouldn't on indoor surfaces, LOL.
-
You got that right General. ;D
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Don't feel too sorry about Fabio Fognini losing early to Bernie Tomic in Paris today. He probably wants to get back to Italy or some warm beach somewhere with Flavia Pennetta. It has been a good year for both of them.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww4.slikomat.com%2F13%2F1102%2Fvey-Pennet.jpg&hash=7380d0de3886a29050bc3d6e93b03d400ee3990d)
Respectfully,
masterclass
fog's claim to fame:
1. he married Flavia who has a u.s. open crown. so there is a slam in that household.
3. he beat Rafa 4 times in a single year. once in doubles.
that makes him a legend.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Frafa-17_zps4cq97jjx.jpg&hash=7215630e7ec2f1e32c1a74e78d0eec05ec8f6e59) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/rafa-17_zps4cq97jjx.jpg.html)
-
Flavia once dated Carlos Moya if I am not mistaken.
she looks really good.
-
Don't feel too sorry about Fabio Fognini losing early to Bernie Tomic in Paris today. He probably wants to get back to Italy or some warm beach somewhere with Flavia Pennetta. It has been a good year for both of them.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww4.slikomat.com%2F13%2F1102%2Fvey-Pennet.jpg&hash=7380d0de3886a29050bc3d6e93b03d400ee3990d)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Here you go, Lady TT. Not bad actually, especially compared to the other matches this week. Everything is relative. These two haven't played many matches where they have both been relatively healthy since 2012 sometime. Roger had his poor 2013, and Rafa has had problems since 2014. They played only one match in 2014, the Australian Open, which was only really close for the first set (7-6). Rafa took it in straights with his bruised hand, and then went on to lose to Stan as he injured his back, and it started going downhill from there for him. Only RG was a brief positive. Then it was bad after that for Rafa.
On Sunday, for a long while in the match, Rafa didn't have many winners (or errors). Roger was much more aggressive and was going for winners, but missing quite a few cost him. But then Rafa got more aggressive from mid to late second set and Roger showed some nervousness.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxTRqaOe.jpg&hash=f8b7557ba378ef49f4933d4112648bc34ad50c31)
As I said previously, I believe both players had some poor patches and good patches. I thought the 3rd set may have been the best.
But I'm generally a positive person. As I watched the match, I thought early on that Rafa was playing better and Roger was very nervous, but as I said in the other post, Rafa didn't take advantage of that. Then when Rafa's level dropped some, Roger's went up and he went on a bit of a roll and won the set, and then continued the second in the same way.
I thought Roger was going to win the second as Rafa looked a little demoralized. Roger had more break opportunities, but couldn't capitalize. But then Roger for some reason, (maybe nervousness?) got sloppy near the end of the set, and Rafa was quick to seize on that and elevated his play for awhile and took the set and the momentum into the 3rd. I thought Roger looked discouraged from not taking the second set when it was in his grasp, even thought a loss was coming, but he hung in there and eventually righted the ship (his mentality), and then I thought they both fought hard to near the end, but I sensed a little tiredness or something in Nadal right at the end.
Ideally, I would have liked Federer to have played a little more in Shanghai, and I think his form would be more steady in Basel, and for Rafa, I would have liked to see him more physically fit and confident. But I took the positives for both of them. I think this was a difficult surface for Rafa, and it favored his opponents, he could have been out in his first match, but he somehow hung in and fought to the end, and someone has to lose the final. Roger won in his home tournament, and it's kind of expected, so he had to overcome that pressure, the inactivity since the US Open, and the presence of Rafa. Things might work out well for both of them. We'll see.
Note that I wanted to watch the match again so that I could get another read on it, but I haven't found the full match anywhere.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Interesting comments Lady TT. People do see matches differently, through the prisms of their psyche. That's why eyewitnesses are not always precisely reliable. Talk to 10 people who witnessed an accident, and they'll all probably say something different about it. If we're lucky, they all might agree there was an accident. :) I've noticed that even when I watch a replay of the full match (not the highlights), I often can see things differently then first time or the time before.
Now it's on to Paris and the final masters 1000 of the year. Who do you all see as the semifinalists? The favorite is of course Djokovic, but he has taken a bit of time off to see the family after Shanghai. Is he ready for action? Or is he longing to get back to the family after a long year?
Anyway, I created the Paris Bercy thread (http://www.camelotelitetennis.com/general-discussion/2015-paris-bnp-paribas-masters-1000-%28nov-2-8%29-%28draw-in-post-1%29/)in the Camelot General Sports Show forum, take a look at the main draw and doubles draw...
Respectfully,
masterclass
Oh for sure to all you said, but if a match doesn’t make me feel any tension, I usually consider it a dud. Not to mention that the day before I watched one of their battles from 2014 and the electricity and tension was palpable. Watching Sunday’s final after that was a letdown.
But, that’s what makes the world go around. All perspectives are viewed from not only your psyche, but also are compared against a much larger pool of matches that you’ve seen.
Have you seen the match stats? My DVR cut the end of the match off.
-
Interesting comments Lady TT. People do see matches differently, through the prisms of their psyche. That's why eyewitnesses are not always precisely reliable. Talk to 10 people who witnessed an accident, and they'll all probably say something different about it. If we're lucky, they all might agree there was an accident. :) I've noticed that even when I watch a replay of the full match (not the highlights), I often can see things differently then first time or the time before.
Now it's on to Paris and the final masters 1000 of the year. Who do you all see as the semifinalists? The favorite is of course Djokovic, but he has taken a bit of time off to see the family after Shanghai. Is he ready for action? Or is he longing to get back to the family after a long year?
Anyway, I created the Paris Bercy thread (http://www.camelotelitetennis.com/general-discussion/2015-paris-bnp-paribas-masters-1000-%28nov-2-8%29-%28draw-in-post-1%29/)in the Camelot General Sports Show forum, take a look at the main draw and doubles draw...
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Oh my. I thought that match was horrible on both ends, from the beginning. About ten minutes I knew the end result even though Fed wasn't playing good either. I thought Rafa had no intensity or determination from the beginning. He didn't seem to have the same mindset that he'd had all tournament long. His body language was terrible from the onset. He didn't look tired to me, he looked like he was on automatic pilot, just going through the motions.
Federer seemed anxious and nervous from the beginning. It was a lackluster effort on both sides. Rafa played some great matches this week, his form was the best against Gasquet. Gasquet played a heck of a match and had Rafa played Richie with the same lack of effort Richard would have gotten his first win. That match couldn't have a highlight reel because there were no good points that I remember. It was a dud like many finals. I was extremely disappointed, above all I want to see a good match, and this match was anything but.
I didn't think yesterday that Rafa would be able to rise to Federer's level, but that was not the case. In one of the games he had an opportunity to get a break, it was towards the end and he hit something crazy that gave Federer the upper hand. I thought Federer's form was awful and Rafa could've easily had taken that match. Maybe I'll have to look at it again, because I don't see anything that you guys saw. You all are making me feel like I was in The Twilight Zone cause it was worse than the last dud that I remember.
Having said that, I wasn't disappointed in the end result. Rafa didn't need that title he needs to worry more about getting into form, so in that respect the tournament did that for him. It would've been awful if Fed had lost that match, it was in his backyard, he had been so successful there, and his H2H with Rafa would have dealt him a psychological blow. I also never want to see one of the top guys have a bad turn that can affect them negatively. I always want Rafa to win, but this was a case where Federer needed to win, so I'm OK with the loss.
-
General masterclass go fire up my Federer thread at MTF and add another title to federer's name.
I wi stand by my predictions.
0 titles for Rafa for the remainder of this season and 0-1 some small chicken **** clay title for 2016 unless he cares enough to win.
he has to go fix his fitness and his game.
Players 10 years older than him are winning titles because they are more focused and better prepared.
I don't know what Rafa was doing in Basel. It is clear they threw $1 million dollars at him so he went.
Why the hell was that doubles so bloody important. If he had just spent 10 hours working on his serve, the return, and the backhand he would not have had to log in those long hours in his singles matches.
And he would have won this title.
Somebody stop to think here. Zero hard court titles since the U. S. Open (2013). and at the end of next year it will be over 3 years with zero titles on the hard courts while players 10 years older than him with no weapons are piling up titles.
Why would you waste away on the hard courts with such diminished game and such drastically reduced fitness.
And the risk of injury goes up significantly.
If he wants to compete and win at the highest level than he has to go fix his fitness and win titles on clay.
Already fired up general. Congrats to Federer and his fans. 88 titles, he just keeps on going. 6 titles this year with 2 more events to go.
Condolences to Rafa and his fans.
No matter what the commentators might say, I thought he played his best match of the year today. He did well to hang in with Federer once Federer got on a roll, and he was hitting his backhand well, and forehand with authority most of the time. Roger did mess up near the end of the second set and Rafa took full advantage.
Sure, there were instances of Rafa mishitting forehands, and yes, right at the end it looked like he tired, but Federer also had some bad moments as well. He looked very nervous at the beginning, but unfortunately Rafa couldn't take advantage and break him. Anyway, considering the indoor conditions have never favored Rafa's game, and the year he has had, I thought he did very well to be competitive. Mostly he seems to have the fire back in him to compete hard as I think Lady TT also noticed.
Also, it seems that Rafa's right knee is acting up this time. He needed to have it taped again today. Once he did that, it seemed like he ran better. I hope he will get that seriously looked at. As the draws I posted in the Bercy thread show, Rafa is entered in both singles and doubles. It would be a disaster for him to overplay and hurt that knee, right when he is getting back into good form. I'm not sure why he is playing Bercy, back to back with Basel. He is not going to get any rest for the knee. I think he is scheduled for doubles on Tuesday.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Congrats to Roger and his fans.
88 titles and counting.
Only 12 more to go which he is going to achieve.
-
General masterclass go fire up my Federer thread at MTF and add another title to federer's name.
I wi stand by my predictions.
0 titles for Rafa for the remainder of this season and 0-1 some small chicken **** clay title for 2016 unless he cares enough to win.
he has to go fix his fitness and his game.
Players 10 years older than him are winning titles because they are more focused and better prepared.
I don't know what Rafa was doing in Basel. It is clear they threw $1 million dollars at him so he went.
Why the hell was that doubles so bloody important. If he had just spent 10 hours working on his serve, the return, and the backhand he would not have had to log in those long hours in his singles matches.
And he would have won this title.
Somebody stop to think here. Zero hard court titles since the U. S. Open (2013). and at the end of next year it will be over 3 years with zero titles on the hard courts while players 10 years older than him with no weapons are piling up titles.
Why would you waste away on the hard courts with such diminished game and such drastically reduced fitness.
And the risk of injury goes up significantly.
If he wants to compete and win at the highest level than he has to go fix his fitness and win titles on clay.
-
he is risking the rest of his career which consists of just one more year by extended activity on hard courts.
so he has just one year and then it is over. he has to try to do some major damage next year assuming he really wants to.
with his current fitness levels and his current game he cant last much longer than another year. next injury takes him out of the sport even sooner.
there is zero need to go to Bercy and play both singles and doubles. he does not need the money.
he certainly does not need to show up as unprepared for the Australian open as he did last year.
if he had skipped the doubles here in Basel and just worked on the serve, the return of serve, and the backhand his matches may not have lasted as long as they did.
playing doubles does not do him any good anyway. he never bothered to learn how to volley. he still guides and pushes the volleys as he always has.
also doubles volley is far different from the singles volley. it is not the same thing. not that Rafa makes any serious effort to volley in doubles anyway. for the most part he is content to play his doubles from the backcourt.
translation: this is all going to end soon unless he changes a few things. he has to go get on clay and find his ground game and he has to get more fit.
and he has to keep his knee healthy and his body healthy by getting on softer surfaces.
there was no need to give up the clay domination. that is who he is. clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
now he has just about 30% of his ground game left. clay defined him. clay allowed him to win on other surfaces.
clay gave him the discipline and the will to keep fighting. clay kept his ground game sharp. that is how he made 5 Wimbledon finals.
Great post General. I'm going to fire up the Paris-Bercy Masters thread.
Respectfully,
masterclass
sounds good general.
it is your very own Camelot. enjoy.
Bercy should be interesting. only 2 big events left now and 2015 goes into the history books.
-
he is risking the rest of his career which consists of just one more year by extended activity on hard courts.
so he has just one year and then it is over. he has to try to do some major damage next year assuming he really wants to.
with his current fitness levels and his current game he cant last much longer than another year. next injury takes him out of the sport even sooner.
there is zero need to go to Bercy and play both singles and doubles. he does not need the money.
he certainly does not need to show up as unprepared for the Australian open as he did last year.
if he had skipped the doubles here in Basel and just worked on the serve, the return of serve, and the backhand his matches may not have lasted as long as they did.
playing doubles does not do him any good anyway. he never bothered to learn how to volley. he still guides and pushes the volleys as he always has.
also doubles volley is far different from the singles volley. it is not the same thing. not that Rafa makes any serious effort to volley in doubles anyway. for the most part he is content to play his doubles from the backcourt.
translation: this is all going to end soon unless he changes a few things. he has to go get on clay and find his ground game and he has to get more fit.
and he has to keep his knee healthy and his body healthy by getting on softer surfaces.
there was no need to give up the clay domination. that is who he is. clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
now he has just about 30% of his ground game left. clay defined him. clay allowed him to win on other surfaces.
clay gave him the discipline and the will to keep fighting. clay kept his ground game sharp. that is how he made 5 Wimbledon finals.
Great post General. I'm going to fire up the Paris-Bercy Masters thread.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
The script was written, the stage is set. It's yet another final between the two greatest in the sport.
But things are a little different this time.
This is the first time the two have played in a ATP 500 event. Almost every one of their contests were at the higher levels.
This is the first time they play against each other in the land of Federer.
This is the first indoor final they have played in normal ATP tour events. The only other was at the World Tour Finals in 2010, where Federer won in 3 sets. Federer leads Nadal 4-1 indoors, where the medium low bouncing conditions negate the Nadal topspin. The only loss Federer has suffered to Nadal indoors was in his ill-fated 2013 season, the worst season he had since 2002, in the semifinal of the World Tour Finals.
Rafa has again come into a match with a question mark, as he seemed to tweak something in the knee against Gasquet. Is this something to worry about, or part of the psychological warfare?
General Hercules was concerned that Rafa was risking injury by practicing and playing so many hard court matches. Singles, doubles, exhibitions, practicing on his indoor hard court in Manacor. And now we see the knee being taped again. This was predictable even to me.
I really hope it is only psychological warfare. If he is hurting again and plays he risks exacerbating the injury, and who knows how many more he can endure? One man can only take so much, and he has already taken more than almost any player we know.
Anyway, back to the script being written. Earlier in the week, the ATP website already named Roger Federer player of the week. What do they know that we don't? It would look a little silly for them if Rafa beats Roger today, won't it? :)
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fn7swQv9.png&hash=3b1cb17b78e4527f155cf48756362abbb5931f9a)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Nadal in Basel final, sends Ferrer to London, World Tour Final
Rafa Nadal's victory over Richard Gasquet was good news for fellow spaniard David Ferrer.
Gasquet could still have denied Ferrer a place in the ATP World Tour Finals next month, but his defeat means Ferrer, along with Japan's Kei Nishikori, complete the eight-man line-up for the season-ending showpiece.
-
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
your chat thread is rocking. even the great baron britbox has been stopping by.
I wish we could get crisstti here.
and there are some awesome Rafa fans at that toxic dump (talk tennis of tennis warehouse) next door.
sure would be nice if they stopped by to see us here once in a while.
A lot of them disappeared. I didn't recognize a lot of names when I went over there. I miss chrissti too. She was so nice and she knew her stuff.
Here's Rafa's interview after his SF win today if you didn't see it.
VIDEO: An Interview With Rafael Nadal – Swiss Indoors Basel SF
Great video
http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2015/10/31/video-an-interview-with-rafael-nadal-swiss-indoors-basel-sf/
-
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
your chat thread is rocking. even the great baron britbox has been stopping by.
I wish we could get crisstti here.
and there are some awesome Rafa fans at that toxic dump (talk tennis of tennis warehouse) next door.
sure would be nice if they stopped by to see us here once in a while.
-
he is risking the rest of his career which consists of just one more year by extended activity on hard courts.
so he has just one year and then it is over. he has to try to do some major damage next year assuming he really wants to.
with his current fitness levels and his current game he cant last much longer than another year. next injury takes him out of the sport even sooner.
there is zero need to go to Bercy and play both singles and doubles. he does not need the money.
he certainly does not need to show up as unprepared for the Australian open as he did last year.
if he had skipped the doubles here in Basel and just worked on the serve, the return of serve, and the backhand his matches may not have lasted as long as they did.
playing doubles does not do him any good anyway. he never bothered to learn how to volley. he still guides and pushes the volleys as he always has.
also doubles volley is far different from the singles volley. it is not the same thing. not that Rafa makes any serious effort to volley in doubles anyway. for the most part he is content to play his doubles from the backcourt.
translation: this is all going to end soon unless he changes a few things. he has to go get on clay and find his ground game and he has to get more fit.
and he has to keep his knee healthy and his body healthy by getting on softer surfaces.
there was no need to give up the clay domination. that is who he is. clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
now he has just about 30% of his ground game left. clay defined him. clay allowed him to win on other surfaces.
clay gave him the discipline and the will to keep fighting. clay kept his ground game sharp. that is how he made 5 Wimbledon finals.
Interesting perspectives. We shall soon see.
-
He gives himself a chance if:
1. Returns well
2. Hits the ball off both wings
3. Manages to keep the ball deep while keeping the errors low
I also believe that next knee issue is not far away now.
too much hard court activity in a short period of time spells trouble for him.
so don't be surprised if gets treatment or retires from the match.
It is certainly a possibility.
I don't really care if he wins. This tournament means nothing.
they will judge these all time greats in terms of slams they were able to accumulate.
Masters events matter too.
all I care about is for him to escape the remainder of this season with no serious injury.
He is already crying about how he has put in so much court time. Well nobody is forcing him to play doubles too.
I hope the tweak was nothing serious. It didn't seem to hamper after he got treatment, but who knows what can happen after you stop an activity. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and since this tournament isn't a big deal he can retire if he begins to feel pain.
It's tricky, he has to groove his groundstrokes and get some consistency. That area is noticeable, his error count and flubbed returns. So what are you going to do? I don't know if I agree about the hardcourts though, that's kind of collateral damage. You can't skip a surface that the tour is predominantly played on. That seems very limiting to me.
Gasquet really surprised me in this match. He was going for it and he played very well. I had quit watching him based on past experience, but I had also noticed that he had some really strong wins. Brugera is doing an excellent job with him. I'm happy to see Richie finally fulfilling some of his purpose; better late than never (I'm looking at you, James Blake).
Rafa has progressively gotten better from where he was at the beginning of the season. For the first time he came back to the tour without fire and intensity and it didn't seem to bother him in the least. He wasn't even concerned about his losses, except specific ones where you could that he was disappointed in his effort. There's no telling what the problem was, I think he was just mentally tired and had re-prioritized his commitment to the game. But, I knew that wouldn't last forever. Today was win #56, that's not too shabby for the energy that he was putting out there. At least he's snapped out of that mode, so I'm happy.
-
he is risking the rest of his career which consists of just one more year by extended activity on hard courts.
so he has just one year and then it is over. he has to try to do some major damage next year assuming he really wants to.
with his current fitness levels and his current game he cant last much longer than another year. next injury takes him out of the sport even sooner.
there is zero need to go to Bercy and play both singles and doubles. he does not need the money.
he certainly does not need to show up as unprepared for the Australian open as he did last year.
if he had skipped the doubles here in Basel and just worked on the serve, the return of serve, and the backhand his matches may not have lasted as long as they did.
playing doubles does not do him any good anyway. he never bothered to learn how to volley. he still guides and pushes the volleys as he always has.
also doubles volley is far different from the singles volley. it is not the same thing. not that Rafa makes any serious effort to volley in doubles anyway. for the most part he is content to play his doubles from the backcourt.
translation: this is all going to end soon unless he changes a few things. he has to go get on clay and find his ground game and he has to get more fit.
and he has to keep his knee healthy and his body healthy by getting on softer surfaces.
there was no need to give up the clay domination. that is who he is. clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
now he has just about 30% of his ground game left. clay defined him. clay allowed him to win on other surfaces.
clay gave him the discipline and the will to keep fighting. clay kept his ground game sharp. that is how he made 5 Wimbledon finals.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Frafa-6_zpsooppxcat.jpg&hash=06a1d9c13535214cdf6c232065385d4ed8a0d6e6) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/rafa-6_zpsooppxcat.jpg.html)
-
Let's just hope for the best:
A win and escaping Switzerland with no injury.
-
He gives himself a chance if:
1. Returns well
2. Hits the ball off both wings
3. Manages to keep the ball deep while keeping the errors low
I also believe that next knee issue is not far away now.
too much hard court activity in a short period of time spells trouble for him.
so don't be surprised if gets treatment or retires from the match.
It is certainly a possibility.
I don't really care if he wins. This tournament means nothing.
they will judge these all time greats in terms of slams they were able to accumulate.
Masters events matter too.
all I care about is for him to escape the remainder of this season with no serious injury.
He is already crying about how he has put in so much court time. Well nobody is forcing him to play doubles too.
-
Tomorrow he just needs to go after the ball.
No more pushing shoving off the backhand wing.
Give that backhand a chance to get in the groove.
If he can return well and hit the ball with some depth he has a good chance for a title.
The key is returning well and hitting the ball off both wings.
Leave that chicken **** slice at the door.
Go for the win Rafa. Take the title away. Snatch the title.
The objective is to try to dictate play and not get dictated to.
Do you really think he has a chance? You think he has upped his level by that much? I think he's doing better, but
Federer not only has the skill set, but he has the experience, the home court advantage and support, and he's also well rested, plus it's on an indoor court. Yikes! That's a lot of variables.
I haven't seen Roger play this week because I wasn't interested in the opponents that he was playing, didn't think they would give him a good match.
I wonder if he'll try to use his attacking style, or will he try it a few times and retreat if it doesn't work?
-
I thought it was always a good idea to always have your eye on the ball when you're playing a ball game. Lol.
-
Tomorrow he just needs to go after the ball.
No more pushing shoving off the backhand wing.
Give that backhand a chance to get in the groove.
If he can return well and hit the ball with some depth he has a good chance for a title.
The key is returning well and hitting the ball off both wings.
Leave that chicken **** slice at the door.
Go for the win Rafa. Take the title away. Snatch the title.
The objective is to try to dictate play and not get dictated to.
-
Definitely. I have to control myself sometimes in fear of upsetting people though at others I think everyone has the right to have & air an opinion if they do it correctly & I've said or done nothing wrong so if people get upset by what I say when I say it euphemistically, tactfully & diplomatically it's not my fault.
-
I think the answer to your question is they want an easy time. If they say what they really think people might disagree with them & get onto them so they agree what everyone else thinks so they avoid confrontation.
Yeah, it's that and groupthink. People are conformists at heart.
-
Rafa said he felt something in the knee.
so he signs up to play both singles and doubles in Paris.
Just as he did here.
He is also playing terrible tennis. He wins a few matches here but make no mistake about it. He is just a shell of what he used to be.
More in this later.
Too much hard court activity is going to lead to an injury.
-
I think the answer to your question is they want an easy time. If they say what they really think people might disagree with them & get onto them so they agree what everyone else thinks so they avoid confrontation.
-
I'm very sorry to disappoint you but I always think for myself & don't agree/disagree with people or statements because I'm told to or even where/do what others tell me. I've often got into trouble for this. I've often been embarrassed because I've had to say I don't know to some questions but it's only human. Nobody knows everything. I admit when I've no idea. I've also been told I've no excuse to be ignorant in some things as I can do research as I'm capable of it but have always told the truth that I am very busy & haven't had time. People have helped me by telling me things but I always question things that I wonder about & read between the lines & try to see things all ways.
-
Speaking of unbridled ignorance. I came on here to post about Maria, the "indomitable warrior" who consistently has a powder puff draw in every tournament that she enters. The only way that she plays the dangerous players is when they're injured or coming back from injury. That helps to pad her "victories." And yes, I believe in rigged draws because people can always find a way to override any system on earth. Years ago I read a story about how they rig bingo. They inflate the balls to different weights so that they'll never reach the hopper, but it's done right in front of people's eyes, so they believe it's "real" and meanwhile the bingo hall makes a ton of cash.
Anyway, when Serena terminated her season Maria flew out of rehab. This was her chance to bag another WTF after eleven years. She was of course given a cushy draw with players who weren't power hitters and she sailed through overpowering them all. I knew that when she had to play the other side that she was going to fail, and she did; lost the match from 5-1 up, served for it twice, and Kvitova ran off five games in a row to level the match, get it to a tiebreak and send Maria out of the tournament that couldn't even bag without Serena or Azarenka in the draw.
But all tournament long we heard how competitive, how in form, how rested, and how driven she was to compete. And to see her struggling to maintain her "icy demeanor" was a real treat. If she was so competitive she wouldn't have lost to her rival for the last eleven years and counting, and yet they have people believing that utter BS.
Maria is on Hingis's level. She hasn't even reached Venus's level, and they're paying her all of this money for what? She's been the highest paid female tennis player for eleven years on the strength of one win against Serena. Meanwhile she has five majors to Serena's 20, 21? More BS.
I am stupefied that people buy so easily into stuff that makes absolutely no sense at all.
-
by the way they are anti Rafa over there. vast majority of them don't care for Rafa.
especially their admin and their mods. who, in turn, affect and infect some of the posters.
People never to cease to amaze me. They believe what others tell them and they have vilified Rafa from the beginning because they viewed him as a threat to Federer. I had an old article where this writer actually admitted it, but it was before I changed computers. They make up all kinds of lies and innuendos against Rafa and they still do to this day. Every chance they get to diminish Rafa, they take.
And so many people, who view them as "experts" follow right along with the program. The odd thing is that this is prevalent in all world systems. I actually think people are programmed from the start to follow the status quo. Even when you look at the educational systems you are taught to accept whatever your teacher tells you even if it doesn't make sense. It's the same way that women have bought into the notion of "beauty at all costs" even if the tight, ill-shaped, steep high heels mess up their body alignment and lead to back problems later in life. People seem to lack the sense to say, "hey, this is illogical." They just go with the norms without using an ounce of brain power.
When I was younger, seven, I didn't agree with our family's religion. It didn't make sense to me and when I asked questions they were met with disdain and no answers. They kept telling me that I had to have "faith" as if the problem rested with me. But,even as a child I knew what was right and what was wrong and as soon as I grew a bit older I made the decision to leave that religion and seek what worked best for me. It amazes me how so many people have their parents' religion. Are they the same people, with the same thoughts? or have they given no thought to something as vast as faith; even whether or not to have faith? No, it's just follow the prevailing theory. I can't wrap my head around it and I have raised my son to know that faith is a personal choice and a decision that he has to make for himself. What would I profit for him to follow in my footsteps for fear that I would disdain his choice.
So, no matter what they see in Rafa; the humility, the giving credit to his opponents, the never talking trash about others in the press, they come up with this cockamamie, twenty-five second rules in order to find something to fault him for. This rule was never enforced historically. No one even thought about that BS, but to have something negative to say, they used this ignorance and many people bought into it and Rafa became a "cheater." WTH is wrong with these mindless idiots, LOL? They continually passed on stories of him doping based on how "big" he was, but use your eyes people, Stan and Tsonga are much more powerfully built than Rafa, and those who have been called out on drugs suspicion are soon forgotten, but every now and then they keep trying to pin that rap on Rafa.
Still, isn't it weird that in Rafa's worst year ever on tour, those fans on TW are still consumed with him? Why would they are? Insecurity, I think.
But, speaking of Rafa's worst year, statistically he's not doing bad. He's only lost a few percentage points in the statistical categories, and some he hasn't lost at all. With the worst performances of his career he has still ended up #5 in the race against those outside of the top ten who never missed a day. He has still joined the over 50 plus club per year of wins, and yet people are acting like it's all gloom and doom.
Name one player who hasn't had a rough year? There isn't one, but Rafa is supposed to be this flawed, yet mythical person who on the one hand, isn't talented and depends only on hard work, yet on the other hand, he's supposed to be on the top of the heap. It is a total contraction and makes no sense. Ferrer is a hard worker and he has not one major as a result of it.
Rafa's playing nowhere near his usual level and yet as ATP rewards go he's still in the ATP Tour Finals with for him have been horrendous results. Personally, I was anticipating that he would eventually have a "bad" year because I don't know one player who didn't, ever. From where he started in 2015, not getting past the early rounds, it is encouraging to be to see him gaining some consistency and making it to SFs and finals within the last few months. It's called progress and digging yourself out of a hole.
For the top guys, all that matters is number of majors, that's their benchmark, not how well you played or what your ranking is. Who remembers how many tournaments Pete won in 1989? Nobody. You'd have to look that up because over time it becomes irrelevant, but any fan can tell you how many majors he has, because that was his benchmark.
Fast forward to 2015 and no one won a major this year outside of Djokovic and the constantly inconsistent Stan. Rafa won one last year, Federer three years ago, and I'm not excusing his age since he has been in good health without missing any important tournaments and reaching semis and finals. And Andy last won one when? But nothing is said in this regard. Oh no, let's focus on Rafa who lost half a damn year with injury and expect him to come back playing like a god.
It's all total BS to me. I don't buy it for one minute. Unfortunately, the masses don't agree with me, but I think what I say makes more sense.
-
Congrats to Rafa and his fans.
He derails Gasquet in straights.
he is 14-0 against Gasquet.
-
by the way they are anti Rafa over there. vast majority of them don't care for Rafa.
especially their admin and their mods. who, in turn, affect and infect some of the posters.
-
here is something from the folks next door. if you want to check up on what they are talking about, just click on this link:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?forums/general-pro-player-discussion.13/index.rss
Same old stupid hypotheticals with scenarios that cannot ever be accomplished, and all for bragging rights to some nebulous title that will never be achieved. Fans are getting dumber than the commentators. Not one of those comments were interesting.
I haven't been over there this year except once, and that was to check Nadal News, but at this point I have to miss whatever they have over there because the stupidity is just too much.
-
here is something from the folks next door. if you want to check up on what they are talking about, just click on this link:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?forums/general-pro-player-discussion.13/index.rss
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Frafa-4_zpsmjr7rry2.jpg&hash=32b1aa060acd96e17456ad2e780fbac302229212) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/rafa-4_zpsmjr7rry2.jpg.html)
-
he gets it done.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/rafa-again-wins-in-three
-
Rafa got through again. I'm glad. Yay!
-
Rafa's been getting some funky draws, but why am I not surprised?
lets just hope for the best anyway.
I am hoping and praying that he can make some sort of impact on the red clay in Europe next year.
there is just not much time left. it is now or never sort of thing now.
-
I had the misfortune of watching that match yesterday.
One of the worst matches I've seen from a level of play point of view. But it had drama.
Rafa looked like he was scared to death when he started serving in each set.
He went down 2-0 in the first set, 4-0 in the second set, and 2-0 in the third and deserved to be down.
But to his great fortune he had the currently impotent Dimitrov across the net. In the first set, Dimitrov simply gave his lead (2-0 & 4-2) back to Rafa with horrendous serving. 34% first serves in. Rafa won 4 straight games to take the set. Dimitrov's serve was much improved in the second but he was fortunate to get that double break, because he needed it, as his lead shrunk from 4-0 to 4-3. The further each set went on, the more he weakened, and tightened up. He won the second only because Rafa was playing about as awfully as he could. Neither player saved a single break point in the first 2 sets.
There were some good points here and there, but the level of play was more down than up. They played at best like top 20-30 players, and at times like top 200, if that. Rafa's forehand was like a crap shoot; you didn't know if it might go in, or bounce before going over the net.
The third set picked up a bit, but followed the same pattern. Rafa served first, was broken, Dimitrov held, and it was 2-0. Then Rafa held, Dimitrov was broken, Rafa held for a 3-2 lead, then Dimitrov struggled for almost 8 minutes to hold to make it 3-3, Rafa served to love quickly for 4-3, and Dimitrov had nothing for his next service game and was broken for 5-3, and Rafa served it out for the match.
The only positive Rafa can take from the match is that he came through and won it, with good mentality toward the end. His shot making is still very up and down. He won't handle the better players playing like this. Dimitrov is like a train wreck out there these days.
It should be said the court works against Rafa. It's an indoor GreenSet court, similar to Paris and the O2. Medium-slow to Medium pace at best, but quite a low bounce, unlike most of the other tournaments during the year. So it's difficult for Rafa to get his topspin working, and many of his shots just sit up short begging to be smashed with disdain. Rosol really should have beaten Nadal. The match was completely on his racquet. Rafa's balls had nothing on them, and it was like target practice for the flat hitting Rosol. He lost 1 point on serve in the first set, easily winning it 6-1, and 3 points on serve in the second set until 5-4, 30-love, two points for the match. He simply got nervous and tightened up, completely choked a sitting volley that would have given him 40-15, and finally double faulted the set away. Rosol gave Nadal the opportunity and Nadal took it. Nadal said he was very lucky to win, and I agree with him.
What I hope is that Rafa doesn't get hurt playing these indoor tournaments. He needs to work on his game if he wants any chance to improve from this year. He has said that he won't be taking any time off this winter for vacation and his plan is to work on his game when he isn't playing in that IPTL glorified exhibition league. We will see. I have a bad feeling he'll be staying on the hard courts playing and practicing instead of getting on the clay and solidifying his ground game. His forehand is a shambles now. So inconsistent. His timing is off.
The matches on hard court don't do him much good. He has completely changed his game, moving very close to the baseline, yet still trying to take the big swing. His success on the forehand on hard court mostly comes when he has time to run around his backhand in the backhand corner, and he can hit the forehand cross court. But he leaves his forehand wing wide open, and if he doesn't hit an outright winner, he is far out of position for a shot to his forehand wing. This pattern of play is killing him against the faster and better players.
Respectfully,
masterclass
at the current rate these things can happen:
1. exactly zero titles the remainder of the year.
2. 0-1 titles next year. he may get the hamburg title again. there was really nobody there this year and fognini choked in key moments. I will be generous with my prediction. I can make it 0-2 small titles next year.
3. there is an outside chance for the Rio title.
4. possible injury with these horribly depleted levels of fitness and physicality unless he gets off these bloody hard courts and go gets on clay do rediscover his ground game again.
I am just worried to death at this point of an injury which you know is coming.
he refuses to change a damn thing. he refuses to work on his game. he absolutely says NO to any significant effort on the fitness front.
rosol was just 2 points from victory. he just choked. he took the first set in just 23 minutes. he lost just 1 point on his first serve in that first set.
the man is ranked #69 in the world.
rafa cant even deal with players like him so how the hell is going to deal with the top guns of the sport.
dustin brown was ranked #110 and ran Rafa right off the court at Wimbledon. Rafa made 5 Wimbledon finals.
we cant make excuses for Rafa. Rafa is not working very hard.
he and his team has to put a positive spin for his millions and millions of fans and also for the sponsors.
I think he is just trying to hang on for another year before actually walking away physically.
the fire from within no longer burns relentlessly otherwise he would do something about it.
why he is hanging on is not clear. he does not need the money. his 14 majors are worth over $1 billion over his lifetime.
I would just walk away and leave the legacy intact.
-
I was so glad that Rafa beat Rosol. The commentators have blown Rosol's head up beyond reason. I can't stand when someone who has done nothing of note in the game boldly challenges someone who has been an asset to the tennis community. Rosol had the nerve to try to accuse Rafa of taking too much when the point hadn't even started!
The umpire had to tell him how unreasonably stupid he was being on international TV. It amazes me how people allow others to control their mind. I've begun to notice how so many people are susceptible to what they hear as opposed to what they see. This is how all of the world systems work, by convincing people to believe in spite of the hard evidence before their own eyes. There are very few individual thinkers. Most people simply follow the script that is given to them. It's so weird to me.
I assess situations for myself. I don't give a care what other people perceive. I look at life, past history, and the hard evidence.
To actually try to create a problem with someone for no reason makes zero sense to me, especially when goaded by others. I was so glad Lukas lost and he needs to continue to lose with his abysmal record. When he leaves the game most people, in the tennis community will not miss him. He doesn't bring in the crowds, endear himself to the fans, or do anything else of note. He's nothing but a mindless puppet being manipulated by the ignorant and untruthful commentators. How anyone can be persuaded by those commentators is beyond me. It is rare that they ever make a truthful statement, yet people take a lot of their BS into their consciousness, mostly on a selective basis.
It's so weird, these ways of the world.
Lady TT, I'm curious which commentators /tennis feed were you watching? The commentators here in the European feed were ok.
If the commentary is really poor, I shut them off.
Respectfully,
masterclass
The Tennis Channel-Mary Carillo, Lindsay Davenport, Tracey Austin, Brettt Haber, and several others who are newer.
Most of them are the same as the ESPN commentators with the addition of the McEnroes and a few others.
I do enjoy the European commentators more. They focus more on the tennis than the American commentators. Mary Carillo specializes in gossip and innuendo. That is so annoying.
-
Awesome post general.
Ferru is a shining example for all.
He has no weapons to speak of and has to fight his battles without much leverage.
He puts in an amazing amount of hard work on the fitness front.
More on this later.
-
Super post General. Speaking of older players, little Ferru just won his 5th title of the year, an ATP 500 event in Vienna, even though an elbow injury cut out his play for a couple of months after the French Open. He must have put in a lot of hard yards at his age to get his fitness back after being out.
Here's another stat for you. Do you know that David Ferrer is the best returner on tour in 2015? Not Djokovic, not Murray, not Nadal (in a stat he used to own), but Ferrer.
He leads in total return points won pct. - 43.4% to Djokovic's 42.9%. He leads in first serve return (34%), and is third (56%) in second serve return points won, right behind Djokovic (57%) and Murray (56%).
His problem is serve. First serve points won, especially, ranked only #51. Second serve points won, is better, #16.
Well, no wonder, he stands only 5'8. Think what kind of player he might have been with another few inches in height.
Even so, he is still ranked in the top 8 as he plays in his 34th year. Kudos to Ferru and his workman ethic.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I had the misfortune of watching that match yesterday.
One of the worst matches I've seen from a level of play point of view. But it had drama.
Rafa looked like he was scared to death when he started serving in each set.
He went down 2-0 in the first set, 4-0 in the second set, and 2-0 in the third and deserved to be down.
But to his great fortune he had the currently impotent Dimitrov across the net. In the first set, Dimitrov simply gave his lead (2-0 & 4-2) back to Rafa with horrendous serving. 34% first serves in. Rafa won 4 straight games to take the set. Dimitrov's serve was much improved in the second but he was fortunate to get that double break, because he needed it, as his lead shrunk from 4-0 to 4-3. The further each set went on, the more he weakened, and tightened up. He won the second only because Rafa was playing about as awfully as he could. Neither player saved a single break point in the first 2 sets.
There were some good points here and there, but the level of play was more down than up. They played at best like top 20-30 players, and at times like top 200, if that. Rafa's forehand was like a crap shoot; you didn't know if it might go in, or bounce before going over the net.
The third set picked up a bit, but followed the same pattern. Rafa served first, was broken, Dimitrov held, and it was 2-0. Then Rafa held, Dimitrov was broken, Rafa held for a 3-2 lead, then Dimitrov struggled for almost 8 minutes to hold to make it 3-3, Rafa served to love quickly for 4-3, and Dimitrov had nothing for his next service game and was broken for 5-3, and Rafa served it out for the match.
The only positive Rafa can take from the match is that he came through and won it, with good mentality toward the end. His shot making is still very up and down. He won't handle the better players playing like this. Dimitrov is like a train wreck out there these days.
It should be said the court works against Rafa. It's an indoor GreenSet court, similar to Paris and the O2. Medium-slow to Medium pace at best, but quite a low bounce, unlike most of the other tournaments during the year. So it's difficult for Rafa to get his topspin working, and many of his shots just sit up short begging to be smashed with disdain. Rosol really should have beaten Nadal. The match was completely on his racquet. Rafa's balls had nothing on them, and it was like target practice for the flat hitting Rosol. He lost 1 point on serve in the first set, easily winning it 6-1, and 3 points on serve in the second set until 5-4, 30-love, two points for the match. He simply got nervous and tightened up, completely choked a sitting volley that would have given him 40-15, and finally double faulted the set away. Rosol gave Nadal the opportunity and Nadal took it. Nadal said he was very lucky to win, and I agree with him.
What I hope is that Rafa doesn't get hurt playing these indoor tournaments. He needs to work on his game if he wants any chance to improve from this year. He has said that he won't be taking any time off this winter for vacation and his plan is to work on his game when he isn't playing in that IPTL glorified exhibition league. We will see. I have a bad feeling he'll be staying on the hard courts playing and practicing instead of getting on the clay and solidifying his ground game. His forehand is a shambles now. So inconsistent. His timing is off.
The matches on hard court don't do him much good. He has completely changed his game, moving very close to the baseline, yet still trying to take the big swing. His success on the forehand on hard court mostly comes when he has time to run around his backhand in the backhand corner, and he can hit the forehand cross court. But he leaves his forehand wing wide open, and if he doesn't hit an outright winner, he is far out of position for a shot to his forehand wing. This pattern of play is killing him against the faster and better players.
Respectfully,
masterclass
great post. that is what happens when you fail to prepare properly.
he gave up his gladiator status by not working like a gladiator on the practice courts and on the fitness front.
it is his life, his career, and his own world. not much we can do it about it.
if I had it my way, me, general masterclass, and uncle tony would be his coaches.
and muster's old fitness coach would be his fitness coach.
what is missing is the fire from within. he simply refuses to put in the very hard and long yards required to challenge the very best in the sport.
guys 10 years older than him are winning titles by working twice as hard as they ever did.
-
I was so glad that Rafa beat Rosol. The commentators have blown Rosol's head up beyond reason. I can't stand when someone who has done nothing of note in the game boldly challenges someone who has been an asset to the tennis community. Rosol had the nerve to try to accuse Rafa of taking too much when the point hadn't even started!
The umpire had to tell him how unreasonably stupid he was being on international TV. It amazes me how people allow others to control their mind. I've begun to notice how so many people are susceptible to what they hear as opposed to what they see. This is how all of the world systems work, by convincing people to believe in spite of the hard evidence before their own eyes. There are very few individual thinkers. Most people simply follow the script that is given to them. It's so weird to me.
I assess situations for myself. I don't give a care what other people perceive. I look at life, past history, and the hard evidence.
To actually try to create a problem with someone for no reason makes zero sense to me, especially when goaded by others. I was so glad Lukas lost and he needs to continue to lose with his abysmal record. When he leaves the game most people, in the tennis community will not miss him. He doesn't bring in the crowds, endear himself to the fans, or do anything else of note. He's nothing but a mindless puppet being manipulated by the ignorant and untruthful commentators. How anyone can be persuaded by those commentators is beyond me. It is rare that they ever make a truthful statement, yet people take a lot of their BS into their consciousness, mostly on a selective basis.
It's so weird, these ways of the world.
Lady TT, I'm curious which commentators /tennis feed were you watching? The commentators here in the European feed were ok.
If the commentary is really poor, I shut them off.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I had the misfortune of watching that match yesterday.
One of the worst matches I've seen from a level of play point of view. But it had drama.
Rafa looked like he was scared to death when he started serving in each set.
He went down 2-0 in the first set, 4-0 in the second set, and 2-0 in the third and deserved to be down.
But to his great fortune he had the currently impotent Dimitrov across the net. In the first set, Dimitrov simply gave his lead (2-0 & 4-2) back to Rafa with horrendous serving. 34% first serves in. Rafa won 4 straight games to take the set. Dimitrov's serve was much improved in the second but he was fortunate to get that double break, because he needed it, as his lead shrunk from 4-0 to 4-3. The further each set went on, the more he weakened, and tightened up. He won the second only because Rafa was playing about as awfully as he could. Neither player saved a single break point in the first 2 sets.
There were some good points here and there, but the level of play was more down than up. They played at best like top 20-30 players, and at times like top 200, if that. Rafa's forehand was like a crap shoot; you didn't know if it might go in, or bounce before going over the net.
The third set picked up a bit, but followed the same pattern. Rafa served first, was broken, Dimitrov held, and it was 2-0. Then Rafa held, Dimitrov was broken, Rafa held for a 3-2 lead, then Dimitrov struggled for almost 8 minutes to hold to make it 3-3, Rafa served to love quickly for 4-3, and Dimitrov had nothing for his next service game and was broken for 5-3, and Rafa served it out for the match.
The only positive Rafa can take from the match is that he came through and won it, with good mentality toward the end. His shot making is still very up and down. He won't handle the better players playing like this. Dimitrov is like a train wreck out there these days.
It should be said the court works against Rafa. It's an indoor GreenSet court, similar to Paris and the O2. Medium-slow to Medium pace at best, but quite a low bounce, unlike most of the other tournaments during the year. So it's difficult for Rafa to get his topspin working, and many of his shots just sit up short begging to be smashed with disdain. Rosol really should have beaten Nadal. The match was completely on his racquet. Rafa's balls had nothing on them, and it was like target practice for the flat hitting Rosol. He lost 1 point on serve in the first set, easily winning it 6-1, and 3 points on serve in the second set until 5-4, 30-love, two points for the match. He simply got nervous and tightened up, completely choked a sitting volley that would have given him 40-15, and finally double faulted the set away. Rosol gave Nadal the opportunity and Nadal took it. Nadal said he was very lucky to win, and I agree with him.
What I hope is that Rafa doesn't get hurt playing these indoor tournaments. He needs to work on his game if he wants any chance to improve from this year. He has said that he won't be taking any time off this winter for vacation and his plan is to work on his game when he isn't playing in that IPTL glorified exhibition league. We will see. I have a bad feeling he'll be staying on the hard courts playing and practicing instead of getting on the clay and solidifying his ground game. His forehand is a shambles now. So inconsistent. His timing is off.
The matches on hard court don't do him much good. He has completely changed his game, moving very close to the baseline, yet still trying to take the big swing. His success on the forehand on hard court mostly comes when he has time to run around his backhand in the backhand corner, and he can hit the forehand cross court. But he leaves his forehand wing wide open, and if he doesn't hit an outright winner, he is far out of position for a shot to his forehand wing. This pattern of play is killing him against the faster and better players.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Wow, Stan looked lethargic today. He's a good player when he's on, but he's pretty inconsistent.
I figured Rafa would beat Dmitrov, Grigor suffers from a lack of confidence. He has the tools, but he doesn't know how or when to use it.
Glad to see Kevin Anderson progressing. He's working on his game despite being in this era. Slow and steady wins the race.
I can't believe Halep let Maria beat her and Aggie. Not a good showing from people who have been on tour and supposedly game ready.
Muguruza is the real deal. She has the game, the poise, and the mindset. I think she's a future #1. She is the total package.
Poor Safarova, she can't get over the mental block against Kvitova. Kvitova is still suffering from the after effects of mono. Lucie blew it.
-
Rafa snaps back about Rosol. First Andy, now Rafa, LOL.
Rafael Nadal: ´I tried to survive in the second set. Rosol? Everyone knows him on the Tour´
Tennis - The World No. 7 admitted that it wasn´t easy to adapt to the conditions and speaks about his opponent, who was complaining with the umpire because Rafa was losing time between the point. ..
Rafael Nadal 27 Oct 2015 - 05:00 / by Gatto Luigi
Thrilling debut for Rafael Nadal in the ATP 500 Basel. The Spaniard beat Lukas Rosol 1/6 7/5 7/6(4) after being down 6-1 5-4 and 30-0 with Rosol on serve. After the match, Rafa admitted that it wasn't easy to adapt to the conditions.
'It was my first match on an indoor-court in one year, For me it was very difficult to adjust. He plays aggressive and if puts the balls IN it's tough. At the beginning I didn't serve well and I tried to survive in that second set and wait for an opportunity. I just kept fighting. Kept believing. And then there was a little bit of luck too. It was a very tough match emotionally. At the same time, it's a great victory. It's important for me to have these kinds of comebacks. I've been in these situations more times than I would like this year, so I'm happy to win a match like this'' Nadal said.
He had a tough year this season, but 'The past is the past, I'm happy with what I did in the last twelve years. Today it's a different story and I'm working every single day.'
Rosol complained with the umpire because Nadal was losing time between the point. Then Rafa had a discussion with the umpire, too. 'Well I was playing against someone who is who he is. I don't wanna talk more than I did because everyone knows him on the tour', said Rafa who will play tomorrow in doubles alongside Marc Lopez against Troicki/Coric at 2:00 PM on Central Court. He'll play again singles on Wednesday or Thursday against Dimitrov or Stakhovsky.
-
I was so glad that Rafa beat Rosol. The commentators have blown Rosol's head up beyond reason. I can't stand when someone who has done nothing of note in the game boldly challenges someone who has been an asset to the tennis community. Rosol had the nerve to try to accuse Rafa of taking too much when the point hadn't even started!
The umpire had to tell him how unreasonably stupid he was being on international TV. It amazes me how people allow others to control their mind. I've begun to notice how so many people are susceptible to what they hear as opposed to what they see. This is how all of the world systems work, by convincing people to believe in spite of the hard evidence before their own eyes. There are very few individual thinkers. Most people simply follow the script that is given to them. It's so weird to me.
I assess situations for myself. I don't give a care what other people perceive. I look at life, past history, and the hard evidence.
To actually try to create a problem with someone for no reason makes zero sense to me, especially when goaded by others. I was so glad Lukas lost and he needs to continue to lose with his abysmal record. When he leaves the game most people, in the tennis community will not miss him. He doesn't bring in the crowds, endear himself to the fans, or do anything else of note. He's nothing but a mindless puppet being manipulated by the ignorant and untruthful commentators. How anyone can be persuaded by those commentators is beyond me. It is rare that they ever make a truthful statement, yet people take a lot of their BS into their consciousness, mostly on a selective basis.
It's so weird, these ways of the world.
-
I am very sorry to interrupt your conversation with irrelevant information but these really simple syndications (r.s.s.) aren't working for me. I just keep getting pages of code which I don't understand.
-
Rafa's been getting some funky draws, but why am I not surprised?
-
I had known about it.
Rafa was destined for greatness.
-
I thought the Cash segment was, particularly. It's kind of folklore that Nadal beat Pat when he was 14 (or nearly 15 as Pat put it, LOL)... but I never heard Cash mention it until now.
-
What it's like to face Nadal (Excerpt 1 of 3) from a player's perspective:
Novak Djokovic:
“I think challenges, big challenges that I had in my career changed me in a positive way as a player. Because of Rafa and because of Roger I am what I am today, you know, in a way, because when I reached the No. 3 in the world and won the first Grand Slam title in 2008, the years after that I struggled a lot mentally to overcome the doubts that I had. And all the big matches I lost to these guys was consistent but not winning the big matches, and then they made me understand what I need to do on the court. I worked hard, and, you know, it’s paying dividends, I guess, in the last couple of years. You know, obviously it’s not easy when you’re playing a top rival at the finals of any tournament, but if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, you know. You have to win against the best players in the world. That’s the biggest challenge you can have.”
Pat Cash:
“I played Nadal when he was a few weeks from being fifteen. In Mallorca. Boris Becker pulled out of the senior match and so they asked me last minute to come in and play, and play the world junior champion. And I said, ‘Yeah sure. I don’t mind playing. The show must go on.’ A bit of entertainment. I got a great photo of him, actually of us together. He played the same way. Obviously, he didn’t hit the ball as hard then. But he played the same intensity, top spin. I was kind of shocked by it all [smiles].”
“As a young kid his age, it wasn’t as if it was something I couldn’t handle but, I mean, the crowd was quite amused when he won the first set against me. And I was sort of being nice to him, Okay, no more Mister Nice Guy. Because this kid is really good. He’ll beat me if he can. It’s not sort of like a fun game. He won the first set and the crowd thought it was hilarious. They were roaring for us. So we were on the court together, so I started chip-charging, serve and volley, that sort of stuff, won the second set pretty comfortably – 6-2 I think. The ten-point tiebreaker. As I said before, 99% of the kids would have choked. And fallen apart. And he was just tearing everywhere. All over the court. And hit some unbelievable winners. And you now, then I was 38, I was still hitting the ball pretty well.”
“And so I lost that match. I don’t remember what the score was. It was close. He didn’t get nervous or anything. Obviously, he didn’t have anything to lose. But I came in the locker room after, the guys sort of looked at me, just to look at my reaction. And my reaction was losing to a fourteen year old. And I just sort of looked at them, Wow, this kid is something else…”
Over 50 ATP players – including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Pat Cash, Stefan Kozlov, Francis Tiafoe, Radek Stepanek, Ivan Ljubicic, James Blake, Marat Safin, etc. – describe in detail the actual experience of playing tennis against Rafael Nadal. Also, this book includes Nadal interviews, media, celebrity, fan, insider
Source: http://discuss.tennis/blogs/scoop-malinowski/facing-nadal-djokovic-and-cash-open-up/
Author: Scoop Malinowski
great read general britbox.
-
What it's like to face Nadal (Excerpt 1 of 3) from a player's perspective:
Novak Djokovic:
“I think challenges, big challenges that I had in my career changed me in a positive way as a player. Because of Rafa and because of Roger I am what I am today, you know, in a way, because when I reached the No. 3 in the world and won the first Grand Slam title in 2008, the years after that I struggled a lot mentally to overcome the doubts that I had. And all the big matches I lost to these guys was consistent but not winning the big matches, and then they made me understand what I need to do on the court. I worked hard, and, you know, it’s paying dividends, I guess, in the last couple of years. You know, obviously it’s not easy when you’re playing a top rival at the finals of any tournament, but if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, you know. You have to win against the best players in the world. That’s the biggest challenge you can have.”
Pat Cash:
“I played Nadal when he was a few weeks from being fifteen. In Mallorca. Boris Becker pulled out of the senior match and so they asked me last minute to come in and play, and play the world junior champion. And I said, ‘Yeah sure. I don’t mind playing. The show must go on.’ A bit of entertainment. I got a great photo of him, actually of us together. He played the same way. Obviously, he didn’t hit the ball as hard then. But he played the same intensity, top spin. I was kind of shocked by it all [smiles].”
“As a young kid his age, it wasn’t as if it was something I couldn’t handle but, I mean, the crowd was quite amused when he won the first set against me. And I was sort of being nice to him, Okay, no more Mister Nice Guy. Because this kid is really good. He’ll beat me if he can. It’s not sort of like a fun game. He won the first set and the crowd thought it was hilarious. They were roaring for us. So we were on the court together, so I started chip-charging, serve and volley, that sort of stuff, won the second set pretty comfortably – 6-2 I think. The ten-point tiebreaker. As I said before, 99% of the kids would have choked. And fallen apart. And he was just tearing everywhere. All over the court. And hit some unbelievable winners. And you now, then I was 38, I was still hitting the ball pretty well.”
“And so I lost that match. I don’t remember what the score was. It was close. He didn’t get nervous or anything. Obviously, he didn’t have anything to lose. But I came in the locker room after, the guys sort of looked at me, just to look at my reaction. And my reaction was losing to a fourteen year old. And I just sort of looked at them, Wow, this kid is something else…”
Over 50 ATP players – including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Pat Cash, Stefan Kozlov, Francis Tiafoe, Radek Stepanek, Ivan Ljubicic, James Blake, Marat Safin, etc. – describe in detail the actual experience of playing tennis against Rafael Nadal. Also, this book includes Nadal interviews, media, celebrity, fan, insider
Source: http://discuss.tennis/blogs/scoop-malinowski/facing-nadal-djokovic-and-cash-open-up/
Author: Scoop Malinowski
-
thank you for sharing that article general britbox.
I am getting ready for sleep now. I am not sure what to think right now.
by all my calculations--and I made mine 3 years ago--he is spent force.
he brought the world down with his game and his fire and his fight.
but I am afraid now it is over. we all have to live with that. I am not really sure I can to be honest with you.
I keep saying that anyway. I am not happy with Rafa. he is forever my player as are players like vilas, muster, laver, emerson but I am not happy with him.
he walked away from the sport. he could have achieved so much more. certainly 2 more RG crowns.
and that would have been a lot for anybody to overcome. I don't think anybody is going to catch Roger but Djokovic is going to catch both Rafa and Sampras with a single stone.
and that is the mistake Rafa made. he packed his bags too early.
it would have been tough to keep dominating but he had it in him to snag 2 more RG crowns. that is a lot to leave on the table.
-
Hey guys - an interesting interview Rafa did with Marca roughly translated (not by me I must add!)
‘The plan is to work and we are doing it a little bit different way than before. We’re trying to find things that can help us to start the year having some chances. I’m happy for how I’m training and I hope the results will arrive. We’re training on specific things we didn’t take care in the last years: stay more inside the court, lose less meters. I already did it in Beijing and in Shanghai even if things didn’t go perfectly. But I think that from now to the end of the year I’ve time to continue and to refine changes’.
‘I didn’t lose mental strength. I lost control of myself, of my emotions. I’ve more anxiety than the normal. I didn’t lose mental strength because I’m working as always, actually more than before. I’m motivated and I work more because my body allows me to do it. How can I explain this anxiety? It’s a series of circumstances. For many years I played under pressure. Last seasons have been complicated in terms of injuries. In 2012, when I was playing very well, I injured myself and I came back in 2013. That year was incredible but was fatal in terms of my physical state, I was playing always with so much pain. In 2014, when it looked like I was playing better, I had first the wrist, then the appendicitis and evertything contributed to raise my anxiety and make me feel like I have no control of my nerves when I was on court. I worked hard to find a solution and I found it. That allowed me to enjoy my practice and especially my matches”.
‘This year I had anxiety problems that didn’t allow me to enjoy tennis, but there were also important matches that could have changed the dynamics. Am I far away do it? No, I am not. In Rio I was very close to reach the final and I lost a match that I shouldn’t have lost against Fognini. I won Buenos Aires, I came to Indian Wells with good feelings and I lost into the quarter-finals against Raonic after having had three match points. I had the chance to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal with Federer and things may have changed. Then in Miami I suffered from anxiety against Verdasco. I started off well on clay in Montecarlo. Barcelona was a disaster. Once again I didn’t have control of myself’.
‘In Madrid I played a great tournament, and after coming back fit in Rome, into the quarter-finals, I lost against Wawrinka after being up 6-2 in the tie-break. Moments make things complicated. At Roland Garros I faced Djokovic and, despite the improvements, my level wasn’t good enough. I won Stuttgart. In Queen’s, where I had to be consistent, I came back to lose against Dolgopolov. I played very bad in Wimbledon but I didn’t have control of my mind there. Before US Season, I won Hamburg. Against Feli, I lost 7-6 in the 3rd set. At US Open, I was up 2 sets to zero and 3-1. I analyze the year with all these misfortunes and I see that I’m fifth in the Race’.
For the first time Nadal responded to all criticism that have been said about him: ‘Am I “dead”? I don’t know If I’m already done, but I’m not very concerned about it. I go on my way, at the end these are all opinions and everyone is entitled to have his own opinion. Somebody is wrong, others says right things. It’s part of life in general. Everyone has opinions and especially when you’re on TV. They all are valid, but always when come with respect. And sometimes that lacked’.
In some press conferences Rafa said that journalists asked him the same thing over and over again: ‘I said it in the right way. I didn’t feel hurt or I never understood something in the wrong way. The reality is that many beatiful things happened to me during over these years and right now I am hearing some bad things, but that is not a problem to me. I know who I am and I know what I did. And I know what I have to do to keep going. When you try everything, you can’t feel obliged to do more. Sometimes I say that all the opinions are valid if they’re respectful’.
After losing in Wimbledon against Dustin Brown, John McEnroe said that Nadal should change coach. Rafa accepted different opinions as far as “people don’t criticize more than the normal. When you’ve a good attitudine, you can say that a player is playing bad or is finished, but always with respect. When I retire I imagine that Toni to be in my box’.
And what if his fellow countryman Carlos Moya will enter in his team? “I’ve a very good relationship with Carlos and his opinions are and will be always valid. I don’t know what will happen in the future. Things are this way and I’m happy. Nowadays I believe in what I have and I continue with what I have. I believe that me and my group are doing the things well. I do what I can do. I lived beatiful moments and now the bad ones have come, I accept that. It’s not a tragedy and I think that I’m on the right path to come back to play at a high level. What type of level? I don’t know. Will I come back to win a Grand Slam? I don’t know. But I say also that, whetever happens, the most important thing is to be satisfied with myself, which is my case’.
Should he ask help to a psychologist? ‘Well, if I hire a psychologist for my private life, I would not have to say it publicly. I never spoke about personal things publicly. I’ve a public life which is the sport one. Personal things are only for me. I wanna have a private life and If I hire a psychologist, I would do it for my private life.’
He is thinking about the next season, about Australian Open 2016: ‘I don’t know If I’ll be at 100% in Australia, the world doesn’t finish here. But if I keep practicing this way, in the next season things could go in a different way. Physically and mentally I feel better.Immediately after Melbourne, I will play Rio de Janeiro on clay and I will not defend the title in Buenos Aires. Technically I am playing only Rio, then I don’t know if what we’ll do’.
In London 2012, at the Olympic Games, was also scheduled to be the flag bearer for Spain at the opening ceremony. Would he like to do it again in Rio 2016? ‘It doesn’t depend on me, but I could be the flag bearer, I would like to. I lost many important tournaments due to injuries compared to other rivals that haven’t withdrawn from Grand Slams, Masters or Davis Cup Finals. But the Worst thing was to skipping London. First of all because Olympics take place every 4 years, and then because being Spain’s flag bearer gave so much hope’.
Does he think that despite winning 14 Major, 4 Davis Cup Titles and Olympics Gold Medal, he has to play 3 Davis Cup ties to be elegible to play in Rio? The Spaniard must play another tie and could still not play at the Olympics. ‘Someone makes up the rules and these are there to be respected. I don’t know well how rules work to qualify. The reality is that for some reason from 2012 I couldn’t compete in Davis and I didn’t play much ties due to injuries. There was also a bad environment and due to this we find in this situation (Spain is in Group I)’.
Spain has to line up one mixed doubles at Olympics. Would you like to play it with Garbine Muguruza? ‘Yes, I would like to do it, but it’s still far away. It’s not official that I will play men’s doubles with Fernando Verdasco. We started to play together some tournaments beginning in Montreal and now we’ll see what happens’.
Rafa doesn’t plan to become father in short time instead of Federer, Djokovic and also Murray on February: ‘I don’t think that my son will watch me playing, it’s not in my plans. It’s not something that would fascinate me. Everyone take his time. I’m a very familiar person, I like children, but for me having a family means have a more stable life. And now it’s not like this since I travel a lot’.
Will it be a disappointement if he does’t win another Grand Slam title? ‘It can’t be a disappointement after having won 14. If my career finishes today, it would be a career that I have ever dreamed of. It still allows me to keep enjoying tennis, I enjoy it right now.’
-
It's all about money these days General. These guys are going to get as much money as they can, while they are still healthy enough to play and then take their hundreds of millions and live like kings. Why should we worry? Apologies if I sound a bit cynical... oh well, 'tis the Rant and Rave thread, no?
Respectfully,
masterclass
I don't think it's being cynical at all masterclass. These are mere men not mortals who have put their time in on the courts for all of their lives. It is not for them to live up to our expectations. They are entertainers, nothing more. Whatever each of them want to do is OK with me. At some point when all of your needs are met it's hard to continue to be motivated.
If the only goal in sight is being "The Greatest" it is a sad goal. No one will ever attain that elusive title. All of that talk about the greatest is futile, IMO, as you can't measure across generations, technology, and nutrition. Fortunes change on a dime and that's the way life is.
A few years back no one pegged Novak to hit double digits, but he did in amazing fashion, and just like he did, someone can come behind him and usurp him as well.
I guess I'm just a fan. I don't get into the accolades, the records, the statistics or any of that stuff as I find it meaningless. I watch tennis for entertainment purposes only and could care less about legacies. It's their life and if they want to chase money as their careers wind down, that's fine by me.
Strictly tennis,
The Truth.
-
Great article Lady TT, thanks for sharing.
General, I think it is going to be more of the same, meaning Djokovic with almost a free ride to do what he wants.
Who can challenge him? Murray looked like a lost puppy dog against Novak in their match in Shanghai. Novak showed him the way back to the dog house. Tsonga may have beaten Rafa, but it doesn't say a whole lot these days, and he had almost nothing left in the final to even make Novak get out of 2nd gear. There is only 1 youngish player, Nishikori, in the top 10, and he is too brittle to make more than the occasional noise. Raonic, Dimitrov have gone backwards, either due to injury or something else. The young players like Kyrgios, Coric, Kokkinakis are clearly not ready yet. Sure Wawrinka is a threat on slower courts, but it's not often. Then there are Rafa and Roger.
Rafa is convinced that he just has anxiety sometimes, but that it is much better lately, and there is nothing wrong with his mental strength or physical fitness. But when I see him repeatedly lose in 3 set matches, this time to Tsonga, or from 2 sets up in the US Open to succumb in 5 sets to Fabio Fognini, I think there might be either some delusion at work or just talk for the press and public.
Federer took too much time off after the USO. He should have learned from last year in Shanghai, where he was very rusty and got very lucky and barely won against Mayer in the 2nd round, before going on to take the title. This year he didn't get so lucky, and Ramos finished him. Stefan Edberg told Roger a year ago that too long a rest at his age is not good. It's too hard to get back into match fitness, mentally and physically.
But Roger wanted time off to vacation after the US Open and his Davis cup matches. Not sure why. Since Wimbledon, he played 5 matches in Cincy, 7 matches at the USO and 2 singles in Davis Cup. 14 matches in over 3 months. No wonder he was/is rusty. He has to know he was goofing off too much. Well, he's 34, and for the last year and a half has been practically the only one holding Djokovic at bay, along with occasionally Wawrinka when the mood strikes him, and his family of 6 has needs also, so who would say he's not entitled? But the reality is that it just makes it tougher for him. Vienna offered him a wildcard. Many people thought he should take it to get some additional match play. But he instead chose to go to Dubai and practice in the heat. Maybe his back was bothering him. That's another thing that can happen when you don't play regularly at his age. So many top tennis players have had to end their careers with back trouble.
We'll see what happens in Basel, Paris, and the World Tour Finals.
But one thing is certain. Roger, Rafa, and Nole won't be taking much time for training hard this winter on clay or anything else.
Instead, they've all been lured to play in that IPTL - International Premier Tennis League - basically an exhibition league, from December 2nd to 20th, and of course it is on Hard Courts. I hear Rafa may be getting 1 million a match, probably Federer and Djokovic as well.
Here is Rafa's promo for the IPTL Manilla swing (they play in Manilla, Japan, Singapore, Dubai, and New Delhi).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EOApA5cNw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EOApA5cNw)
It's all about money these days General. These guys are going to get as much money as they can, while they are still healthy enough to play and then take their hundreds of millions and live like kings. Why should we worry? Apologies if I sound a bit cynical... oh well, 'tis the Rant and Rave thread, no?
Respectfully,
masterclass
pete samrpas was right and so were we here at Camelot general masterclass:
Rafa is just sailing into the sunset. he chased appearance fee and a few points to qualify for London. for what? just money. he could never win it even when he was playing his best tennis and had all his fitness and all his physicality.
Rafa walked away from the fight long ago and many of his fans simply do not realize it.
he is no match for the top players and he is certainly no match for Djokovic. Federer is aging and andy does not have a forehand.
Djokovic is going to take whatever he wants. seeing a weakened and resigned Rafa he sees a chance to go after 15 majors which will place him #2 in history.
Djokovic is out to surpass both Rafa and Sampras and he can kill both birds with a single stone.
Rafa does not care to fight. people are just going to have to wake up and realize that. he absolutely refuses to work hard and fight.
it is all cosmetic talk and cosmetic practice sessions because he and his team has to do that for the sponsors and to keep their stock price high.
I am afraid it is over. not only no more slams for Rafa but he will find it hard to win a single 500 level event. that means no masters level events either.
only way out of this is go get on clay and also start putting in the very hard and long yards on the fitness front.
-
Great article Lady TT, thanks for sharing.
General, I think it is going to be more of the same, meaning Djokovic with almost a free ride to do what he wants.
Who can challenge him? Murray looked like a lost puppy dog against Novak in their match in Shanghai. Novak showed him the way back to the dog house. Tsonga may have beaten Rafa, but it doesn't say a whole lot these days, and he had almost nothing left in the final to even make Novak get out of 2nd gear. There is only 1 youngish player, Nishikori, in the top 10, and he is too brittle to make more than the occasional noise. Raonic, Dimitrov have gone backwards, either due to injury or something else. The young players like Kyrgios, Coric, Kokkinakis are clearly not ready yet. Sure Wawrinka is a threat on slower courts, but it's not often. Then there are Rafa and Roger.
Rafa is convinced that he just has anxiety sometimes, but that it is much better lately, and there is nothing wrong with his mental strength or physical fitness. But when I see him repeatedly lose in 3 set matches, this time to Tsonga, or from 2 sets up in the US Open to succumb in 5 sets to Fabio Fognini, I think there might be either some delusion at work or just talk for the press and public.
Federer took too much time off after the USO. He should have learned from last year in Shanghai, where he was very rusty and got very lucky and barely won against Mayer in the 2nd round, before going on to take the title. This year he didn't get so lucky, and Ramos finished him. Stefan Edberg told Roger a year ago that too long a rest at his age is not good. It's too hard to get back into match fitness, mentally and physically.
But Roger wanted time off to vacation after the US Open and his Davis cup matches. Not sure why. Since Wimbledon, he played 5 matches in Cincy, 7 matches at the USO and 2 singles in Davis Cup. 14 matches in over 3 months. No wonder he was/is rusty. He has to know he was goofing off too much. Well, he's 34, and for the last year and a half has been practically the only one holding Djokovic at bay, along with occasionally Wawrinka when the mood strikes him, and his family of 6 has needs also, so who would say he's not entitled? But the reality is that it just makes it tougher for him. Vienna offered him a wildcard. Many people thought he should take it to get some additional match play. But he instead chose to go to Dubai and practice in the heat. Maybe his back was bothering him. That's another thing that can happen when you don't play regularly at his age. So many top tennis players have had to end their careers with back trouble.
We'll see what happens in Basel, Paris, and the World Tour Finals.
But one thing is certain. Roger, Rafa, and Nole won't be taking much time for training hard this winter on clay or anything else.
Instead, they've all been lured to play in that IPTL - International Premier Tennis League - basically an exhibition league, from December 2nd to 20th, and of course it is on Hard Courts. I hear Rafa may be getting 1 million a match, probably Federer and Djokovic as well.
Here is Rafa's promo for the IPTL Manilla swing (they play in Manilla, Japan, Singapore, Dubai, and New Delhi).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EOApA5cNw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EOApA5cNw)
It's all about money these days General. These guys are going to get as much money as they can, while they are still healthy enough to play and then take their hundreds of millions and live like kings. Why should we worry? Apologies if I sound a bit cynical... oh well, 'tis the Rant and Rave thread, no?
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
excellent read lady TT.
thanks for sharing. I read that article the other day.
I still think he is on the wrong track if he wants to come back full force.
we have seen this way too many times: all this excessive infatuation with hard courts---and now with limited fitness and significantly diminished physicality--can lead to injury.
he did not beat wawrinka the other day. wawrinka was worn out from his 3 hour match and with little or no rest. wawrinka had nothing left in the tank.
and since when does beating guys like Milos is a huge achievement. Milos cant move and he is known for getting tight against the better players.
he has to get back on clay. continued infatuation with hard courts will just lead to injury and the next injury ends his career. it is just that simple.
he is just a shell what he used to be. he is not coming back stronger next year. we may not even see him on the tour at this current rate.
he has to let this madness go. appearance money is not something he needs right now. he needs fitness and he needs clay.
not much time left now. 2016 is almost here. he will never win another tournament unless he gets on with the hard training and very long and hard yards on the fitness front.. he has to dominate the European clay season in 2016 to be able to challenge djokovic in Paris and on other surfaces.
there is no other way out. it is extremely hard and long training on the red clay or it is the end of a career. he does not the have the ground game he used to have and he limited fitness. he cant challenge the top players with what he is bringing to the battleground.
right now it is looking very much like a repeat of 2015 in 2016. and that is if he stays healthy.
-
Rafael Nadal: ´Some opinions were disrespectful. I won´t be disappointed if I don´t win any Grand Slam´
Tennis - The Spaniard talks about his difficult season, criticism, possible solutions and goals for 2016 ..
Rafael Nadal 17 Oct 2015 - 22:30 / by Gatto Luigi /
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-Some-opinions-were-disrespectful-I-wont-be-disappointed-if-I-dont-win-any-Grand-Slam-articolo27151.html
Very long and interesting interview by Rafael Nadal to Marca.com . The Spanish spoke about his nightmare season, about the criticism and the possible solutions to come back like before.
'The plan is to work and we are doing it a little bit different way than before. We're trying to find things that can help us to start the year having some chances. I'm happy for how I'm training and I hope the results will arrive. We're training on specific things we didn't take care in the last years: stay more inside the court, lose less meters. I already did it in Beijing and in Shanghai even if things didn't go perfectly. But I think that from now to the end of the year I've time to continue and to refine changes'.
'I didn't lose mental strength. I lost control of myself, of my emotions. I've more anxiety than the normal. I didn't lose mental strength because I'm working as always, actually more than before. I'm motivated and I work more because my body allows me to do it. How can I explain this anxiety? It's a series of circumstances. For many years I played under pressure. Last seasons have been complicated in terms of injuries. In 2012, when I was playing very well, I injured myself and I came back in 2013. That year was incredible but was fatal in terms of my physical state, I was playing always with so much pain. In 2014, when it looked like I was playing better, I had first the wrist, then the appendicitis and evertything contributed to raise my anxiety and make me feel like I have no control of my nerves when I was on court. I worked hard to find a solution and I found it. That allowed me to enjoy my practice and especially my matches".
'This year I had anxiety problems that didn't allow me to enjoy tennis, but there were also important matches that could have changed the dynamics. Am I far away do it? No, I am not. In Rio I was very close to reach the final and I lost a match that I shouldn't have lost against Fognini. I won Buenos Aires, I came to Indian Wells with good feelings and I lost into the quarter-finals against Raonic after having had three match points. I had the chance to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal with Federer and things may have changed. Then in Miami I suffered from anxiety against Verdasco. I started off well on clay in Montecarlo. Barcelona was a disaster. Once again I didn't have control of myself'.
'In Madrid I played a great tournament, and after coming back fit in Rome, into the quarter-finals, I lost against Wawrinka after being up 6-2 in the tie-break. Moments make things complicated. At Roland Garros I faced Djokovic and, despite the improvements, my level wasn't good enough. I won Stuttgart. In Queen's, where I had to be consistent, I came back to lose against Dolgopolov. I played very bad in Wimbledon but I didn't have control of my mind there. Before US Season, I won Hamburg. Against Feli, I lost 7-6 in the 3rd set. At US Open, I was up 2 sets to zero and 3-1. I analyze the year with all these misfortunes and I see that I'm fifth in the Race'.
For the first time Nadal responded to all criticism that have been said about him: 'Am I "dead"? I don't know If I'm already done, but I'm not very concerned about it. I go on my way, at the end these are all opinions and everyone is entitled to have his own opinion. Somebody is wrong, others says right things. It's part of life in general. Everyone has opinions and especially when you're on TV. They all are valid, but always when come with respect. And sometimes that lacked'.
In some press conferences Rafa said that journalists asked him the same thing over and over again: 'I said it in the right way. I didn't feel hurt or I never understood something in the wrong way. The reality is that many beatiful things happened to me during over these years and right now I am hearing some bad things, but that is not a problem to me. I know who I am and I know what I did. And I know what I have to do to keep going. When you try everything, you can't feel obliged to do more. Sometimes I say that all the opinions are valid if they're respectful'.
After losing in Wimbledon against Dustin Brown, John McEnroe said that Nadal should change coach. Rafa accepted different opinions as far as "people don't criticize more than the normal. When you've a good attitudine, you can say that a player is playing bad or is finished, but always with respect. When I retire I imagine that Toni to be in my box
And what if his fellow countryman Carlos Moya will enter in his team? "I've a very good relationship with Carlos and his opinions are and will be always valid. I don't know what will happen in the future. Things are this way and I'm happy. Nowadays I believe in what I have and I continue with what I have. I believe that me and my group are doing the things well. I do what I can do. I lived beatiful moments and now the bad ones have come, I accept that. It's not a tragedy and I think that I'm on the right path to come back to play at a high level. What type of level? I don't know. Will I come back to win a Grand Slam? I don't know. But I say also that, whetever happens, the most important thing is to be satisfied with myself, which is my case'.
Should he ask help to a psychologist? 'Well, if I hire a psychologist for my private life, I would not have to say it publicly. I never spoke about personal things publicly. I've a public life which is the sport one. Personal things are only for me. I wanna have a private life and If I hire a psychologist, I would do it for my private life.'
He is thinking about the next season, about Australian Open 2016: 'I don't know If I'll be at 100% in Australia, the world doesn't finish here. But if I keep practicing this way, in the next season things could go in a different way. Physically and mentally I feel better.Immediately after Melbourne, I will play Rio de Janeiro on clay and I will not defend the title in Buenos Aires. Technically I am playing only Rio, then I don't know if what we'll do'.
In London 2012, at the Olympic Games, was also scheduled to be the flag bearer for Spain at the opening ceremony. Would he like to do it again in Rio 2016? 'It doesn't depend on me, but I could be the flag bearer, I would like to. I lost many important tournaments due to injuries compared to other rivals that haven't withdrawn from Grand Slams, Masters or Davis Cup Finals. But the Worst thing was to skipping London. First of all because Olympics take place every 4 years, and then because being Spain's flag bearer gave so much hope'.
Does he think that despite winning 14 Major, 4 Davis Cup Titles and Olympics Gold Medal, he has to play 3 Davis Cup ties to be elegible to play in Rio? The Spaniard must play another tie and could still not play at the Olympics. 'Someone makes up the rules and these are there to be respected. I don't know well how rules work to qualify. The reality is that for some reason from 2012 I couldn't compete in Davis and I didn't play much ties due to injuries. There was also a bad environment and due to this we find in this situation (Spain is in Group I)'.
Spain has to line up one mixed doubles at Olympics. Would you like to play it with Garbine Muguruza? 'Yes, I would like to do it, but it's still far away. It's not official that I will play men's doubles with Fernando Verdasco. We started to play together some tournaments beginning in Montreal and now we'll see what happens'.
Rafa doesn't plan to become father in short time instead of Federer, Djokovic and also Murray on February: 'I don't think that my son will watch me playing, it's not in my plans. It's not something that would fascinate me. Everyone take his time. I'm a very familiar person, I like children, but for me having a family means have a more stable life. And now it's not like this since I travel a lot'.
Will it be a disappointement if he does't win another Grand Slam title? 'It can't be a disappointement after having won 14. If my career finishes today, it would be a career that I have ever dreamed of. It still allows me to keep enjoying tennis, I enjoy it right now.'
-
Rafa gets it done against the mighty Milos.
Berdych and Djokovic also march on.
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
it took 2 hours and 44 minutes to get rid of aging Karlovic.
he seemed excited after the match. good to see him get a little excited again.
nobody has any answers for djokovic. Rafa is the only one who can challenge him but he has a lot of hard work ahead of him.
it is going to be a long road back. the key is going to be getting back to his old dominating self on the red clay Europe in 2016.
and that is assuming he really wants to challenge Djokovic and get back in a position to chase history again.
he simply has to be able to dominate them on the red clay in order to challenge them on other surfaces.
Quick Fact: Did you know that Karlovic is now the ace leader in the history of the ATP Tour? He passed Ivanesevic a week ago. Karlovic is a nightmare to play especially when his serve is on. He hit some good volleys, but Rafa handcuffed him a lot last night. Rafa also had a great night passing.
Not to mention that was a tough first round match. His second match is tough too. He also has Wawrinka if it goes according to projections, so this is a pretty rough draw.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
Rafa has a date with Milos.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/shanghai/5014/daily-schedule
-
it took 2 hours and 44 minutes to get rid of aging Karlovic.
he seemed excited after the match. good to see him get a little excited again.
nobody has any answers for djokovic. Rafa is the only one who can challenge him but he has a lot of hard work ahead of him.
it is going to be a long road back. the key is going to be getting back to his old dominating self on the red clay Europe in 2016.
and that is assuming he really wants to challenge Djokovic and get back in a position to chase history again.
he simply has to be able to dominate them on the red clay in order to challenge them on other surfaces.
-
I cant believe Roger is out already.
it is fairly safe to assume that Rafa will be out soon too. I cant see him getting past 2 matches here.
level of play and fitness is just horrible. it is even worse now than before.
I fear an injury. unfortunately that is really what is going to end up happening.
-
order of play:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/shanghai/5014/daily-schedule
-
there is no stopping djokovic.
roger is getting old and andy does not have a dominating forehand.
and rafa simply gave up the big game hunt about 3 years ago. he has just let his game and fitness deteriorate significantly.
dhokovic has not only won 7 of his last 8 matches against rafa, he will win the next 10 on any surface.
rafa has all the money in the world. he really needs to go retire.
there was no bloody need for another exo in Thailand with the game falling apart and no fitness.
he almost got injured again which is coming soon enough. he had to call the trainer yesterday.
he went to Thailand and Beijing for only 1 reason: they threw some money at him. he went and collected his large appearance money. and he got a ton of cash for helping promote Thailand and also that exo there.
djokovic really acted out there and made it look like a bit of contest. he could easily won 6-0, 6-0.
rafa is damaging his legacy. he doesn't want to win and does not care to win and yet is out there getting destroyed.
fognini is a basket case and yet he has beaten rafa 3 times this year. he had 32 errors the other days. rafa did not win that match. fognini gave it away.
same with jack sock. I could not even bear to watch the highlights. rafa was pushing and shoving the damn ball as if terrified to hit it.
he played like a club player. it was painful to even watch the highlights.
his topspin produces just enough consistency to derail some of the lesser players. rafa has zero chance against the better players in his current state.
it is just horrible to watch. soon it will be nearly impossible to win even 250 level tournaments.
there is no way out. he has to either exit the sport or go log in 6 hours a day on clay. and then there is massive work on fitness.
and since he is showing exactly zero indication of doing that and he cant get off these hard courts, I would venture to say that the next injury will remove him from the sport for good.
he cant come back from the deficit he is in. he is too far back in the race.
do not be fooled by that rank. it will vanish soon enough unless he starts to take control of his career.
he had no business being in Thailand and also in Beijing. he did not need the damn money. his 9 RG crowns are worth about $1 billion over his lifetime.
I think it is time for him to stop embarrassing himself out there.
djokovic pretty much toyed with him in that exo as well.
I am just sick to my damn stomach over what rafa has done to himself.
-
it is really pathetic. I would have gone somewhere else.
he has zero chance against nole and he knows it.
nole has now won 7 of his last 8 matches against rafa.
this is what you get when you don't pay any much attention to your profession and just take one vacation after another.
soon nole will have winning record against rafa. I would have held on to that slight edge a little while longer.
of course I would have never walked away from the sport either.
rafa has no fitness, no ground game, and no physical strength by his previous standards.
nole gave him those 4 games. the score could easily have been 6-0, 6-0.
why on earth would you put yourself through that. why was this bloody tournament so important?
he should stayed at home and just worked on his fitness and his game.
-
I saw the highlights of the Rafa match.
Just horrible. I don't know what the hell happened to his relentless will and his courage.
So many pushed backhands.
He would have won exactly zero games against Djokovic with what he brought against Popsickle.
-
It is more interesting when people are willing to communicate & create.
-
that is a great post lady TT.
we will have to look into those meta tags tomorrow.
great to see lady Ann and lady Olga here.
you folks rock and you keep Camelot alive and kicking.
congrats to everybody for having achieved a great milestone: we blasted past 30,000 posts today.
Yay! I knew we would. Our numbers are growing too and we have more active and committed members too.
-
Thank you very much Clay.
-
that is a great post lady TT.
we will have to look into those meta tags tomorrow.
great to see lady Ann and lady Olga here.
you folks rock and you keep Camelot alive and kicking.
congrats to everybody for having achieved a great milestone: we blasted past 30,000 posts today.
-
we have almost 200 members now lady TT.
only 500 more to go. we can do it if we stay the course and stay determined.
we are just going to transform Camelot into a learning center and a resource center that entertains and inspires.
that will be good enough for us. and a few people will want to interact and chit chat a little bit. and we have the perfect place for that.
there is boundless freedom at Camelot. people can have anything they want here. they can talk and share something or they don't have to if they don't wish to.
they can just relax at Camelot and enjoy the peace and quiet here. they can create poetry here or write songs for instance. they can just do whatever they please.
there is just no way to compete with all the modern social media innovations like twitter, facebook, and scores of other ones.
most of the forums even 10 times the size we are at Camelot are nearly dead. and they have been around a lot longer.
a handful of forums like MTF which are run by fairly large companies do well. the rest have little or no activity.
Camelot is perfect for what we want. we want a calm, quiet, peaceful place where we can just be ourselves. we can just do our thing here and nobody ever bothers anybody in any way.
I see. The member list is really growing and Camelot has evolved into more than we envisioned. You are right about the big tennis forums, they are slowly dying off. TW is a ghost of what it was several years ago and many of the "regulars" no longer post there. I think a lot of it has to do with the aging of Federer and Rafa and those two not winning majors anymore. They were phenomenal and kept the tennis world on its toes. Novak cannot generate that kind of buzz and Murray seems to be on walkabout. Stan is boring, Dmitrov hasn't produced, and the potentials Kei and Raonic have not delivered.
You were quite innovative to become an all inclusive society that embraces all interests and point of views. There will always be a desire for humans to connect with other humans on a social level and Camelot offers that. Its peaceful and accepting environment is ideal for the future. At this point it is turning into a hub of creativity and love of all things old and new.
All we need to work on is how to better market it. Which reminds me, what are your meta tags (I think they're called) for Camelot. You know where you put in certain tag words when people search Google. For instance, when you started Camelot you probably focused on the tennis aspects by putting in tags like tennis, sports, etc. If you can go back and update that you should add terms like social club, creative clubs, castles, horses, travel, and the other things that Camelot now offers. Then when people are searching for groups Camelot Elite Tennis Society will be listed. Just a thought I remembered from when I had my own website.
-
Have a nice day Olga!
-
we have almost 200 members now lady TT.
only 500 more to go. we can do it if we stay the course and stay determined.
we are just going to transform Camelot into a learning center and a resource center that entertains and inspires.
that will be good enough for us. and a few people will want to interact and chit chat a little bit. and we have the perfect place for that.
there is boundless freedom at Camelot. people can have anything they want here. they can talk and share something or they don't have to if they don't wish to.
they can just relax at Camelot and enjoy the peace and quiet here. they can create poetry here or write songs for instance. they can just do whatever they please.
there is just no way to compete with all the modern social media innovations like twitter, facebook, and scores of other ones.
most of the forums even 10 times the size we are at Camelot are nearly dead. and they have been around a lot longer.
a handful of forums like MTF which are run by fairly large companies do well. the rest have little or no activity.
Camelot is perfect for what we want. we want a calm, quiet, peaceful place where we can just be ourselves. we can just do our thing here and nobody ever bothers anybody in any way.
That's cool. ::) Wish you prospective success to your site, Clay! :)
I will tell my friends more about your site that here so many tastes ppl can show that they have. I really love it. ;)
Have a nice day to you and Equine Ann ::)
-
I'm very sorry to interrupt your conversation but just had to say that's great. Thank you very much for inviting me. I know this was the 4th time you asked. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to communicate & join in with the professional authors & poets. I'm very grateful. I love your health & well-being & art history stuff by the way. I also love your horse photos, though I know you're going to tell me they're mine & I'm in charge of the horses. Lol.
-
we have almost 200 members now lady TT.
only 500 more to go. we can do it if we stay the course and stay determined.
we are just going to transform Camelot into a learning center and a resource center that entertains and inspires.
that will be good enough for us. and a few people will want to interact and chit chat a little bit. and we have the perfect place for that.
there is boundless freedom at Camelot. people can have anything they want here. they can talk and share something or they don't have to if they don't wish to.
they can just relax at Camelot and enjoy the peace and quiet here. they can create poetry here or write songs for instance. they can just do whatever they please.
there is just no way to compete with all the modern social media innovations like twitter, facebook, and scores of other ones.
most of the forums even 10 times the size we are at Camelot are nearly dead. and they have been around a lot longer.
a handful of forums like MTF which are run by fairly large companies do well. the rest have little or no activity.
Camelot is perfect for what we want. we want a calm, quiet, peaceful place where we can just be ourselves. we can just do our thing here and nobody ever bothers anybody in any way.
-
well one thing is certain:
his practice sessions are even more lame now than ever before. he just hits a few forehands lazily and calls it practice.
his physical condition has deteriorated even more.
so what is certain is that he does not care to win. and absolutely refuses to work on his game and his fitness.
only questions is this: why the hell is he out there damaging his legacy.
nearly 100% of the all time greats retired near the top.
rafa is not even top 100 in terms of his game and his physical condition. also the chance for a serious injury is too great in this physical condition.
jimmy Connors was in the top 20 for 2 decades. he worked constantly on his game and his fitness to minimize injuries and stay near the top.
he is picking up cash which he does not need. djokovic could have beaten him 6-0, 6-0 in that exo.
-
rise and shine.
good morning everybody.
Good morning, oh great and fearless an innovative leader.
I saw an article today where Rafa says that he will return to form. He has been awful quiet lately, training hard?
Let us hope so anyway.
He needs clay but won't let go of hard courts.
He is in Beijing. He will be out in the first or second round which is good.
He is just going to risk injury in his current state anyway.
Well, he was positive a few days ago, but he has since backtracked. I don't think Rafa knows what he wants to do. I wouldn't be surprised if he retired at the French, 2016. His heart just isn't in it. He seems more concerned about his academy and life after tennis. He lights up when he talks about the academy and helping children and I think he wants to be hands on. He seems totally unconcerned with what's going on in tennis and I don't think that he's worried about records and accolades. He has a great life, maybe he just wants to enjoy it more.
-
rise and shine.
good morning everybody.
Good morning, oh great and fearless an innovative leader.
I saw an article today where Rafa says that he will return to form. He has been awful quiet lately, training hard?
Let us hope so anyway.
He needs clay but won't let go of hard courts.
He is in Beijing. He will be out in the first or second round which is good.
He is just going to risk injury in his current state anyway.
-
It is very interesting. It's not one to watch when you're not feeling very alert though as it's definitely 1 of those films you most definitely need to use your brain for.
-
Hello Lady Ann and Lady TT. I'll have to check that film out. :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Hey general hercules, I hope you are well.
I'm trying to ramp up a new "business".
I'm busy helping people of any age in the local area interested in improving their English.
I'm encouraged so far. :)
I'm not sure what to make of Rafa at the moment.
He says he is feeling better and he thinks it will all come together soon, but then you see him in the video slumping over the net after practice like he is exhausted. Maybe he is practicing very hard, I don't know.
Maybe his positive talk is just lip service for his sponsors. He still has quite a few contracts.
But I sense something else going on with him. He seems quite relaxed and happy talking about his academy and family and so forth.
I still think if he devotes himself completely to his tennis over the winter, he can make a strong come back next year. I still think he can take a 10th crown at Roland Garros. I just don't know if that is what he wants to do. If he is not totally committed, I don't think it will get the job done as he hits 30 next year. The very top guys are keeping themselves at a high level, and it's tough for anyone to break into that stratosphere.
Anyway, it won't be so long now that I think we will see some drastic changes on the tennis scene.
There are a lot of 30+ year old players or soon to be 30 in the top 100. Eventually they have to disappear, and we'll have new generations take over. One would think that some of these young ones would have to start showing something beyond a flashy win here or there.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Hello Masterclass! I'm very sorry I can't answer your question Clay. I haven't watched tennis since John McEnroe played. I used to like playing myself but was only good at serving. Lol. I only watch selected t.v. programmes, mainly history or antique ones & most of the time I'd rather read than watch a film. The last film I watched was the theory of everything. My sister bought me it & wants to watch it after me but wants me to explain it to her. I'll have to watch it with subtitles & then watch it again taking notes to ensure I get everything before I explain it to her. It's a brilliant film though.
-
What up general masterclass.
Rafa is a spent force.
This is his way of doing a retirement tour.
He can't beat anybody on any surface now.
And simply refuses to do anything about it.
-
Good afternoon lady Ann and Lady TT.
Rafa is farting around in Thailand with djokovic.
It is just pathetic. Chasing exo money when he is an all time great and worth $300 million.
Why doesn't he go find his ground game on clay?
-
Hello everyone,
I just saw this interview of Rafa in Manacor and his tennis Academy. It's quite an impressive site.
I found it interesting to hear Rafa say how tired he was the first 6 months of the year and now he is feeling better.
I was hoping he'll get on the clay eventually, but it looks like he is practicing on the indoor hard court, I guess since the fall hc and indoor tournaments are coming up. Anyway, it's in English and he talks about his family and other things, and gives Andy Murray some nice words.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvvpbsAobYo
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Hello Clay!
-
rise and shine.
good morning everybody.
Good morning, oh great and fearless an innovative leader.
I saw an article today where Rafa says that he will return to form. He has been awful quiet lately, training hard?
-
rise and shine.
good morning everybody.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fcamelot%2520forum%2Fcoffee-10_zpsufnagwxm.jpg&hash=7a5da1270e83003ccd0bf9ecbe27d237ebc9733b) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/camelot%20forum/coffee-10_zpsufnagwxm.jpg.html)
-
crisstti stopped by the Camelot Fantasy section.
she said she liked the idea of general discussions thread at the Camelot Fantasy section.
so we have started that thread. we will have fun with it.
I missed her. There's really so many things to do at Camelot. We've gotten some great people in the last few months. They're active, involved, and full of creative ideas. Nice.
there is nothing but freedom here.
no rules and no requirements.
Rafa will be in Abu Dhabi near the end of December.
lets hope for a great 2016.
Crisstti came to the camelot fantasy section and wanted a general chat thread for that section.
we created such a thread there. it is a good one too.
there one can talk to everybody at once if they wish.
and everbody still have their own castles if they wish to go there and do whatever they please.
we have almost 200 members now. we will shoot for 700.
-
crisstti stopped by the Camelot Fantasy section.
she said she liked the idea of general discussions thread at the Camelot Fantasy section.
so we have started that thread. we will have fun with it.
I missed her. There's really so many things to do at Camelot. We've gotten some great people in the last few months. They're active, involved, and full of creative ideas. Nice.
-
crisstti stopped by the Camelot Fantasy section.
she said she liked the idea of general discussions thread at the Camelot Fantasy section.
so we have started that thread. we will have fun with it.
-
Let's just hope for a better 2016, and of course, anything is possible.
-
Agreed.
It is a bust.
I am heart broken about my players.
they need to get out in front in 2016 and stay out in front.
They can do it.
-
I still cant get over the roger Federer loss.
this was immense and it got away from him.
It was bizarre, wasn't it? Meanwhile Novak marches on. This season, for me, was a bust. Tennis is not fun without Rafa and you can't really count on Andy!
-
I still cant get over the roger Federer loss.
this was immense and it got away from him.
-
I have to take a bit of time here to rant about the crowd for the final. Now, no doubt they were waiting a long time for the final to start because of the rain, and probably many were drunk by the start of the final.
The Ashe crowd was disgusting and stupid. If they really wanted their man Federer to win, and been smart, they should have been totally silent for all of Novak's shots, like a church full of people listening to the priest. Good shot, great shot, bad shot, fault, double fault, no matter.
This is the correct strategy for a crowd who wants their man to beat Nole.for a player of Novak's psyche. It is respectful but damning at the same time. Being quiet when he makes bad shots is respectful and only common tennis etiquette.
But the thing that hurts Nole the worst, is when there is no applause, nothing, just silence for his great shots and efforts. We've seen evidence of this many times. When he feels under appreciated, it is then he tries to lift the crowd up, lifting his arms in the hope of getting deserved appreciation and adulation. If all he receives is silence, he can't understand and it devastates him. It is the worst thing for him. It completely shatters him. There is nothing worse for him than to be totally ignored.
But instead, the ignorant and largely inebriated crowd cheered or mocked his bad shots, maybe some even used bad language. This has the opposite effect on a man like Novak. It just spurs him on in defiance. It makes him furious, stronger and he hits back even harder.
So for the crowd of Federer fans who carried out this behavior, you can only blame yourselves for goading Novak to a level where he refused to give up on shots, running everything down and making the great Federer attempt winner after winner, only to see them amazingly come back in his face. When attacked, Nole defended, defended, and then attacked back. What could Federer do in the face of that? Due to Nole's extreme effort and the slower humid night conditions, Federer was hitting lines and still couldn't get the ball past Novak. His only chance was to come to the net even more, but he wasn't quite brave enough to do it in the crucial points. He knows it now, but too late for him. Fortune favors the bravest!
THIS IS SPARTAAA! (Guess who that is next to Novak)
(https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/screen-shot-2015-09-14-at-10-22-24-am.png?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
Respectfully,
masterclass
The crowd didn't seem that bad to me for most of the match. I thought they were pretty fair, but they did get raucous at crucial stages in the stages, break points, set points, can we get another set points. The only time I thought they were bad was when Federer was fighting for that second set, but that's normal crowd behavior. They're always cheering the guy that's down because they want another set. It happens to everyone. I don't it's because they're favoring one over the other, they just want more bang for their buck.
Nole knows this, but he doesn't care. He wants the adulation so bad that he overlooks this in every match and gets a chip on his shoulder and like you said turns into a machine.
It's so hard to like Novak because he's so insecure and needy. He's not going to be as loved as Roger and Rafa, no matter what their results, because on court they were also courteous, respectful, and gentlemanly to each other. It was a breath of air for fans, something that will be hard to come around again. When Novak sneers, challenges the crowd and acts like a caveman on court, what does he expect?
And if the crown was raucous, shouldn't have expected that? This would have been huge for Federer at this point in his career, any idiot should be able to understand that.
I am so tired of the commentators trying to shove Novak down our throats. As a whole, we don't like him, no matter how much he wins. Attitude is everything.
-
I have to take a bit of time here to rant about the crowd for the final. Now, no doubt they were waiting a long time for the final to start because of the rain, and probably many were drunk by the start of the final.
The Ashe crowd was disgusting and stupid. If they really wanted their man Federer to win, and been smart, they should have been totally silent for all of Novak's shots, like a church full of people listening to the priest. Good shot, great shot, bad shot, fault, double fault, no matter.
This is the correct strategy for a crowd who wants their man to beat Nole.for a player of Novak's psyche. It is respectful but damning at the same time. Being quiet when he makes bad shots is respectful and only common tennis etiquette.
But the thing that hurts Nole the worst, is when there is no applause, nothing, just silence for his great shots and efforts. We've seen evidence of this many times. When he feels under appreciated, it is then he tries to lift the crowd up, lifting his arms in the hope of getting deserved appreciation and adulation. If all he receives is silence, he can't understand and it devastates him. It is the worst thing for him. It completely shatters him. There is nothing worse for him than to be totally ignored.
But instead, the ignorant and largely inebriated crowd cheered or mocked his bad shots, maybe some even used bad language. This has the opposite effect on a man like Novak. It just spurs him on in defiance. It makes him furious, stronger and he hits back even harder.
So for the crowd of Federer fans who carried out this behavior, you can only blame yourselves for goading Novak to a level where he refused to give up on shots, running everything down and making the great Federer attempt winner after winner, only to see them amazingly come back in his face. When attacked, Nole defended, defended, and then attacked back. What could Federer do in the face of that? Due to Nole's extreme effort and the slower humid night conditions, Federer was hitting lines and still couldn't get the ball past Novak. His only chance was to come to the net even more, but he wasn't quite brave enough to do it in the crucial points. He knows it now, but too late for him. Fortune favors the bravest!
THIS IS SPARTAAA! (Guess who that is next to Novak)
(https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/screen-shot-2015-09-14-at-10-22-24-am.png?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I completely agree Lady TT, great posts. They probably ate dinner too early and then were afraid to eat much later. I saw them eating both snacks as they were playing.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Yep. Federer threw that match away. Novak was there for the taking. I'm not happy with the Swiss Assassin. He really had Novak behind the 8 ball in many of his service games, love - 40 or, 15-40, and either played too safe on those points, got into rallies and ended up making errors, or he hit wild shots on easy sitters. On other points he was aggressive and did well. For some reason he crawled into a hole on the crucial points, like a scared rabbit, after just beating the guy in straight sets in the Cincinnati Masters.
Federer : 4 for 24 on break points. 1 out of 11 on second serve break points. Third set Federer had a 2 sitter forehands for break point to go up 2 sets to 1 and blew it, one he hit right at Novak for some reason with the whole court wide open, then soon after, tactically worked hard to move Djokovic out of the court, but about 6 feet from the net hit an easy forehand sitter long past the open court that you or I could have made, and Novak ended up winning the 3rd set.
Novak: 35 Winners, 37 UE's. 6/13 on break points.
Roger: 56 Winners, 54 UE's. 4/24 on break points.
Congrats to Novak on his 10th major win. Commiserations to Roger, who for some reason is not getting it done vs. Nole in majors, even when presented with great opportunity.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I guess it was just not meant to be. roger has way too much experience on the big stage to throw this away like this. he had this slam.
he could have dismantled djokovic today. these opportunities are difficult to come by.
I am just at a loss.
4 for 24 is on break points is not acceptable at this stage for anybody, let alone for roger. he made it too simple for his adversary.
I think the three hour delay grossly affected the match and the players. They were both so tense throughout and never settled into playing their games. Bad luck for Roger. Opportunity missed.
-
Yep. Federer threw that match away. Novak was there for the taking. I'm not happy with the Swiss Assassin. He really had Novak behind the 8 ball in many of his service games, love - 40 or, 15-40, and either played too safe on those points, got into rallies and ended up making errors, or he hit wild shots on easy sitters. On other points he was aggressive and did well. For some reason he crawled into a hole on the crucial points, like a scared rabbit, after just beating the guy in straight sets in the Cincinnati Masters.
Federer : 4 for 24 on break points. 1 out of 11 on second serve break points. Third set Federer had a 2 sitter forehands for break point to go up 2 sets to 1 and blew it, one he hit right at Novak for some reason with the whole court wide open, then soon after, tactically worked hard to move Djokovic out of the court, but about 6 feet from the net hit an easy forehand sitter long past the open court that you or I could have made, and Novak ended up winning the 3rd set.
Novak: 35 Winners, 37 UE's. 6/13 on break points.
Roger: 56 Winners, 54 UE's. 4/24 on break points.
Congrats to Novak on his 10th major win. Commiserations to Roger, who for some reason is not getting it done vs. Nole in majors, even when presented with great opportunity.
Respectfully,
masterclass
It was an awful match. Both were ripe for the taking. Federer came out tense, nervous, and afraid and the same with Novak. Novak hadn’t played particularly well the entire tournament; much credit goes to the quality of his opponents, and the same with Federer. They had a few good points scattered throughout the match, but the match was played as if either one was willing to capitulate at the slightest sign of adversity. The error count for both was atrocious. Balls spraying everywhere; it was a disappointing performance from both players. 4/24 is abysmal, because Federer did not make Novak earn those reprieves. I couldn’t believe it.
I don’t know how Federer bungled that second set. It would’ve given him great confidence. Novak was off during most of that final and the gushing by the commentators was BS. Neither one played well and any hot player facing them would’ve taken that match.
It was a disappointing end to the grand slam season.
-
great post general masterclass.
the headlines all over the world read that there is "no end to the djokovic domination".
only player that could have stopped him pretty much brought his RG crown to djokovic's house and handed it to him personally. Federer is the other one who has the means to derail djokovic.
Federer is up there but yesterday's loss is immense. he really needed this one.
-
You're right general. Who can stop him in 5 sets?
An aging brilliant Federer? Clearly it's very difficult for him to keep mentally focused for some reason in a 5 set match. Yet rather sadly, he is the only one giving Novak battle most recently. Well, Stan as well, sometimes.
Nadal? Well, I still think he has 1 RG left in him, but I don't know if he wants it badly enough. He must realize the window is quickly closing.
Murray? As you said. Lacking in areas. Forehand, weak 2nd serve, and a bit of a mental thing with the top players.
Wawrinka? Ok, his best level matches up well with Djokovic on the slower courts like AO and RG, where he beat Novak this year. But you never know if he will be there at the end of a tournament.
Nobody else has challenged him.
Unfortunately Del Potro seems to be permanently injured with the wrists. I hope not, but it's not looking good for him.
I always thought if he could be healthy he would be there with Novak and Andy once Rafa and Roger diminished.
Cilic may have been a 1 timer and he is 0-14 vs. Djokovic anyway.
The generation following Djokovic, Nadal? Like Nishikori, Raonic, Dimitrov?
Nishikori, maybe, but he seems too brittle and prone to upsets.
Raonic, no. Dimitrov, looking less likely as time goes by.
The rest just don't seem slam material, and they are hardly competitive with the top players.
The younger generation of Kokkinakis, Coric, Kyrgios, etc. Maybe, but it will be a few years.
Really right now, it should be Nadal & Murray who should be Novak's main rivals. But neither looks up to it at the moment.
Let's see how Novak does next year. He'll be 29 in May.
But he is so fit, I think it won't matter with the lack of competition.
He could win 3 of 4 next year or even 2 years if he is still motivated.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I am quite upset:
roger keeps giving away slams. rafa rather vacation, and go to boating shows, and whatever else that comes to mind than play tennis.
and poor andy does not have a dominant forehand to deal with djokovic.
djokovic could run past both rafa and roger at this rate.
I will go ahead and say it now. it is pretty much a given now that djokovic is going to be sitting on 15-16 slams.
-
Yep. Federer threw that match away. Novak was there for the taking. I'm not happy with the Swiss Assassin. He really had Novak behind the 8 ball in many of his service games, love - 40 or, 15-40, and either played too safe on those points, got into rallies and ended up making errors, or he hit wild shots on easy sitters. On other points he was aggressive and did well. For some reason he crawled into a hole on the crucial points, like a scared rabbit, after just beating the guy in straight sets in the Cincinnati Masters.
Federer : 4 for 24 on break points. 1 out of 11 on second serve break points. Third set Federer had a 2 sitter forehands for break point to go up 2 sets to 1 and blew it, one he hit right at Novak for some reason with the whole court wide open, then soon after, tactically worked hard to move Djokovic out of the court, but about 6 feet from the net hit an easy forehand sitter long past the open court that you or I could have made, and Novak ended up winning the 3rd set.
Novak: 35 Winners, 37 UE's. 6/13 on break points.
Roger: 56 Winners, 54 UE's. 4/24 on break points.
Congrats to Novak on his 10th major win. Commiserations to Roger, who for some reason is not getting it done vs. Nole in majors, even when presented with great opportunity.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I guess it was just not meant to be. roger has way too much experience on the big stage to throw this away like this. he had this slam.
he could have dismantled djokovic today. these opportunities are difficult to come by.
I am just at a loss.
4 for 24 is on break points is not acceptable at this stage for anybody, let alone for roger. he made it too simple for his adversary.
-
Yep. Federer threw that match away. Novak was there for the taking. I'm not happy with the Swiss Assassin. He really had Novak behind the 8 ball in many of his service games, love - 40 or, 15-40, and either played too safe on those points, got into rallies and ended up making errors, or he hit wild shots on easy sitters. On other points he was aggressive and did well. For some reason he crawled into a hole on the crucial points, like a scared rabbit, after just beating the guy in straight sets in the Cincinnati Masters.
Federer : 4 for 24 on break points. 1 out of 11 on second serve break points. Third set Federer had a 2 sitter forehands for break point to go up 2 sets to 1 and blew it, one he hit right at Novak for some reason with the whole court wide open, then soon after, tactically worked hard to move Djokovic out of the court, but about 6 feet from the net hit an easy forehand sitter long past the open court that you or I could have made, and Novak ended up winning the 3rd set.
Novak: 35 Winners, 37 UE's. 6/13 on break points.
Roger: 56 Winners, 54 UE's. 4/24 on break points.
Congrats to Novak on his 10th major win. Commiserations to Roger, who for some reason is not getting it done vs. Nole in majors, even when presented with great opportunity.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
general masterclass was right:
roger needed 2 of the first 3 sets.
-
I'm going to bed. This match is not good at all. Errors, dips, and erratic play. I guess I'll find out tomorrow it's making my head hurt.
-
Que pasa General masterclass.
Flavia becomes the oldest player in the open era to capture a slam. And it was not even her best surface but clay prowess gave her the edge.
Another interesting fact:
Roberta Vinci and Flavia grew up 40 miles apart.
65 kilometers.
-
Congrats to Flavia Pennetta, a wonderful young lady, loved by all the women on the tour, and a great champion. How awesome to win her first major, retire, and ride off into the sunset. A hard earned and deserved victory as she beat Kvitova, Stosur, and Halep to get into the championship.
Whatever is meant, will be. Go Flavia.
Well said Lady TT and general hercules. I would add to what you said general about mental discipline. I think Roberta's doubles play in slam finals gave her the mental experience to keep her from being too nervous and the all court play to win against someone like Serena.
For too long the WTA has been missing players that play top level all court tennis with variety like a Hingis or Henin, so it's good to see.
Very emotional last two days for the older players, Serena, Roberta, and Flavia.
Roberta Vinci beating Serena in the semis was incredible for her. She won a lot of fans with her honest and humble joy.
Then both Vinci and Penneta had to play the next day in the final, and gave it their best and comrades to the end, and Flavia wins,and announces her retirement, riding off into the sunset as you said.
I'm not sure if it is what he wants, but this is similar to what I would like for Rafa, or for that matter Roger.
To win his 10th Roland Garros against a top player and then ride off into the sunset.
He's done more than anyone on the planet in the history of the sport there.
I think Federer winning a historic 8th Wimbledon would be another career ending moment.
But today it's the US Open Men's Final.
Who snatches it?
If it goes 5 sets, I'm leaning to Djokovic because he is just the fittest player on the planet, otherwise, I think Federer can snatch it if he continues his play of late. His serve has been immense, and his defense, when needed, has been superb. You don't win tiebreakers against Johnny Isnahhh 7-0 without a great return and good defense.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
morning sports fans.
let the good times roll.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fspartan%2520images%2Fthis%2520is%2520sparta%2Fsparatus-1%2Fcool%2520pix%2Fleonidas-1%2Fcoffee-304_zpsmirzsjp6.jpg&hash=ffe3a3260d33f812ca8ebbbf3125b68aee45a7c6) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/spartan%20images/this%20is%20sparta/sparatus-1/cool%20pix/leonidas-1/coffee-304_zpsmirzsjp6.jpg.html)
-
Flavia's true genius was on clay. it was clay that helped her reach for glory yesterday.
she kept herself healthy, fit, focused, driven and also kept true to her roots which was clay.
clay allowed her to develop and maintain her consistency and she never forgot that for a second. clay also gave her the mental discipline needed to win today on all surfaces.
-
Congrats to Flavia Pennetta, a wonderful young lady, loved by all the women on the tour, and a great champion. How awesome to win her first major, retire, and ride off into the sunset. A hard earned and deserved victory as she beat Kvitova, Stosur, and Halep to get into the championship.
Whatever is meant, will be. Go Flavia.
-
Flavia is pushing 34.
what the hell is wrong with Rafa? Roger is pushing 35.
bryan brothers are nearly 40 and dominating the planet.
Serena is nearly 33 and dominates the planet.
-
memo to general masterclass:
have the buffoon at MTF fire up our legendary roger Federer thread.
he is going to add to his slam total. and I also have him as the heavy favorite to capture the next Wimbledon.
rafa wants to screw around and poor andy does not have a forehand.
it is the roger vs djokovic planet.
and roger is taking this slam. he just has to blitz djokovic and I think he is going to do just that.
Fired up general.
You are absolutely right. Federer will have to blitz the Serbian Slayer. Novak is too fit to deal with over 5 sets.
Federer still has not dropped a set in the tournament. He needs to win at least 2 of the first 3 sets, then take it in 3 or 4, or Djoker will be crowned the winner.
Djokovic will turn 29 (Rafa's age) next year. We'll see what happens with him as he gets close to 30. Considering his fitness, I think he can go 5 more years if he wants it. But I've heard that he might retire earlier for family and politics reasons. They might elect him president of Serbia, who knows?
Respectfully,
masterclass
affirmative General masterclass.
Djokovic also managed to issue a direct challenge to Roger.
So that is added fuel for Roger's competitive fire.
Roger in straights or 4.
More later.
djokovic has lost 4 u.s. Open finals.
-
memo to general masterclass:
have the buffoon at MTF fire up our legendary roger Federer thread.
he is going to add to his slam total. and I also have him as the heavy favorite to capture the next Wimbledon.
rafa wants to screw around and poor andy does not have a forehand.
it is the roger vs djokovic planet.
and roger is taking this slam. he just has to blitz djokovic and I think he is going to do just that.
Fired up general.
You are absolutely right. Federer will have to blitz the Serbian Slayer. Novak is too fit to deal with over 5 sets.
Federer still has not dropped a set in the tournament. He needs to win at least 2 of the first 3 sets, then take it in 3 or 4, or Djoker will be crowned the winner.
Djokovic will turn 29 (Rafa's age) next year. We'll see what happens with him as he gets close to 30. Considering his fitness, I think he can go 5 more years if he wants it. But I've heard that he might retire earlier for family and politics reasons. They might elect him president of Serbia, who knows?
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
it is just baffling that players 10 years older are out there trying to dominate the sport and rafa cant find any motivation and inspiration at all.
what the hell will he do for the next 50 years. he cant coach. nobody can play his style of game today and last more than 2-3 years. their arms would fall off.
and their body would destruct rapidly.
-
memo to general masterclass:
have the buffoon at MTF fire up our legendary roger Federer thread.
he is going to add to his slam total. and I also have him as the heavy favorite to capture the next Wimbledon.
rafa wants to screw around and poor andy does not have a forehand.
it is the roger vs djokovic planet.
and roger is taking this slam. he just has to blitz djokovic and I think he is going to do just that.
-
Huge upset in New York.
Serena out in 3 sets.
Ousted by the 43rd ranked player.
-
That's a good idea Clay.
-
Of course Ann. Thank you for your help.
Yes people have been complaining that it is too hard to navigate.
so at least until they can comfortable with the surroundings I thought it might be a good idea to raise the Camelot Fantasy section.
-
I find it easy enough Clay. Do you want me to advise other people if they seem to want or need help?
-
folks almost all of the activity appears to be at the Camelot Fantasy section.
we can try to raise that section. people are complaining that the site is hard to navigate.
that is one reason why many are not able to post at the moment.
-
Stan and Roger are on a roll.
Congrats to them and their fans.
-
Sad for Murray, but very happy for Kevin, (such a nice guy). Murray has been pretty iffy all year to me. He's not playing with conviction, just getting by. I've been very disappointed in his lack of competitive edge.
Shocked that Gasquet beat Berdych. Tomas is another one that's been lagging lately. Maybe it's the marriage, but he's lost his competitive edge too.
Djokovic isn't look as great to me as people are saying. He still should beat those in his path, but I'm not sure he'll get past Federer, if Federer makes it. Great match between Fed and Isner.
Stan isn't looking so hot either.
Rafa's grandfather passed.
Anderson is tall too. he is 6 foot 7.
-
General hercules, that was a huge effort by Anderson. Many say he has choked in the big moments against the better players. But he didn't this time. That was probably his best match ever, and another big effort against a top player since losing to Djokovic at Wimbledon in 5 sets.
Murray seemed tired to me, and the Armstrong court might have not favored him. But Anderson is a few years older, so...
Also Gasquet came away with a big win against Berdych.
And Federer handled the big serving Isnahhhh like he has handled most of the biggest servers he has faced. Focus on his return of serve and holding his own serve, and that usually is enough. Isner lost a tiebreaker 0-7 for the first time in his career of almost 500 tiebreaks. Hard to see how a big server like he is doesn't get a point. Took a bit of luck for that to happen. Still a very mentally exhausting match for 3 sets. Very tight and lasted almost 3 hours.
So here are the quarterfinalists:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COWi2cJUkAAgfYB.jpg)
Anderson vs. Wawrinka should be interesting. Anderson has taken the last 4 meetings. Stan took the first 3.
Djokovic has Lopez to beat, then either Tsonga or Cilic. I think you are correct.
Somebody will have to blitz Djokovic to win. Nobody is going to outlast him.
I think if anyone, it could be Tsonga. He's been playing well General. He might have a shot.
But yeah, it looks like it could be a Nole - Roger final again, but you never know at the US Open.
Nobody in the Open Era has won the US Open without dropping a set.
Neither Tsonga and Federer have dropped a set yet. But it gets tougher from here.
Respectfully,
masterclass
great post general.
Anderson had 2 issues in the past: inconsistency and some choking/getting tight in the clutch.
-
Sad for Murray, but very happy for Kevin, (such a nice guy). Murray has been pretty iffy all year to me. He's not playing with conviction, just getting by. I've been very disappointed in his lack of competitive edge.
Shocked that Gasquet beat Berdych. Tomas is another one that's been lagging lately. Maybe it's the marriage, but he's lost his competitive edge too.
Djokovic isn't look as great to me as people are saying. He still should beat those in his path, but I'm not sure he'll get past Federer, if Federer makes it. Great match between Fed and Isner.
Stan isn't looking so hot either.
Rafa's grandfather passed.
-
General hercules, that was a huge effort by Anderson. Many say he has choked in the big moments against the better players. But he didn't this time. That was probably his best match ever, and another big effort against a top player since losing to Djokovic at Wimbledon in 5 sets.
Murray seemed tired to me, and the Armstrong court might have not favored him. But Anderson is a few years older, so...
Also Gasquet came away with a big win against Berdych.
And Federer handled the big serving Isnahhhh like he has handled most of the biggest servers he has faced. Focus on his return of serve and holding his own serve, and that usually is enough. Isner lost a tiebreaker 0-7 for the first time in his career of almost 500 tiebreaks. Hard to see how a big server like he is doesn't get a point. Took a bit of luck for that to happen. Still a very mentally exhausting match for 3 sets. Very tight and lasted almost 3 hours.
So here are the quarterfinalists:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COWi2cJUkAAgfYB.jpg)
Anderson vs. Wawrinka should be interesting. Anderson has taken the last 4 meetings. Stan took the first 3.
Djokovic has Lopez to beat, then either Tsonga or Cilic. I think you are correct.
Somebody will have to blitz Djokovic to win. Nobody is going to outlast him.
I think if anyone, it could be Tsonga. He's been playing well General. He might have a shot.
But yeah, it looks like it could be a Nole - Roger final again, but you never know at the US Open.
Nobody in the Open Era has won the US Open without dropping a set.
Neither Tsonga and Federer have dropped a set yet. But it gets tougher from here.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
congrats to the big south African tennis ace.
tough loss for Andy.
the coast does look clear for Djokovic. he is just a tennis machine now after having taken his fitness higher than anybody else on the planet.
I cant see anybody slowing him down.
it will be hard for Federer unless he can gun him down in straights.
rafa doesn't care to compete and battle. I know his fans think different and that he is getting better.
that premise is horribly false. he is getting worse by the day because he just doesn't care to compete, battle, and win battles anymore.
he may be #8 for now but he is really playing barely top 200 level tennis.
the guy that ran circles around him at Wimbledon was ranked like #105.
fog spotted him 2 sets and still took him out.
but of course rafa helped him by being in a pathetic physical condition and by also bailing out of there.
rafa did not want to go deal with djokovic.
which is fine with me: why go to battle with such horrible preparation.
and I am glad that he is out of there. I was afraid of an injury.
-
Tsonga is having a great tournament.
-
General, Lady TT, great posts.
Aside from fitness, which is obviously important for him, here is what I think of the state of his game and what he should do. That's if he still has the desire to do it.
Some people mention his serve as a problem, but I never thought that was a big key to Rafa's success, except for maybe the 2010 US Open. On most surfaces played these days, clay and slower hard courts, all he needs is a good percentage in on first serve and some depth on his second serve so that players can't tee off on it, all just to start the point.
The bigger problem now is his return of serve and consistency of his ground strokes. Many times his return doesn't even bounce past the service box. The opponent gets on the front foot right away and dominates the point, while Rafa has to work extremely hard defending and to try to transition from defense to offense.
His timing has also been very inconsistent, at times almost non-existent. I think this is happening because he is trying his best to adapt to faster hard courts. He's practicing on them too much, and he's playing in too many tournaments. He's changed his style to trying to play more aggressive, closer to the baseline. He can't sit back a couple of meters behind the baseline and prepare his mighty topspin, as he can on clay. But at times, on hard court, he really wants to do it, and needs that topspin, but his timing is way off and his game is just confused, and then it affects his mind and confidence.
At this point in his career, he should do like Roger has done. Focus on his best surface and tournaments, and play his best style of tennis. As general hercules has said many times CLAY is the wellspring from which he flows. There is no better clay court player in the world when he is focused and on song on clay. I seriously believe he needs to get back on clay, practice on it, play on it, and stay on it, only playing hard courts when he is required to do so, with no expectations, and NO change in style to adapt.
I also believe that him trying to adapt and do well on hard courts in the last few years has adversely affected his normal clay court game. Playing the Australian Open is the worst thing for him. Look how well he did the rest of the year when he skipped it in 2013. How many times has injury resulted at the AO, or Rotterdam faster hc indoors, and affected him the rest of the year?
Yes, as he ages, I'm totally convinced he should rededicate himself to being the clay court specialist of the world.
It's clearly what he does best. Hard work and practice on clay, and match play on clay will bring back his natural timing for clay with the big topspin swings and cyclones of death. It seems he has slowed down a notch, as is natural at this age, so he needs to stop relying on the run around forehand from his backhand side. Practice the backhand so he can rely on it, and not put himself out of position on the court, where he would need his tremendous youthful speed to get back to his forehand side. He just doesn't have that anymore. So he needs to play a more honest game and stop trying to camp in his backhand corner to hit the forehand instead of a backhand.
If he does these things, the serve is not a high priority. It never has been on clay. He only needs to get his first serve in 70+% of the time or more and the rest will take care of itself.
I think he has at least 1 or 2 Roland Garros titles still in him if he takes this approach. Of course he needs to seriously build his fitness as well. Players don't win best of five on clay without fitness. Borg knew it, Muster knew it, Nadal knows it. He can't spend his off season playing meaningless though lucrative exhibitions. Vacations need to be few, not long, and far between. He needs as I said earlier, to rededicate himself to the sport. If he does something like this, I have a great deal of hope. If he can't or won't do that, then I sadly don't have a lot of hope.
I don't know if he was crying as the video title below says, but I have to say I was very sad to see the mighty Clay Warrior walking to the locker room with his head down after the match. I even hesitate to add this video, but I feel it's wrong to hide his pain in losing when we have celebrated his glories in winning. He simply can't go out like this! He must leave on his own terms. A RG title and then off into the sunset would be my dream.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3tNG60s5i0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3tNG60s5i0)
Nadal wins French Open (Roland Garros)
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xfveMVkKNoQ%2FU5SYYmbv1lI%2FAAAAAAAAHU4%2Fad_LexJdSIU%2Fs1600%2F7.gif&hash=c4b62ae3b476d2e14b3621b1e3673ac98abdccfd)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.fyre.co%2F1k7HoSqWSUaw9f45yhSR_cowboy-sunset.jpg&hash=36493f08f463cc67cc5892e9ff1d2df19ec96932)
Respectfully,
masterclass
Fantastic post.
But I do think it is over.
he is worth a fortune and will pick up a cool $ 1 billion for his 9 RG crowns.
He has already said this but nobody is listening: he said he does not care to win any more RG crowns.
Meaning he does not care to win titles and more slams.
And it shows. he is doing absolutley zero work on his fitness and even less work on his game.
It is his career and his life. and it his terms.
More on this later.
-
I think he has had a great career and has gotten more out of it than he ever expected, more than I expected too. Personally, I think he should retire because in his heart of hearts I think that's what he wants to do, but the expectations surrounding him are too great and the expectations are not his own, but those of others, which is why I think he is so conflicted.
In the world's view he is supposed to continue to fight, to strive, to better others, to lengthen his legacy yada, yada, yada, but we are dealing with two different personas; Rafa the tennis player and Rafael, the man. Rafael the man wants out and probably when he was off last year did not want to return at all. I think he would have been content to hang up his tennis racket and further his own desires which are to live a simple life, work on his foundation and have a family; simple pleasures that many people cannot understand in their quest for personal greatness.
People make a big deal out of things that aren't even important. I don't get it to be honest. I see people living in big mansions and their houses look like museums and not homes and I'm intrigued as to why anyone wants to live that way, in spaces that are too big too enjoy, or have so much money that they can't responsibly spend in their life in their lifetimes It all seems to so stupid to me.
At what point are people content or is that meter never filled?
If I was Rafa I would retire because I think he has reached the point of diminishing returns where this is no longer what he wants; as evidenced by his actions. I would ride off into the sunset and enjoy the fruits of my labor because sometimes you reach a state of perfect contentment within yourself and external goals no longer inspire you.
It's up to him if he wants to continue on this treadmill, but for what? To be gain an elusive title? acclaim from others? What exactly is he supposed to be striving for? The record books change all the time and no one is held in perpetuity no matter how they chase it.
-
General, Lady TT, great posts.
Aside from fitness, which is obviously important for him, here is what I think of the state of his game and what he should do. That's if he still has the desire to do it.
Some people mention his serve as a problem, but I never thought that was a big key to Rafa's success, except for maybe the 2010 US Open. On most surfaces played these days, clay and slower hard courts, all he needs is a good percentage in on first serve and some depth on his second serve so that players can't tee off on it, all just to start the point.
The bigger problem now is his return of serve and consistency of his ground strokes. Many times his return doesn't even bounce past the service box. The opponent gets on the front foot right away and dominates the point, while Rafa has to work extremely hard defending and to try to transition from defense to offense.
His timing has also been very inconsistent, at times almost non-existent. I think this is happening because he is trying his best to adapt to faster hard courts. He's practicing on them too much, and he's playing in too many tournaments. He's changed his style to trying to play more aggressive, closer to the baseline. He can't sit back a couple of meters behind the baseline and prepare his mighty topspin, as he can on clay. But at times, on hard court, he really wants to do it, and needs that topspin, but his timing is way off and his game is just confused, and then it affects his mind and confidence.
At this point in his career, he should do like Roger has done. Focus on his best surface and tournaments, and play his best style of tennis. As general hercules has said many times CLAY is the wellspring from which he flows. There is no better clay court player in the world when he is focused and on song on clay. I seriously believe he needs to get back on clay, practice on it, play on it, and stay on it, only playing hard courts when he is required to do so, with no expectations, and NO change in style to adapt.
I also believe that him trying to adapt and do well on hard courts in the last few years has adversely affected his normal clay court game. Playing the Australian Open is the worst thing for him. Look how well he did the rest of the year when he skipped it in 2013. How many times has injury resulted at the AO, or Rotterdam faster hc indoors, and affected him the rest of the year?
Yes, as he ages, I'm totally convinced he should rededicate himself to being the clay court specialist of the world.
It's clearly what he does best. Hard work and practice on clay, and match play on clay will bring back his natural timing for clay with the big topspin swings and cyclones of death. It seems he has slowed down a notch, as is natural at this age, so he needs to stop relying on the run around forehand from his backhand side. Practice the backhand so he can rely on it, and not put himself out of position on the court, where he would need his tremendous youthful speed to get back to his forehand side. He just doesn't have that anymore. So he needs to play a more honest game and stop trying to camp in his backhand corner to hit the forehand instead of a backhand.
If he does these things, the serve is not a high priority. It never has been on clay. He only needs to get his first serve in 70+% of the time or more and the rest will take care of itself.
I think he has at least 1 or 2 Roland Garros titles still in him if he takes this approach. Of course he needs to seriously build his fitness as well. Players don't win best of five on clay without fitness. Borg knew it, Muster knew it, Nadal knows it. He can't spend his off season playing meaningless though lucrative exhibitions. Vacations need to be few, not long, and far between. He needs as I said earlier, to rededicate himself to the sport. If he does something like this, I have a great deal of hope. If he can't or won't do that, then I sadly don't have a lot of hope.
I don't know if he was crying as the video title below says, but I have to say I was very sad to see the mighty Clay Warrior walking to the locker room with his head down after the match. I even hesitate to add this video, but I feel it's wrong to hide his pain in losing when we have celebrated his glories in winning. He simply can't go out like this! He must leave on his own terms. A RG title and then off into the sunset would be my dream.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3tNG60s5i0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3tNG60s5i0)
Nadal wins French Open (Roland Garros)
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xfveMVkKNoQ%2FU5SYYmbv1lI%2FAAAAAAAAHU4%2Fad_LexJdSIU%2Fs1600%2F7.gif&hash=c4b62ae3b476d2e14b3621b1e3673ac98abdccfd)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.fyre.co%2F1k7HoSqWSUaw9f45yhSR_cowboy-sunset.jpg&hash=36493f08f463cc67cc5892e9ff1d2df19ec96932)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
it is sad that he is allowing this to happen to him but we cannot say that we did not predict this.
no way in hell was he going to go face djokovic.
so he decided to bail today.
he had a 2 sets lead even. he decided to just end it today and get the hell out of here.
well I am glad it is over. now he can go back to Mallorca and ask himself if this is helping his legacy. he can also ask himself if it is even worth the bother if he knows so clearly that he cant beat the top players.
in other words he knows he cant win any important titles given his current level of drastically reduced fitness and just about 20% of the ground game he used to have.
I am afraid the decline continues.
Well, it was a tall task to expect him to get through a tough five-setter when he's struggled all year in three setters. Still his body can only do so much with such limited fitness.
However, I still saw a lot of good things. With the way he's been bailing in three set matches I'm glad that he made it to a five setter without being gassed out of his head.
On the positive side I saw intensity, fight, and perseverance; things that have been lacking all year.
Without the fitness he's not going to be master these kind of matches, but it's a start and a positive one IMO.
But, it all goes back to the farting around that he's done all season and refusal to take the game seriously. He has been goofing off all season and this is the result. This tournament is the best he's played all year (which is nothing to brag about), but it took him to the USO to even think about competing so I can't feel sorry for him.
Still, moving forward I see good things happening if Rafa is willing to put in the work, and I think he will.
As bad as this season was by his standards, this may be the kick in the pants that he needed. He has been stubborn all season, not wanting to put in the work and this is the result. Rafa's got to suck it up and as a fan, I already have.
-
he was actually spent in his last match.
we have to live with this general masterclass: he does not care to win anymore.
I also knew that he was going to bail in this match one way or another and he did.
it says it all on his face. he does not care to win anymore.
Sampras has this right: rafa is playing like he is retiring.
there is plenty of motivation from roger and serena but he does not care.
it was cool in hamburg. he had a very easy semifinal and he was spent after 40 minutes of play against Fog there.
he started cramping up and even threw up by one account.
he is spent force unless he starts logging in massive long yards on the fitness front.
this year is over for him and I cant see him winning any titles next year either at this current rate of decline.
this dramatic a decline for an all time great player still in his 20's is unprecedented.
he simply walked away from the sport.
and he was no ordinary all time great. he had the best ground game the world had ever seen and he had a winning record against all of the top 30 players.
it is sad and at the same it is not sad because we saw this coming as early as 2009.
more on this later.
-
It's very sad General Hercules.
Rafa's 10 year streak of winning at least 1 major is done.
He was 151-0 when leading 2 sets to love in a major. That's done.
People are saying he played well today in defeat. Maybe at times he did,...I didn't see a lot to be happy about.
His return today against a mediocre server was just woeful, both on first and second serve.
So many short return balls just lined up for winners, and that's when he got in the court.
Rafa was tired after 2+ sets, and lasted the rest on guts alone.
His forehand remains inconsistent. His backhand is the only thing that I would say was pretty solid.
He lost for the 3rd time this year to Fognini, a player he used to own, twice on clay and once on hard.
Obviously, Fognini isn't afraid of Rafa anymore. Fognini had lost 9 straight matches on hard courts coming into the US Open.
There is no place to hide for Rafa.
He either puts in the hard yards, or he doesn't.
The effort during the match was there, but effort alone at his age doesn't win matches.
There is work to do for him in Mallorca. We'll see what he does.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
it is sad that he is allowing this to happen to him but we cannot say that we did not predict this.
no way in hell was he going to go face djokovic.
so he decided to bail today.
he had a 2 sets lead even. he decided to just end it today and get the hell out of here.
well I am glad it is over. now he can go back to Mallorca and ask himself if this is helping his legacy. he can also ask himself if it is even worth the bother if he knows so clearly that he cant beat the top players.
in other words he knows he cant win any important titles given his current level of drastically reduced fitness and just about 20% of the ground game he used to have.
I am afraid the decline continues.
-
Definitely.
-
Roger demolishes Darcis.
no contest. Bring on the next victim.
-
His outbursts are legendary Ann.
I think he just used them to play better.
-
Hello Clay! I preferred him as a player though. I just had to laugh at his outbursts at referees.
-
good morning Ann.
yes johnny mac is a legend. he is bigger than ever now.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fspartan%2520images%2Fthis%2520is%2520sparta%2Fsparatus-1%2Fcool%2520pix%2Fleonidas-1%2Fcoffee%2520beans-1_zpssqcgqle8.png&hash=f15e704612e70eabb24cc363e4adcd450f451fe5) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/spartan%20images/this%20is%20sparta/sparatus-1/cool%20pix/leonidas-1/coffee%20beans-1_zpssqcgqle8.png.html)
-
I'm glad you're o.k. Clay. I do pay little visits to all your places but only say things if I feel I have something relevant to say. I stopped watching tennis shortly after John McEnroe stopped playing as I think he made it more interesting with his arguments with the referee, "you cannot be serious, that's not out, it's in".
-
One further comment.
Nadal would have crushed this guy 2 years ago.
He took a big step forwards against Coric, and took a step back today, and that's been the unfortunate story of the last year.
Respectfully,
masterclass
exactly.
there is no consistency because there has been no work.
-
Hello Clay! I'm fine, thank you very much for asking. How are you?
doing great lady Ann.
very nice of you to stop by here at lady TT's place.
-
One further comment.
Nadal would have crushed this guy 2 years ago.
He took a big step forwards against Coric, and took a step back today, and that's been the unfortunate story of the last year.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Nadal got a 3-0 lead in the 1st set on a nervous Schwartzman. But the lead vanished.
In the tiebreaker, Nadal escaped and won the 1st set against midget but pesky Schwartzman.
Diego was up 5-3 in the tiebreaker on his serve and just choked.
Had an easy forehand from a Nadal short ball, and hit it 2 meters long.
And then just got really tight and Nadal simply took advantage.
I'm not happy with Clay Warrior.
I thought he had turned the corner against Coric, but he has regressed again. So I was wrong to think so.
Forehands spraying all over the place, short balls, same 2015 bad stuff. Looks nervous serving, getting broken.
The only reason Nadal took the 1st set was that this 23 yr old, got nervous when in the position to win it.
Then Nadal was fist pumping like he won the tournament when the kid was clearly rattled and lost it.
Nadal is not going to beat any decent player playing like this. He's like a Jekyll and Hyde now.
You don't know which one is going to appear.
I just don't know what is going on with him. This wasn't from being tired, or lack of fitness. He's just playing poorly.
He might win this match anyway, but I could see Uncle Toni was quite unhappy.
And now the kid is up 2-0 in the second set.
He's small but quick, and is getting a lot of balls back with some pace for a guy his size, so we have to give him some credit.
He reminds me of Ferrer a bit. If he can start believing he can win this instead of being nervous, he should win this match.
He's simply playing better.
Edit: might be a tall order for Diego, he just double faulted to lose the third game and put the set on even terms again. Nadal serving 1-2.
Not a great match. I think Nadal is up to 23 errors 16 winners and Schwartzman isn't far behind with 21 errors and 17 winners after a bit over 1 set.
Schwartzman breaks himself with 2 more unforced errors. Nadal had a good volley for one of the points. 4-3 Nadal. 24 errors for both players.
Nadal playing a bit better finally and Schwartzman worse, and he breaks Schwartzman again to take the set. Schwartsman with 26 errors now, only 20 winners. Nadal 24 errors and 25 winners. So he cleaned up his act the second part of the second set.
After looking like he had control again, Nadal has started going off kilter again and has dropped his server for 2-3. Already 34 errrors and 31 winners total.
Well, Diego is again kind, and handed the break back to Nadal. He was up in the game, but then 2 more unforced errors blew it for him.
Nadal has held serve and he is up 5-4 with Schwartzman serving to stay in the match. Nadal with 39 errors, Schwartzman 38. Who can play worse?
Well, Nadal got it done. Match point, Nadal mishit about 4 balls, and then hit the net hard and it dropped on Schwarzman's side for the winner and the match. Each player had 40 errors. Nadal with 38 winners and Diego with no real weapons 28.
Congrats to Nadal for winning a fairly ugly match. Schwartzman will probably learn from this to take his chances better.
I know it seems like I'm being a bit hard on Nadal today, but 2 days ago I was singing praises. I think in both cases deserved.
Nadal has to be better than today against Fognini if Fognini plays his best (never know with him).
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Hello Clay! I'm fine, thank you very much for asking. How are you?
-
Hello lady Ann. How are you?
-
Hello!
-
good morning everybody.
-
US Open R1: An Interview With Rafael Nadal (September 1, 2015)
On September 1, 2015
http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2015/09/01/rafael-nadal-interview-2015-us-open-first-round-borna-coric/
Q. You started this match very well for two sets.
RAFAEL NADAL: I think I played great. The first two sets I played a very high level of tennis. Seriously, then I get a little bit tired. I had some problems. I was sweating a lot. I lost little bit — you know, I don’t feel enough strong after that, no?
I had little bit of stomach problem so I felt not perfect, physically perfect then.
But then in the fourth I recovered little bit. I played again more aggressive. Finally was important victory for me. Happy the way that I played when I was, you know, physically good.
Q. How great was it to be back in New York after a tournament you won in 2013? Does it feel like a vindication? Not vindication so much, but just you getting back to business now and that in 2015 you’re relatively healthy and able to make a run at another championship?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, is not the moment to think about that, no? Was tough to miss last year because the opportunity of 2014 will not be back. So that’s an opportunity lost. But that’s part of my career, too. I had few opportunities lost during my career. But at the same time, I converted more than what I expected, no? So great to be back in New York. Is a tournament I like a lot. Atmosphere here is just amazing. The crowd, I feel the love of the crowd and the energy of them, so I enjoy a lot playing in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, especially night sessions.
Seriously, I had a great week of practice before the tournament start, no? I don’t know how it going to goes, but I practiced at a very high level of tennis during the previous weeks, no? Something that was tough to arrive to that level at practice the rest of the season.
That gives me calm. That gives me confidence. I know if I’m able to keep having that feelings, I don’t know here, I don’t know in next tournaments, but I will have the success again. I will have the feeling that I can compete against everybody with good conditions.
Q. Physically you will be able to recover?
RAFAEL NADAL: Sure. No, no. Is not the problem at all. Is small thing. But this small lose of energy is more lose of speed during a match against a player who is a fighter. He’s a great player. He is tough, no? He take a set.
Then in the fourth, you know, is tough. Is true that in the fourth he only had one 30-All, I think, something like this. For the rest, I was returning great in the fourth, returning aggressive. I had chances on the return in almost every game. Not breakpoint, but 30-All, and he didn’t.
But when you arrive to 3-All, you know, small mistake and you are in a big problem in the fifth.
Q. There are many players coming on the tour right now. Do you think Coric is among one of the best ones coming right now?
RAFAEL NADAL: Let’s see. Let’s see in the future. We have a few years to see. The best player will be the one who will be able to improve more. One of the things that I believe that our generation did well – I know is different generations, but we competed for a long time, Federer, Novak, myself, Andy, David Ferrer – you know, the real thing is we are always, during 10 years, we improved a lot of things.
So that’s the thing that will make the difference on this new generation. But they are good. We didn’t had one generation like this for a while. They are here now. That’s good for tennis.
Q. You’re the last teenager to win a Grand Slam. There are 10 in this tournament, which is the most in 25 years. Do you think there will ever be teenage champions in the future, or is it too hard at this time in tennis?
RAFAEL NADAL: Is not too hard. I did that. Hewitt did. It’s not a question of the tennis changed and that’s tough. Is a question if the new generations are good enough to do it, if the new generations are mentally prepared to do it.
Seems like, you know, now again, Coric is No. 33 in the world and he’s 18. He’s very young, too. He going to be in a very high position of ranking very, very soon. I’m sure of that.
So is not a question of how hard it is or if the tour changed, is a question of if the players are good or less good. That’s my feeling. And if they are able to be ready mentally at that young age.
Q. You said you had a moment where you didn’t feel perfect. You mentioned a stomach problem. Is that a muscle thing?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, no, was not a stomach problem. Was little bit of just dishydration [sic]. Was very humid tonight out there. I was sweating a lot. Sometimes happens this these days.
-
You are both too kind. But thank you.
Nishikori had some injury problems as usual last tournament and I felt he would be vulnerable.
Benoit Paire has been playing very well of late, and has a lot of talent. He has an excellent serve, very strong 2-hand backhand and a good forehand, volleys well. He moves well for a tall man, but his footwork lacks somewhat, especially when he needs to go back. But he hasn't always had the consistency or strong mentality, especially against tougher defensive players.
He should be no less than a top 20 player and even top 10 if his mentality would improve. Unfortunately that is the story of the French players as a whole. A lot of talent, but not always the best mentality and inconsistent. Wawrinka's coach, Norman, I think would do Paire a world of good. He tends to play more fearless early in a tournament, and usually gets fired up for a big match.
That's why I thought he could spell trouble for Kei Nishikori.
And though I had Rafa on my list of possible upsets, considering his play of late, I saw a big step forward from Rafa yesterday and was very encouraged.
1. He played with more intensity,
2. He looks like he put on a lot of extra muscle between his loss at Cincinnati and yesterday. Especially his right arm looked stronger, and his backhand benefited. He was hitting very solid down the line and cross court on that wing.
3. His serve improved 100%. He was up in the 120's yesterday. Haven't seen that since the 2010 US Open.
4. His return was better, but still needs to be better.
5. Though it looked like his strength improved, his overall fitness still needs more work. He admitted he got tired in the 3rd set and it cost him. But fortunately he got a second wind in the 4th and grabbed it.
6. His confidence looked much improved and his on-court demeanor and body language reflected it. This is essential for his aura so that players will fear him. He had lost that recently. Nobody was really afraid anymore. He was like a target. Yesterday, I saw Rafa of old, with just a few chinks.
I'll say this right now. IF Rafa continues on this path and doesn't take a step back, I think he is a big threat to beat Djokovic in the QF, and even to win the tournament. Maybe some will say it's a bit too early to say he's back, but he took a big step forward yesterday. Very encouraging for him and his team. and of course, his devoted fans.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Kei has had a career full of injuries. I don’t know if it’s because he’s so slight, or if it’s simply fate. Some people are blessed with health and some aren’t. it may just be the luck of the draw.
I love watching Benoit play. He’s a very stylish player, but as you said his mentality needs major improvement. For that reason I thought that even if he got Kei in a pickle he would fold, but he didn’t. I didn’t remember that, but you’re right he does seem to relish the challenge early in a tournament and can be a very dangerous player in the early rounds. He needs a good coach to help him to put it all together. He would be very dangerous if that happens.
Rafa has been missing his trademark intensity all season. Little by little I’ve seen it coming back, specifically in the last three or four tournaments. I noticed his right arm in Cincinnati too. It wasn’t as defined as it usually is. He definitely needs to improve his fitness though, because he shouldn’t be getting tired after two sets. It was a strange declaration considering that he has to play tough players who will now try to tire him out. But that’s Rafa, he’s honest to a fault.
As long as he finishes the season on a high note I’ll be happy. The fact that he’s rediscovered his will is all I can ask. I hope he does well and improves with every match.
-
Andy is not going to have any issues today:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
Stan and Roger march on as expected.
-
I agree General.
IF Rafa gets tired in the 3rd against Djokovic, it might not be as easy to come back into it against him.
That's why Rafa has to use these next few matches wisely.
If he feels he has the match in control, it wouldn't hurt him to stay out there a bit longer.
Then in the match before the QF, he should take it as easily as he can.
So even if Rafa looks and is stronger, his fitness in terms of endurance will have to be there against the likes of Djokovic, if they both make it to the QF.
Respectfully,
masterclass
that is a great post general
I just have a feeling that Rafa knows his limitations now. it is not rocket science for him and his team.
he has been living it up and there has been very limited activity as it relates to his game and his fitness.
all those fellow pros also know. many are wondering why Rafa has been so inactive. he has missed more than 1/2 of the year of tennis and he is perfectly healthy.
this is why he would lay down his sword before he even entered Paris. he declared more than just once that he was not the favorite against anybody.
he will do what he can but even if nole was not in his quarter it would be very difficult for him to win the tournament.
he won in the past even when he was limping around. he had the youth, hunger, and fitness on his side.
I personally think he will not face nole.
but we will see.
-
I agree General.
IF Rafa gets tired in the 3rd against Djokovic, it might not be as easy to come back into it against him.
That's why Rafa has to use these next few matches wisely.
If he feels he has the match in control, it wouldn't hurt him to stay out there a bit longer.
Then in the match before the QF, he should take it as easily as he can.
So even if Rafa looks and is stronger, his fitness in terms of endurance will have to be there against the likes of Djokovic, if they both make it to the QF.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
You are both too kind. But thank you.
Nishikori had some injury problems as usual last tournament and I felt he would be vulnerable.
Benoit Paire has been playing very well of late, and has a lot of talent. He has an excellent serve, very strong 2-hand backhand and a good forehand, volleys well. He moves well for a tall man, but his footwork lacks somewhat, especially when he needs to go back. But he hasn't always had the consistency or strong mentality, especially against tougher defensive players.
He should be no less than a top 20 player and even top 10 if his mentality would improve. Unfortunately that is the story of the French players as a whole. A lot of talent, but not always the best mentality and inconsistent. Wawrinka's coach, Norman, I think would do Paire a world of good. He tends to play more fearless early in a tournament, and usually gets fired up for a big match.
That's why I thought he could spell trouble for Kei Nishikori.
And though I had Rafa on my list of possible upsets, considering his play of late, I saw a big step forward from Rafa yesterday and was very encouraged.
1. He played with more intensity,
2. He looks like he put on a lot of extra muscle between his loss at Cincinnati and yesterday. Especially his right arm looked stronger, and his backhand benefited. He was hitting very solid down the line and cross court on that wing.
3. His serve improved 100%. He was up in the 120's yesterday. Haven't seen that since the 2010 US Open.
4. His return was better, but still needs to be better.
5. Though it looked like his strength improved, his overall fitness still needs more work. He admitted he got tired in the 3rd set and it cost him. But fortunately he got a second wind in the 4th and grabbed it.
6. His confidence looked much improved and his on-court demeanor and body language reflected it. This is essential for his aura so that players will fear him. He had lost that recently. Nobody was really afraid anymore. He was like a target. Yesterday, I saw Rafa of old, with just a few chinks.
I'll say this right now. IF Rafa continues on this path and doesn't take a step back, I think he is a big threat to beat Djokovic in the QF, and even to win the tournament. Maybe some will say it's a bit too early to say he's back, but he took a big step forward yesterday. Very encouraging for him and his team. and of course, his devoted fans.
Respectfully,
masterclass
if anybody can do it players like Rafa and Roger can do it.
they have proven the world wrong many times in their careers.
lack of optimal fitness is what worries me.
supreme fitness gives you confidence and it intimidates the opposition.
-
You are both too kind. But thank you.
Nishikori had some injury problems as usual last tournament and I felt he would be vulnerable.
Benoit Paire has been playing very well of late, and has a lot of talent. He has an excellent serve, very strong 2-hand backhand and a good forehand, volleys well. He moves well for a tall man, but his footwork lacks somewhat, especially when he needs to go back. But he hasn't always had the consistency or strong mentality, especially against tougher defensive players.
He should be no less than a top 20 player and even top 10 if his mentality would improve. Unfortunately that is the story of the French players as a whole. A lot of talent, but not always the best mentality and inconsistent. Wawrinka's coach, Norman, I think would do Paire a world of good. He tends to play more fearless early in a tournament, and usually gets fired up for a big match.
That's why I thought he could spell trouble for Kei Nishikori.
And though I had Rafa on my list of possible upsets, considering his play of late, I saw a big step forward from Rafa yesterday and was very encouraged.
1. He played with more intensity,
2. He looks like he put on a lot of extra muscle between his loss at Cincinnati and yesterday. Especially his right arm looked stronger, and his backhand benefited. He was hitting very solid down the line and cross court on that wing.
3. His serve improved 100%. He was up in the 120's yesterday. Haven't seen that since the 2010 US Open.
4. His return was better, but still needs to be better.
5. Though it looked like his strength improved, his overall fitness still needs more work. He admitted he got tired in the 3rd set and it cost him. But fortunately he got a second wind in the 4th and grabbed it.
6. His confidence looked much improved and his on-court demeanor and body language reflected it. This is essential for his aura so that players will fear him. He had lost that recently. Nobody was really afraid anymore. He was like a target. Yesterday, I saw Rafa of old, with just a few chinks.
I'll say this right now. IF Rafa continues on this path and doesn't take a step back, I think he is a big threat to beat Djokovic in the QF, and even to win the tournament. Maybe some will say it's a bit too early to say he's back, but he took a big step forward yesterday. Very encouraging for him and his team. and of course, his devoted fans.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
thanks lady TT.
and you are among the best also.
well we made it happen. we snatch the battle in 4.
one step at a time and one set at a time.
go Rafa. show them who you are.
-
general masterclass is the greatest poster in the world and the finest mind in tennis.
that is why he chooses to hang his hat at Camelot.
it is his Camelot and it will be his Camelot for the next 100,000 centuries.
Agreed, and you're not bad yourself. Such a wealth of tennis information here at Camelot.
-
general masterclass is the greatest poster in the world and the finest mind in tennis.
that is why he chooses to hang his hat at Camelot.
it is his Camelot and it will be his Camelot for the next 100,000 centuries.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1094.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi455%2FEntouragefan%2Fa3.png&hash=8f7c33e467827986db285f63927bb0b27e5f380c) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/Entouragefan/media/a3.png.html)
This is nice.
-
Nishikori is in trouble:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
That was a shocker, but masterclass did pick it as an upset possibility. I don't understand why. I never saw that coming.
-
It's a great idea to come up with as many ideas as possible & then choose the best like you're indirectly suggesting.
-
Thank you very much.
-
lady Ann it is great to see you around.
please roam freely at Camelot. it is your Camelot. you have the same rights as we do.
enjoy your vast freedom here at Camelot and just do what your heart desires.
-
I prefer the 1 with the Queen on.
I hear ya.
I like the first one.
we will keep looking so we can have more choices.
we most definitely need a cooler banner. times are changing.
-
I prefer the 1 with the Queen on.
-
folks we need a cooler banner.
I am just looking at a few for now.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi140.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr25%2FCrimson_Jackal%2FTeno%2FBanner-MiddleAges.png&hash=5828b0b3d2858c27a027a2fb4258b63bf61417f3)
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1094.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi455%2FEntouragefan%2Fa3.png&hash=8f7c33e467827986db285f63927bb0b27e5f380c) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/Entouragefan/media/a3.png.html)
-
Nishikori is in trouble:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
A quote from Rafa:
Q : What don't you believe ?
Rafa Nadal : “ The acclaim , the success , that I am as good as people seem to think , or as the numbers say I am ”
Q : Why don't you believe it ?
Rafa : “ Because the moment I did it would be all over , I’d be finished ..”
-
Ha ha ha. General masterclass might be a professional comedian.
I can hardly stop laughing.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dobhran.com%2Fimages%2Fredneckhorseshoes.jpg&hash=89e99d97ef54ca20de2ea73ae42d6a27ee176ab3)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chileblogs.com%2Fhappy-pictures%2Ftoilet-seat-redneck.jpg&hash=f8544634ad18e323cfdb3ebeb6ff6a1cc15247e3)
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/20/1a/b1/201ab1e41180b039592b1ed94000364c.jpg)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgJsVp1ty4I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgJsVp1ty4I)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
he is just having fun.
it most certainly does not look like he wants to compete, fight, and battle out there.
there is just no work to speak of. no work on fitness and only token practice sessions that look weak and aimless.
This is true. Did we ever think we would see this? It's shocking. He's just lollygagging around as if he's forgotten who he is and what he's become famous for.
Maybe that's it. He has amnesia and doesn't remember that he's Rafael Nadal. He probably thinks he's a tour player and feels blessed to have this overwhelming popularity, money, and fame. This guy is an impostor.
I want my Rafa back!
-
he is just having fun.
it most certainly does not look like he wants to compete, fight, and battle out there.
there is just no work to speak of. no work on fitness and only token practice sessions that look weak and aimless.
-
It does not matter what kind of draw Rafa has.
I just can't see him winning more than 2-3 matches. He has no fitness and about 20 percent of the ground game he used to have.
Sampras thinks Roger has a chance in New York.
He'll be lucky to get one match. He's been doing a media blitz in NY; working on a huge Tommy Hilfilger campaign and doing some kind of event with Johnny Mac, Serena, and Maria. There can't have been much time to practice as it is, let alone with all of this activity.
Whatever happens in NY will be what was supposed to happen. I hope Serena gets the Grand Slam, but even if she doesn't, she's the greatest ever, IMO.
-
The very best scenario for Rafa:
Lose early which produces zero injuries.
Maybe it will force him to go get on clay and rediscover his ground game.
Significantly diminished fitness makes what little ground game is left even more limited.
-
It does not matter what kind of draw Rafa has.
I just can't see him winning more than 2-3 matches. He has no fitness and about 20 percent of the ground game he used to have.
Sampras thinks Roger has a chance in New York.
-
I posted this in the US Open thread, but I'll post it here as well.
Rafa got an awful draw - in Djokovic quarter.
Almost every player in his section has beaten him in the last year.
He starts with young phenom Coric, who beat him in Basel last fall.
Well, on the bright side it's a chance for revenge against these guys.
But he'll have to play very well to get past each round the way he has played this year.
Very Tough, they really stiffed him this time. Uncle Toni is losing his touch... Well, maybe it's a good thing.
If Rafa goes out early, less chance of injury, and then he can work on his fitness, serve and return game.
If he somehow gets through this mess past Djokovic, then he has a chance to win it all. I would give him about a 10% chance of that happening.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I expected that. It seems to happen more often, than not IMO.
-
I posted this in the US Open thread, but I'll post it here as well.
Rafa got an awful draw - in Djokovic quarter.
Almost every player in his section has beaten him in the last year.
He starts with young phenom Coric, who beat him in Basel last fall.
Well, on the bright side it's a chance for revenge against these guys.
But he'll have to play very well to get past each round the way he has played this year.
Very Tough, they really stiffed him this time. Uncle Toni is losing his touch... Well, maybe it's a good thing.
If Rafa goes out early, less chance of injury, and then he can work on his fitness, serve and return game.
If he somehow gets through this mess past Djokovic, then he has a chance to win it all. I would give him about a 10% chance of that happening.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Roger can do some major damage at the U. S. Open.
He is working very hard for his results.
-
general masterclass I think Roger has some momentum now going forward this season.
he is going to be very tough on the indoor circuit. I am thinking 3-4 more titles this year.
he is healthy, fit, and fresh. and above all he has the monster drive to battle, compete, and win.
Could be general.
Let's see, he has 2 outdoors, US Open, Shanghai, and 3 indoors, Basel, Paris, and the Masters Cup (World Tour Finals), if he plays everything.
He defends Shanghai and Basel. If he can get those 2, plus one more big one, that would be an incredible year for him.
It would be 8 titles this year and 90 for his career. He hasn't had more than 6 titles in a year since 2007.
General, Lady TT, the US Open Draw starts tomorrow at 11:30 am EDT.
Respectfully,
masterclass
That is absolutely amazing. He will definitely get 100+ titles now. I think he's deflating Novak in the process. Novak likes to strut and they keep telling him he's such a dominant #1. He probably thinks he should be beating all comers, but for Federer to remain a thorn in his side at his age is humbling. That's why you can't get beside yourself, because there will always be someone out there to keep you humble. It happens every time.
-
general masterclass I think Roger has some momentum now going forward this season.
he is going to be very tough on the indoor circuit. I am thinking 3-4 more titles this year.
he is healthy, fit, and fresh. and above all he has the monster drive to battle, compete, and win.
Could be general.
Let's see, he has 2 outdoors, US Open, Shanghai, and 3 indoors, Basel, Paris, and the Masters Cup (World Tour Finals), if he plays everything.
He defends Shanghai and Basel. If he can get those 2, plus one more big one, that would be an incredible year for him.
It would be 8 titles this year and 90 for his career. He hasn't had more than 6 titles in a year since 2007.
General, Lady TT, the US Open Draw starts tomorrow at 11:30 am EDT.
Respectfully,
masterclass
At the current rate he will approach 100 by the end of next year. we know he will run past 100 at some point.
-
Try using this image Lady TT.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FvO7vYyb.png&hash=c9d4521e688a6133472057efb25e3be86cc5710f)
Could be Word is not actually altering the original image size when you save it, instead it might be saving the proportion to reduce it and applying it at time of display. You can use the Imgur.com site to upload an image and resize it as you want.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are so smart. I love smart. That's exactly what happened. I would change it on my jpeg and it would revert back every time. That's it for me though, either that or I go and get my brand new computer out of the box and quit dealing with this piece of crap computer that I've been dealing with because I don't want to start over. I appreciate your help so much, thanks again.
No problem. Glad I could help Lady TT. Anytime.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
general masterclass I think Roger has some momentum now going forward this season.
he is going to be very tough on the indoor circuit. I am thinking 3-4 more titles this year.
he is healthy, fit, and fresh. and above all he has the monster drive to battle, compete, and win.
Could be general.
Let's see, he has 2 outdoors, US Open, Shanghai, and 3 indoors, Basel, Paris, and the Masters Cup (World Tour Finals), if he plays everything.
He defends Shanghai and Basel. If he can get those 2, plus one more big one, that would be an incredible year for him.
It would be 8 titles this year and 90 for his career. He hasn't had more than 6 titles in a year since 2007.
General, Lady TT, the US Open Draw starts tomorrow at 11:30 am EDT.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
your new avi rocks lady TT.
I just finished up dinner.
I guess I can try to fix it. or we can try tomorrow night.
dark green was too dark.
It's already fixed. The changes are gone and we're back!
I love my Avi too. It's super cool.
-
your new avi rocks lady TT.
I just finished up dinner.
I guess I can try to fix it. or we can try tomorrow night.
dark green was too dark.
-
well I messed it up.
now I don't know how to get the original look back.
there was a problem with green. st Patrick's day green put a leaf up at the top that I could not get rid of.
I wouldn't worry about it. Change is always glaring, but my eyes adjusted easily.
-
general masterclass I think Roger has some momentum now going forward this season.
he is going to be very tough on the indoor circuit. I am thinking 3-4 more titles this year.
he is healthy, fit, and fresh. and above all he has the monster drive to battle, compete, and win.
Everything is coming together at the right time; the racket change, the knowing when to attack, and the variety is killing guys. I love that Roger is keeping Novak in check. It makes me wonder if Novak was really hurt in the SF's once he knew that he was playing Roger. Novak is good at giving pre-emptive excuses when he's not sure if he's going to win.
If I'm not mistaken Federer has beat him several times this year.
Now, Novak is saying that he is better suited to the USO surface. Hasn't he lost quite a few finals there?
Anywho, I don't care who takes some of the pep out of his step. He needs it.
-
Try using this image Lady TT.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FvO7vYyb.png&hash=c9d4521e688a6133472057efb25e3be86cc5710f)
Could be Word is not actually altering the original image size when you save it, instead it might be saving the proportion to reduce it and applying it at time of display. You can use the Imgur.com site to upload an image and resize it as you want.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are so smart. I love smart. That's exactly what happened. I would change it on my jpeg and it would revert back every time. That's it for me though, either that or I go and get my brand new computer out of the box and quit dealing with this piece of crap computer that I've been dealing with because I don't want to start over. I appreciate your help so much, thanks again.
-
well I messed it up.
now I don't know how to get the original look back.
there was a problem with green. st Patrick's day green put a leaf up at the top that I could not get rid of.
-
I was thinking about giving the forum a new look.
perhaps a little bit greenish for good luck.
we can certainly see how it would look and if people will like it.
of course that would mean we would have to change our cover picture at the top of the opening page.
we would have to find another banner or change the color of the existing banner.
-
general masterclass I think Roger has some momentum now going forward this season.
he is going to be very tough on the indoor circuit. I am thinking 3-4 more titles this year.
he is healthy, fit, and fresh. and above all he has the monster drive to battle, compete, and win.
-
Try using this image Lady TT.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FvO7vYyb.png&hash=c9d4521e688a6133472057efb25e3be86cc5710f)
Could be Word is not actually altering the original image size when you save it, instead it might be saving the proportion to reduce it and applying it at time of display. You can use the Imgur.com site to upload an image and resize it as you want.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Darn it, I did it again.Nothing I do changes the size of the picture. I tried to look up the instructions that masterclass gave me, but it must have been to far back. I've used Help to crop, resize, and save as jpeg, but the picture size doesn't change no matter what I do.
This is what I'm doing and I can't figure what is wrong.
1. I am making a copy of the picture.
2. After pasting it into a Word document.
3. I resize it it in pictures to a manageable size, and it shows up the way that I want
4. I then click save as picture.
5. Name the file and it goes into my pictures.
But, when I upload it to Camelot, the picture remains unchanged. What?
Totally stuck.
4
-
general masterclass can keep us laughing for days with his unique collection of redneck images.
just too good.
now I have to find some myself.
-
great post lady TT.
keep them coming.
-
Great pictures, masterclass. You live in a beautiful part of the country, CD. It explains your laid back, chill demeanor. How can you not be when you are constantly around nature and beauty?
-
General masterclass please go fire up my Roger thread at MTF.
Didn't have to do it general as it turned out. Your legendary thread is well known now and gets updated with every title.
Every title that Federer wins brings him closer to that 100 titles and the countdown is only going to increase from here on out.
Of course some of the jealous idiotic users, are saying the thread should be in the Federer Forum. What a crock..
Well, that's why Camelot is ideal. Nobody tells you can't post some topic here or there. Just post and sit back and enjoy.
Curiously now, the detractors that thought he would never get close to 100 titles and said at best 80, are ignoring that now, and focusing on the 20 slams quest, saying that is a ridiculous number that will never be done. Maybe not, but I never say never. Too much can happen. The guy is #2 in the world for the last year and you can see how hard he is working. If Djokovic goes off the rails or gets injured, you never know.
I think it is funny how many Federer Fans were not on board early in the thread, saying he would be lucky to get 80-82. I don't know why they didn't have confidence. I thought Federer had a good chance once he had that interview where he was asked if he could win 100 titles, he acknowledged thinking about it, and that was a goal of his to have good longevity.
Still, to get it done, he can't be injured too much. His struggled with his back in 2013, and only took 1 title. But it looks like he came back even harder and fitter than ever after that lost season. He made 11 finals in 2014, the most since 2007, and I think he had 85 matches played, the most on tour. Ok, so he "only" had 5 wins out of the 10 finals played (withdrew from WTF final), so he made it a goal this year to do better in finals.
So in 2015 so far, he already has 5 titles from 8 finals. So he improved his percentage. His only 3 losses in finals this year have come to #1 Djokovic, at Wimbledon, Rome, and Indian Wells. 5 tournaments remain on his schedule.
1. US Open
2. Shanghai
3. Basel
4. Paris-Bercy
5. World Tour Finals
I think the way he is playing he has a good chance to snatch 1-3 of those. But who knows? Can't take anything for granted. Titles have to be earned. He may be one of the older players, but he still seems committed to working hard and enjoying the sport. I don't know how he does it with a wife and 4 kids.
After his victory in Cincinnati yesterday, he said to the crowd: "I don't know how many years I can come back, but I'll try my best to be here many more years to come. Doesn't sound like he's ready to hang it up for awhile. I wouldn't be surprised to see him play till 40 if that's what he wants.
Respectfully,
masterclass
magnificent post general.
there is no place like Camelot on the whole planet.
no rules and no requirements.
all we do is make happiness.
Federer is having a good year and I sensed that last year. I had a feeling that he was going to come back strong.
I think he will get another Wimbledon. he has the game for it.
and with the right breaks he may even snatch 2.
I am just seeing tremendous determination and fight in him. you can see it in his eyes.
Thankfully, I was able to see the match in a rerun. It was a great match. Congrats to Federer and his fans. I don't think Novak can deal with all of Fed's variety. He's a ball machine and he's comfortable when he can anticipate what's going to happen. With Federer, he can't do that. I think that's why he has so many problems with Federer.
-
General masterclass please go fire up my Roger thread at MTF.
Didn't have to do it general as it turned out. Your legendary thread is well known now and gets updated with every title.
Every title that Federer wins brings him closer to that 100 titles and the countdown is only going to increase from here on out.
Of course some of the jealous idiotic users, are saying the thread should be in the Federer Forum. What a crock..
Well, that's why Camelot is ideal. Nobody tells you can't post some topic here or there. Just post and sit back and enjoy.
Curiously now, the detractors that thought he would never get close to 100 titles and said at best 80, are ignoring that now, and focusing on the 20 slams quest, saying that is a ridiculous number that will never be done. Maybe not, but I never say never. Too much can happen. The guy is #2 in the world for the last year and you can see how hard he is working. If Djokovic goes off the rails or gets injured, you never know.
I think it is funny how many Federer Fans were not on board early in the thread, saying he would be lucky to get 80-82. I don't know why they didn't have confidence. I thought Federer had a good chance once he had that interview where he was asked if he could win 100 titles, he acknowledged thinking about it, and that was a goal of his to have good longevity.
Still, to get it done, he can't be injured too much. His struggled with his back in 2013, and only took 1 title. But it looks like he came back even harder and fitter than ever after that lost season. He made 11 finals in 2014, the most since 2007, and I think he had 85 matches played, the most on tour. Ok, so he "only" had 5 wins out of the 10 finals played (withdrew from WTF final), so he made it a goal this year to do better in finals.
So in 2015 so far, he already has 5 titles from 8 finals. So he improved his percentage. His only 3 losses in finals this year have come to #1 Djokovic, at Wimbledon, Rome, and Indian Wells. 5 tournaments remain on his schedule.
1. US Open
2. Shanghai
3. Basel
4. Paris-Bercy
5. World Tour Finals
I think the way he is playing he has a good chance to snatch 1-3 of those. But who knows? Can't take anything for granted. Titles have to be earned. He may be one of the older players, but he still seems committed to working hard and enjoying the sport. I don't know how he does it with a wife and 4 kids.
After his victory in Cincinnati yesterday, he said to the crowd: "I don't know how many years I can come back, but I'll try my best to be here many more years to come. Doesn't sound like he's ready to hang it up for awhile. I wouldn't be surprised to see him play till 40 if that's what he wants.
Respectfully,
masterclass
It is so sad the negativity that so many people exude. I don't get it. What do you gain by trying to knock others down? You're right, that's what makes Camelot ideal. You can actually have discussions, not arguments. No trolling, baiting, or flaming. But some people seem to thrive on that. What does anyone care how many titles Federer gets? Why try to throw dirt on his efforts? How does it benefit them to write his epitaph. Any Federer fan should be happy for what he's doing, so to hear that people are still being so negative is mind-blowing. I don't get it all.
I am happy for all of them, not only The Big Four, but players like Kevin Anderson (I like him so much because he seems like such a nice guy), Berdych, Feliciano, and some others. I don't think you should begrudge anyone anything, because you wouldn't want people treating them that way. I don't know how people get so jaded, but it's really sad.
-
General masterclass is tracking it at our legendary Roger Federer thread at MTF.
Roger will get his 100 titles.
A tremendous win for Roger as he snatched his 7th cincy title.
This is not luck or accident.
He is a warrior and he is driven to excel.
He is not running around saying that he has won enough and that it is ok to lose.
They are warriors. It is NOT ok to lose.
You don't go into battle to lose.
You lose on exo circuit if you want to.
Those are good points, CD, but when your mind isn’t in the right place you do say silly things that you might not normally say, because you don’t want to get your hopes up only to have your body betray you. No one is mentally strong all the time, especially without the luxury of health. The battle starts in the mind, the body is secondary, especially when you can’t trust that the body will comply.
All three of them are at different points in their careers, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I don’t think where they’re at should be compared because their paths are too different. I can see Novak being so motivated because for years he didn’t fulfill his potential, he was a good player, but not a great player. Once he got on track it’s normal that he would be uber-motivated.
Federer, once he won his first major he went on a subsequent tear he became almost unstoppable. Had Rafa not emerged we could possibly add five to seven French Opens to take his haul to 24-25 majors putting him out of reach forever. Now, as he is aging and is in great physical shape why not play for the love of the game? I think that makes sense.
But, Rafa from the beginning has been a semi-reluctant champion. After he won his first tournament he said, “I hope that I can win another one.” So, records, history, and legacy did not seem to be his goal. This is a position that he was thrust into which is why he can take losses so easily. The only thing that he wanted was to win Wimbledon and the two Wimbledon Finals that he lost to Federer were probably his worst losses. I think the Australian Open loss to Djokovic was devastating as well and the Australian loss to Stan too.
But psychologically the stops and starts have to wear on a person. I don’t see how they couldn’t. How can Rafa plan long-term not knowing what the state of his body will be? This is the first year he has been healthy in a long time. When you keep getting knocked down with health problems it’s not easy, because you never know you’re finally OK to try to get back on track. I feel that I understand what Rafa is going through. Many people take health for granted, but if it’s ever taken away from you, you realize what a blessing it is to even walk. Things you take for granted become monumental and psychologically you have to scale that mountain every day.
In January, I was taking chemo and it went well. I felt really good and was getting a lot of things done that had piled up. This went on for the first three cycles, but on the 4th cycle the drugs suddenly and viciously attacked my body. When I went for the fourth cycle every week I was gaining five pounds, which means that I actually gained twenty-five pounds in a month. Every limb on my body was swollen to the point that I couldn’t even walk and had to crawl to different locations in the house. I had developed neuropathy and needed help to get around. The irony is that I can’t do drugs, but I need them. I have been fortunate throughout this ordeal to have never been in pain, but the stop/starts are really difficult to deal with. When I feel good, I feel great, and even my doctors cannot explain why an otherwise healthy person keeps getting these freak illnesses, so you never know how these things are affecting Rafa. I don’t think you can understand unless you experience it. It takes a tremendous amount of positive thinking to keep yourself mentally and psychologically on track; because you never know just how much time you have to accomplish things. Without full health nothing is easy.
-
Some of the latest lawn mower contraptions by clever rednecks.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5lf2xhHaMwc%2FUT8v1Rw5IcI%2FAAAAAAABOxI%2FXX1kvHrKKl0%2Fs1600%2FProudly%2BAmerican%2B0006.jpg&hash=f7e418cb221aa62d810d09912910df9479183e27)
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaceg.com%2Fmultimedia%2Fcollection%2FRednecks%2Fbicycle%2520riding%2520mower.jpg&hash=2e4673d6f905203375046f269ae21cb52810fbf6)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rantlifestyle.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2Fred-neck-lawnmower.jpg&hash=25dea621661d583913e1291e846fe9f662eed122)
Respectfully,
masterclass
ha ha ha ha ha.
I just cant stop laughing now. that is just too good general.
-
Some of the latest lawn mower contraptions by clever rednecks.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5lf2xhHaMwc%2FUT8v1Rw5IcI%2FAAAAAAABOxI%2FXX1kvHrKKl0%2Fs1600%2FProudly%2BAmerican%2B0006.jpg&hash=f7e418cb221aa62d810d09912910df9479183e27)
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaceg.com%2Fmultimedia%2Fcollection%2FRednecks%2Fbicycle%2520riding%2520mower.jpg&hash=2e4673d6f905203375046f269ae21cb52810fbf6)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rantlifestyle.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2Fred-neck-lawnmower.jpg&hash=25dea621661d583913e1291e846fe9f662eed122)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
general you have me at a loss:
is it Biloxi with the biloxi to ocean springs bridge in the background?
Yes general :). Good guess. It's taken from the marina near the Palace Casino Resort, with the bridge on the right and Clay Point and the Margaritaville Casino in lights beyond.
Respectfully,
masterclass
margaritaville closed down general.
right across the bay from imperial palace casino in Biloxi they are building Scarlet Pearl casino. it will be right off I-10.
Oh, I wonder why? Well, I hope the Scarlet Pearl will be great. I hear casino business is very competitive down there.
Rumors that most of the casinos used to be run by mobsters or have their backing- $$$$ in the past.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
general you have me at a loss:
is it Biloxi with the biloxi to ocean springs bridge in the background?
Yes general :). Good guess. It's taken from the marina near the Palace Casino Resort, with the bridge on the right and Clay Point and the Margaritaville Casino in lights beyond.
Respectfully,
masterclass
margaritaville closed down general.
right across the bay from imperial palace casino in Biloxi they are building Scarlet Pearl casino. it will be right off I-10.
-
ha ha. I have this movie general.
I just had to have it.
-
Greek general Themistokles leads the charge against invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes and Artemisia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fblogpeliculas.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2F300-El-origen-de-un-imperio.jpg&hash=12039bbed502fe4ad5a331c1185712dd92a9981c)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
general you have me at a loss:
is it Biloxi with the biloxi to ocean springs bridge in the background?
Yes general :). Good guess. It's taken from the marina near the Palace Casino Resort, with the bridge on the right and Clay Point and the Margaritaville Casino in lights beyond.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
general you have me at a loss:
is it Biloxi with the biloxi to ocean springs bridge in the background?
-
No question General hercules, you have it right.
All we ask people here is not take advantage of our good will. Then there should and will be little mercy.
How is it going in the deep South general? I hope No hurricanes on the horizon.
Can you tell me where this is General? :)
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.casinoenterprisemanagement.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F2012%2FMarch%2Flarsonnc_0312_background.jpg&hash=8cd4ceda5df52697f30105ccfe855b6371b638fd)
Respectfully,
masterclass
ha ha ha. too good general masterclass.
you know my area better than I do.
now I cant wait to see some of your famous redneck imagery.
I will look for some redneck images too.
or I will just create one or two if I have to. ha ha.
-
No question General hercules, you have it right.
All we ask people here is not take advantage of our good will. Then there should and will be little mercy.
How is it going in the deep South general? I hope No hurricanes on the horizon.
Can you tell me where this is General? :)
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.casinoenterprisemanagement.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F2012%2FMarch%2Flarsonnc_0312_background.jpg&hash=8cd4ceda5df52697f30105ccfe855b6371b638fd)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
General masterclass please go fire up my Roger thread at MTF.
Didn't have to do it general as it turned out. Your legendary thread is well known now and gets updated with every title.
Every title that Federer wins brings him closer to that 100 titles and the countdown is only going to increase from here on out.
Of course some of the jealous idiotic users, are saying the thread should be in the Federer Forum. What a crock..
Well, that's why Camelot is ideal. Nobody tells you can't post some topic here or there. Just post and sit back and enjoy.
Curiously now, the detractors that thought he would never get close to 100 titles and said at best 80, are ignoring that now, and focusing on the 20 slams quest, saying that is a ridiculous number that will never be done. Maybe not, but I never say never. Too much can happen. The guy is #2 in the world for the last year and you can see how hard he is working. If Djokovic goes off the rails or gets injured, you never know.
I think it is funny how many Federer Fans were not on board early in the thread, saying he would be lucky to get 80-82. I don't know why they didn't have confidence. I thought Federer had a good chance once he had that interview where he was asked if he could win 100 titles, he acknowledged thinking about it, and that was a goal of his to have good longevity.
Still, to get it done, he can't be injured too much. His struggled with his back in 2013, and only took 1 title. But it looks like he came back even harder and fitter than ever after that lost season. He made 11 finals in 2014, the most since 2007, and I think he had 85 matches played, the most on tour. Ok, so he "only" had 5 wins out of the 10 finals played (withdrew from WTF final), so he made it a goal this year to do better in finals.
So in 2015 so far, he already has 5 titles from 8 finals. So he improved his percentage. His only 3 losses in finals this year have come to #1 Djokovic, at Wimbledon, Rome, and Indian Wells. 5 tournaments remain on his schedule.
1. US Open
2. Shanghai
3. Basel
4. Paris-Bercy
5. World Tour Finals
I think the way he is playing he has a good chance to snatch 1-3 of those. But who knows? Can't take anything for granted. Titles have to be earned. He may be one of the older players, but he still seems committed to working hard and enjoying the sport. I don't know how he does it with a wife and 4 kids.
After his victory in Cincinnati yesterday, he said to the crowd: "I don't know how many years I can come back, but I'll try my best to be here many more years to come. Doesn't sound like he's ready to hang it up for awhile. I wouldn't be surprised to see him play till 40 if that's what he wants.
Respectfully,
masterclass
magnificent post general.
there is no place like Camelot on the whole planet.
no rules and no requirements.
all we do is make happiness.
Federer is having a good year and I sensed that last year. I had a feeling that he was going to come back strong.
I think he will get another Wimbledon. he has the game for it.
and with the right breaks he may even snatch 2.
I am just seeing tremendous determination and fight in him. you can see it in his eyes.
-
General masterclass please go fire up my Roger thread at MTF.
Didn't have to do it general as it turned out. Your legendary thread is well known now and gets updated with every title.
Every title that Federer wins brings him closer to that 100 titles and the countdown is only going to increase from here on out.
Of course some of the jealous idiotic users, are saying the thread should be in the Federer Forum. What a crock..
Well, that's why Camelot is ideal. Nobody tells you can't post some topic here or there. Just post and sit back and enjoy.
Curiously now, the detractors that thought he would never get close to 100 titles and said at best 80, are ignoring that now, and focusing on the 20 slams quest, saying that is a ridiculous number that will never be done. Maybe not, but I never say never. Too much can happen. The guy is #2 in the world for the last year and you can see how hard he is working. If Djokovic goes off the rails or gets injured, you never know.
I think it is funny how many Federer Fans were not on board early in the thread, saying he would be lucky to get 80-82. I don't know why they didn't have confidence. I thought Federer had a good chance once he had that interview where he was asked if he could win 100 titles, he acknowledged thinking about it, and that was a goal of his to have good longevity.
Still, to get it done, he can't be injured too much. His struggled with his back in 2013, and only took 1 title. But it looks like he came back even harder and fitter than ever after that lost season. He made 11 finals in 2014, the most since 2007, and I think he had 85 matches played, the most on tour. Ok, so he "only" had 5 wins out of the 10 finals played (withdrew from WTF final), so he made it a goal this year to do better in finals.
So in 2015 so far, he already has 5 titles from 8 finals. So he improved his percentage. His only 3 losses in finals this year have come to #1 Djokovic, at Wimbledon, Rome, and Indian Wells. 5 tournaments remain on his schedule.
1. US Open
2. Shanghai
3. Basel
4. Paris-Bercy
5. World Tour Finals
I think the way he is playing he has a good chance to snatch 1-3 of those. But who knows? Can't take anything for granted. Titles have to be earned. He may be one of the older players, but he still seems committed to working hard and enjoying the sport. I don't know how he does it with a wife and 4 kids.
After his victory in Cincinnati yesterday, he said to the crowd: "I don't know how many years I can come back, but I'll try my best to be here many more years to come. Doesn't sound like he's ready to hang it up for awhile. I wouldn't be surprised to see him play till 40 if that's what he wants.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
General masterclass is tracking it at our legendary Roger Federer thread at MTF.
Roger will get his 100 titles.
A tremendous win for Roger as he snatched his 7th cincy title.
This is not luck or accident.
He is a warrior and he is driven to excel.
He is not running around saying that he has won enough and that it is ok to lose.
They are warriors. It is NOT ok to lose.
You don't go into battle to lose.
You lose on exo circuit if you want to.
-
General masterclass please go fire up my Roger thread at MTF.
Are you guys up to 88 on the MTF forum? If so, that's funny. It just goes to show, that you never know. Predictions are pretty useless in most cases.
-
General masterclass please go fire up my Roger thread at MTF.
-
Roger had this.
Congrats to Roger and his fans.
-
Roger needs to get this done in straights.
-
Federer, Murray Dish on Rafa’s Form
http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/August-2015/Federer,-Murray-Dish-on-Rafa%E2%80%99s-Form.aspx
After victories last night, both Roger Federer and Andy Murray were asked to give the media their thoughts on the form of Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard fell in round of 16 action to Feliciano Lopez, putting a cloud over his U.S. Open hopes and putting the kibosh on a highly anticipated 34th meeting between Federer and Nadal, but Federer and Murray both believe that Nadal is progressing even if he isn’t seeing the results to prove it just yet.
Each spoke at length when asked about Nadal by Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times. We’ll cut to the chase and give you most of what they said below.
Roger Federer:
“Yeah, it's been tougher. Didn't see him play that much, to be quite honest, just because I don't follow every step he takes. Like all the other players, I see them if they play around me in the draw. Otherwise, if it happens that he plays at the right time I will watch it, clearly.
“But then I think why it shines through more that it's been a tough year for him is just because the clay court season—well, he didn't win the French for the second time in 10 years. It's like a drama to some. For me it's somewhat normal that you don't win 10 of 10. But he's done so unbelievably well in the clay. Like you said, he set the bar so high for everybody. Clearly can't always live up to it.
“He's come back so strong from injuries so many times that we are used to seeing him bounce back and seeing the top 2, top 3 at least. When he comes back this time it's just not been that easy. I think it's going to take a little bit more time, but I think he's inching closer to where he wants to be. This always has been a tough stretch for him in the past. Even though this is the tournament maybe you wouldn't favor him as much, but he's that great of a champion it could happen any week. It's a good thing if you're Rafa and you know that.
“I mean, he's missing, what, four months playing in the tournaments, whatever it counts for his ranking. So other players have an extra 10 tournaments on him. That's why his ranking is down. But would he have played all of last season normally from, I don't know, Wimbledon all the way through to the World Tour Finals, it would have been different story. The ranking in that case doesn't tell the story."
Andy Murray:
“I think the standards that someone like Rafa has set, like when they don't meet them, yeah, people are obviously very surprised. I mean, the consistency he's had over the years has made him, Roger and Rafa, it has been ridiculous. It's something that I don't think we will be seeing probably for quite a long time when they are done.
“You know, Rafa has obviously—I think he's been fairly healthy this year, but end of last year he didn't play lots of matches. He often talks like he's a player that needs matches to feel confident and comfortable, and he's obviously just lost a few close matches this year. Obviously the one tonight [his loss in a third-set tiebreaker vs. Feliciano Lopez in Cincinnati], I didn't see it, but that's a match that you would normally expect him to maybe normally sneak out in the third set or in the third set tiebreak. When the confidence isn't quite there, then you can lose those matches. But, yeah, I still think that he'll come back and then start playing close to his best tennis again soon."
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/cincinnati/422/daily-schedule
-
lopez also just got married. he has not been playing much tennis either.
we knew exactly what was going to happen over 2 years ago. this is not rocket science.
in fact I called it as early as 2009.
reckless neglect of clay was going to cost him one day and it did. and now he simply does not feel like fighting anymore.
Sampras is not an idiot. he knows more than we ever will: he said rafa is playing like his career is over.
I think it is. it is a matter of great tragedy to me but it is what it is.
I don't believe he is coming back much stronger next year because next year should have arrived after that pathetic performance he put in at RG this year.
jim courier caught on pretty early as well but we actually saw this happening at Camelot well over 2 years ago when he decided to work less and less on his fitness and was content to put in relatively lazy and aimless practice sessions of 90 minutes.
and now he has missed 1/2 of the year of tennis while being perfectly healthy. he just does not want to play, compete, and fight, and battle.
Sampras said that "he has been out there a while".
translation: considerable expenditure of physical, mental, and emotional capital has taken a toll on him.
his 9 RG crowns are also worth about $1 billion over a lifetime. he is rich beyond belief. that is a variable to consider.
he gets worn out after 40 minutes of play. he complained about heat in hamburg where it was actually cool.
there is just no preparation because there is just no desire to battle and win.
you can put any kind of spin on this if you want to but basically he is going into battle to lose. that is the part that I don't get. he made his name and his stand by being the sport's greatest fighter and gladiator. he won in the past even when he was limping around and injured. now there is no will to win.
more on this later.
Both things can't be true. If he's lost all this fitness and neglected the clay, then how can we expect him to win with such depleted assets? That's how I see it. I can see that he has lost fitness in a very physical game, so I don't expect him to win, until he fixes the fitness issue. This would be more concerning for me if he was playing at optimal strength, but he isn't, so how can we expect great results when all the factors say otherwise?
-
To me, Rafa is not playing well. That's it. It's not the end of the world and IMO, he's due. This is his first off year and he's entitled. Life is about ebbs and flows and what happens today will be forgotten tomorrow. It's not that big of a deal.
I don't think Rafa played that horribly, but sometimes you don't get the breaks. Feliciano played very well and didn't back down. I think that's key. Goffin had the match and backed down. He lost. Grigor had the match and also backed down. Had those two held their nerve it would be a totally different conversation.
Personally, intimidation is a large part of the game. When you win and gut matches out it adds to your aura. If you don't, it depletes it. I don't think any player is that good or great. There are a lot of matches won that should have been lost and vice versa. What's most important on the day is the response of your opponent because no one plays at their optimal level every match and many times The Big 4 escape. But, if that person on the other side doesn't buckle, as happened with Rafa, but not Novak and Grigor, there would have been three casualties, instead of one.
That's how I see it. I see the top players get away with a lot because of what they've done in the past. A double break in the decider? The opponent choked. I knew Grigor was going to lose that match because while he's talented, he's not confident. And Goffin playing Novak and winning was a difficult situation. Maybe the next time it won't go down that way, but it will depend on how the underdog handles his nerves. That's what it always comes down to, IMO.
Lady TT, this is spot on. These great players can win almost on their aura alone.
The young players like Dynamitrov or Boy Band Goffin look up at the scoreboard, see how close they are to the finish line, then hear Djokovic roar in frustration, or Murray shout "Come On!", and they start to crumble at the thought of beating them. I don't know why it happens, but it does very very often. But it's a terrible habit. They are learning how to lose, when they should be winning.
They need to follow Rafa's old example and just play point by point just how they got the advantage, and forget about the scoreboard. Let the umpire tell them when the game is over. I strongly suggest a psychiatrist to help them. They have the talent, they need the mind. And those players are not the only guys with the problem. It is widespread. And that's why these greats and older guys are still hanging around; they have the experience to just wait for their opportunity. When it comes, they don't hesitate, they know how to win.
I firmly believe Rafa still has the mentality deep down to win at all costs. But I think his loss of physicality, fitness, strength, speed, not being able to get to the ball like he once did is eroding his confidence as surely as the ocean erodes the loose sand on the beach. Without that strong physical foundation, Rafa loses his ability to turn things around as he always did.
Rafa didn't play that badly against Lopez, but in the key points Lopez played much better, which formerly was not the case, As Lopez ages to 34 years, one would expect it to be the other way around. But you see Lopez; he is still pretty fit and has always had talent especially on quicker surfaces like grass and faster hard courts. Rafa has a lot of hard miles and his body is older than his 29 years.
The supreme topspin game, as general Hercules will tell you, is the most physically demanding on the body. It reaps great rewards, but at a great cost. If you can't keep the fitness for any reason, injury, vacations, lack of drive, etc. it is just too difficult a style to maintain at a high level.
Respectfully,
masterclass
This is so true. There are so many talented players on the tour and always has been. IMO, the main thing that separates the elite from all the others is the mentality. That to me, is why some players like Robredo and Ferrrer, while they may not have exceptional skills, they do have a dogged determination and continue to win, way more than more the supposedly more“talented”players. Goffin has a simple but effective game, yet he played the aura and not the opponent. There have been many matches Novak won, not because of his skills, but because of his opponent not being able to handle the moment. Grigor should be spanked. Andy was not playing well at all. He was much too passive, but once he got one of the breaks back Grigor crumbled. Andy played so passive he actually got on my nerves and yet he escaped due to Grigor’s meltdown. Grigor’s problem to me is that he’s believed the hype and tried to fulfill it instead of playing the game. Until he understands himself as a player he’s going to remain a good player, but not a great player. This sums it up perfectly, “They are learning how to lose, when they should be winning.”
“It is widespread. And that's why these greats and older guys are still hanging around; they have the experience to just wait for their opportunity. When it comes, they don't hesitate, they know how to win.”
I couldn’t agree more.
“I firmly believe Rafa still has the mentality deep down to win at all costs. But I think his loss of physicality, fitness, strength, speed, not being able to get to the ball like he once did is eroding his confidence as surely as the ocean erodes the loose sand on the beach. Without that strong physical foundation, Rafa loses his ability to turn things around as he always did.”
I agree, but at the heart is the lack of motivation to make the necessary changes and adjustments. Physicalty and fitness can be changed by working harder. That’s what Rafa isn’t doing. Like Monaco said a month or so back, they practice for three hours, take a break, hit the gym and then have the rest of the day to have fun. That’s someone who’s not willing to put in the hard yards and all the losses haven’t forced him to make the necessary changes. Personally, I think he's on a walkabout. He's only just beginning to try in matches. This is not a man who is upset about where he is. The old Rafa would be more determined, but this Rafa seems to not be that bothered by it at all. Most telling was his lack of passion for the clay season. He hasn't seemed passionate about the game at all and therein lies his problem.
“Rafa didn't play that badly against Lopez, but in the key points Lopez played much better, which formerly was not the case, As Lopez ages to 34 years, one would expect it to be the other way around. But you see Lopez; he is still pretty fit and has always had talent especially on quicker surfaces like grass and faster hard courts. Rafa has a lot of hard miles and his body is older than his 29 years. “
I agree with everything except his body being older than his 29 years. I know people say that all the time, but I see the game as extremely physical for everyone, none more than the other. I actually think the physicality takes a toll on all of them equally. What differentiates anyone from another person is the mentality and a person’s motivation. I don’t know believe that theory, because I don’t see how it can be measured.I watch a lot of matches without the sound so I see the players running all over the court and I truly don't see a difference.
-
lopez also just got married. he has not been playing much tennis either.
we knew exactly what was going to happen over 2 years ago. this is not rocket science.
in fact I called it as early as 2009.
reckless neglect of clay was going to cost him one day and it did. and now he simply does not feel like fighting anymore.
Sampras is not an idiot. he knows more than we ever will: he said rafa is playing like his career is over.
I think it is. it is a matter of great tragedy to me but it is what it is.
I don't believe he is coming back much stronger next year because next year should have arrived after that pathetic performance he put in at RG this year.
jim courier caught on pretty early as well but we actually saw this happening at Camelot well over 2 years ago when he decided to work less and less on his fitness and was content to put in relatively lazy and aimless practice sessions of 90 minutes.
and now he has missed 1/2 of the year of tennis while being perfectly healthy. he just does not want to play, compete, and fight, and battle.
Sampras said that "he has been out there a while".
translation: considerable expenditure of physical, mental, and emotional capital has taken a toll on him.
his 9 RG crowns are also worth about $1 billion over a lifetime. he is rich beyond belief. that is a variable to consider.
he gets worn out after 40 minutes of play. he complained about heat in hamburg where it was actually cool.
there is just no preparation because there is just no desire to battle and win.
you can put any kind of spin on this if you want to but basically he is going into battle to lose. that is the part that I don't get. he made his name and his stand by being the sport's greatest fighter and gladiator. he won in the past even when he was limping around and injured. now there is no will to win.
more on this later.
-
To me, Rafa is not playing well. That's it. It's not the end of the world and IMO, he's due. This is his first off year and he's entitled. Life is about ebbs and flows and what happens today will be forgotten tomorrow. It's not that big of a deal.
I don't think Rafa played that horribly, but sometimes you don't get the breaks. Feliciano played very well and didn't back down. I think that's key. Goffin had the match and backed down. He lost. Grigor had the match and also backed down. Had those two held their nerve it would be a totally different conversation.
Personally, intimidation is a large part of the game. When you win and gut matches out it adds to your aura. If you don't, it depletes it. I don't think any player is that good or great. There are a lot of matches won that should have been lost and vice versa. What's most important on the day is the response of your opponent because no one plays at their optimal level every match and many times The Big 4 escape. But, if that person on the other side doesn't buckle, as happened with Rafa, but not Novak and Grigor, there would have been three casualties, instead of one.
That's how I see it. I see the top players get away with a lot because of what they've done in the past. A double break in the decider? The opponent choked. I knew Grigor was going to lose that match because while he's talented, he's not confident. And Goffin playing Novak and winning was a difficult situation. Maybe the next time it won't go down that way, but it will depend on how the underdog handles his nerves. That's what it always comes down to, IMO.
Lady TT, this is spot on. These great players can win almost on their aura alone.
The young players like Dynamitrov or Boy Band Goffin look up at the scoreboard, see how close they are to the finish line, then hear Djokovic roar in frustration, or Murray shout "Come On!", and they start to crumble at the thought of beating them. I don't know why it happens, but it does very very often. But it's a terrible habit. They are learning how to lose, when they should be winning.
They need to follow Rafa's old example and just play point by point just how they got the advantage, and forget about the scoreboard. Let the umpire tell them when the game is over. I strongly suggest a psychiatrist to help them. They have the talent, they need the mind. And those players are not the only guys with the problem. It is widespread. And that's why these greats and older guys are still hanging around; they have the experience to just wait for their opportunity. When it comes, they don't hesitate, they know how to win.
I firmly believe Rafa still has the mentality deep down to win at all costs. But I think his loss of physicality, fitness, strength, speed, not being able to get to the ball like he once did is eroding his confidence as surely as the ocean erodes the loose sand on the beach. Without that strong physical foundation, Rafa loses his ability to turn things around as he always did.
Rafa didn't play that badly against Lopez, but in the key points Lopez played much better, which formerly was not the case, As Lopez ages to 34 years, one would expect it to be the other way around. But you see Lopez; he is still pretty fit and has always had talent especially on quicker surfaces like grass and faster hard courts. Rafa has a lot of hard miles and his body is older than his 29 years.
The supreme topspin game, as general Hercules will tell you, is the most physically demanding on the body. It reaps great rewards, but at a great cost. If you can't keep the fitness for any reason, injury, vacations, lack of drive, etc. it is just too difficult a style to maintain at a high level.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Here Is The RHOA Tea From Kenya Moore’s Launch Party
AUGUST 18, 2015 · 2:01 PM
TMZ keeps running these stories about who production has hired to “replace Nene.” First it was Kim Fields, then it was Sheree Whitfield, now it is Amiyah Scott. Well, one out of three ain’t bad. I told you that Kim Fields recently worked the kinks out of her contract and is now filming here:.
As for the usual game of musical peaches, Kenya, Cynthia, Kandi remain as close to sure things as we ever have at this point in the season. I’m told Kim Fields has officially signed on. All the other potentials have fallen by the wayside. So that leaves Phaedra, Porsha and even Cynthia’s sister Mallory to play hot potato for a peach. Andy seems to love Phaedra so she’s probably going to end up with one. Carlos loves Porsha so things are much improved for her.
At this point, barring any last minute indecision by production, the peaches go to Kenya, Cynthia, Kandi, Phaedra, Porsha and Kim. I do not think there will be a seventh peach, but you never know.
What TMZ doesn’t seem to understand is that Sheree, Marlo, Mallory and Amiyah showing up to a taping doesn’t put them on the show as paid participants. If I started a new post for every picture I saw, I would have been on the Kim Fields is out! bus. Or Sheree is in! bandwagon. I actually know what is happening behind the scenes and it’s just not that simple. Sheree, Marlo and Mallory are making day rate pay of about $1.500 or so depending on a few variables. Amiyah probably just signed a release. The only person Amiyah has followed on Twitter is Kenya and that is because she was at her event.
The only thing the photos tell me is that Phaedra and Porsha have seemingly secured their peaches as I predicted above. With the upheaval in production this season, things are more precarious than ever.
Here is what I know. Every year Atlanta hosts the Bronner Brothers Hair Care Convention. I believe the above gif is from Kenya during her first RHOA season. How quickly things change. This year, Kenya held a launch for Moore Hair Care in front of all the RHOA cameras.
Bravo rented out a space downtown at the M. Rich building to host an event about Kenya’s hair care product launch. Tamaratattles exclusive sources say that the attendees included Kenya Moore and a handsome white man she is reportedly dating, and Kim Fields and her husband. Porsha was there without her latest trick um dude. Claudia was there with a date but did not stay too long, she was just there to wish Kenya well on her endeavor. And all the folks you see pictured above. Kandi Burruss there but VERY briefly, she had another event related to Bronners I think it was a Toya Wright event. Also, some sites say Demetria McKinney was there, she was not. Peter was also NOT there. Interesting?
So to address rumors, Claudia was there for a bit, and mic’d. She was with actor Rob Riley. I doubt she will be on the episode, she was just making a brief appearance and left with Rob after making her rounds. She is unlikely to be back on RHOA as I mentioned she has other things going on. Amiyah Scott was there. And she was filmed. She did get to sit down, unlike Sheree who is standing there fanning her menopausal self out of camera range. To be fair, multiple told me it was quite hot in there. But, it’s clear Sheree is not even in the mix, unless she starts kissing Kenya ass in a very big way. She tried to come for Kenya at Cynthia’s event, and that may have been her major mistake. It would not surprise me for Sheree to start eating Kenya’s tossed salad though. Despite TMZ’s constant attempt to tell us who is replacing Nene, no one is replacing Nene, Kenya simply took her rightful place as QUEEN.
In my opinion, someone in production is trying to leak the whole HEY LOOK! WE HAVE A TRANSGENDER filming with us on RHOA. I find it a ridiculous and offensive ploy by production to see how it plays. RHOA has consistently gone for the gays in women’s heels and finger snapping **** to represent the gay men of Atlanta. It’s an extremely pandering and unfair representation of the gay men I know and love in this town and none of us are amused. Just as Bravo attempts to represent all women from Atlanta as ratchet and black, the gay image is even worse. Amiyah is on the Internet “interviewing” about her transition asking,” Are butterflies animals?” and displaying the intellect of a general hoodrat. She’s 27 and.. Her claim to fame seems to be dating rappers on the down low. Allegedly. She’d be great for Love and Hip Hop. But not for RHOA.
So, to sum it up, someone sent TMZ a photo of a transgender woman filming a scene on RHOA. Because transgender is the new gay. I’m sort of repulsed by the whole bandwagon concept. But Bravo has no boundaries, and no issue for using women, black women, gay men, black gay men or any other group to mock. And as long as they pay them well, they will continue to do so. And as long as we tune in, they will continue.
Atlanta is full of local women of all races to publicize. Gay men of all varieties to showcase. But somehow, they always manage to showcase brawling black women and gay men teetering in loubs. And this is all decided by white men in NYC and rubber stamped by black gay showrunners. It’s kind of pathetic. And it is not an accident.
Will they decide to go even further and bring in a 27 year old onto this show only to exploit her? I hope not. And according to my production sources, she was just invited to “test”. So we might see here again, but I really doubt it. And contrary to what TMZ says she is neither a RHOA or a FOH. In the fierce race for FOH between Marlo, Mallory and Sheree, **** doesn’t stand a chance.
TT asked a poster how she came to be at the party:
Oh lol sorry. It was an open Invite. Kenya put it on social media. I’m friends with Brandon on FB and that’s how I saw it. Lots of ppl were talking about it. Since a lot of my real life friends are friends or staff of the cast I said I might as well go. I had a blast. Anybody could have gone. It was just like being an extra, unpaid but food and open bar.
-
To me, Rafa is not playing well. That's it. It's not the end of the world and IMO, he's due. This is his first off year and he's entitled. Life is about ebbs and flows and what happens today will be forgotten tomorrow. It's not that big of a deal.
I don't think Rafa played that horribly, but sometimes you don't get the breaks. Feliciano played very well and didn't back down. I think that's key. Goffin had the match and backed down. He lost. Grigor had the match and also backed down. Had those two held their nerve it would be a totally different conversation.
Personally, intimidation is a large part of the game. When you win and gut matches out it adds to your aura. If you don't, it depletes it. I don't think any player is that good or great. There are a lot of matches won that should have been lost and vice versa. What's most important on the day is the response of your opponent because no one plays at their optimal level every match and many times The Big 4 escape. But, if that person on the other side doesn't buckle, as happened with Rafa, but not Novak and Grigor, there would have been three casualties, instead of one.
That's how I see it. I see the top players get away with a lot because of what they've done in the past. A double break in the decider? The opponent choked. I knew Grigor was going to lose that match because while he's talented, he's not confident. And Goffin playing Novak and winning was a difficult situation. Maybe the next time it won't go down that way, but it will depend on how the underdog handles his nerves. That's what it always comes down to, IMO.
-
that was perhaps david goffin's best chance to take down an all time great.
but it was just not meant to be. looks like they all get nervous against djokovic when the going gets tough and it is crunch time.
his fitness and his physicality is intimidating to them. that is what sets him apart today.
and then his movement is 2nd to none. he is almost never late.
as for rafa he is just not showing up with sufficient preparation and this has been going on for 2 years now. only now it is worse than ever.
but I maintain that unless he can get back on clay to fix his ground game and also start putting in significant time on his fitness and physicality, the slide will continue.
there is no progress. there is only decline.
he has only a tiny window left but it is closing fast. it has to be clay where he has to try to climb back on the train.
I can tell you what is going to happen right now: with his current level of play and fitness the probability is very high for an injury.
so it is really a blessing in a way to keep losing after a match or 2 in these events. less of a chance for an injury.
andy vs nole match was 3 hours long in montreal with 86 degrees F and nearly 46% humidity. rafa gets worn out in 40 minutes of play under cool conditions.
there will be a bit of an off season. he has to go decide if he wants it.
otherwise it is better to walk away. I don't want to see him keep losing to all these unknown aging players who would have never had a chance against him when he was driven and focused.
I also don't want a career ending injury.
he needs fitness and he needs clay. it is either that or no cigar.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows. that is where he can rediscover his ground game.
general masterclass is right. roger is pushing 35 now. rafa would have won 2 games against him at best.
-
General, Lady TT, well, I'm kind of relieved we didn't get the Nadal-Federer match. I don't think it would have been pretty.
As we've talked about, Rafa just doesn't have it to call upon when needed. He's now lost 2 straight to Lopez who will be 34 next month, who played well and with confidence, like he knew he had a good chance to beat Rafa. Before this year, Rafa had not lost to Lopez since 2010 on grass at Queens.
Commiserations to Kevin Anderson who suffered his worst defeat on tour ever, losing to Roger Federer 6-1, 6-1 in 50+ minutes.
But I think anyone in the tournament playing today would have lost to Roger as well as he played. This court suits him.
Congratulations to Roger who will play Lopez next.
Both Djokovic and Murray were fortunate to win their battles.
Dimitrov was up 5-2 in the decider and lost the final 5 games and had match points, but really got nervous and couldn't cross the finish line.
And poor David Goffin had a 3-0 lead in the decider, after winning the second set easily 6-2, and breaking Novak twice to start the 3rd set, then got nervous and lost 6 straight games, while Djokovic only had 2 winners in the set.
Let's see what happens in the quarter finals.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Feliciano played well. Very well. His serve and his volleying was very good and he didn't break down. Credit where credit is due.
-
it is pretty much rock bottom for Rafa. actually I should speak the truth. it is less than rock bottom. he was never this poor even as a 15 year old.
all he could manage was 3 points in the breaker against a 34 year old man with no game.
well that is better than just 1 match which is what I expected.
now with the low seeding at the u.s. open he may get 1-2 matches there at best.
there is nothing wrong with him. he is healthy for a change. he just does not care to fight and battle and win.
he also knew he had no chance at all against the likes of roger, andy, and djokovic in this current form.
so I am not even sure if he wanted to get the hell out of here.
he has no return, no fitness, and no movement. also no physicality.
he cant win with what he is bringing to these battles. and he actually knows that.
-
order of play for today:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/cincinnati/422/daily-schedule
-
I just added this at our health and wellness center:
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/inspired-personal-development
it is frequently and automatically updated.
-
and I am angry and upset too.
there is no reason to put an all time great through this bullshit.
Rafa has paid his dues. why the hell do have him playing in the middle of the bloody night.
-
Rafa has done it. good day at the office for him as he removes Chardy from the facilities in straights.
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
Andy, wawrinka, and djokovic advance also.
What? I didn't see it. All I got were reruns. I've been checking all night, because they said play was suspended, but they never said postponed. Even now Gasquet and Kokkinakis are on. I'm so angry. I don't know how this happened. Maybe it wasn't televised? I don't know.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
agreed.
I remain worried.
my biggest worry is that he is going to get hurt and that will be the end.
I don't know why he is doing this. this is not rocket science.
he cant beat these guys with his current game and his remedial fitness.
I don't know why he cant train 7-8 hours a day. you break that into 2 long workouts.
what is the point in losing to these unknown players when he owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
why go to battle unprepared.
It's so baffling in one way, but then again, it kind of backs up what he's been saying all along. I don't remember Rafa making claims that he wanted to be the greatest or even play after a certain point. I think he was satisfied with where he was and grateful to have gotten there, but the thought of chasing status never seemed to be a priority for him. That's what you need if you want to scale new heights. There's been many times that he's said that he wasn't trying to catch Federer and I think he meant it. He was playing for himself, not the history books.
In that sense he's already accomplished more than he ever dreamed of. Nothing about his background suggests that he would have the same ardor as other top players. As soon as a big tournament is over he heads straight back to Mallorca to relax with family and friends and work on his foundation.
He reminds me of Lleyton Hewitt so much. They both play for the love of the game and being competitive, not the love of external things. That's why they can accept losses so easily and continue to suit up. I think Rafa will play until he no longer enjoys it, but it will be for his reasons and no one else.
If he was concerned about staying the best, becoming the major leader he would make changes. That's what you do when you're focused on a particular goal. He would hire a world class physio, train in eight hour blocks, and fix the problems he has in his game. Right now I think he's only playing for the fans who clamor to see him on court and he doesn't want to disappoint them, but as for his own goals, he's satisfied with what he has done.
If it wasn't for the fans, I think he'd quit and go live his life.
It's hard to explain, but I understand it. I find it vulgar to chase about status. I don't feel that I need to prove anything to anyone and the thought of proving others wrong means nothing to me. When I was in karate my sensei wanted to make me his star pupil because I was a natural. But those were his dreams not mine and I felt no obligation to fulfill his desires. I didn't need to be a champion I was doing karate for myself. To strengthen my body and mind and push myself to its limits. I walked away when something else took my interest away. My sensei kept trying to get me to come back, but I had accomplished my goals and was done. The trophies that were gathering dust in my basement were put out in the trash, but what I'd done was inside of me.
A good example of Rafa's mindset was the AO 2009. After that grueling SF with Verdasco he was beat and wasn't going to play the final. If it hadn't been for Uncle Toni he wouldn't have competed at all. It was his relentless will to win at that time that got him through. Also, when he was beating Novak and Andy at a good clip, he always respected their talent. He never thought he was "better" than them but thought they were very worthy opponents. Many people don't understand that. They say, "he can't be that humble and be that good" but the opposite is true. No matter how good you are, the strength is in knowing both your strengths and weaknesses. To pretend that you have no weaknesses is foolish. And talking "confident" means nothing. If people are silly enough to buy into that, that's on them. Saying I'm not playing well is the truth, period. What's the point of saying otherwise? The thing about the fake it tll you make it, is BS to me. The problem with that attitude is that it's fake, how is that good? I don't think you need to assure people that you've still got it speaks to a need for validation. If I'm playing bad, I'm playing bad. Why would I have to need to convince others?
Rafa will ultimately decide whether he wants to go on and records, status, and history in the game will not be a priority for him. He will be satisfied with what he accomplished. Will he regret it later? He might, but if given the same choice I think he'd opt for the same decision.
Everyone is unique and no one is held to anyone else's standards. That's what so many people don't seem to understand. The only person you should ever choose to prove anything to is yourself, everything else is incidental.
great post.
I think you hit on most the points. you are spot on.
he really doesn't want to bother with the brutal training and the endless focus required to dominate the sport.
he walked away from the sport.
more on this later.
This right here is the problem. He isn't committed to the sport right now. I just don't understand why he's fooling himself. It's like he's phoning it in. If so, just say that, but when you're cramping after a two set match just admit you're not committed or motivated at this point.
Sampras just came out and said that he is playing like his career is over.
well that is just another way of saying this:
1. he does not really care to go out there and fight, battle, and compete to be the best he can be.
2. his best days are behind him
3. he is probably done because he has been out there a while. and has spent considerable mental, emotional, and physical capital in the process.
but we at Camelot saw all this coming well over 2 years ago.
and may have even got a glimpse of it all as early as 2009.
we knew how it was going to unfold as early as 2009 if he was not going to back off or back away from his infatuation from the hard courts:
we knew that in the end that infatuation would kill his clay game and surely his hard court game.
and sure enough it did.
more on this tomorrow.
Sampras came back the next day and retracted. He now says that Rafa will get back to his best level.
-
Rafa has done it. good day at the office for him as he removes Chardy from the facilities in straights.
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
Andy, wawrinka, and djokovic advance also.
-
I have Federer and Andy as the favorites for the Cincy title.
-
order of play for today:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/cincinnati/422/daily-schedule
night match is not good for Rafa right now for a number of reasons.
anyway I hope this is over quickly so he can go home and work on his fitness a little bit before the u.s. open.
I have no problem with the loss today if it happens. I am not even sure why he is here.
even the fans don't want to see him get killed time and again against these bloody unknown players.
he is just not showing up with any preparation at all.
he is like a fish out of water out there. he almost has no concept at all as to how to compete and battle out there.
and it is all because he is in such horrible shape. and also absolutely refuses to practice 7-8 hours a day.
I am just worried to death because he risks injury at the current rate.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
agreed.
I remain worried.
my biggest worry is that he is going to get hurt and that will be the end.
I don't know why he is doing this. this is not rocket science.
he cant beat these guys with his current game and his remedial fitness.
I don't know why he cant train 7-8 hours a day. you break that into 2 long workouts.
what is the point in losing to these unknown players when he owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
why go to battle unprepared.
It's so baffling in one way, but then again, it kind of backs up what he's been saying all along. I don't remember Rafa making claims that he wanted to be the greatest or even play after a certain point. I think he was satisfied with where he was and grateful to have gotten there, but the thought of chasing status never seemed to be a priority for him. That's what you need if you want to scale new heights. There's been many times that he's said that he wasn't trying to catch Federer and I think he meant it. He was playing for himself, not the history books.
In that sense he's already accomplished more than he ever dreamed of. Nothing about his background suggests that he would have the same ardor as other top players. As soon as a big tournament is over he heads straight back to Mallorca to relax with family and friends and work on his foundation.
He reminds me of Lleyton Hewitt so much. They both play for the love of the game and being competitive, not the love of external things. That's why they can accept losses so easily and continue to suit up. I think Rafa will play until he no longer enjoys it, but it will be for his reasons and no one else.
If he was concerned about staying the best, becoming the major leader he would make changes. That's what you do when you're focused on a particular goal. He would hire a world class physio, train in eight hour blocks, and fix the problems he has in his game. Right now I think he's only playing for the fans who clamor to see him on court and he doesn't want to disappoint them, but as for his own goals, he's satisfied with what he has done.
If it wasn't for the fans, I think he'd quit and go live his life.
It's hard to explain, but I understand it. I find it vulgar to chase about status. I don't feel that I need to prove anything to anyone and the thought of proving others wrong means nothing to me. When I was in karate my sensei wanted to make me his star pupil because I was a natural. But those were his dreams not mine and I felt no obligation to fulfill his desires. I didn't need to be a champion I was doing karate for myself. To strengthen my body and mind and push myself to its limits. I walked away when something else took my interest away. My sensei kept trying to get me to come back, but I had accomplished my goals and was done. The trophies that were gathering dust in my basement were put out in the trash, but what I'd done was inside of me.
A good example of Rafa's mindset was the AO 2009. After that grueling SF with Verdasco he was beat and wasn't going to play the final. If it hadn't been for Uncle Toni he wouldn't have competed at all. It was his relentless will to win at that time that got him through. Also, when he was beating Novak and Andy at a good clip, he always respected their talent. He never thought he was "better" than them but thought they were very worthy opponents. Many people don't understand that. They say, "he can't be that humble and be that good" but the opposite is true. No matter how good you are, the strength is in knowing both your strengths and weaknesses. To pretend that you have no weaknesses is foolish. And talking "confident" means nothing. If people are silly enough to buy into that, that's on them. Saying I'm not playing well is the truth, period. What's the point of saying otherwise? The thing about the fake it tll you make it, is BS to me. The problem with that attitude is that it's fake, how is that good? I don't think you need to assure people that you've still got it speaks to a need for validation. If I'm playing bad, I'm playing bad. Why would I have to need to convince others?
Rafa will ultimately decide whether he wants to go on and records, status, and history in the game will not be a priority for him. He will be satisfied with what he accomplished. Will he regret it later? He might, but if given the same choice I think he'd opt for the same decision.
Everyone is unique and no one is held to anyone else's standards. That's what so many people don't seem to understand. The only person you should ever choose to prove anything to is yourself, everything else is incidental.
great post.
I think you hit on most the points. you are spot on.
he really doesn't want to bother with the brutal training and the endless focus required to dominate the sport.
he walked away from the sport.
more on this later.
This right here is the problem. He isn't committed to the sport right now. I just don't understand why he's fooling himself. It's like he's phoning it in. If so, just say that, but when you're cramping after a two set match just admit you're not committed or motivated at this point.
Sampras just came out and said that he is playing like his career is over.
well that is just another way of saying this:
1. he does not really care to go out there and fight, battle, and compete to be the best he can be.
2. his best days are behind him
3. he is probably done because he has been out there a while. and has spent considerable mental, emotional, and physical capital in the process.
but we at Camelot saw all this coming well over 2 years ago.
and may have even got a glimpse of it all as early as 2009.
we knew how it was going to unfold as early as 2009 if he was not going to back off or back away from his infatuation from the hard courts:
we knew that in the end that infatuation would kill his clay game and surely his hard court game.
and sure enough it did.
more on this tomorrow.
-
Nadal has been practicing on court 15 in Cinci for the last hour with Santiago Giraldo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjFYJ78FmfY
Respectfully,
masterclass
great image general masterclass.
wow. the court looks fast to me.
-
Nadal has been practicing on court 15 in Cinci for the last hour with Santiago Giraldo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjFYJ78FmfY
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
How awful was Rafa tonight? My son and I went to the movies and there must have been a rain delay, because the second program was filler material. Was it a complete whitewash?I knew he wasn't anywhere near the top 4, but hopefully there were some good signs.
I can't bear to watch him play.
I much rather just remember him as a warrior and a gladiator he once was.
I could not even bear to look at the highlights for long.
He is beyond horrible. he just keeps getting worse.
At this point he is just making a fool of himself.
he either needs to get on clay right now rediscover his ground game or just walk away.
There is just no point in getting abused like this.
He would have been completely helpless against djokovic, Federer, and Andy Murray.
I just can't and I will not watch him like this unless he goes and fixes his game and his fitness.
what is the point of going to cincy?
What will it prove? he gets a first round bye and loses his first or second match.
What purpose does that serve?
He has completely lost it right now.
Yeah, I'm not expecting anything in Cincy at all. He'll be lucky to get to the third round. He's got Ram or Chardy, probably Chardy, who's hot so his run might end after his first match. Somebody wake me up when this nightmare is oer.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
agreed.
I remain worried.
my biggest worry is that he is going to get hurt and that will be the end.
I don't know why he is doing this. this is not rocket science.
he cant beat these guys with his current game and his remedial fitness.
I don't know why he cant train 7-8 hours a day. you break that into 2 long workouts.
what is the point in losing to these unknown players when he owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
why go to battle unprepared.
It's so baffling in one way, but then again, it kind of backs up what he's been saying all along. I don't remember Rafa making claims that he wanted to be the greatest or even play after a certain point. I think he was satisfied with where he was and grateful to have gotten there, but the thought of chasing status never seemed to be a priority for him. That's what you need if you want to scale new heights. There's been many times that he's said that he wasn't trying to catch Federer and I think he meant it. He was playing for himself, not the history books.
In that sense he's already accomplished more than he ever dreamed of. Nothing about his background suggests that he would have the same ardor as other top players. As soon as a big tournament is over he heads straight back to Mallorca to relax with family and friends and work on his foundation.
He reminds me of Lleyton Hewitt so much. They both play for the love of the game and being competitive, not the love of external things. That's why they can accept losses so easily and continue to suit up. I think Rafa will play until he no longer enjoys it, but it will be for his reasons and no one else.
If he was concerned about staying the best, becoming the major leader he would make changes. That's what you do when you're focused on a particular goal. He would hire a world class physio, train in eight hour blocks, and fix the problems he has in his game. Right now I think he's only playing for the fans who clamor to see him on court and he doesn't want to disappoint them, but as for his own goals, he's satisfied with what he has done.
If it wasn't for the fans, I think he'd quit and go live his life.
It's hard to explain, but I understand it. I find it vulgar to chase about status. I don't feel that I need to prove anything to anyone and the thought of proving others wrong means nothing to me. When I was in karate my sensei wanted to make me his star pupil because I was a natural. But those were his dreams not mine and I felt no obligation to fulfill his desires. I didn't need to be a champion I was doing karate for myself. To strengthen my body and mind and push myself to its limits. I walked away when something else took my interest away. My sensei kept trying to get me to come back, but I had accomplished my goals and was done. The trophies that were gathering dust in my basement were put out in the trash, but what I'd done was inside of me.
A good example of Rafa's mindset was the AO 2009. After that grueling SF with Verdasco he was beat and wasn't going to play the final. If it hadn't been for Uncle Toni he wouldn't have competed at all. It was his relentless will to win at that time that got him through. Also, when he was beating Novak and Andy at a good clip, he always respected their talent. He never thought he was "better" than them but thought they were very worthy opponents. Many people don't understand that. They say, "he can't be that humble and be that good" but the opposite is true. No matter how good you are, the strength is in knowing both your strengths and weaknesses. To pretend that you have no weaknesses is foolish. And talking "confident" means nothing. If people are silly enough to buy into that, that's on them. Saying I'm not playing well is the truth, period. What's the point of saying otherwise? The thing about the fake it tll you make it, is BS to me. The problem with that attitude is that it's fake, how is that good? I don't think you need to assure people that you've still got it speaks to a need for validation. If I'm playing bad, I'm playing bad. Why would I have to need to convince others?
Rafa will ultimately decide whether he wants to go on and records, status, and history in the game will not be a priority for him. He will be satisfied with what he accomplished. Will he regret it later? He might, but if given the same choice I think he'd opt for the same decision.
Everyone is unique and no one is held to anyone else's standards. That's what so many people don't seem to understand. The only person you should ever choose to prove anything to is yourself, everything else is incidental.
great post.
I think you hit on most the points. you are spot on.
he really doesn't want to bother with the brutal training and the endless focus required to dominate the sport.
he walked away from the sport.
more on this later.
This right here is the problem. He isn't committed to the sport right now. I just don't understand why he's fooling himself. It's like he's phoning it in. If so, just say that, but when you're cramping after a two set match just admit you're not committed or motivated at this point.
-
it took a while but Andy has done it.
congrats to the great dunblane warrior. he had lost 11-12 matches in a row to djokovic
djokovic rarely loses the decider.
-
great post general masterclass.
he just has no fitness and he does not put in the time on the practice courts.
nishikori got just 3 games from Andy and yet ran circles around Rafa.
he has to go get on clay or risk being out of the sport soon. one way or another he is out of the sport at this current rate.
and we have to face that reality.
next injury end the career.
-
Andy took the first set but Djokovic stormed back to snatch the second.
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
Well said again Lady TT, and General Hercules what more can I say?
Well, I don't think anyone is really mentioning it, but I think Rafa's back or shoulder must clearly be affecting him.
He was just serving powder puff serves to Nishikori, who was playing like Davydenko of old played Rafa on hard courts. Taking the ball early and hitting with sharp angles and not giving Rafa time to set up anything.
He has almost no power on serve and has lost significant power on his forehand.
This is indicative of either a complete loss of fitness, or injury.
Fitness can be fixed. Work very hard and it will return.
Injury on the other hand, you either play through it at reduced capacity or take the time off to heal.
With injury, you can't put in the hard work, or you risk further injury.
So based on what I've seen, I think he has been playing at reduced capacity due to injury.
Otherwise he would be more fit.
If injury is indeed the case, I think I would not play past the US Open, maybe not even play there.
He should take the time off to heal as well as possible, then return to training on clay, working as hard on his fitness as his body will allow.
He basically has no points to lose this year anyway. Playing more only risks additional injury or aggravating whatever he has.
I would use the proven strategy of 2012-2013. Take the months off to heal injury, then work on fitness, and come back strong.
He will be rusty at first. So skip the Australian Open, and return on minor tournaments on clay in South America, and build match play and confidence just as he did in 2013.
With this strategy, I think he can get back to the high level necessary for him to compete against the top players at Roland Garros and elsewhere. If he can dedicate himself to doing this, I wouldn't be surprised to see another couple of majors from him.
If that's what he wants, of course. At some point, players do get sick and tired of fighting injury, having to get fit, the whole cycle, and call it quits.
I don't know if he has more desire in him to do more, or not, only he can answer that question.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
How awful was Rafa tonight? My son and I went to the movies and there must have been a rain delay, because the second program was filler material. Was it a complete whitewash?I knew he wasn't anywhere near the top 4, but hopefully there were some good signs.
I can't bear to watch him play.
I much rather just remember him as a warrior and a gladiator he once was.
I could not even bear to look at the highlights for long.
He is beyond horrible. he just keeps getting worse.
At this point he is just making a fool of himself.
he either needs to get on clay right now rediscover his ground game or just walk away.
There is just no point in getting abused like this.
He would have been completely helpless against djokovic, Federer, and Andy Murray.
I just can't and I will not watch him like this unless he goes and fixes his game and his fitness.
what is the point of going to cincy?
What will it prove? he gets a first round bye and loses his first or second match.
What purpose does that serve?
He has completely lost it right now.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
agreed.
I remain worried.
my biggest worry is that he is going to get hurt and that will be the end.
I don't know why he is doing this. this is not rocket science.
he cant beat these guys with his current game and his remedial fitness.
I don't know why he cant train 7-8 hours a day. you break that into 2 long workouts.
what is the point in losing to these unknown players when he owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
why go to battle unprepared.
It's so baffling in one way, but then again, it kind of backs up what he's been saying all along. I don't remember Rafa making claims that he wanted to be the greatest or even play after a certain point. I think he was satisfied with where he was and grateful to have gotten there, but the thought of chasing status never seemed to be a priority for him. That's what you need if you want to scale new heights. There's been many times that he's said that he wasn't trying to catch Federer and I think he meant it. He was playing for himself, not the history books.
In that sense he's already accomplished more than he ever dreamed of. Nothing about his background suggests that he would have the same ardor as other top players. As soon as a big tournament is over he heads straight back to Mallorca to relax with family and friends and work on his foundation.
He reminds me of Lleyton Hewitt so much. They both play for the love of the game and being competitive, not the love of external things. That's why they can accept losses so easily and continue to suit up. I think Rafa will play until he no longer enjoys it, but it will be for his reasons and no one else.
If he was concerned about staying the best, becoming the major leader he would make changes. That's what you do when you're focused on a particular goal. He would hire a world class physio, train in eight hour blocks, and fix the problems he has in his game. Right now I think he's only playing for the fans who clamor to see him on court and he doesn't want to disappoint them, but as for his own goals, he's satisfied with what he has done.
If it wasn't for the fans, I think he'd quit and go live his life.
It's hard to explain, but I understand it. I find it vulgar to chase about status. I don't feel that I need to prove anything to anyone and the thought of proving others wrong means nothing to me. When I was in karate my sensei wanted to make me his star pupil because I was a natural. But those were his dreams not mine and I felt no obligation to fulfill his desires. I didn't need to be a champion I was doing karate for myself. To strengthen my body and mind and push myself to its limits. I walked away when something else took my interest away. My sensei kept trying to get me to come back, but I had accomplished my goals and was done. The trophies that were gathering dust in my basement were put out in the trash, but what I'd done was inside of me.
A good example of Rafa's mindset was the AO 2009. After that grueling SF with Verdasco he was beat and wasn't going to play the final. If it hadn't been for Uncle Toni he wouldn't have competed at all. It was his relentless will to win at that time that got him through. Also, when he was beating Novak and Andy at a good clip, he always respected their talent. He never thought he was "better" than them but thought they were very worthy opponents. Many people don't understand that. They say, "he can't be that humble and be that good" but the opposite is true. No matter how good you are, the strength is in knowing both your strengths and weaknesses. To pretend that you have no weaknesses is foolish. And talking "confident" means nothing. If people are silly enough to buy into that, that's on them. Saying I'm not playing well is the truth, period. What's the point of saying otherwise? The thing about the fake it tll you make it, is BS to me. The problem with that attitude is that it's fake, how is that good? I don't think you need to assure people that you've still got it speaks to a need for validation. If I'm playing bad, I'm playing bad. Why would I have to need to convince others?
Rafa will ultimately decide whether he wants to go on and records, status, and history in the game will not be a priority for him. He will be satisfied with what he accomplished. Will he regret it later? He might, but if given the same choice I think he'd opt for the same decision.
Everyone is unique and no one is held to anyone else's standards. That's what so many people don't seem to understand. The only person you should ever choose to prove anything to is yourself, everything else is incidental.
Super post Lady TT. One can't argue with thetruth... :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
Thanks Masterclass, that's really means a lot coming from you.
We're a small community here but we all offer a different perspective. I have learned so much from you and Clay about tennis in general, without the bells and whistles, just straight up truth, objectivity, and respect for each other and our faves.
This is a rarity in tennis communities where fans often feel that to like one player automatically means dissing their rival. But, the truth is, what we have been able to witness is otherworldly.
I thought I woul never see a player as smooth and effortless as Pete Sampras. Pete amazed me, because although you didn't think speed when he was on the court, he had it in a very understated way. The ball would be hit and Pete would be there. I used to rewind often to see how he got there because my eyes had been deceived.
With Federer I didn't see that. I saw him getting to the ball so I didn't marvel at that. It looked normal to me. Federer's first years of winning big and consistently didn't impress me to be honest because the competition lacked in so many respects. For one, the guys all seemed to capitulate in his presence and willingly lie down. There was no reason for me to cheer. It wasn't until Rafa came around as the usurper that I began to see Federer as Federer, if that makes sense.
Before Federer didn't even (seemingly) have to work, because it was a sure thing that the opponent, even if they were playing well, would choke up the set or match.
Rafa changed the game as it pertained to Federer because for the first time Roger had a challenger. And the battles that they put on were jaw-dropping, strength and strength, two gladiators who both wanted the prize. It was a sight to behold.
The Wimbledon 2008 Final captured everything that tennis is supposed to represent at its highest level. I didn't want that match to end, but even more I knew that my heart would ache for the loser, because no one deserves to play that well only to lose in the end. That match changed my perspective because it showed me that beneath Federer's stoic demeanor was the same raging lion that we see in Nadal, only its represented in a totally different manner.
It also made me realize Federer's most important contribution to the game. When the competition was weak and players were saying, "It's OK to lose to Federer." I hated that and tennis became boring, but after that match I realized that had Federer not been so dominant and given the viewing public something to cheer for, the sport could've taken a huge hit in viewership.
That these two great titans understood and recognized what each was giving along with respect for their rival only sweetened the pot.
Anyone who can't see the greatness in both of them and choose to laud one and denigrate the other have no idea of the purpose of tennis in general. When Roger said a few years ago that he was playing better than he did when he was winning years ago, so many people scoffed. I was in total agreement, so when the critics said he was washed up, wouldn't win big again, I knew they were wrong and said so. And look at what has happened.
The day these two hang up their rackets will be a sad day for tennis fans all over the world.
-
Nick is in some serious trouble for his behavior.
More fines and a possible ban may be next.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
agreed.
I remain worried.
my biggest worry is that he is going to get hurt and that will be the end.
I don't know why he is doing this. this is not rocket science.
he cant beat these guys with his current game and his remedial fitness.
I don't know why he cant train 7-8 hours a day. you break that into 2 long workouts.
what is the point in losing to these unknown players when he owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
why go to battle unprepared.
It's so baffling in one way, but then again, it kind of backs up what he's been saying all along. I don't remember Rafa making claims that he wanted to be the greatest or even play after a certain point. I think he was satisfied with where he was and grateful to have gotten there, but the thought of chasing status never seemed to be a priority for him. That's what you need if you want to scale new heights. There's been many times that he's said that he wasn't trying to catch Federer and I think he meant it. He was playing for himself, not the history books.
In that sense he's already accomplished more than he ever dreamed of. Nothing about his background suggests that he would have the same ardor as other top players. As soon as a big tournament is over he heads straight back to Mallorca to relax with family and friends and work on his foundation.
He reminds me of Lleyton Hewitt so much. They both play for the love of the game and being competitive, not the love of external things. That's why they can accept losses so easily and continue to suit up. I think Rafa will play until he no longer enjoys it, but it will be for his reasons and no one else.
If he was concerned about staying the best, becoming the major leader he would make changes. That's what you do when you're focused on a particular goal. He would hire a world class physio, train in eight hour blocks, and fix the problems he has in his game. Right now I think he's only playing for the fans who clamor to see him on court and he doesn't want to disappoint them, but as for his own goals, he's satisfied with what he has done.
If it wasn't for the fans, I think he'd quit and go live his life.
It's hard to explain, but I understand it. I find it vulgar to chase about status. I don't feel that I need to prove anything to anyone and the thought of proving others wrong means nothing to me. When I was in karate my sensei wanted to make me his star pupil because I was a natural. But those were his dreams not mine and I felt no obligation to fulfill his desires. I didn't need to be a champion I was doing karate for myself. To strengthen my body and mind and push myself to its limits. I walked away when something else took my interest away. My sensei kept trying to get me to come back, but I had accomplished my goals and was done. The trophies that were gathering dust in my basement were put out in the trash, but what I'd done was inside of me.
A good example of Rafa's mindset was the AO 2009. After that grueling SF with Verdasco he was beat and wasn't going to play the final. If it hadn't been for Uncle Toni he wouldn't have competed at all. It was his relentless will to win at that time that got him through. Also, when he was beating Novak and Andy at a good clip, he always respected their talent. He never thought he was "better" than them but thought they were very worthy opponents. Many people don't understand that. They say, "he can't be that humble and be that good" but the opposite is true. No matter how good you are, the strength is in knowing both your strengths and weaknesses. To pretend that you have no weaknesses is foolish. And talking "confident" means nothing. If people are silly enough to buy into that, that's on them. Saying I'm not playing well is the truth, period. What's the point of saying otherwise? The thing about the fake it tll you make it, is BS to me. The problem with that attitude is that it's fake, how is that good? I don't think you need to assure people that you've still got it speaks to a need for validation. If I'm playing bad, I'm playing bad. Why would I have to need to convince others?
Rafa will ultimately decide whether he wants to go on and records, status, and history in the game will not be a priority for him. He will be satisfied with what he accomplished. Will he regret it later? He might, but if given the same choice I think he'd opt for the same decision.
Everyone is unique and no one is held to anyone else's standards. That's what so many people don't seem to understand. The only person you should ever choose to prove anything to is yourself, everything else is incidental.
Super post Lady TT. One can't argue with thetruth... :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
How awful was Rafa tonight? My son and I went to the movies and there must have been a rain delay, because the second program was filler material. Was it a complete whitewash?I knew he wasn't anywhere near the top 4, but hopefully there were some good signs.
-
Gulbis had a chance to take out djokovic but it was just not meant to be:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
Chardy takes down mighty john isner.
-
yes nishikori is tough these days.
nishikori has to be one of the 2-3 favorites actually should djokovic stumble.
but I cant see that happening. I think djokovic is going to take both montreal and cincy.
he is better prepared and he is outworking them all.
that said I am still hoping for a miracle.
I just wish rafa had not dropped so much fitness.
-
Why did these idiots switch from the Rafa match to the Serena match which is most likely a done deal? So far, Rafa was looking pretty decent. He had better footing and court positioning, and some passion. He's looking better on the hard than he did on the clay. Baffling.
Did you hear all the furor that Kyrgios created? That guy is mental. They can classify it as charismatic all they want to, but no one can defend his latest outburst. He and Stan came to blows in the locker room. He made comments about Stan and his young girlfriend and then said that Kokkinakis, his friend, slept with her. All of this happened on court. Did he learn anything? No, today he came out and acted the same way, even threatened to fight a fan in the crowd. He was booed when he came on the court and when he left. They say he's been this way all his career and no one has challenged him because of his talent.
When Isner had to play him today, Gimelstob said that were calling John telling him to please beat Nick. They also want him suspended for his foul behavior and they want the umpires to start calling him for all the audible obscenities and breaking of rackets. This is why the five seconds over is so ridiculous. The things Nick has done are ridiculous and they haven't fined for practically anything. How crazy is that?
Is this a secret society where we decide who we will penalize and who we let escape penalty? It sure seems to be the case.
they slapped Nick with $10,000.00 fine.
he is out to make a name for himself one way or another.
I am glad Isner sent him home today.
I will look for the highlights of the Rafa match later tonight.
maybe he can pull a small miracle here. we will hope anyway.
With possible additional fines added. They have to take this seriously. The guy is mental.
Rafa has Kei in his draw. I doubt he'll be ready for him, but he is doing so much better on HC and improving, but I doubt he'll be back in this tournament, though I wish that he coul.
-
rafa got it done in straights--6-3, 6-3---but youzhny the youzhless is not exactly young anymore.
still we will take any win that comes our way and especially if it is accompanied with no injury.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
agreed.
I remain worried.
my biggest worry is that he is going to get hurt and that will be the end.
I don't know why he is doing this. this is not rocket science.
he cant beat these guys with his current game and his remedial fitness.
I don't know why he cant train 7-8 hours a day. you break that into 2 long workouts.
what is the point in losing to these unknown players when he owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
why go to battle unprepared.
It's so baffling in one way, but then again, it kind of backs up what he's been saying all along. I don't remember Rafa making claims that he wanted to be the greatest or even play after a certain point. I think he was satisfied with where he was and grateful to have gotten there, but the thought of chasing status never seemed to be a priority for him. That's what you need if you want to scale new heights. There's been many times that he's said that he wasn't trying to catch Federer and I think he meant it. He was playing for himself, not the history books.
In that sense he's already accomplished more than he ever dreamed of. Nothing about his background suggests that he would have the same ardor as other top players. As soon as a big tournament is over he heads straight back to Mallorca to relax with family and friends and work on his foundation.
He reminds me of Lleyton Hewitt so much. They both play for the love of the game and being competitive, not the love of external things. That's why they can accept losses so easily and continue to suit up. I think Rafa will play until he no longer enjoys it, but it will be for his reasons and no one else.
If he was concerned about staying the best, becoming the major leader he would make changes. That's what you do when you're focused on a particular goal. He would hire a world class physio, train in eight hour blocks, and fix the problems he has in his game. Right now I think he's only playing for the fans who clamor to see him on court and he doesn't want to disappoint them, but as for his own goals, he's satisfied with what he has done.
If it wasn't for the fans, I think he'd quit and go live his life.
It's hard to explain, but I understand it. I find it vulgar to chase about status. I don't feel that I need to prove anything to anyone and the thought of proving others wrong means nothing to me. When I was in karate my sensei wanted to make me his star pupil because I was a natural. But those were his dreams not mine and I felt no obligation to fulfill his desires. I didn't need to be a champion I was doing karate for myself. To strengthen my body and mind and push myself to its limits. I walked away when something else took my interest away. My sensei kept trying to get me to come back, but I had accomplished my goals and was done. The trophies that were gathering dust in my basement were put out in the trash, but what I'd done was inside of me.
A good example of Rafa's mindset was the AO 2009. After that grueling SF with Verdasco he was beat and wasn't going to play the final. If it hadn't been for Uncle Toni he wouldn't have competed at all. It was his relentless will to win at that time that got him through. Also, when he was beating Novak and Andy at a good clip, he always respected their talent. He never thought he was "better" than them but thought they were very worthy opponents. Many people don't understand that. They say, "he can't be that humble and be that good" but the opposite is true. No matter how good you are, the strength is in knowing both your strengths and weaknesses. To pretend that you have no weaknesses is foolish. And talking "confident" means nothing. If people are silly enough to buy into that, that's on them. Saying I'm not playing well is the truth, period. What's the point of saying otherwise? The thing about the fake it tll you make it, is BS to me. The problem with that attitude is that it's fake, how is that good? I don't think you need to assure people that you've still got it speaks to a need for validation. If I'm playing bad, I'm playing bad. Why would I have to need to convince others?
Rafa will ultimately decide whether he wants to go on and records, status, and history in the game will not be a priority for him. He will be satisfied with what he accomplished. Will he regret it later? He might, but if given the same choice I think he'd opt for the same decision.
Everyone is unique and no one is held to anyone else's standards. That's what so many people don't seem to understand. The only person you should ever choose to prove anything to is yourself, everything else is incidental.
great post.
I think you hit on most the points. you are spot on.
he really doesn't want to bother with the brutal training and the endless focus required to dominate the sport.
he walked away from the sport.
more on this later.
-
Why did these idiots switch from the Rafa match to the Serena match which is most likely a done deal? So far, Rafa was looking pretty decent. He had better footing and court positioning, and some passion. He's looking better on the hard than he did on the clay. Baffling.
Did you hear all the furor that Kyrgios created? That guy is mental. They can classify it as charismatic all they want to, but no one can defend his latest outburst. He and Stan came to blows in the locker room. He made comments about Stan and his young girlfriend and then said that Kokkinakis, his friend, slept with her. All of this happened on court. Did he learn anything? No, today he came out and acted the same way, even threatened to fight a fan in the crowd. He was booed when he came on the court and when he left. They say he's been this way all his career and no one has challenged him because of his talent.
When Isner had to play him today, Gimelstob said that were calling John telling him to please beat Nick. They also want him suspended for his foul behavior and they want the umpires to start calling him for all the audible obscenities and breaking of rackets. This is why the five seconds over is so ridiculous. The things Nick has done are ridiculous and they haven't fined for practically anything. How crazy is that?
Is this a secret society where we decide who we will penalize and who we let escape penalty? It sure seems to be the case.
they slapped Nick with $10,000.00 fine.
he is out to make a name for himself one way or another.
I am glad Isner sent him home today.
I will look for the highlights of the Rafa match later tonight.
maybe he can pull a small miracle here. we will hope anyway.
-
Why did these idiots switch from the Rafa match to the Serena match which is most likely a done deal? So far, Rafa was looking pretty decent. He had better footing and court positioning, and some passion. He's looking better on the hard than he did on the clay. Baffling.
Did you hear all the furor that Kyrgios created? That guy is mental. They can classify it as charismatic all they want to, but no one can defend his latest outburst. He and Stan came to blows in the locker room. He made comments about Stan and his young girlfriend and then said that Kokkinakis, his friend, slept with her. All of this happened on court. Did he learn anything? No, today he came out and acted the same way, even threatened to fight a fan in the crowd. He was booed when he came on the court and when he left. They say he's been this way all his career and no one has challenged him because of his talent.
When Isner had to play him today, Gimelstob said that were calling John telling him to please beat Nick. They also want him suspended for his foul behavior and they want the umpires to start calling him for all the audible obscenities and breaking of rackets. This is why the five seconds over is so ridiculous. The things Nick has done are ridiculous and they haven't fined for practically anything. How crazy is that?
Is this a secret society where we decide who we will penalize and who we let escape penalty? It sure seems to be the case.
-
That is a great post lady TT.
I will reply when I get home.
-
Folks Jenny is one of us.
She is admin.
time has come for us to watch and protect what have built and what we are building.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
agreed.
I remain worried.
my biggest worry is that he is going to get hurt and that will be the end.
I don't know why he is doing this. this is not rocket science.
he cant beat these guys with his current game and his remedial fitness.
I don't know why he cant train 7-8 hours a day. you break that into 2 long workouts.
what is the point in losing to these unknown players when he owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
why go to battle unprepared.
It's so baffling in one way, but then again, it kind of backs up what he's been saying all along. I don't remember Rafa making claims that he wanted to be the greatest or even play after a certain point. I think he was satisfied with where he was and grateful to have gotten there, but the thought of chasing status never seemed to be a priority for him. That's what you need if you want to scale new heights. There's been many times that he's said that he wasn't trying to catch Federer and I think he meant it. He was playing for himself, not the history books.
In that sense he's already accomplished more than he ever dreamed of. Nothing about his background suggests that he would have the same ardor as other top players. As soon as a big tournament is over he heads straight back to Mallorca to relax with family and friends and work on his foundation.
He reminds me of Lleyton Hewitt so much. They both play for the love of the game and being competitive, not the love of external things. That's why they can accept losses so easily and continue to suit up. I think Rafa will play until he no longer enjoys it, but it will be for his reasons and no one else.
If he was concerned about staying the best, becoming the major leader he would make changes. That's what you do when you're focused on a particular goal. He would hire a world class physio, train in eight hour blocks, and fix the problems he has in his game. Right now I think he's only playing for the fans who clamor to see him on court and he doesn't want to disappoint them, but as for his own goals, he's satisfied with what he has done.
If it wasn't for the fans, I think he'd quit and go live his life.
It's hard to explain, but I understand it. I find it vulgar to chase about status. I don't feel that I need to prove anything to anyone and the thought of proving others wrong means nothing to me. When I was in karate my sensei wanted to make me his star pupil because I was a natural. But those were his dreams not mine and I felt no obligation to fulfill his desires. I didn't need to be a champion I was doing karate for myself. To strengthen my body and mind and push myself to its limits. I walked away when something else took my interest away. My sensei kept trying to get me to come back, but I had accomplished my goals and was done. The trophies that were gathering dust in my basement were put out in the trash, but what I'd done was inside of me.
A good example of Rafa's mindset was the AO 2009. After that grueling SF with Verdasco he was beat and wasn't going to play the final. If it hadn't been for Uncle Toni he wouldn't have competed at all. It was his relentless will to win at that time that got him through. Also, when he was beating Novak and Andy at a good clip, he always respected their talent. He never thought he was "better" than them but thought they were very worthy opponents. Many people don't understand that. They say, "he can't be that humble and be that good" but the opposite is true. No matter how good you are, the strength is in knowing both your strengths and weaknesses. To pretend that you have no weaknesses is foolish. And talking "confident" means nothing. If people are silly enough to buy into that, that's on them. Saying I'm not playing well is the truth, period. What's the point of saying otherwise? The thing about the fake it tll you make it, is BS to me. The problem with that attitude is that it's fake, how is that good? I don't think you need to assure people that you've still got it speaks to a need for validation. If I'm playing bad, I'm playing bad. Why would I have to need to convince others?
Rafa will ultimately decide whether he wants to go on and records, status, and history in the game will not be a priority for him. He will be satisfied with what he accomplished. Will he regret it later? He might, but if given the same choice I think he'd opt for the same decision.
Everyone is unique and no one is held to anyone else's standards. That's what so many people don't seem to understand. The only person you should ever choose to prove anything to is yourself, everything else is incidental.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
agreed.
I remain worried.
my biggest worry is that he is going to get hurt and that will be the end.
I don't know why he is doing this. this is not rocket science.
he cant beat these guys with his current game and his remedial fitness.
I don't know why he cant train 7-8 hours a day. you break that into 2 long workouts.
what is the point in losing to these unknown players when he owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
why go to battle unprepared.
-
Rafa's level of play wasn't that good. He'll be out in the next couple of rounds, but what is encouraging is that he was engaged. But losing serve twice when serving for the set and match in a not-so-competitive match? Maybe there was a little improvement but the players ranked in the 40's will run him ragged. He's going to have to train hard for the 2016 season if he wants to have a chance. The ? is, does he want it enough to do that?
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/montreal/421/daily-schedule
-
live scores so far:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
affirmative.
-
Lady TT, that's an interesting article regarding Nadal's assistant coach Roig.
Most interesting to me were his words:
"When it was time to compete, Rafael didn't do as he had done in the past 10 years. I think it is normal for that to happen considering how long Rafael has been on the top of his game. "
So what does that mean? What didn't he do?
But anyway, it looks like Roig hopes these times have passed.
Respectfully,
masterclass
rafa tennis academy is now open.
this man wants out of the sport.
that is what I am seeing until I see a significant improvement in his fitness.
he is horribly unfit now and greatly risks a career ending injury if he doesn't start putting in the work on the fitness front.
tony keeps saying that the problem is lack of consistency but we know that. it is not rocket science.
he was once the greatest baseliner on the planet who owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
his ground game is now about 20% of what it used to be.
he has a mountain to climb now and quite frankly this mountain keeps getting taller and taller.
do not expect any miracles in montreal and cincy. heat and humidity is also quite significant.
I am expecting early losses in both events and I would take that.
at least he escapes without any injuries.
all I am hoping for is a healthy, fit, driven rafa for 2016.
That has been evident since the 2015 season began. He's not into it. I think he's ready to begin life after tennis. He seems very excited about his foundation, probably wants to get married and have children, and ride off in the sunset.
That's what I see.
-
they are madly in love with her. infatuated with her beyond belief.
that is just for the record.
it is what it is. Camelot is a force of nature and cannot be stopped.
we lost a few but we will gain 300 or more.
-
for the record nobody asked anybody to leave Camelot
quinnqueens delete her account.
our gates are open. they can always return.
we went out of our way to create threads and hundreds of images for them.
we did everything possible to welcome them and to accommodate them
I feel that Camelot is in a better place now. we are stronger than ever with a bright future.
we are a tiny family but we stand together and we are forever united.
and we have our Camelot. nobody can ever take it away from us. long live Camelot.
we are Camelot.
we make happiness.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/current/montreal/421/daily-schedule
-
Lady TT, that's an interesting article regarding Nadal's assistant coach Roig.
Most interesting to me were his words:
"When it was time to compete, Rafael didn't do as he had done in the past 10 years. I think it is normal for that to happen considering how long Rafael has been on the top of his game. "
So what does that mean? What didn't he do?
But anyway, it looks like Roig hopes these times have passed.
Respectfully,
masterclass
rafa tennis academy is now open.
this man wants out of the sport.
that is what I am seeing until I see a significant improvement in his fitness.
he is horribly unfit now and greatly risks a career ending injury if he doesn't start putting in the work on the fitness front.
tony keeps saying that the problem is lack of consistency but we know that. it is not rocket science.
he was once the greatest baseliner on the planet who owned winning records against all of the top 30 players.
his ground game is now about 20% of what it used to be.
he has a mountain to climb now and quite frankly this mountain keeps getting taller and taller.
do not expect any miracles in montreal and cincy. heat and humidity is also quite significant.
I am expecting early losses in both events and I would take that.
at least he escapes without any injuries.
all I am hoping for is a healthy, fit, driven rafa for 2016.
-
Lady TT, that's an interesting article regarding Nadal's assistant coach Roig.
Most interesting to me were his words:
"When it was time to compete, Rafael didn't do as he had done in the past 10 years. I think it is normal for that to happen considering how long Rafael has been on the top of his game. "
So what does that mean? What didn't he do?
But anyway, it looks like Roig hopes these times have passed.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I don't know. The article made zero sense to me in every respect. I know that Rafa has approached this season without his usual fighting spirit, but he also hasn't seemed to care both on the court and off the court so I have no idea what Roig is talking about.
At any rate Roig is not fooling anyone, Rafa's not into it this year so maybe he was trying to ignite that spark. Off court it looks like Rafa is doing everything but shoring up his game.
I think it's pretty obvious that Rafa's heart is not in it. He barely looks disappointed at losses. It's like he's on some alternate universe. The most I can guess that Roig meant is that he's not doing his usually strenuous training. That's the only thing I can think of. But cramping after a two set match when you're used to play up to four or five hours says it all.
Oh, and belated Happy Birthday. Mine's is this month too.
-
Very nice words Lady TT, I'm sure he would appreciate it. I'll pass it on if I get the opportunity... ;)
By the way, I just celebrated my birthday in the last couple of days as well. :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
Ha ha ha. He's worthy.
See, that astrology can't be discounted. You're as excellent as Roger in your analyses. I saw it on FB and realized that we hadn't mentioned it here at Camelot.
-
very impressive general masterclass.
I noticed that he wont give up any space (court) even in practice.
You're right, not much general.
He knows what you and I know. You have to make the opponent have less time to react, especially on hard court. So returns and rally shots have to come back quickly, deep, and close to the lines.
This is what Djokovic and the top guys have been doing consistently the best from both wings, which is why he is 4000 points ahead of Federer, who is close to 2000 points ahead of Murray, who is 2000 points ahead of Wawrinka and the rest of the field.
It takes a lot of practice, hard work, to get that level of play against the best in the world.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Lady TT, that's an interesting article regarding Nadal's assistant coach Roig.
Most interesting to me were his words:
"When it was time to compete, Rafael didn't do as he had done in the past 10 years. I think it is normal for that to happen considering how long Rafael has been on the top of his game. "
So what does that mean? What didn't he do?
But anyway, it looks like Roig hopes these times have passed.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Very nice words Lady TT, I'm sure he would appreciate it. I'll pass it on if I get the opportunity... ;)
By the way, I just celebrated my birthday in the last couple of days as well. :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Happy Birthday, Roger Federer! You're still as good as you were. Marvelous!
-
Can't say I agree with Roig, if this is what they think then Rafa needs several new voices. Rafa is cramping after a two set match. I'm not following their logic at all. This also puts a target on Rafa's back. Keep it between the lines. I hate when people talk about things that are in the future, the future is unknown.
Francisco Roig: ´Now Rafael Nadal Can Compete With All But Novak Djokovic´
Tennis - Second coach for Rafael Nadal, Francisco Roig talked about the moment of form of the Spaniard and how Djokovic remains the only player he can´t beat now ..
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Francisco-Roig-Now-Rafael-Nadal-Can-Compete-With-All-But-Novak-Djokovic-articolo25425.html?utm_content=buffer0688d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Rafael Nadal 07 Aug 2015 Francisco Roig has been following Rafael Nadal over the years, during specific windows of the season in which Toni Nadal prefers to take a moment to rest from the continuous traveling around the World. As Nadal approaches the hard court season after having won the title in Hamburg, Roig decided to share his thoughts on the current moment of form of the 14-time Grand Slam champion. Nadal has won the US Open twice in his career, in 2010 - completing his career Grand Slam - and in 2013. In both occasions, the Spaniard topped Novak Djokovic in the final.
Speaking to Tennis Topic, Roig explained what the victory in Germany means for Rafael and his motivations.
"It is always good to win, especially before the start of an important part of the season such as the North American hard court swing. There is a change in surface and thus a need to adapt to the new conditions. It is a success that helps in the right motivation and approach to the practice sessions. It was fundamental to leave Hamburg as the winners. If that wasn't the case, the approach to the North American season would have been different" revealed Roig.
What is it that really happened to Rafa in this 2015 season?
"The lack of consistency is a symptom of a lack of confidence. Some tournaments went bad, he didn't play how he wanted. When it was time to compete, Rafael didn't do as he had done in the past 10 years. I think it is normal for that to happen considering how long Rafael has been on the top of his game. Despite all that happened this year, Rafael is No 6 in the race after Hamburg. The goal is to finish in the top 5 and conclude the season in the best possible way to do well at the US Open and start well the 2016 season" said Francisco to the media.
Then Roig talked about Nadal's competitors on the top of men's tennis...
"Thinking of points yes, we can say that Murray, Federer and Djokovic are not reachable at the moment. Focusing on the level, Novak Djokovic is a spot above everyone else, but I don't think he is better than the other years. Maybe it was Nadal who was being a shade on him in the last part of the season. On a single match Rafael can beat anyone: Federer, Murray, Wawrinka...are all players he can create difficulties to. Let's not forget that in the past years Nadal and Djokovic made the difference in the last part of the season in terms of points. The rankings speak and they tell that Djokovic is on top, with a strong lead over the rest. I can say that in the United States this year Rafael will be able to compete against anyone, but Novak Djokovic" revealed Roig.
Roig also said he believes Rafael Nadal will manage to get back to the levels where he belongs. Being that Nadal has started losing matches more on a mental point of view, there is a chance to build the necessary confidence with wins and then use that confidence to win more matches against the best players, knowing that Rafael hasn't suddenly forgotten how to play tennis.
-
Rafa is so popular.
the world loves him.
but I am not happy with him. ha ha. he is lucky I am not his coach.
I would make him practice 8 hours a day.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fspartan%2520images%2Fthis%2520is%2520sparta%2Fsparatus-1%2Fcool%2520pix%2Fleonidas-1%2Frafa%2520blue-3_zpsl6zqnoz2.jpg&hash=828894b4f6cc90427541257bd9fb976c34a90fc6) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/spartan%20images/this%20is%20sparta/sparatus-1/cool%20pix/leonidas-1/rafa%20blue-3_zpsl6zqnoz2.jpg.html)
I wish you were his coach for the bad times, but in prosperity you would probably work the poor man to death.
-
Rafa is so popular.
the world loves him.
but I am not happy with him. ha ha. he is lucky I am not his coach.
I would make him practice 8 hours a day.
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fspartan%2520images%2Fthis%2520is%2520sparta%2Fsparatus-1%2Fcool%2520pix%2Fleonidas-1%2Frafa%2520blue-3_zpsl6zqnoz2.jpg&hash=828894b4f6cc90427541257bd9fb976c34a90fc6) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/spartan%20images/this%20is%20sparta/sparatus-1/cool%20pix/leonidas-1/rafa%20blue-3_zpsl6zqnoz2.jpg.html)
-
Rafa rocks Rogers Cup
Aug 7, 2015 By Tom Tebbutt
http://www.tenniscanada.com/tebbutt-rafa-rocks/
-
very impressive general masterclass.
I noticed that he wont give up any space (court) even in practice.
-
Correct, General. He just had his 34th birthday - celebrating 34 years lived on planet earth. So as he begins his 35th year, he wants to peak at US Open. So he doesn't want to play the back to back Masters. Understandable.
Recall that he lost to Tsonga in the Toronto final, and then won the Cincinnati title. He made the SF of the US Open but the tank was near empty against eventual champion Cilic.
I should mention, don't get the impression Roger just wants to rest... He's working hard on his game in practice. Here is a peek. :)
Roger practicing on hard court in Switzerland
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLpH8k9UwAAGaRx.jpg)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
does anybody have any info as to why roger pulled out?
is he pacing himself for the U.S. Open.
-
good idea. I will also post it at bobbi's travel thread.
-
Kim's pregnant! Andy Murray and his new wife are expecting their first baby just four months after couple were married
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3187419/Kim-Andy-Murray-announce-expecting-baby.html#ixzz3i6qMIQuq
British tennis star Andy Murray and new wife Kim Sears are expecting a baby, it has been reported.
The couple, who married in April, are said to be overjoyed by the news.
It is understood the former Wimbledon champion has only just broken the news Kim is pregnant to family and friends.
His mother Judy, who starred in Strictly Come Dancing, is said to be ecstatic, having admitted only a few weeks ago she is dreaming of being a 'very active granny for sure'.
-
What do you think about Dmitrov? I feel kind of bad for him. It's obvious that he modeled his game after Federer, but that was a mistake. In a way it set him up for failure because their styles are so similar looking (something's missing but I can't pinpoint it) and I think people expect him to have the same kind of career that Roger's had. I don't see it happening. There's some really good young guns coming up and I think they're going to surpass him.
Those young guns took out some experienced players today. Everybody better be on their toes.
Kevin Anderson lost to one today and so did The Dog. I like Kevin Anderson. He seems like such a nice guy. I usually watch his matches hoping that he gets over the hump.
-
Agreed.
Rafa can change his stars with hard work and more and better focus on improvement.
I believe that. This is purely mental; the fact that he doesn't want to work on his fitness. I need to read some articles and see what he's saying now, but last month he was just partying. WTH? Maybe all that time off spoiled him. Because he just hasn't been into this year at all.
-
I saw this rainbow on the beach today:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fspartan%2520images%2Fthis%2520is%2520sparta%2Fsparatus-1%2Fcool%2520pix%2Fleonidas-1%2Frainbow-1%2520001_zpsr4e0ywyt.jpg&hash=39aed11e0e090cdc33296b370b21905df262acb1) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/spartan%20images/this%20is%20sparta/sparatus-1/cool%20pix/leonidas-1/rainbow-1%20001_zpsr4e0ywyt.jpg.html)
That is absolutely gorgeous. All that land, sand, and blue skies. What a beautful world we live in. All of the boards on Camelot take us to so many different places. You should put that on one of the travel boards. Simply beautiful.
-
I saw this rainbow on the beach today:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fspartan%2520images%2Fthis%2520is%2520sparta%2Fsparatus-1%2Fcool%2520pix%2Fleonidas-1%2Frainbow-1%2520001_zpsr4e0ywyt.jpg&hash=39aed11e0e090cdc33296b370b21905df262acb1) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/spartan%20images/this%20is%20sparta/sparatus-1/cool%20pix/leonidas-1/rainbow-1%20001_zpsr4e0ywyt.jpg.html)
-
Agreed.
Rafa can change his stars with hard work and more and better focus on improvement.
-
I'm hoping for a change of fortune here. Cincinnati is coming soon. I'm going if Rafa enters.
-
Rafa travels to Montreal today.
He will also play doubles with verdasco there.
-
my biggest fear is injury due to lack of sufficient work on fitness and physicality.
he is not doing enough. next injury will force him to exit the sport. most likely for good.
I really want to see him take his fitness up a few levels and play until he is about 35.
he is already having shoulder issues and he has missed more than 1/2 of the year.
it is due to lack of work on the fitness front.
It has to be. I wonder why he's so unmotivated. This came out of nowhere. When he came back he had this lackadaisical attitude and it hasnt changed. It's baffling.
he had a very easy semifinal. just sets.
and he took the final in straights. still he started tiring badly and then started to cramp.
and he has shoulder pain.
he needs the gym. he also needs a world class fitness expert that specializes in tennis.
I can't say you didn't school me. It didn't make sense to me at the time, but the proof is in the pudding. You and masterclass called it a long time ago.
-
my biggest fear is injury due to lack of sufficient work on fitness and physicality.
he is not doing enough. next injury will force him to exit the sport. most likely for good.
I really want to see him take his fitness up a few levels and play until he is about 35.
he is already having shoulder issues and he has missed more than 1/2 of the year.
it is due to lack of work on the fitness front.
It has to be. I wonder why he's so unmotivated. This came out of nowhere. When he came back he had this lackadaisical attitude and it hasnt changed. It's baffling.
he had a very easy semifinal. just sets.
and he took the final in straights. still he started tiring badly and then started to cramp.
and he has shoulder pain.
he needs the gym. he also needs a world class fitness expert that specializes in tennis.
-
Roger is out of the Canadian Open.
He announced that a while back. He said he wanted to concentrate on the USO.
-
Fog is a fool. he had no business acting like a kid:
http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2015-08-02/20204.php
Yeah, he acted a plumb fool. I thought it was funny that Rafa told him to get back on his side of the court. They kill me acting like this kind of behavior is "personality," no it's ignorance. Sorry, not sorry.
-
my biggest fear is injury due to lack of sufficient work on fitness and physicality.
he is not doing enough. next injury will force him to exit the sport. most likely for good.
I really want to see him take his fitness up a few levels and play until he is about 35.
he is already having shoulder issues and he has missed more than 1/2 of the year.
it is due to lack of work on the fitness front.
It has to be. I wonder why he's so unmotivated. This came out of nowhere. When he came back he had this lackadaisical attitude and it hasnt changed. It's baffling.
-
Roger is out of the Canadian Open.
-
Fog is a fool. he had no business acting like a kid:
http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2015-08-02/20204.php
-
my biggest fear is injury due to lack of sufficient work on fitness and physicality.
he is not doing enough. next injury will force him to exit the sport. most likely for good.
I really want to see him take his fitness up a few levels and play until he is about 35.
he is already having shoulder issues and he has missed more than 1/2 of the year.
it is due to lack of work on the fitness front.
-
Marion Bartoli Says Rafael Nadal Lacks Power In His Game Right Now
by Tom Gainey | July 28th, 2015, 10:04 am
I read this the other day and some people were trashing her. It's a dumb article anyway. We can all see that Rafa is not as his usual level. This is a waste of ink.
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli was commenting about Rafael Nadal earlier this month. The Frenchwoman with the high IQ said that Nadal is struggling because he no longer can hit the ball with power like his did before, especially off the serve.
“When you play against him [Nadal] the ball is 25 kilometres per hour slower, the opponent doesn’t have the same difficulty to play,” she told Perform.
“When he serves, he can’t go beyond 115 miles per hour.
“He is exposed in every return.
“There is an [solution] and his team need to find it because it’s vital for him.”
She also said that Nadal is not part of the Big 4 – Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – right now.
“With the honours he has won, yes [he is still in it]. But with his level at the moment, no,” she said.
-
Marion Bartoli Says Rafael Nadal Lacks Power In His Game Right Now
by Tom Gainey | July 28th, 2015, 10:04 am
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli was commenting about Rafael Nadal earlier this month. The Frenchwoman with the high IQ said that Nadal is struggling because he no longer can hit the ball with power like his did before, especially off the serve.
“When you play against him [Nadal] the ball is 25 kilometres per hour slower, the opponent doesn’t have the same difficulty to play,” she told Perform.
“When he serves, he can’t go beyond 115 miles per hour.
“He is exposed in every return.
“There is an [solution] and his team need to find it because it’s vital for him.”
She also said that Nadal is not part of the Big 4 – Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – right now.
“With the honours he has won, yes [he is still in it]. But with his level at the moment, no,” she said.
-
hard work on the fitness front and the practice courts will fix everything.
he needs time in the gym also to get stronger. that will also keep the injuries away.
-
I want to know what happened with the shouting match. I'll go to the site and look for the press release.
I missed it completely.
what happened and who shouted at who?
huge win for rafa. he really needed this title to start getting the feel for winning again.
he just has to work on fitness now and just keep practicing hard.
good things will come his way if he can keep the focus and unleash that inner drive to battle, compete, and win.
-
I want to know what happened with the shouting match. I'll go to the site and look for the press release.
-
Vacations are more important than fitness and winning.
He got this done but barely.
We have been saying this here for 2 years now: he refuses to work hard.
Now comes the heat and humidity of the North American hard court circuit.
-
General, it's good that Rafa got it done in straights. Congrats to him. Commiserations to Fognini.
Not sure Rafa would have lasted much longer. It wasn't looking good out there. So many errors from both players. But Fognini had 60 in two sets versus something like 39 winners.. I think Rafa had 27 or 29 errors himself vs 20 winners. But Fognini had the lead 5-4 in the second set, and then was up 40-15 and proceeded to collapse, and lost 3 straight games.
Rafa collapsed in the trophy ceremony with cramps and pain. But he later got up and waved to the crowd.
The win doesn't hide that his fitness is still an issue. He says he has shoulder problems as well.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I was worried about this.
I am so glad we restored some order.
We took down Fog in straights.
-
Rafa does better when he trusts his backhand and stays close to the center of the court.
You have to control the center of the court if you want to win.
So he played better today? I haven't watched it yet, but I did see a graphic where he had 15/3 W/E in the first set. That's encouraging.
-
Rafa destroyed Seppi.
Now we have deal with Fog in the final.
Fog has beaten Rafa 3 times in a row now. Last defeat was in doubles.
Rafa just has to be himself in the final.
He can do it.
I hope he's ready. that getting the trainer was scary. The USO and the USO series may be in jeopardy. The back seized up out of nowhere.
-
Rafa does better when he trusts his backhand and stays close to the center of the court.
You have to control the center of the court if you want to win.
-
I am out on the road lady TT.
Grinder is somebody who has to work very hard to grind out his wins.
-
Rafa destroyed Seppi.
Now we have deal with Fog in the final.
Fog has beaten Rafa 3 times in a row now. Last defeat was in doubles.
Rafa just has to be himself in the final.
He can do it.
-
Did they ever say what happened today during the match? I DVR the matches and skim through first. That way I don't have to hear the commentators. After I see the result, then if my person wins I'll go back and watch the match and comments don't bother me. If it's someone I don't care for then I don't have to listen to their drivel and omissions. It's quite interesting watching it without the "voices in your head." You can see clearer.
After the match they went straight to the WTA, so I never heard what happened.
I meant to ask you. What is a grinder? I hear them use this term loosely. I thought it meant someone who wasn't offensive and primarily got the ball back. I first heard it when they used it to describe Lleyton and later Ferrer. Now, I hear them applying it to a wide range of players. The other day they used it to describe Joao Sousa (POR). I didn't understand that at all. People's playing styles do not seem to be consistent with their claims.
-
Since you all are the experts, what did Rafa do right and what did he do wrong?
I read a few comments and some guy was talking about court positioning and him not hitting DTL but cross court too much.
What's up?
well it could have been some sort of a plan for the match.
Verdasco had won their last match.
Verdasco is also left handed.
Rafa did hit a few more crosscourt forehands than usual. also he may not have felt fully confident in going for his inside/out forehand or for going down the line with it.
-
Rafa exercise more
great to see you around Exotic.
ha ha. you are so right. he needs more work on his fitness.
-
Lady TT
You are most certainly the kindest gracious Queen of Camelot
Thank you for all of your kindness and support
You are a true treasure
I have been humbled and honoured knowing you
Love and light
Good bye
-
Rafa exercise more
-
Since you all are the experts, what did Rafa do right and what did he do wrong?
I read a few comments and some guy was talking about court positioning and him not hitting DTL but cross court too much.
What's up?
-
That was a good comeback from Rafa. The first set was very poor. But he dug in early in the second set and fended off break points from Verdasco and it gave him some confidence and Verdasco hung his head. The 6-1, 6-1 second and third sets were not quite as easy as it looks, but Rafa got the job done with room to spare.
By the way, his doubles partner 18 year old Munar won his first ATP match when GGL suddenly retired after 3 games. The win will probably be good enough for him to jump into the top 500 from #683 where he was before the tournament.
Respectfully,
masterclass
rafa needs clay if he is to ever get back to a decent level.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
46 clay titles spell that out a little too clearly.
it is going to be a very long road back but he can do it if he dedicates himself to the sport completely.
single minded focus and 7-8 hours of training a day or no cigar.
-
That was a good comeback from Rafa. The first set was very poor. But he dug in early in the second set and fended off break points from Verdasco and it gave him some confidence and Verdasco hung his head. The 6-1, 6-1 second and third sets were not quite as easy as it looks, but Rafa got the job done with room to spare.
By the way, his doubles partner 18 year old Munar won his first ATP match when GGL suddenly retired after 3 games. The win will probably be good enough for him to jump into the top 500 from #683 where he was before the tournament.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
we needed this win. it will help him get some momentum going.
-
none of these people would stand 1/2 a chance against him on clay if he would just go out and work on his damn game and his fitness.
if you take endless vacations and ridiculous amount of time off away from the sport then there is a stiff price to be paid.
you become a sitting duck for even the players at the challenger level, let alone the tour level players.
rafa will probably derail verdasco but he should have never put himself in the position to begin with.
he needed to go play another clay event right after Wimbledon and also train like mad instead of another long vacation and zero practice and zero work on the fitness.
I just don't get the point of being laughed at by all these unknown players who will never amount to anything in the sport.
why even go to battle if you are not going to go to conquer and win.
-
go Rafa. make it happen.
fight to the death and snatch this title.
No one would be happier than us. But he's got Verdasco coming out the gate. It's going to be tough.
-
go Rafa. make it happen.
fight to the death and snatch this title.
-
There is more glory for you in the stars Rafa.
Go after it. You only live once mate.
This is true. He's starting to get some of his feeling back. It's not showing up on the court yet, but it's in his face. Before he didn't seem to care at all. But today I saw a glimpse of the old Rafa, let's hope this is the beginning. I sure do miss the warrior.
-
There is more glory for you in the stars Rafa.
Go after it. You only live once mate.
-
his heart is not in it lady TT.
he has had nothing but time off since 2012. that is the reason why he is dropping like a rock.
too much inactivity as it relates to tennis.
it is just not happening unless he totally and completely dedicates himself to the sport.
I know we are all waiting for next year but the next year should have started after that loss at RG.
I am seeing nothing but a continued free fall in both the level of play and the fitness.
I don't think his heart is in it either. Evidently, he's not there right now. It happens. Whether he wants it or not is up to him. There's nothing we can do as fans, but wait and see, if he gets this hunger back. Right now he doesn't seen to have it, why we'll never know. If anything it will show up in his life's story, after all is said and done.
But this happens all the time. I've seen it with every player. It's not a big deal to me. I can't recall any top player who didn't go through a slump, no not one.
-
his heart is not in it lady TT.
he has had nothing but time off since 2012. that is the reason why he is dropping like a rock.
too much inactivity as it relates to tennis.
it is just not happening unless he totally and completely dedicates himself to the sport.
I know we are all waiting for next year but the next year should have started after that loss at RG.
I am seeing nothing but a continued free fall in both the level of play and the fitness.
-
rafa has more fans than anyone on the planet as far as tennis goes.
when you combine his following at twitter and at facebook i think it is more than any other tennis player.
he fills the stadiums. he is a global draw.
what i am not getting is why keep showing up in such horrible physical condition. why not work a little harder on the fitness front. why not have 2 long practice sessions a day to re-discover the ground game again.
he has made it clear that he wants to be more fit and get stronger physically so he can compete more effectively.
so why not go into battle gladiator mode and gladiator ready. why not do it. i know he can come back but it has to start now. the process of coming back starts now.
you just cant beat anybody if you dont play and practice.
why give every tom, dick, and harry a chance to take him down when nobody could beat him before. rafa had a winning record against all top 30 players once.
they all feared him.
He has been the king of social media for several years now. They won't say that though, LOL. Anyway, he'll get there. This is a long needed sit down. It was bound to happen. Sometimes you have to fall in order to get back up. I have no doubt that Rafa will rise again. This is just a temporary blip. He's worked too hard to stop now. He just needs a break.
Rafa Nadal - 2015 Is Not Finished
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtGfgHZ9jRM
-
rafa has more fans than anyone on the planet as far as tennis goes.
when you combine his following at twitter and at facebook i think it is more than any other tennis player.
he fills the stadiums. he is a global draw.
what i am not getting is why keep showing up in such horrible physical condition. why not work a little harder on the fitness front. why not have 2 long practice sessions a day to re-discover the ground game again.
he has made it clear that he wants to be more fit and get stronger physically so he can compete more effectively.
so why not go into battle gladiator mode and gladiator ready. why not do it. i know he can come back but it has to start now. the process of coming back starts now.
you just cant beat anybody if you dont play and practice.
why give every tom, dick, and harry a chance to take him down when nobody could beat him before. rafa had a winning record against all top 30 players once.
they all feared him.
-
I can imagine that psychologically he's exhausted. they have maligned this man for a decade. Everything he does, or doesn't do is magnified. I can name every player that has a win over Rafa because they mention it in every single broadcast. We have been hearing about his tics and water bottles for ten years. Why. Who else's tics are talked about ad nauseum. How often do they mention the others's tics and assign traits to them like lack of confidence, insecurity and other crap like that. No one. Who beat Djokovic, Murray, or Federer in the last 12 majors. You'd have to check that on the internet, but not Rafa, nope, that's all they talk about.
The same with Maria. They are still showing her one major win at Wimbledon from 2004, never mind that Maria hasn't been Serena in eleven years, no, they keep bringing it up, and you have to ask why. Beyond it being nonsensical, what's the motive.
This man packs stadiums everywhere he goes and has been the social media king for years. Social media is derived from the fans, people, not the powers to be, so what's the deal here. There isn't an excuse out there that makes sense. It's BS pure and simple. It's the same garbage that they pulled with Pete and Andre. It's not about merit, it's about who they like and who they support and lobby for. Pete was the nicest, most humble guy on the tour and yet they constantly picked at him. They magnified his losses and begrudgingly gave him credit. I'm tired of the same old script. It's been playing on for years like a broken record. If you're not up in their face, kissing their behinds, this is what they do. Rafa has too much integrity to play their little games, ergo, this is the constant BS his fans have become accustomed to.
It's not going to matter what Rafa does, they'll never acknowledge it in its totality, because they're more interested in having their way and getting people to go along with it.
I'm sure he's tired of it, because I am and it's not even me. That's a lot to deal with. You haven't done anything and someone has you under a microscope all the darn time. I can't wait until Rafa retires so that i never have to deal with these idiots again. I know how much of this is smoke and mirrors, and during Wimbledon Chris Evert accidentally acknowledged how the fans never get behind Maria (something I've known and noticed for years), so how is she so marketable and has been even when she had one major.
Please. It's because they said so. And it's BS. I can't with these people and the minions who follow them. I've had enough.
-
i saw some of the highlights from rafa's practice session in hamburg.
i am afraid he looks listless and just hopelessly out of shape.
everybody is working as hard as they possible can and playing any tennis they can. andy just played in davis cup.
roger and stan are playing davis cup in september.
rafa is showing no desire to delve into the sport.
-
rogers cup in less than 2 weeks.
north american hard court circuit is here but I don't have much hope for some of my players.
nole has the best preparation and the most confidence. he will take everything.
he is simply outworking them all on every front with zero distractions. only thing that matters to him is his profession.
nole has beaten andy 10 times in a row on all surfaces now. rafa still refuses to put in the hard yards on the practice and fitness fronts.
and roger is getting old.
stan is not young either but he has the best chance to stop nole. stan is putting in the hard yards and he is focused.
with a little bit of luck stan could steal the u.s. open.
-
nothing short of 7-8 hours of training and hitting against 2-4 different practice partners is going to get it done.
all heavy topspin players require immense amount of training. especially those that have won a lot in our sport:
1. vilas
2. borg
3. muster
4. clay warrior (rafa)
rafa was hitting 7-8 hours a day in 2008 in the what little off season tennis gave the players. he also played a lot. for instance he played and won more hard court matches than anyone on the planet.
his youth did the rest. now with the youth gone he is not doing nearly enough. I am afraid the decline in the game and fitness will continue at this current rate.
-
Well general, I'm not sure if anything will happen in Hamburg. We'll see.
But it looks like the practice Monaco had with Rafa was not enough for Juan.
In his first match in Bastad, Juan lost 4-6, 2-6 against the promising 18 year old German, Alexander Zverev.
In the interview he said his wrist was ok again, but I don't know if he got enough work when he practiced with Rafa.
In the interview, Monaco actually said what they did every day. Wake up early. Breakfast. Start practice at 9 am. Finish practice about 12 noon. Go to the gym for a little rehab and then from 2-2:30 on the rest of the day, have a good time doing whatever, being with friends, boating, swimming, playing cards, etc.
So 3 hours on the court/day, general. And Monaco exited in his first match. So I don't know if that is going to get it done.
Heck general, I spend 3-4 hours on the court/day when I'm at my Mom's, and I'm not a pro.
And then yesterday we saw Rafa bent over trying to catch his breath in that hit with Uncle Toni. His footwork also looked like he was dragging his feet a lot, look how dirty his socks are, and he looked a bit lethargic. But we are only seeing bits and pieces in these videos, so who knows really.
Maybe Rafa will have better luck in Hamburg. But I remember the guys like Muster and Borg and Vilas would be practicing for 6 hours or more per day when they were coming off a break and getting ready for a tournament. They would hit in the morning take a break for lunch and then be back out there in the afternoon. But maybe things are different these days. Less time in the court, more time in the gym.
I think I understand more why Rafa needs 2-3 matches at the start of the tournament before he can be near his best. His practices aren't enough. They don't give him the timing and fitness he needs with his big topspin game. So his first 2-3 matches, he's trying to get that, and hopefully win against the lesser players in the early rounds. But if he gets a guy on fire in an early round, he isn't ready and can be beaten. But additionally, he just doesn't seem to have the fitness to go hard for 3 sets. It looks like he needs more work for his wind, and cardio. I don't think he's going to get that boating and diving with his friends. But maybe he would rather do that these days. He has done enough on court the past 10 years and wants to do other things in his life.
Pointing the finger in fun
(https://rafaelnadalfans.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/rafael-nadal-summer-vacation-2015-1.jpg?w=700&h=&crop=1)
Pointing the finger at Djokovic falling on the net, winning Roland Garros
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdrop.ndtv.com%2Falbums%2FSPORTS%2Frafa-djoko%2Fnadal-point.jpg&hash=176337b08ac46dd9db7d8dcb69cbf83401e6971a)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Appearance fee was absolutely massive for Hamburg.
He is practicing with a guy with a wrist injury.
Again I am not sure if anything is going to happen in Hamburg.
I will just hope for the best and also pray that there are no injuries.
He is in horrible shape. Don't know why he did this to himself.
Life got in the way but life could have waited 2 years.
Soon he will have 50 years on his hands to enjoy life.
I just don't see any motivation and drive.
-
Rafa is in terrible shape.
He also can't seem to get out of his backhand corner.
Wake up Rafa. Work on your fitness now and at least give yourself a decent chance to get back in the game.
-
Hello all.
Here is the latest Nadal preparation in Manacor video before Hamburg.
Looks like he is hitting with Uncle Toni. Hope he doesn't tire him out too much :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ2UtXnQ0OM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ2UtXnQ0OM)
Here is a video interview of Juan Monaco who was also in Mallorca practicing with Nadal this past week.
Monaco looks very quick and bouncy around the court.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=795lp5Z2tEo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=795lp5Z2tEo)
Respectfully,
masterclass
Nice video. I've always liked Monaco. He does look very spry around the court. You don't get to see him talk often, so that was cool.
-
Hello all.
Here is the latest Nadal preparation in Manacor video before Hamburg.
Looks like he is hitting with Uncle Toni. Hope he doesn't tire him out too much :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ2UtXnQ0OM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ2UtXnQ0OM)
Here is a video interview of Juan Monaco who was also in Mallorca practicing with Nadal this past week.
Monaco looks very quick and bouncy around the court.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=795lp5Z2tEo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=795lp5Z2tEo)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Great post general.
The last time Rafa played in Hamburg he beat many of the toughest players around.
R1 - Bye
R2 - Potito Starace
R3 - #15 Andy Murray
QF - #11 Carlos Moya
SF - #3 Novak Djokovic
F - #1 Roger Federer
When he took the title back in 2008, the German Open in Hamburg was part of the Masters Series on clay. The next year, this historic and one of the oldest tournaments (since 1892) shamefully got demoted to an ATP 500 event, and Madrid changed from hard courts to clay and took its slot.
They tried to do a similar thing with historic Monte Carlo but there were too many protests, so it stayed a Masters, but it is not mandatory like the other Masters.
Rafa has not played in Hamburg since 2008. This time, the field will be much easier, and instead of a 64 man draw it will only be 32, and instead of 16 seeds, it will only be eight.
Scheduled #1 seed Ferrer and #3 Simon were entered to play, but Simon was injured in Davis Cup, and Ferrer has been out with an injury as well.
So if those two don't play, Rafa will be top seed and may only have to face players ranked between 20 and higher. It's an excellent tournament for him to get some match play and hit a lot of ground strokes which is what he needs. The grass season didn't help him much in that regard. Yes, he won Stuttgart, but he didn't get much rhythm there and losing early in Wimbledon didn't help him either.
I remember when Borg and Vilas played at Roland Garros, and used to hit 60 and longer stroke rallies. Maybe the balls weren't whizzing back and forth like they do today due to vastly improved racquet and string tech (lubricated polyester strings), but on clay the slower tactical play builds fitness and timing.
Borg-Vilas 86 stroke rally
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZZMuXBr_Hk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZZMuXBr_Hk)
Respectfully,
masterclass
love that rally general. I have seen it before but thanks for posting it. I can watch it many times again.
this sort of spells it all out. Rafa heavy and reckless neglect of clay cost him in the end.
so he has to go back to his roots. he has to stick to his knitting.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
playing one clay event here and one there is not going to help but at least he is taking a few right steps anyway.
at some point he has to learn for once and for all that he cant win any event anywhere now unless he embraces clay.
he has to go to hamburg and fight to the death and try to snag the title. he has to be himself again.
-
Great post general.
The last time Rafa played in Hamburg he beat many of the toughest players around.
R1 - Bye
R2 - Potito Starace
R3 - #15 Andy Murray
QF - #11 Carlos Moya
SF - #3 Novak Djokovic
F - #1 Roger Federer
When he took the title back in 2008, the German Open in Hamburg was part of the Masters Series on clay. The next year, this historic and one of the oldest tournaments (since 1892) shamefully got demoted to an ATP 500 event, and Madrid changed from hard courts to clay and took its slot.
They tried to do a similar thing with historic Monte Carlo but there were too many protests, so it stayed a Masters, but it is not mandatory like the other Masters.
Rafa has not played in Hamburg since 2008. This time, the field will be much easier, and instead of a 64 man draw it will only be 32, and instead of 16 seeds, it will only be eight.
Scheduled #1 seed Ferrer and #3 Simon were entered to play, but Simon was injured in Davis Cup, and Ferrer has been out with an injury as well.
So if those two don't play, Rafa will be top seed and may only have to face players ranked between 20 and higher. It's an excellent tournament for him to get some match play and hit a lot of ground strokes which is what he needs. The grass season didn't help him much in that regard. Yes, he won Stuttgart, but he didn't get much rhythm there and losing early in Wimbledon didn't help him either.
I remember when Borg and Vilas played at Roland Garros, and used to hit 60 and longer stroke rallies. Maybe the balls weren't whizzing back and forth like they do today due to vastly improved racquet and string tech (lubricated polyester strings), but on clay the slower tactical play builds fitness and timing.
Borg-Vilas 86 stroke rally
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZZMuXBr_Hk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZZMuXBr_Hk)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
It's official! Rafa has accepted a wild card for Hamburg at Am Rothenbaum!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKWad1vVEAAHKYq.jpg)
7 years after his last appearance, Rafa returns to Hamburg!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKWrh0-UsAAn8DJ.jpg)
This is good news. I wish he had played in Bastad though, but he said he couldn't commit. He has many irons in the fire.
I suppose 4 or 5 matches on clay is better than nothing.
After Hamburg, he has a decision to make.
1. Does he play the next week in the 250 event in Kitzbuhel, Austria on clay, the last clay event of the year?
2. Or, does he play the same week in the 500 event in Washington, DC on hard courts?
3. Or, does he skip those events and on Aug 10, go straight into the Canadian Masters in Montreal on hard courts?
I think he will choose #3. I might advise #1 (it's beautiful there :) and clay court title leader Vilas won 4 titles there). Some others are advising #2. It depends on how much he wants to work and play, knowing the two hard court masters are back to back (Cincinnati follows Canada).
Respectfully,
masterclass
the great Vilas. he was called the bull also.
Rafa wont get far at this event with his current level of play and fitness.
but the good news is that he is on clay.
you saw serena waste no time in getting on clay after Wimbledon and she won Wimbledon.
vacations are far more important to Rafa than to save his career.
I am afraid it is too late his chances for another slam unless he totally and completely rededicates himself to the sport again and engages in as much practice and match play on clay as possible until RG next year.
he allowed himself too much of a drop. only he can come back but you know it cant happen unless he wins on clay.
and for him to win on clay will require considerable practice and match play on clay and also immense amount of work on fitness front.
this is not a sudden drop. this is a drop well over 2 years in the making.
conchita Martinez said that even Rafa does not or may not know what is happening to him. but Rafa does know. I will expound on this later in the next post.
and we know at Camelot: he has lost his relentless will and his drive to fight and win tennis matches.
and exactly why he managed to lose it right on the middle of his prime and with so close to staring down history is a topic for the tennis historians.
more on this later tomorrow.
-
I am in Baton Rouge with mom and dad.
I will be getting back home quite late.
-
It's official! Rafa has accepted a wild card for Hamburg at Am Rothenbaum!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKWad1vVEAAHKYq.jpg)
7 years after his last appearance, Rafa returns to Hamburg!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKWrh0-UsAAn8DJ.jpg)
This is good news. I wish he had played in Bastad though, but he said he couldn't commit. He has many irons in the fire.
I suppose 4 or 5 matches on clay is better than nothing.
After Hamburg, he has a decision to make.
1. Does he play the next week in the 250 event in Kitzbuhel, Austria on clay, the last clay event of the year?
2. Or, does he play the same week in the 500 event in Washington, DC on hard courts?
3. Or, does he skip those events and on Aug 10, go straight into the Canadian Masters in Montreal on hard courts?
I think he will choose #3. I might advise #1 (it's beautiful there :) and clay court title leader Vilas won 4 titles there). Some others are advising #2. It depends on how much he wants to work and play, knowing the two hard court masters are back to back (Cincinnati follows Canada).
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Serena is not wasting valuable time.
She knows she will soon have 50 years of vacationing.
She is in Bastad winning tennis matches.
total domination at this advance age.
It requires hard work and dedication and she is doing it.
Serena is amazing. She hasn't lost a step. At her age she is still heads and shoulders above the rest of the tour. She's also had to re-dedicate herself to the tour after having injuries. In retrospect, things have worked out to her advantage.
-
there is good news.
the word on the street is that Rafa is going to Hamburg.
go Rafa and take that title. fight and win.
Fabulous post. It makes sense. That's exactly what Camelot is shaping up to be. There's something here for everyone, and we have an environment that's conducive to doing just that; being creative and sharing our give with the world. That's what the marketing focus should be on; creativity and individuality. What a hook!
-
there is good news.
the word on the street is that Rafa is going to Hamburg.
go Rafa and take that title. fight and win.
That's great! Hopefully he's slowing getting back into warrior mode. How i miss that. This new chill, laid back guy troubles me.
-
what a day for the murray family.
murray brothers are making it happen in davis cup.
-
Rafa is back on clay.
Thank the gods.
So clay is the right decision? Is that so that he can groove his game and get his confidence back? Should he play the hard courts or stay on clay?
he is doomed for total and complete failure if he does not embrace clay.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
he must rediscover his ground game which can only happen on clay for him.
the reason he is in this bind is because he neglected clay and even took it for granted until they all overtook him on clay.
now he has nothing that he can win on. nothing.
it has to start on clay for him.
he will win 1-2 matches at best at these following events even if he does win hamburg:
1. rogers cup in Canada
2. cincy
3. u.s. open.
he may do a little bit better at flushing meadows since it is best of 5 sets but again with his terrible seeding he may just go out in the first round there.
translation: he better embrace clay as much as possible.
-
Rafa is back on clay.
Thank the gods.
So clay is the right decision? Is that so that he can groove his game and get his confidence back? Should he play the hard courts or stay on clay?
-
Rafa is back on clay.
Thank the gods.
-
I think Serena is a great tennis player and loved watching her win her last trophy, especially putting it on top of her head! I hope Camelot remains the same charming place that I love to come to and browse what all is going on, especially interacting with all of you. I use to go watch my uncles play tennis when I was younger and I honestly don't see how they do it. It is an awesome sport that I do enjoy when I have time to watch with no grandsons around. I remember sitting with my late Grandfather and watching now retired players, he loved it also and basketball. I grew up watching Everett, McEnroe,Navratilova(hope it's spelled right), Jimmy Conners and more. Awesome games they played, even though some did get very mad. Blessings
Great post lady Quinnqueens..
Great to see you around enjoying the sights and sounds of Camelot.
Serena now has 21 slams and shows zero signs of slowing down.
She is back on the courts already in Bastad after Wimbledon.
-
I think Serena is a great tennis player and loved watching her win her last trophy, especially putting it on top of her head! I hope Camelot remains the same charming place that I love to come to and browse what all is going on, especially interacting with all of you. I use to go watch my uncles play tennis when I was younger and I honestly don't see how they do it. It is an awesome sport that I do enjoy when I have time to watch with no grandsons around. I remember sitting with my late Grandfather and watching now retired players, he loved it also and basketball. I grew up watching Everett, McEnroe,Navratilova(hope it's spelled right), Jimmy Conners and more. Awesome games they played, even though some did get very mad. Blessings
-
Serena is not wasting valuable time.
She knows she will soon have 50 years of vacationing.
She is in Bastad winning tennis matches.
total domination at this advance age.
It requires hard work and dedication and she is doing it.
-
djokovic got blown off the court at RG but he still outworks them all.
he works twice as hard as the rest and his results spell that out.
I told people at MTF 5 years ago that djokovic was an all time great. nobody believed me.
this man is driven.
he acts like an idiot on the court and really should show far greater respect for Rafa and Roger but that will just cost him in the public court. rafa and roger will always be the most popular champions.
but he is working very hard on every single aspect of his game and also his fitness. that is why he never gets hurt and he just keeps winning.
until others step up and start outworking djokovic he will just keep taking all the trophies.
rafa wants to vacation his ass off and get as far away from tennis as possible right in the middle of the year and roger is just getting old. andy does not have a dominant forehand so it is clear sailing for djokovic.
it is just hard for roger to bag the big ones now but we know he will keep fighting.
there is nothing but admiration for roger here at Camelot. he is a warrior.
I didn't say that he was an all time great, but I knew that he was a great player. It used to confuse me why he didn't produce as much as he was capable of. They scoffed at me too, on TW, not that it mattered. But it's funny to see many of the same people lauding him so many years after the fact. They hated him.
The only thing about Novak is that he has no discernible personality; you never know what you're going to get with him, so it's difficult for me be all in with him. He's a braggart, a statesman, a clown, an angry maniac who hollers in little girls' faces or cusses out a crowd. He's all over the place that's why he'll never gain the same respect as the other two. Pick a personality Djoker, even one that can incorporate his unique differences, but as it is, you never who or what you're going to get.
He's outworking Rafa and Andy, but I can't say that about Fed. Roger is working hard too, but the 5 sets with a quality opponent will always be a crap shoot the older he gets.
It's hard to say why some people get injuries and others don't. I don't think there's an answer to that. It's the luck of the draw to me.
-
we are growing lady TT.
next year we will add free education for kids here.
our brand new metal universe section is in development.
I did some research: metal--in various forms and variations--is now bigger than ever.
as with anything else that is in development here, it will take about 2 years to completely transform Camelot into a fun learning center that truly inspires and entertains.
I expect about 600 people here in 2 years. or maybe even a little bit better than that.
we simply had to re-invent Camelot.
tennis is our thing but clearly the world is full of other immensely fascinating things to enjoy also.
The thing is how to market it. That's why those guys get the big bucks. They know what to say to get us to change our minds. They got us to buy bottled way, something that was free, didn't they?
Camelot has a lot of charms, but so far we've been fortunate in getting the right people. Creative people who are looking for an outlet, not just stimulation.
It would nice for it to be a bustling community, but in many ways that's its charm. The people are all laid back, chill, and very nice. It's a peaceful environment. There's no place like Camelot, will "progress" spoil that? I wonder.
good point but perhaps Camelot will be unique.
people will come here to learn and to be inspired.
all the new innovations in social media has killed a lot of forums.
we will have a few people interacting here but far more just coming here to create and to share with the world. and of course they will come here to learn and to be inspired.
in that sense it should be able to retain its distinctive charm.
-
there is good news.
the word on the street is that Rafa is going to Hamburg.
go Rafa and take that title. fight and win.
-
we are growing lady TT.
next year we will add free education for kids here.
our brand new metal universe section is in development.
I did some research: metal--in various forms and variations--is now bigger than ever.
as with anything else that is in development here, it will take about 2 years to completely transform Camelot into a fun learning center that truly inspires and entertains.
I expect about 600 people here in 2 years. or maybe even a little bit better than that.
we simply had to re-invent Camelot.
tennis is our thing but clearly the world is full of other immensely fascinating things to enjoy also.
The thing is how to market it. That's why those guys get the big bucks. They know what to say to get us to change our minds. They got us to buy bottled way, something that was free, didn't they?
Camelot has a lot of charms, but so far we've been fortunate in getting the right people. Creative people who are looking for an outlet, not just stimulation.
It would nice for it to be a bustling community, but in many ways that's its charm. The people are all laid back, chill, and very nice. It's a peaceful environment. There's no place like Camelot, will "progress" spoil that? I wonder.
-
long time no see Exotic.
glad you are enjoying Camelot.
-
Good
-
djokovic got blown off the court at RG but he still outworks them all.
he works twice as hard as the rest and his results spell that out.
I told people at MTF 5 years ago that djokovic was an all time great. nobody believed me.
this man is driven.
he acts like an idiot on the court and really should show far greater respect for Rafa and Roger but that will just cost him in the public court. rafa and roger will always be the most popular champions.
but he is working very hard on every single aspect of his game and also his fitness. that is why he never gets hurt and he just keeps winning.
until others step up and start outworking djokovic he will just keep taking all the trophies.
rafa wants to vacation his ass off and get as far away from tennis as possible right in the middle of the year and roger is just getting old. andy does not have a dominant forehand so it is clear sailing for djokovic.
it is just hard for roger to bag the big ones now but we know he will keep fighting.
there is nothing but admiration for roger here at Camelot. he is a warrior.
-
roger needed that second set.
he would have been ale to take it with a 2 sets to love lead.
he could have served better in the final but at least he is out there in the frontlines fighting, battling, and competing.
good things will happen.
he has to improve his serve even more and also work diligently on the return of serve.
and finally the topspin backhand needs a little more work also.
I don't think so. Novak really blew that second set. That could easily have been a straight setter despite Roger's best efforts. It was weird because they both played at a very high level, but Novak had Roger running and using up a lot of energy throughout the match.
Oftentimes Roger can blitz an opponent at different times during a match and thereby earn himself a reprieve. In the final he had to be on all the time and it was in those moments that Novak took advantage.
The rain delay didn't help either, because at his age I don't think that Federer had sufficiently recovered enough to make a grand statement. He played well, but Novak kept raising his level. A tall task for anyone and he proved it again.
-
we are growing lady TT.
next year we will add free education for kids here.
our brand new metal universe section is in development.
I did some research: metal--in various forms and variations--is now bigger than ever.
as with anything else that is in development here, it will take about 2 years to completely transform Camelot into a fun learning center that truly inspires and entertains.
I expect about 600 people here in 2 years. or maybe even a little bit better than that.
we simply had to re-invent Camelot.
tennis is our thing but clearly the world is full of other immensely fascinating things to enjoy also.
-
roger needed that second set.
he would have been ale to take it with a 2 sets to love lead.
he could have served better in the final but at least he is out there in the frontlines fighting, battling, and competing.
good things will happen.
he has to improve his serve even more and also work diligently on the return of serve.
and finally the topspin backhand needs a little more work also.
-
Well said, general hercules and lady tt.
I don't know if Federer will play to 43, but if anyone can, he can if that's what he wants. As long as he gets the support from his family, stays fit, uninjured, and competitive, and his happy competing he'll keep playing I suppose. Why shouldn't he? He is obviously a fiery competitor and there is no question the fire burns deep inside him. Usually one only gets 1 bite of the apple, and he's had several. But if he decides to stop tomorrow, I, nor any real fan of his would likely begrudge him for it. He's done it all.
Here's one more stat snapshot that shows how well both Andy and Roger played yesterday and the differences between them:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.telegraph.co.uk%2Fmultimedia%2Farchive%2F03371%2FFeds_3371853a.jpg&hash=a714b1cd88f1195c92601a3b8940929bab16f62a)
Serve numbers from Andy were amazing as well. Clearly, Federer was the more aggressive with 42 forays to the net. And the key was the breaks.
So Roger said he has one more match to win against Novak tomorrow to make the two weeks perfect. Yes, and sure, it would set records as well, which is nice for the record books.
But really, watching that match yesterday, as a fan of great tennis, with the top players giving their best, was all that I need. It was an amazing match to watch. I almost don't think anything in the final could beat it. Anything else will be gravy on the top.
Respectfully,
masterclass
he has the easy playing style and the big serve. he can also volley.
he can even play until he is 50 if he wants to. it will have to be doubles and mixed doubles after 43 or so.
if a 40 year old can win u.s. open doubles title then so can roger.
martina hingis must be getting up in age too by now. she is racking up slams in doubles and mixed doubles.
-
I want Rafa back to being a gladiator again.
And sail into the sunset just right.
Take your 10th RG Rafa and then vacation your ass off for the next 60 years.
Just do it man. Show your relentless will to fight and win again to the world.
The greatest warriors on the planet have never rested on their laurels and past battles when there are so many more battles to be won.
-
Djokovic acts like a jackass. That is all.
-
I am amazed at all this talk about who should coach Rafa.
Nobody can coach Rafa. He does not care to work anymore.
End of story.
He rather have what little is left of his tennis career go down the drain so he can exit the tour.
The man does not want to compete, battle, and win.
He has had staggering amount of time off away from the sport in the last 2.5 years right in his prime. The very last thing he needs is more vacations and more time off. Inactivity and inattention is the reason he will soon be playing barely challenger level tennis.
Way too much time off away from the sport. Lack of focus and real drive and hunger is soon going to force him out of the sport.
And even more if you take all the various injuries over the course of last 6 years.
He just does not care.
And until he gets out in the practice courts 7-8 hours a day nothing is going to happen. He will just keep falling apart and keep getting worse.
That is is reality on the ground.
-
Not only was it a masterclass, but it brought with it a sense of intimidation. Novak tends to come out one of two ways, he's either extra sharp from the onset, or unusually nervous. If Federer gets a quick start and begins to smothers Novak, there's a possibility that Novak will fold. His win/loss ration is not the best and Federer has thrown the gauntlet down.
May the best man win.
-
Well said, general hercules and lady tt.
I don't know if Federer will play to 43, but if anyone can, he can if that's what he wants. As long as he gets the support from his family, stays fit, uninjured, and competitive, and his happy competing he'll keep playing I suppose. Why shouldn't he? He is obviously a fiery competitor and there is no question the fire burns deep inside him. Usually one only gets 1 bite of the apple, and he's had several. But if he decides to stop tomorrow, I, nor any real fan of his would likely begrudge him for it. He's done it all.
Here's one more stat snapshot that shows how well both Andy and Roger played yesterday and the differences between them:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.telegraph.co.uk%2Fmultimedia%2Farchive%2F03371%2FFeds_3371853a.jpg&hash=a714b1cd88f1195c92601a3b8940929bab16f62a)
Serve numbers from Andy were amazing as well. Clearly, Federer was the more aggressive with 42 forays to the net. And the key was the breaks.
So Roger said he has one more match to win against Novak tomorrow to make the two weeks perfect. Yes, and sure, it would set records as well, which is nice for the record books.
But really, watching that match yesterday, as a fan of great tennis, with the top players giving their best, was all that I need. It was an amazing match to watch. I almost don't think anything in the final could beat it. Anything else will be gravy on the top.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Roger Federer played some amazing tennis today. Andy Murray played well himself to hang in there, but he said there was nothing he could do with Federer serving so well. Andy had only a single break point in Federer's opening service game and that was it. You can't win if you can't break. Federer broke Murray each set at the tail end, and that was all he needed to seal the deal in straight sets.
Federer's key stats
1st serves in - 76%
1st serves won - 84%
2nd serves won - 55%
Winners - 56
UE - 11
Congratulations to Federer on the 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 victory. This match was played at a higher level than Djokovic - Gasquet. If Federer can play even close to this well on Sunday against Djokovic and Djokovic doesn't play much higher than he did today, I think Roger gets #18 and Wimbledon #8. But I think it's hard to repeat great performances at his age, even with his fitness. But we'll see. He's playing so well this tournament, winning 6 matches in 10 hours, it's difficult to say he'll have a lapse. If he serves like today he'll be difficult to beat.
Commiserations to Andy Murray. He played very well to hang in the match. Anything less would have been a beat down. His best moments were holding the 15+ minute 10th game of the second set after saving 5 or 6 set points. But I believe that effort tired him and Federer wasn't fazed like most players might have been. Federer came back to serve to love, and then broke Murray in the next game for the 2 set to 0 lead. Andy played some great tennis at times, but just couldn't get into Federer's service games at all, and was under pressure every set with Federer serving first and eventually folded when Federer upped his level at the end of the sets and played some unbelievable shots to snatch the sets.
General Hercules, your 100 title and 20 slams thread is up again at MTF... :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
awesome post general
Federer put up sensational numbers against andy.
we cant have enough admiration for roger.
4 kids and a wife at home and still setting the world on fire with his tennis.
and did I mention that he is 34 years old.
serena and roger are providing the whole world with the motivation. this is what hard work can get you.
these two dare to stare down history and to challenge history time and again.
very few will ever get chance. it will be impossible to snatch the number of slams these two have.
it is nearly impossible to win just one slam in modern tennis, let alone 20.
at any rate you heard it here at Camelot first: roger will compete, battle, and win tournaments until he is 43.
I think he will walk away from the sport at 43.
Great post, Clay. It's lke they said at that one tournament. i don't remember which match it was.
"You gotta stand up." What an amazing match from Roger.
-
Roger Federer played some amazing tennis today. Andy Murray played well himself to hang in there, but he said there was nothing he could do with Federer serving so well. Andy had only a single break point in Federer's opening service game and that was it. You can't win if you can't break. Federer broke Murray each set at the tail end, and that was all he needed to seal the deal in straight sets.
Federer's key stats
1st serves in - 76%
1st serves won - 84%
2nd serves won - 55%
Winners - 56
UE - 11
Congratulations to Federer on the 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 victory. This match was played at a higher level than Djokovic - Gasquet. If Federer can play even close to this well on Sunday against Djokovic and Djokovic doesn't play much higher than he did today, I think Roger gets #18 and Wimbledon #8. But I think it's hard to repeat great performances at his age, even with his fitness. But we'll see. He's playing so well this tournament, winning 6 matches in 10 hours, it's difficult to say he'll have a lapse. If he serves like today he'll be difficult to beat.
Commiserations to Andy Murray. He played very well to hang in the match. Anything less would have been a beat down. His best moments were holding the 15+ minute 10th game of the second set after saving 5 or 6 set points. But I believe that effort tired him and Federer wasn't fazed like most players might have been. Federer came back to serve to love, and then broke Murray in the next game for the 2 set to 0 lead. Andy played some great tennis at times, but just couldn't get into Federer's service games at all, and was under pressure every set with Federer serving first and eventually folded when Federer upped his level at the end of the sets and played some unbelievable shots to snatch the sets.
General Hercules, your 100 title and 20 slams thread is up again at MTF... :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
Amazing display of tennis form Federer. Andy played well, he just could not penetrate Federer's game. How disheartening for Andy, but he has to find a way to challenge Roger and Novak. They know how to remain composed in the biggest of moments. Andy is too analytical. You have to trust yourself and play your game. They said that Federer admitted that he felt frustrated when he didn't convert those break points, but he never showed it. Andy had better get a poker face. I was watching it without the sound (you can see so much when the sound is muted regarding the players body language).
There was no panic in Federer, just calm. A different story for Andy. He should watch without sound. He's giving up too much in body clues.
Congrats to Roger. This is most probably #18, Novak has not looked sharp. He can up the level tomorrow, but I'm not sure he's going to be able to battle Roger with this assassin like demeanor.
Congrats to his fans in advance, those who appreciate him being out there, not just for accolades, but because they enjoy him as a champion.
-
Roger Federer played some amazing tennis today. Andy Murray played well himself to hang in there, but he said there was nothing he could do with Federer serving so well. Andy had only a single break point in Federer's opening service game and that was it. You can't win if you can't break. Federer broke Murray each set at the tail end, and that was all he needed to seal the deal in straight sets.
Federer's key stats
1st serves in - 76%
1st serves won - 84%
2nd serves won - 55%
Winners - 56
UE - 11
Congratulations to Federer on the 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 victory. This match was played at a higher level than Djokovic - Gasquet. If Federer can play even close to this well on Sunday against Djokovic and Djokovic doesn't play much higher than he did today, I think Roger gets #18 and Wimbledon #8. But I think it's hard to repeat great performances at his age, even with his fitness. But we'll see. He's playing so well this tournament, winning 6 matches in 10 hours, it's difficult to say he'll have a lapse. If he serves like today he'll be difficult to beat.
Commiserations to Andy Murray. He played very well to hang in the match. Anything less would have been a beat down. His best moments were holding the 15+ minute 10th game of the second set after saving 5 or 6 set points. But I believe that effort tired him and Federer wasn't fazed like most players might have been. Federer came back to serve to love, and then broke Murray in the next game for the 2 set to 0 lead. Andy played some great tennis at times, but just couldn't get into Federer's service games at all, and was under pressure every set with Federer serving first and eventually folded when Federer upped his level at the end of the sets and played some unbelievable shots to snatch the sets.
General Hercules, your 100 title and 20 slams thread is up again at MTF... :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
awesome post general
Federer put up sensational numbers against andy.
we cant have enough admiration for roger.
4 kids and a wife at home and still setting the world on fire with his tennis.
and did I mention that he is 34 years old.
serena and roger are providing the whole world with the motivation. this is what hard work can get you.
these two dare to stare down history and to challenge history time and again.
very few will ever get chance. it will be impossible to snatch the number of slams these two have.
it is nearly impossible to win just one slam in modern tennis, let alone 20.
at any rate you heard it here at Camelot first: roger will compete, battle, and win tournaments until he is 43.
I think he will walk away from the sport at 43.
-
Roger Federer played some amazing tennis today. Andy Murray played well himself to hang in there, but he said there was nothing he could do with Federer serving so well. Andy had only a single break point in Federer's opening service game and that was it. You can't win if you can't break. Federer broke Murray each set at the tail end, and that was all he needed to seal the deal in straight sets.
Federer's key stats
1st serves in - 76%
1st serves won - 84%
2nd serves won - 55%
Winners - 56
UE - 11
Congratulations to Federer on the 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 victory. This match was played at a higher level than Djokovic - Gasquet. If Federer can play even close to this well on Sunday against Djokovic and Djokovic doesn't play much higher than he did today, I think Roger gets #18 and Wimbledon #8. But I think it's hard to repeat great performances at his age, even with his fitness. But we'll see. He's playing so well this tournament, winning 6 matches in 10 hours, it's difficult to say he'll have a lapse. If he serves like today he'll be difficult to beat.
Commiserations to Andy Murray. He played very well to hang in the match. Anything less would have been a beat down. His best moments were holding the 15+ minute 10th game of the second set after saving 5 or 6 set points. But I believe that effort tired him and Federer wasn't fazed like most players might have been. Federer came back to serve to love, and then broke Murray in the next game for the 2 set to 0 lead. Andy played some great tennis at times, but just couldn't get into Federer's service games at all, and was under pressure every set with Federer serving first and eventually folded when Federer upped his level at the end of the sets and played some unbelievable shots to snatch the sets.
General Hercules, your 100 title and 20 slams thread is up again at MTF... :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Just realized that Serena has now defeated sharapova 17 times in a row.
Poor sharapova. Has no answers for Serena.
-
Andy has lost 10 in a row now to Djokovic.
Has to be disheartening.
He has to find a way to turn this around.
-
He has missed 1/2 of the season.
He also loses every other match and exits tournaments early.
The reason he finds himself dropping in the ranks like a rock and playing barely top 150 level tennis is from so much inactivity.
Last thing he needs is more time off.
This can't go on indefinitely.
He has to go compete in Bastad and Hamburg or get ready to call it a career.
I don't think he wants to work at all.
Jim Courier is finally catching on. We all should be concerned but what can you do.
He just has no desire to work or fight when he does show up at the tournaments.
Soon he will have 60 years for his endless vacations and all the inactivity.
I just don't get it. he is one of the greatest ever and still barely 29. So why settle for top 150 level tennis.
It may even be worse than that now. He is doing absolutely nothing to stop the steep fall.
-
It is incredible how so many of his fans think he is in a slump.
He is one of the greatest ever to lift a racquet.
He just does not care to work anymore.
Rafa is his own man. Nobody can tell him what to do.
I know if I got paid $41 million a year to play tennis and work on fitness I would be doing it 8-9 hours a day.
He only had to do it for 2-3 more years.
He could have taken it easy after that.
I just can't see the bloody point in letting them all walk right over you.
He may just be tired and wants to enjoy life for a change. But he loves the sport so he'll be back. Once he gets this wanderlust out of his system I think it'll be all guns blazing, but for right now, he needs this time. Nothing about his demeanor says that he's devastated. I honestly think he needs this, just like Serena and Fed did.
Both of them spent a year trying to figure what the game meant to them and if they wanted to continue. They found out that the sport was in them and re-dedicated themselves for the end times. I see no difference.
They also both endured the "Federerer and Serena" should retire" sentiments. What I don't get is, what's the difference?
-
I can't see Rafa going to Bastad and Hamburg if he is vacationing in Ibiza.
He should have been on clay the day he lost to that total unknown on grass for the 2nd time a row
let us hope I am wrong and goes to Bastad to fight for the title.
-
It is incredible how so many of his fans think he is in a slump.
He is one of the greatest ever to lift a racquet.
He just does not care to work anymore.
Rafa is his own man. Nobody can tell him what to do.
I know if I got paid $41 million a year to play tennis and work on fitness I would be doing it 8-9 hours a day.
He only had to do it for 2-3 more years.
He could have taken it easy after that.
I just can't see the bloody point in letting them all walk right over you.
-
serena should be the ultimate motivation for Rafa.
he is just not looking to follow the lead.
I don't watch him play anymore because I know what he is capable of. he is showing up horribly unprepared time and again.
I cant bear to watch him like this.
we have his matches and we will get more. we will just have to re-live his glory years over and over again for life.
his 9 RG crowns will just have to keep us going.
he was pure magic on the court at this best. his movement was second to none and he produced the impossible time and again on the court.
he held the world on the edge of their seats when he competed and battled to win.
there is only about 3% chance that he can win another slam at the current rate.
only about 3% chance that he can bring his fitness and physicality to a level where he can go out there and fight them to the death again.
I really don't see that happening. he has lost nearly 80% of his ground game and 50% of his once supreme fitness and physicality.
right now he has no serve, no return, and terrible movement. I don't know how he can overcome all that.
it will take 8 months of immense hard work and 100% focus. there can be exactly zero distractions.
he would have to let the outside world go for about 8 months and just work on his game and his fitness.
Hopefully, this period will pass. It's odd. It just seems...I can't explain it. The worst part is that it doesn't seem to be bothering hi. It doesn't fit. He's doing a walkabout and we, his fans are hopeless.
-
serena should be the ultimate motivation for Rafa.
he is just not looking to follow the lead.
I don't watch him play anymore because I know what he is capable of. he is showing up horribly unprepared time and again.
I cant bear to watch him like this.
we have his matches and we will get more. we will just have to re-live his glory years over and over again for life.
his 9 RG crowns will just have to keep us going.
he was pure magic on the court at this best. his movement was second to none and he produced the impossible time and again on the court.
he held the world on the edge of their seats when he competed and battled to win.
there is only about 3% chance that he can win another slam at the current rate.
only about 3% chance that he can bring his fitness and physicality to a level where he can go out there and fight them to the death again.
I really don't see that happening. he has lost nearly 80% of his ground game and 50% of his once supreme fitness and physicality.
right now he has no serve, no return, and terrible movement. I don't know how he can overcome all that.
it will take 8 months of immense hard work and 100% focus. there can be exactly zero distractions.
he would have to let the outside world go for about 8 months and just work on his game and his fitness.
-
I've been enjoying the women's tour. Not that interested in the men's game once Rafa goes out. Not enjoying it that much when's in the tournament either with his lackadaisical behind. Anyway, Serena has to beat Maria and then possibly Mugaruza who is a great player and has beaten Serena before.
Serena had a tough draw to this point. If she wins this title it'll be 21. Serena is an amazing athlete. I've been following her since she first came on the scene.
-
general hercules, news out of Bastad in the last day is that the Swedish Open tournament director is holding a wild card for Nadal and they are talking to him.
": I saved a wild card for special surprises like this. We will of course pay him a sum, but he has such a large market so we can take the discussion later in this case, says Swedish Open's tournament director Christer Hult."
We should know more on Monday...
----
So many pundits like McEnroe talking about Nadal axing Toni Nadal. McEnroe is just trying to stir the pot and get attention. I'm almost sure it will never happen. Uncle Toni might walk away at a point of his own choosing but he won't be railroaded out, and neither will Nadal fire him. I don't think this is an Uncle Toni problem.
Now what I think would be a great move is for Nadal to hire not a coach but a new physio trainer and for the team to put an emphasis on recovering his fitness.
If I could get Muster's physio I would. No matter the cost of tearing him away from Djokovic, if he is still with him. Or somebody like him.
But again, Rafa has to want it. I think he has two choices if he wants it enough. Get out there and play in some clay events, or don't play but train hard.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Excellent post as usual, masterclass. For whatever reason, Rafa is just not feeling it right now. And don't tell the general this or he might blow a gasket, but after his loss Rafa was back in Mallorca partying. This is so weird, but further proof that Rafa does what he wants to do.
And no, he's not firing Toni, nor would I, but he does need a world class physio to return to fitness. Will he do it? The signs don't seem promising.
Rafa's words seem to be placebos. The reality is that he doesn't seem to care. A strange time for it, but it is what it is.
his words and his team's words are for public consumption and for the sponsors.
he does not have the drive anymore. he lost his relentless will to fight and win on the battlefield.
he is just not working. it is just that simple.
of course we called it at Camelot over 2 years ago.
he was headed for this decline after that big u.s. open win in 2013. he chased $10 million for all those meaningless exos in south America and then with diminishing fitness he started chasing the #1 rank. we knew it was going to lead to injury. we knew his body would hit the wall and it did.
for what? now he is not even playing top 100 tennis. at the current rate he will get there soon enough.
pretty soon he wont be able to win any matches.
injuries and appendicitis only expedited the decline. he stopped caring about clay. his reckless disregard for clay cost him his career.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
he won outside of clay because he was able to dominate them on clay. clay gave his ground game life. clay gave him the belief, the confidence, and the momentum. and also fitness which he worked hard on off the courts also.
-
Federer was asked by reporters what he thought was wrong with Nadal:
"He has a lot of hard work to do. Especially in practice."
Roger's obviously reading Camelot. ;D ;D
Respectfully,
masterclass
ha ha. roger must be reading Camelot.
he should anyway. he has fans here.
what roger is doing is incredible. he should be the motivation for Rafa.
Rafa just refuses to be motivated at all right now.
nobody will ever be able to understand why he chose to not go after history with the records staring him right in the face.
Rafa simply dropped everything.
now there is no way he can get back on the train unless he embraces clay for 8 months. and embraces fitness of course.
he is not even playing top 100 tennis right now. his game and his fitness just keeps dropping with each passing week.
so much for coming back stronger next year so "I can be more competitive".
better get to work Rafa. that is all you have to do: play tennis and work on fitness.
roger, serena, and all the others who are working hard and winning should be more than enough motivation.
roger has figured rafa out. 90 minute lame practice sessions are token sessions at best where he is not working on a damn thing.
stan won RG because he dropped everything just worked on his game and fitness. he also told himself that he was going to go out there and fight and win.
he had complete focus. no distractions.
-
Federer was asked by reporters what he thought was wrong with Nadal:
"He has a lot of hard work to do. Especially in practice."
Roger's obviously reading Camelot. ;D ;D
Respectfully,
masterclass
Why that dirty little rat (In my best Cagney impersonation).
Wouldn't it be awesome if he did, though?
-
Federer was asked by reporters what he thought was wrong with Nadal:
"He has a lot of hard work to do. Especially in practice."
Roger's obviously reading Camelot. ;D ;D
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
general hercules, news out of Bastad in the last day is that the Swedish Open tournament director is holding a wild card for Nadal and they are talking to him.
": I saved a wild card for special surprises like this. We will of course pay him a sum, but he has such a large market so we can take the discussion later in this case, says Swedish Open's tournament director Christer Hult."
We should know more on Monday...
----
So many pundits like McEnroe talking about Nadal axing Toni Nadal. McEnroe is just trying to stir the pot and get attention. I'm almost sure it will never happen. Uncle Toni might walk away at a point of his own choosing but he won't be railroaded out, and neither will Nadal fire him. I don't think this is an Uncle Toni problem.
Now what I think would be a great move is for Nadal to hire not a coach but a new physio trainer and for the team to put an emphasis on recovering his fitness.
If I could get Muster's physio I would. No matter the cost of tearing him away from Djokovic, if he is still with him. Or somebody like him.
But again, Rafa has to want it. I think he has two choices if he wants it enough. Get out there and play in some clay events, or don't play but train hard.
Respectfully,
masterclass
Excellent post as usual, masterclass. For whatever reason, Rafa is just not feeling it right now. And don't tell the general this or he might blow a gasket, but after his loss Rafa was back in Mallorca partying. This is so weird, but further proof that Rafa does what he wants to do.
And no, he's not firing Toni, nor would I, but he does need a world class physio to return to fitness. Will he do it? The signs don't seem promising.
Rafa's words seem to be placebos. The reality is that he doesn't seem to care. A strange time for it, but it is what it is.
-
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1322.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu572%2Fspartacus120%2Fspartan%2520images%2Fthis%2520is%2520sparta%2Fsparatus-1%2Fcool%2520pix%2Fleonidas-1%2Fnadalcastle-301_zpstq5nq6rx.jpg&hash=f207998fc678d17f5f7468d11f0cdd923f159122) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/spartacus120/media/spartan%20images/this%20is%20sparta/sparatus-1/cool%20pix/leonidas-1/nadalcastle-301_zpstq5nq6rx.jpg.html)
-
general masterclass you nailed it: it is not about tony at all.
it is about rafa. he has to decide how much he wants it.
they better bring in a world class fitness expert that specializes in the sport of tennis.
and get on the damn clay at the same time.
I see exactly zero point in first round or 2nd round losses in Canada, in cincy, and then again at flushing meadows.
what is that going to prove.
-
general hercules, news out of Bastad in the last day is that the Swedish Open tournament director is holding a wild card for Nadal and they are talking to him.
": I saved a wild card for special surprises like this. We will of course pay him a sum, but he has such a large market so we can take the discussion later in this case, says Swedish Open's tournament director Christer Hult."
We should know more on Monday...
----
So many pundits like McEnroe talking about Nadal axing Toni Nadal. McEnroe is just trying to stir the pot and get attention. I'm almost sure it will never happen. Uncle Toni might walk away at a point of his own choosing but he won't be railroaded out, and neither will Nadal fire him. I don't think this is an Uncle Toni problem.
Now what I think would be a great move is for Nadal to hire not a coach but a new physio trainer and for the team to put an emphasis on recovering his fitness.
If I could get Muster's physio I would. No matter the cost of tearing him away from Djokovic, if he is still with him. Or somebody like him.
But again, Rafa has to want it. I think he has two choices if he wants it enough. Get out there and play in some clay events, or don't play but train hard.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I think he is going to Canada next.
the man is just not going to learn until he is out of top 50. or out of the sport.
he is not even playing top 100 tennis right now.
clay is the wellspring from which he flows.
people forget that he won on clay in 2013.
he just got on a bit of roll then played one of his greatest matches ever at the 2013 u.s. open final.
Federer was not 100% and andy murray was in a bit of slump.
rafa got a upper hand on nole on clay and them just kept it on the north American hard court circuit.
more on this later.
clay is what makes him. if he cant win on clay then he cant win anywhere.
that is pretty much the bottom line. 46 clay titles should be enough of a clue for him and his team.
but it is all about fitness and physicality. he cant win without it at all on any surface.
so fitness and physicality and then immense amount of practice and match play on clay can save his career.
he has no other options left.
it is either that or no tennis soon.
-
general hercules, news out of Bastad in the last day is that the Swedish Open tournament director is holding a wild card for Nadal and they are talking to him.
": I saved a wild card for special surprises like this. We will of course pay him a sum, but he has such a large market so we can take the discussion later in this case, says Swedish Open's tournament director Christer Hult."
We should know more on Monday...
----
So many pundits like McEnroe talking about Nadal axing Toni Nadal. McEnroe is just trying to stir the pot and get attention. I'm almost sure it will never happen. Uncle Toni might walk away at a point of his own choosing but he won't be railroaded out, and neither will Nadal fire him. I don't think this is an Uncle Toni problem.
Now what I think would be a great move is for Nadal to hire not a coach but a new physio trainer and for the team to put an emphasis on recovering his fitness.
If I could get Muster's physio I would. No matter the cost of tearing him away from Djokovic, if he is still with him. Or somebody like him.
But again, Rafa has to want it. I think he has two choices if he wants it enough. Get out there and play in some clay events, or don't play but train hard.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
well here it is. you heard it here first.
I think next injury puts him out of the sport for good. he doesn't care to work anyway.
so it makes no sense to keep showing up so horribly unprepared and keep having to explain to the press in those required press interviews why it is not working.
it is not working because he doesn't want to work.
it has to get terribly embarrassing at some point to keep losing every other match and losing to total unknowns who are over the hill in terms of age.
dustin brown has no game. he is over 30 and ranked outside top 100.
I think it is pretty clear now that he wants out of the sport. and rest assured that the next injury will make it easy for that happen.
there is less than month to go for the u.s. open. no way in hell can he catch up with the horses out in the front.
at this point he has no ground game, no movement, no serve, no return, and no will.
he has lost his relentless will to fight to the death out there.
I see absolutely no point in not getting on clay right now when he just keeps getting worse and worse.
he should have signed up for 2 clay events and forget about rogers cup. what good is a first or a second round loss there.
I just don't get it. he refuses to work. and worse he refuses to change a single thing.
about the only positive is that he will lose early at all 3 events and perhaps save himself from injury.
but then there are all those other hard court events after the u.s. open. so most likely the next injury happens on the hard courts due to horrible preparation and depleted state of physical fitness.
the chances for injury are considerably greater now than ever before because of age also.
I am not happy with him but this is what he wants to do. all signs now point to an early retirement.
I really thought that he would sign up for 2 clay events to start putting his ground game together.
that is what needed to happen. I would have skipped Wimbledon.
-
Federer and serena should have been more than enough motivation for Rafa but he just does not care to win anymore.
-
Federer gets it done in 4.
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
The sad reality is that Rafa's true rank would be outside top 100 right now and that is being generous.
I am afraid the fall is too steep.
It would take 8 months just to fix fitness.
And then there is his game. Nothing can fix it unless he starts practicing 7-8 hours a day on clay.
He should be on clay right now. Practicing.
He does not need a coach. He needs his fire and hunger and drive back.
-
great post general masterclass.
that is the big worry now. he opens himself to countless injuries with such a depleted physical state.
he said that he was going to come back stronger next year. I thought that would mean that he starts on that now.
but we are seeing exactly zero signs of that "stronger next year so I can be more competitive" happening.
he just keeps getting worse and his physical condition keeps deteriorating.
his practice sessions are weaker than ever. he just stands in his backhand corner hitting a few forehands. 90 minute workouts are nearly token workouts at best.
he basically has no ground game now. the hit in his ground game stands at about 90% now. the depleted physical state makes the ground game that much worse.
it is has killed his court positioning so there is no consistency.
the casualties are very heavy in all areas. that is a direct result of his refusal to work on his game and his fitness.
he gets worn out there after 40 minutes of hard play. that is why he starts to spray the balls. with no energy and will he just checks out.
I am afraid all signs point to the end. he is not really bringing about that "stronger next year".
that stronger next year should have started right after RG.
sad and tragic as it may sound for us the fans and the sport, he simply does not want it bad enough.
this is the man who had the greatest ground game the world has ever known. he owned winning records against all top 30 players.
no other all time great has dropped that rapidly before. so if he does not walk away now and just go work on his fitness and his game on clay, the end is pretty much here.
next injury is also quite likely with such a depleted physical state.
I am worried about it.
more on this later.
-
at some point he just gave up the fight. shortly after that loss to wawrinka in Melbourne in 2014 he just went away.
General, you hit the nail on the head. This is the result that delivered the crushing blow. Wawrinka hits probably the heaviest shots in tennis. We just saw how he pummeled Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros. If Novak were the slightest bit unfit or had any body weakness, I believe Wawrinka would have injured him. We saw how he injured Federer's back in the Master's Cup (WTF) at the very end of a tough match. He extended Federer to a point where the weakest part of his body failed. A similar thing happened to Rafa at the 2014 Australian Open. He wasn't quite fit enough, and Wawrinka played a monster first set and part way into the second set driving heavy shots that just extended Rafa past his physical limits, injured his back and began a decline in his confidence and mojo.
Once that happened, Rafa was struggling physically and emotionally the rest of the year and beyond. The only thing he won of note was Roland Garros, but he did that mostly on inertia of his past glory and aura that created doubt in the minds of his opponents. He struggled to win it, and has done virtually nothing of note since.
But the cause of these results happened before that. I think after winning so much in 2013, holding that US Open trophy in his hand, something must have snapped in his head. You see it often in the greats where they have accomplished something so big that they feel there is nothing left to prove and their motivation to keep achieving fails.
I think it happened with Federer after a superb 2012, where he won Wimbledon, returned to #1, passed Sampras' record, and held it to Paris getting up to 302 weeks at #1. What happened to him after that? He went on a South American exhibition tour during the off season, and didn't train hard as he usually did. He said to everyone that 2013 would be a transition year, where he would practice more and play less, and maybe experiment with some things like changing racquets. In 2013, what happened? His lack of training over the winter had made him vulnerable, and he reaped the whirlwind. He hurt his back playing Dodig at Indian Wells, continued playing in the tournament instead of withdrawing, exacerbating it when managing to win against Wawrinka, then was obviously hampered by it when he lost to Nadal. After that he wasn't the same.
In 2013, Federer won only 1 title, in Halle. He had averaged 4-5 titles/year from 2008 to 2012. He shockingly lost in the second round at Wimbledon to #116 Stakhovsky, his worst loss in a major since 2002. Sound familiar? After that he went on the clay and experimented with switching to a larger racquet, but hurt his back again in Gstaad on clay, went back to his old racquet, but got beaten in Cinci, and at the US Open lost to a player that had never beaten him, and should never have beaten him on hard courts, Robredo. Sound familiar? After losing in New York early, Federer trained fairly hard and in the fall gradually began to recover his form and played decently, but didn't win anything with a final in Basel and semifinal results in Paris and London at the WTF. In the off season between 2013 and 2014, Federer trained hard in Dubai again, got fit, and switched racquets from his old 90" to his current 97" model.
So what happened? In 2014, he ended up making 11 finals, the most since his 12 finals in 2007. He won only 5 of those, but two were Masters, and he was very close to winning Wimbledon. Even though his forehand was still not right after switching racquets, his backhand had more power, and his serve also was better. But that power forehand was needed to win the close ones, and that was his goal for 2015, to win a higher percentage of finals than 50%. So far in 2015 he has 4 wins in 6 finals, and his power forehand is coming around. Against Querrey, I saw him unleash it like Federer of old. So if he can keep that up, I think he'll be difficult to beat at Wimbledon this year, but we'll see, his age makes it more difficult to recover after tough ones. If he can keep winning these best of 5 in an hour until he gets to the business end he'll give himself a great chance.
I won't go into Murray's issues in detail, but it began with his victory at Wimbledon in 2013. He achieved something monumental for himself. He said it was his absolute dream, becoming the first British man in 77 years to win it. After this win, he did not look as motivated, lost in some early rounds during the summer hard court season, and then finally elected to have surgery in the fall. He couldn't train until late December. 2014 was his dead year. He did almost nothing until the fall of 2014, where he won some minor tournaments that allowed him to qualify for the Master's Cup, but he was clearly spent and suffered heavy losses at the WTF, including his worst ever tour loss almost getting a double bagel from Federer. Finally, Murray in the off season was able to train hard and get fit, and his results have been excellent since and he is back to #3 in the world, #2 in the race, and with a wide open draw now (Ferrer withdrawal, Nadal loss), he is almost a cinch to get to the semis at Wimbledon.
So what happened with Rafa after his 2013 US Open win? What did he do, do you recall? He followed Federer's example and in the off season went to South America and played in exhibitions, which cut his usual off season training. He played golf and poker. He did other things, and lost his fitness, and has paid the price since, starting with the 2014 Australian Open, and culminating with this loss to Brown at Wimbledon in 2015. There is a difference between Nadal, and the Federer/Murray examples though. They lost only a year. Rafa has had almost 2 years of struggling. I think this happened purely because of poor decision making at the end of 2014. He should have taken that appendix surgery immediately, and not continued to play. Play for what? Bad decision and I believe it cost him 2015. After delaying that surgery, his off season training was delayed and very short. He had no time to get fit for 2015, and we are seeing the result.
So, like Federer and Murray, I think if he wants to do it, he can train hard over the 2015-2016 off season and restore his fitness. He has time now after Wimbledon to train some, but it isn't quite the same. He can recover maybe 20-30% and maybe it will give him some fair results the rest of the year, not traditionally his strongest part of a season. But he needs that off season over the winter to really train hard, and then I think you might see a different Nadal in 2016. Or should I say the Nadal of old? But that only happens if he gets that fitness back, and if he wants it. If not, then at his age/mileage, it won't look good for him, and he will put himself at high risk of getting injured again. There are no short cuts (legal ones, anyway); he has to put in the hard work in the off season to perform well in 2016 and beyond. He says he is physically healthy, so there is no excuse not to train hard, unless he just doesn't want to do it anymore.
Rafa has excellent examples to follow, but whatever Rafa chooses to do, I wish him the best.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
you better forget about brad gilbert.
you, me, and general masterclass are the ultimate experts.
so we will just listen to ourselves only. ha ha.
-
life will be hard with no rafa in tennis.
I had hoped that he would play until he was 35-36 and leave fighting like hell as always.
we will just have re-live his glory years over and over again here at Camelot. what else can we do.
the sport of tennis will go into a steep decline after rafa and roger.
I can't even imagine tennis without Rafa. I stubbornly refuse to accept that this is the end. If I believed that this was the end I would be sad, but I don't feel that way. I always feel the heart of the people that I love, and yes I love Rafa. Rafa is not a quitter and I'll hang in there until the end.
I really don't feel like this is it for him. And you know I've never believed that "taxing style" theory. It doesn't make sense to me as I watch all of the players on tour. In fact, the only "expert" that I listen to is Brad Gilbert, I find him to be honest; the other ones not so much.
You'll see.
-
life will be hard with no rafa in tennis.
I had hoped that he would play until he was 35-36 and leave fighting like hell as always.
we will just have re-live his glory years over and over again here at Camelot. what else can we do.
the sport of tennis will go into a steep decline after rafa and roger.
-
RIP: Rafael Nadal (2003-2015)?
by Sean Randall | July 2nd, 2015, 7:08 pm
18 Comments
All great athletes rise, all great athletes fall. Falling and failing, that’s what’s happening right now to Rafael Nadal.
Earlier today, as many of you saw, Nadal was sent out of Wimbledon for the fourth year in a row by a player who had no business beating a former No. 1. After head-scratching losses to Lukas Rosol, Steve Darcis and Nick Kyrgios, today the man who ended his grass season and effectively ended Nadal’s hopes of ever winning another Wimbledon, was Dustin Brown, a 102nd-ranked journeyman best known for having dreadlocks and once playing the tour out of a van.
The same issues that plagued Nadal all season once again spelled the demise of the Spaniard today. Brown did what he was supposed to do, pump the serve, play aggressive, keep the points short and close if given the opportunity. Brown checked all four boxes.
But Nadal just couldn’t find the range. Balls were carelessly sprayed, balls were landing short, his court positioning was poor, and he just couldn’t make the passing shots when he had to. On numerous occasions, Rafa couldn’t even manage to get a basic ball back. And sometimes the only thing he could hit with his racquet was his body.
Nadal once was on top of the world, threatening to eclipse Roger Federer’s greatness. Now he’s having trouble even to reach a round where he’d play Federer.
In the last year since winning the French Open, Nadal has just two titles in Buenos Aires and last month in Stuttgart, both over mediocre fields. Against his rivals, he’s been a shadow of his former self.
Since winning the French 15 months ago, he hasn’t beaten a Top 5 players, hasn’t made a Slam semifinal nor has he won a European clay title.
Of course Nadal has the experience and the talent to get back up to the top, but there’s been little evidence of that this season. Sure, guys can rebound and reboot. That happens all the time. Federer went through a slump, Murray’s had issues, and they got through.
Andre Agassi dropped to the challengers before roaring back, returning to greatness into his 30s.
Nadal’s case is vastly different, though.
Rafa isn’t even 30 yet, but unlike Agassi, he’s put more miles on his tires than most at that age. And unlike Federer, who plays a graceful, effortless games, Nadal puts his body through hell in every match.
Agassi, Federer and Murray also sought outside help when needed, bringing in new voices to help improve game. Nadal, however, has always been under the watchful eye of his uncle Toni and no one else. It’s hard to imagine him changing this now. It’s family first for Rafa.
So is this it for Rafa? Are his days of eating Grand Slam trophies and challenging for No. 1 over? Will he ever make another big final, or contend for major titles?
Sadly right now, everything points to no, no?
LOL! the experts, again. they crack me up, when they're not infuriating me.
-
we all have to face reality at some point.
rafa doesn't care to dominate the planet anymore.
even 40% rafa of the old would be too much for these players he is losing to.
but this is like less than 20% rafa of the old with much diminished fitness. it is going to be very hard to beat anybody with this dynamic.
this breaks my heart but I saw this coming ages ago.
-
RIP: Rafael Nadal (2003-2015)?
by Sean Randall | July 2nd, 2015, 7:08 pm
18 Comments
All great athletes rise, all great athletes fall. Falling and failing, that’s what’s happening right now to Rafael Nadal.
Earlier today, as many of you saw, Nadal was sent out of Wimbledon for the fourth year in a row by a player who had no business beating a former No. 1. After head-scratching losses to Lukas Rosol, Steve Darcis and Nick Kyrgios, today the man who ended his grass season and effectively ended Nadal’s hopes of ever winning another Wimbledon, was Dustin Brown, a 102nd-ranked journeyman best known for having dreadlocks and once playing the tour out of a van.
The same issues that plagued Nadal all season once again spelled the demise of the Spaniard today. Brown did what he was supposed to do, pump the serve, play aggressive, keep the points short and close if given the opportunity. Brown checked all four boxes.
But Nadal just couldn’t find the range. Balls were carelessly sprayed, balls were landing short, his court positioning was poor, and he just couldn’t make the passing shots when he had to. On numerous occasions, Rafa couldn’t even manage to get a basic ball back. And sometimes the only thing he could hit with his racquet was his body.
Nadal once was on top of the world, threatening to eclipse Roger Federer’s greatness. Now he’s having trouble even to reach a round where he’d play Federer.
In the last year since winning the French Open, Nadal has just two titles in Buenos Aires and last month in Stuttgart, both over mediocre fields. Against his rivals, he’s been a shadow of his former self.
Since winning the French 15 months ago, he hasn’t beaten a Top 5 players, hasn’t made a Slam semifinal nor has he won a European clay title.
Of course Nadal has the experience and the talent to get back up to the top, but there’s been little evidence of that this season. Sure, guys can rebound and reboot. That happens all the time. Federer went through a slump, Murray’s had issues, and they got through.
Andre Agassi dropped to the challengers before roaring back, returning to greatness into his 30s.
Nadal’s case is vastly different, though.
Rafa isn’t even 30 yet, but unlike Agassi, he’s put more miles on his tires than most at that age. And unlike Federer, who plays a graceful, effortless games, Nadal puts his body through hell in every match.
Agassi, Federer and Murray also sought outside help when needed, bringing in new voices to help improve game. Nadal, however, has always been under the watchful eye of his uncle Toni and no one else. It’s hard to imagine him changing this now. It’s family first for Rafa.
So is this it for Rafa? Are his days of eating Grand Slam trophies and challenging for No. 1 over? Will he ever make another big final, or contend for major titles?
Sadly right now, everything points to no, no?
-
people who see him up close at the tournaments say he looks horribly unfit and even soft.
that does not take a rocket scientist to figure that out. you can just watch his matches.
he is worn out after 40 minutes of play.
he was very lucky last year to take RG. he lost just 2 sets and took the final in 4 but was totally spent anyway.
his hand started cramping and he even threw up. he could not even hold the trophy.
this is not new. I saw all this coming well over 2 years ago.
my indicator was the long rally. he started to lose the long rallies.
he also started spending more time in between points. you could just see him double over from time to time.
he started to tire far sooner than he ever had.
but he had the fight so he kept fighting.
he faced nobody ranked higher than #53 in rio and should have actually lost that match. Pablo had 4 match points.
again rafa got very lucky. nole suffered from some self belief and rafa came to fight.
now rafa does not fight. tony called it right when he said that rafa just check out in the middle of the match.
what he was really trying to say was that rafa runs out of gas and stops what little fight he is bringing these days.
and of course tony had to stop saying that in order to be more optimistic and more positive for Rafa.
this is why he said that rafa's level was good enough to win at RG. it was not quite obviously.
tony would say the same thing about Wimbledon. he said rafa was one of the favorites for Wimbledon.
but that good for public consumption and for the fans and the sponsors.
you cant escape the bottom line: rafa is not putting in the work on the fitness front and on the practice courts.
he just does not care enough to go out there fight them to death anymore.
he does not care to win.
this is a much tougher reality on me because I have suffered through this for over 2 years. it is painful for me see this.
I do not watch rafa play anymore. I know his game and his fitness level better than anyone on the planet.
I know what is going to happen. I just cant bear to watch it.
I knew exactly what was going to happen well over 2 years ago. he was going to lose his ground game and his fitness and his physicality.
and injuries were going to expedite that process and they did.
it did not have to end this way. he could have still been on top with better training, better fitness, and better scheduling.
also people are not getting this. this is not a normal up and down thing. this is not a slump.
he simply refuses to fix his fitness and his game.
more on this later.
Why do you think he let his fitness go? When did you first begin to notice it, and did you think he just wasn't practicing hard enough?
Ive noticed that you and masterclass said that you saw it two years ago. 2013? or 2012? I also remember you all saying that he wasn't listening to anybody.
But there's also a mental aspect. Everthing starts in the mind. Why wouldn't he want to put the hard yards in? I'm confused.
I saw this coming years ago as did Agassi. rafa never bothered to change anything.
he never bothered to innovate and progress.
his forehand, his fitness, his staggering physicality, his will, his relentless hunger to fight overcame them all.
that is why he had a winning record against 100% of the top 30 players.
they all feared rafa.
but over time you knew that others would catch on and he would let his levels slip.
at the same time he was not bringing anything new to his game. in fact he was not even managing to keep up what he had.
so you knew they would overtake him and they did. now players even 10 years older who will never win anything can defeat rafa on any surface.
rafa would have won zero games against nole, Federer, murray, and even wawrinka today.
rafa struggled even against baggy who struggles even at the challenger circuit.
it took rafa 3 hours to get rid of baggy in Stuttgart.
we have to face the facts. he is not losing because they are beating him.
he has defeated himself long before he makes it to the court.
he has no fitness, no backhand, no return, damn near no forehand and pathetic court positioning.
he might be ranked #10 but he can lost to a guy ranked outside 200 tomorrow.
this is the biggest and the most staggering fall ever for an all time great player.
clearly he does not want it anymore.
anyway back to the original point, his style of play was too demanding. it required immense fitness and physicality which he had and worked very hard on.
he spent staggering amount of physical and mental capital in winning all his titles. he could not have done it without his fitness and his physicality.
at the same time he grew into a global force. he became immensely wealthy. in fact the corporate world just keeps lining up for him even now.
many of his endorsements are for a lifetime.
so the world and the sponsors started to demand his time.
he discovered golf and poker along the way. and then there was soccer and gaming on computers.
and now the tennis academy. there was also much focus on the foundation.
so combination of all those factors made him lose focus on what made him one of the greatest to ever pick up a racquet.
injuries did not help. they helped bring about the decline that much faster.
at some point he just gave up the fight. shortly after that loss to wawrinka in Melbourne in 2014 he just went away.
but his failure to improve, progress, and innovate and his steadfast refusal to change a single thing brought about his fall.
his camp never brought any outside help.
he would never bother to change a thing. he only talked about it here and there for public consumption. he was a creature of habit. he did not want to change.
he won 14 majors so it is a bit hard to argue with rafa. his style was more than good enough to dominate the whole planet.
but the mental and the physical capital he spent to win all that he did took its toll on him and his body.
more on this later.
clearly he needed to focus more on clay right after the u.s. open title run in 2013. that would have kept him healthy also.
and to come back very healthy and very strong in 2014 to take 2-3 slams.
now I doubt he will win another title again. not at the current rate of decline.
-
people who see him up close at the tournaments say he looks horribly unfit and even soft.
that does not take a rocket scientist to figure that out. you can just watch his matches.
he is worn out after 40 minutes of play.
he was very lucky last year to take RG. he lost just 2 sets and took the final in 4 but was totally spent anyway.
his hand started cramping and he even threw up. he could not even hold the trophy.
this is not new. I saw all this coming well over 2 years ago.
my indicator was the long rally. he started to lose the long rallies.
he also started spending more time in between points. you could just see him double over from time to time.
he started to tire far sooner than he ever had.
but he had the fight so he kept fighting.
he faced nobody ranked higher than #53 in rio and should have actually lost that match. Pablo had 4 match points.
again rafa got very lucky. nole suffered from some self belief and rafa came to fight.
now rafa does not fight. tony called it right when he said that rafa just check out in the middle of the match.
what he was really trying to say was that rafa runs out of gas and stops what little fight he is bringing these days.
and of course tony had to stop saying that in order to be more optimistic and more positive for Rafa.
this is why he said that rafa's level was good enough to win at RG. it was not quite obviously.
tony would say the same thing about Wimbledon. he said rafa was one of the favorites for Wimbledon.
but that good for public consumption and for the fans and the sponsors.
you cant escape the bottom line: rafa is not putting in the work on the fitness front and on the practice courts.
he just does not care enough to go out there fight them to death anymore.
he does not care to win.
this is a much tougher reality on me because I have suffered through this for over 2 years. it is painful for me see this.
I do not watch rafa play anymore. I know his game and his fitness level better than anyone on the planet.
I know what is going to happen. I just cant bear to watch it.
I knew exactly what was going to happen well over 2 years ago. he was going to lose his ground game and his fitness and his physicality.
and injuries were going to expedite that process and they did.
it did not have to end this way. he could have still been on top with better training, better fitness, and better scheduling.
also people are not getting this. this is not a normal up and down thing. this is not a slump.
he simply refuses to fix his fitness and his game.
more on this later.
Why do you think he let his fitness go? When did you first begin to notice it, and did you think he just wasn't practicing hard enough?
Ive noticed that you and masterclass said that you saw it two years ago. 2013? or 2012? I also remember you all saying that he wasn't listening to anybody.
But there's also a mental aspect. Everthing starts in the mind. Why wouldn't he want to put the hard yards in? I'm confused.
-
people who see him up close at the tournaments say he looks horribly unfit and even soft.
that does not take a rocket scientist to figure that out. you can just watch his matches.
he is worn out after 40 minutes of play.
he was very lucky last year to take RG. he lost just 2 sets and took the final in 4 but was totally spent anyway.
his hand started cramping and he even threw up. he could not even hold the trophy.
this is not new. I saw all this coming well over 2 years ago.
my indicator was the long rally. he started to lose the long rallies.
he also started spending more time in between points. you could just see him double over from time to time.
he started to tire far sooner than he ever had.
but he had the fight so he kept fighting.
he faced nobody ranked higher than #53 in rio and should have actually lost that match. Pablo had 4 match points.
again rafa got very lucky. nole suffered from some self belief and rafa came to fight.
now rafa does not fight. tony called it right when he said that rafa just check out in the middle of the match.
what he was really trying to say was that rafa runs out of gas and stops what little fight he is bringing these days.
and of course tony had to stop saying that in order to be more optimistic and more positive for Rafa.
this is why he said that rafa's level was good enough to win at RG. it was not quite obviously.
tony would say the same thing about Wimbledon. he said rafa was one of the favorites for Wimbledon.
but that good for public consumption and for the fans and the sponsors.
you cant escape the bottom line: rafa is not putting in the work on the fitness front and on the practice courts.
he just does not care enough to go out there fight them to death anymore.
he does not care to win.
this is a much tougher reality on me because I have suffered through this for over 2 years. it is painful for me see this.
I do not watch rafa play anymore. I know his game and his fitness level better than anyone on the planet.
I know what is going to happen. I just cant bear to watch it.
I knew exactly what was going to happen well over 2 years ago. he was going to lose his ground game and his fitness and his physicality.
and injuries were going to expedite that process and they did.
it did not have to end this way. he could have still been on top with better training, better fitness, and better scheduling.
also people are not getting this. this is not a normal up and down thing. this is not a slump.
he simply refuses to fix his fitness and his game.
more on this later.
-
What pressure?
He says he deserves to be number 10.
How can there be pressure?
He said slams are not important.
He is losing for one simple reason:
He does not want it bad enough.
He won't put in the time in the practice courts.
He simply refuses to work on his game and his fitness.
If all of the parts aren't working then that's true. I think he should be number ten too, based on the way he's playing. Maybe he needs more time this time around. Sometimes your best efforts aren't enough. It's happens. Everyone has lulls. It's a part of life and a part of sports. I loved his interview I thought it was very honest.
I'm not into brash talking about future events. In the end it doesn't matter what a person says anyway, but what's going to be is going to be. The first person you have to be honest with is yourself. That's what makes Rafa a great champion. He's not worried about what others say and think, he's worried about himself and that's the way it should be.
Why would he be concentrating on slams and legacy at this point? He's got to get his game back first. He has to work on his concentration, his fitness, his backhand, his reaction time, his decision-making in the big moments. He's got a lot to work on. To take time away from that to worry about the slam haul would be crazy, to me. That's running before you walk. The reality is that at first you're going to be wobbly, then you'll gain your footing, only then can you run.
Andy had his dip when he came back and it took a while. Now he's back playing his best tennis.
Federer had his struggles in 2013, and now he's back.
Novak hasn't won multiple slams since 2011, and he's been healthy.
Everyone has their down times and when they do, you have to accept because you know what's inside of you even if others don't.
Agreed Lady TT, well said. He can do it if the mind and body are willing.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Rafa won't win any event going forward if he does not decide to go get on clay and practice 7-8 hours a day.
None of these players are better than him.
Rafa simply does not care enough to win.
He is suffering casualties on all fronts:
1. Dramatic drop in fitness and ohysicality
2. Horrible return of serve
3. Poor backhand that he has no confidence in at all
4. Weak forehand. There is very little depth and consistency in that forehand now. significantly reduced velocity as well. Not sufficient pace.
5. Weak serve
Other players are not doing this to him. he has done this to himself.
The reason I am upset is that he won't fix it.
I see no reason to go out there and get embarrassed like that time and again. Why keep dropping in rankings and why keep losing.
This damages his legacy. He is an all time great with the greatest ground game ever. He was also the greatest physical specimen ever in our sport.
He also brought the greatest fight to his matches.
I am worried because this can't go on indefinitely.
He will be out of the sport at this rate.
He could have easily competed until he was about 35-36.
Now we will be lucky if he lasts another year.
Tennis won't be the same without him.
Fantastic post General. I'm not sure he can damage his legacy though. What he has done can't be taken from him. 9 Roland Garros wins don't grow on trees, as well as the other 5 majors he has plus all his master's triumphs. I'm just not sure how much more he can do at this point. It depends mostly on his motivation/ambition after all and he has a lot of miles in his body. But one thing we all know is these days you have to stay very fit to stay near the top level, especially with a game like Rafa's. I think he has a chance to win his 10th at RG and maybe one other, but he will have to work hard to do it.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
It's a mixed feelings day for me. I was happy to see Federer play well against the big serving 6' 6" tall American Sam Querrey. His forehand was the best I've seen it since he changed his racquet. It had real pop on it and he was consistently banging it. The rest of his game followed suit and at times he was playing exhibition tennis with his variety and trick shots. Watch the tweener lob if you get a chance. He won in a bit under an hour and a half, so that's two best of five setters played in about 2 1/2 hours total. This is what he needs to go deep in a major at his age. Well done to Roger, and condolences to Sam.
The flip side is the sadness I felt for Rafa today. We knew Brown was a dangerous player with his high risk serve and volley game and dropshots and it wasn't too much of a surprise to see him play very aggressively in the first set and take it. I thought Rafa fought back very well in the second set to even the match, even if he wasn't playing his best.
But what was sad to watch was his performance after that. To me, it was very plain to see. Nadal got tired. He just isn't fit enough for a best of five set match, mentally or physically. We could see previously in the year that he was getting tired in best of 3 matches. Best of five used to be Rafa's big strength. He had not only the physical fitness to outlast most players, but the mental fortitude to overcome slow starts and work his way into a match. But no more, not this year, so far.
The third set made that obvious. He was breathing hard after points. He was looking confused on which shots to hit. Brown was toying with him at the net at times so much, I felt sorry for Rafa. He couldn't come close to breaking Brown. Then on his own serve he collapsed with consecutive double faults burying serves into the net. As the match went on, Rafa was returning and hitting shots shorter and shorter in the court. It was rare to see him hit passing shots. Brown was beating him at the net. I also didn't see a plan B from Rafa.
Ok, part of this was the way Brown played. Let's give him his fair share of credit. He gave Rafa no rhythm and executed his high risk game very well. But Rafa and Uncle Toni knew that would happen. He played him in Halle. They knew Brown's game. Uncle Toni and Rafa should have had a plan. If they did, it wasn't evident. Rafa needed to serve well, and did at times, but once he started tiring, his serve went to pieces as well. Brown is #102 in the world. A player of Rafa's caliber usually is able to figure out a way to beat someone like that. But it didn't happen, and I still say it was mostly because Rafa tired and then couldn't hit the shots he needed to hit to overcome Brown.
I believe Rafa needed to lob more than he did. Too many of his shots were like target practice hitting at Brown at the net, and Brown doing what he wanted very close to the net. He ran Rafa ragged at times tiring Rafa out more and more and making Nadal spin at times till he seemed dizzy. I hardly saw any shots from Rafa go right at Brown at the net, and very few lob attempts. Rafa just didn't have the answers. He was outgunned and tactically outplayed and physically beaten. Sadly, I don't know any kinder way to say it.
Oh well, so Rafa is sadly out at Wimbledon for the 4th straight year. But there is a positive. There are some clay tournaments after Wimbledon. Why not play Hamburg, or Gstaad, or some of the others? Let him jump back on the clay in Manacor and practice his butt off and get more fit? I mean, if that is what he wants to do. At this point I'm not sure what he wants. He says all the right things, like he is working hard on his game and getting better with time, but I still don't see it in his play. To me, he is taking the proverbial one or two steps forward and one or two steps back. I have not seen any improvement in fitness. At best he can win straight sets in best of 3. But when it gets to a third set in best of 3, or 4th or 5th set in best of five, he just doesn't have it. So I see that as first priority if he wants to get better results. Without fitness, talking about his bad forehand or returns almost doesn't matter.
Oh well, I guess I should say congrats to Dustin Brown and his fans. He played outstanding. Condolences to Rafa and his fans. Maybe next year will bring much better tidings. Federer had a poor 2013, and has rebounded. Murray a poor 2014, and has rebounded. Maybe Rafa will have his turn. But he has to really want it. These players are not standing still, they are constantly making changes and improvements in their games and fitness. And I'm not only talking about the top 4. The other players are seeing they have chances if they can do the hard work. So if Rafa wants to stay in the hunt, he needs to do the same. He can do it. It's up to him really.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Rafa won't win any event going forward if he does not decide to go get on clay and practice 7-8 hours a day.
None of these players are better than him.
Rafa simply does not care enough to win.
He is suffering casualties on all fronts:
1. Dramatic drop in fitness and ohysicality
2. Horrible return of serve
3. Poor backhand that he has no confidence in at all
4. Weak forehand. There is very little depth and consistency in that forehand now. significantly reduced velocity as well. Not sufficient pace.
5. Weak serve
Other players are not doing this to him. he has done this to himself.
The reason I am upset is that he won't fix it.
I see no reason to go out there and get embarrassed like that time and again. Why keep dropping in rankings and why keep losing.
This damages his legacy. He is an all time great with the greatest ground game ever. He was also the greatest physical specimen ever in our sport.
He also brought the greatest fight to his matches.
I am worried because this can't go on indefinitely.
He will be out of the sport at this rate.
He could have easily competed until he was about 35-36.
Now we will be lucky if he lasts another year.
Tennis won't be the same without him.
-
What pressure?
He says he deserves to be number 10.
How can there be pressure?
He said slams are not important.
He is losing for one simple reason:
He does not want it bad enough.
He won't put in the time in the practice courts.
He simply refuses to work on his game and his fitness.
If all of the parts aren't working then that's true. I think he should be number ten too, based on the way he's playing. Maybe he needs more time this time around. Sometimes your best efforts aren't enough. It's happens. Everyone has lulls. It's a part of life and a part of sports. I loved his interview I thought it was very honest.
I'm not into brash talking about future events. In the end it doesn't matter what a person says anyway, but what's going to be is going to be. The first person you have to be honest with is yourself. That's what makes Rafa a great champion. He's not worried about what others say and think, he's worried about himself and that's the way it should be.
Why would he be concentrating on slams and legacy at this point? He's got to get his game back first. He has to work on his concentration, his fitness, his backhand, his reaction time, his decision-making in the big moments. He's got a lot to work on. To take time away from that to worry about the slam haul would be crazy, to me. That's running before you walk. The reality is that at first you're going to be wobbly, then you'll gain your footing, only then can you run.
Andy had his dip when he came back and it took a while. Now he's back playing his best tennis.
Federer had his struggles in 2012, and now he's back.
Novak hasn't won multiple slams since 2011, and he's been healthy.
Everyone has their down times and when they do, you have to accept because you know what's inside of you even if others don't.
-
What pressure?
He says he deserves to be number 10.
How can there be pressure?
He said slams are not important.
He is losing for one simple reason:
He does not want it bad enough.
He won't put in the time in the practice courts.
He simply refuses to work on his game and his fitness.
-
Well, TBH, that's a tough ask to play someone with that big of a serve and great volleys in the second round. When I saw the draw I expected it. Rafa usually, and always has worked his way into a tournament. You can't adjust that quickly in tournament play. I listened to Brad Gilbert's analysis, he's the only one that I will listen to, and one the main problems was Rafa not moving back on the first serve. He shouldn't have hugged the baseline so hard. I don't care about rankings and streaks and all of that stuff. While nice, they don't amount to a hill of beans, IMO.
If they look back at this match I think they'll come to the conclusion that some big hitters Rafa needs to move back farther to start the point. The other big hitters he's more used to so he's learned how to deal with them. But, with a mercurial, eclectic player like Dustin, who he's not used to he'll have to make some adjustments.
It's not a tragedy and as he works on what he needs to work on, Rafa will be fine. He's just a human being and he's the only one who can't catch a break. He was #10 coming in, he won't lose too many points since he went out in the fourth round last year. He has the rest of the season to get things back in gear with no points to defend.
Even being off for six months he was still in the Top Ten and had more points than many of the others in the Top Ten. People have to give Rafa a break and quit expecting miracles. He's got to build himself back up, because he's older than he was when he could just spring back. Anyway, it's life and it's sports. You have to take the good with the bad.
Rafa will be fine. I'm fine with the loss and I thought Dustin had a great interview.
Now, Rafa can actually work on some things without all the pressure.
-
I am glad it is over.
maybe now tony can stop saying Rafa can Wimbledon.
he is at about 20 percent capacity in terms what he used to be.
this level is not good enough to win at any tournament going forward.
he is hurting his legacy at this rate.
He has got to go and get on clay.
And he has to decide to improve both his game and his fitness.
He just keeps getting worse and worse. I don't know why he is doing this to himself.
-
At this rate he can't beat anybody.
This is going from really bad to even worse.
He will keep dropping in the rankings.
He is just about losing every other match to players who have never won anything.
-
Rafa is just making a damn fool of himself out there.
He has no game, no return, no serve, and no fitness.
I don't even know why he bothered to show up here.
Why doesn't he go work on his game and fitness.
He was never this bad as a 15 year old.
This is going too far. He has to go get on clay and start hitting the ball 7-8 hours a day.
He pushing and shoving the ball out there like a weak club player.
I am just pissed at him.
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule/index.html
Thanks for posting the Order of Play. Looks like Rafa may be on around 1 or 2:00.
-
Hello my loved ones who live Rafa mostly Lady TT and General CD
Surprise this is for you mwah!
Ha ha ha. Rafa is an addiction, Divine. I don't wish our fanaticism on anyone. Good seeing you here. I trust all is well. How is the creativity going?
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule/index.html
-
great to see you here at lady TT's place lady Divine.
stop by more often.
thanks for sharing the Rafa picture.
-
Hello my loved ones who live Rafa mostly Lady TT and General CD
Surprise this is for you mwah!
-
order of play for tomorrow:
http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule/index.html
-
lady TT your new avi rocks.
Too bad I messed it up again. I'm looking for the directions that Masterclass gave me so I can fix it. I had a way that I used to do my avatars but now I've forgotten. Technology is like math to me. I can do it, but I can't always remember it. Oh well, back to hunting it down.
-
Exactly general, great points. Enjoying your work is one of the keys to longevity in any career. In sports, fitness and resistance to injury is another obvious key.
Looking at the list again, I noticed there are two representatives in the top 10 in earnings from each sport, except tennis, which has one, and basketball with 3.
Boxing 2 - the top 2.
Football-Soccer - 3 & 4.
Tennis - 5
Basketball - 6, 7, 10
Golf - 8 & 9.
Nobody in the NFL or MLB in the top 10.
Nadal should have been in that list instead of Kobe Bryant at this point. And I think he should be more marketable than the golfers. His fans are legion on facebook and elsewhere. But I checked, and he is #22 at 32.5 M. 4.5 from tennis earnings and 28 M in endorsements. Back in 2011, his 31.5 M (10.5 from earnings, 21 M from endorsements) was good enough for #12 on the list. So he's doing better in endorsements and overall earnings, but still slipped compared to the others. I think Rafa's marketing people have some work to do if he is going to get back up there. Novak Djokovic has improved a lot. He is now #13 with 48.2 M (17.2 M from earnings, 31 M from endorsements).
Oh well, that's life in the fast lane... :) Obviously, there are more important things in life. After all, you can only be marketable in sports for so long.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I think so. I also think that there's more to life and sports than chasing money and being "marketable." I've always envisioned Rafa, when he retires as going back to Mallorca and enjoying a simple life. That's what makes him so different from most sports "heroes." He's a regular guy like us. He's already so excited about his tennis academy. I would be surprised if he was still around the sport after he retires.
That's what his legions of fans love about him, his simplicity.
-
great day at the office for Rafa.
he is getting it done:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
Hey! That's high praise for you. I was so tired I fell asleep when the 1st set was in the bag. When they went to commercial I fell asleep. Then, I had a dream that Rafa lost the last three sets by horrible scores and when he went to the towel and came back to the line there were tears in his eyes. You know that woke me up. I woke up in time to see him close it out so I'll have to go back and watch the match.
What is it that you were pleased with.
-
great day at the office for Rafa.
he is getting it done:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
Rafa may struggle a little bit with the return of serve tomorrow. grass is fresh and slick.
but he should be able to take the match against bellucci.
he has got to give his backhand a chance. he just cant help himself. even in practice he is still going to ridiculous lengths to hit a forehand.
and in the process he has both shots suffering. he has about 30% of the ground game he used to have only 3 years ago.
he gives up the whole court when he does that which renders his ground game ineffective.
Agree, he has to trust the backhand. Stop giving up so much court, and yes they say the grass is really slick. I'm always hoping the best for him, so I will watch with bated breath.
Go Rafa!
-
Rafa may struggle a little bit with the return of serve tomorrow. grass is fresh and slick.
but he should be able to take the match against bellucci.
he has got to give his backhand a chance. he just cant help himself. even in practice he is still going to ridiculous lengths to hit a forehand.
and in the process he has both shots suffering. he has about 30% of the ground game he used to have only 3 years ago.
he gives up the whole court when he does that which renders his ground game ineffective.
-
Hewitt may be going the distance today:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
You were right. Again.
-
Hewitt may be going the distance today:
http://www.livescore.in/tennis/
-
nick and andre Agassi love Rafa.
Rafa has work to do. he better get on with it.
I knew Andre did, but I've never heard Nick say anything about anyone other than Andre. It surprised me.
Anyway, let the games begin.
I hope Rafa plays well.
-
nick and andre Agassi love Rafa.
Rafa has work to do. he better get on with it.
-
Such nice words for our Rafa, from a surprising source too, I might add.
rafaelnadalfans#Nadal is a great person. If we had more people like him in the world it would be a much better, richer, healthier and more gentle place. -- NICK BOLLETTIERI
-
agreed.
our viewers are sophisticated and also our Camelot family.
all those people at our liberal arts section are creative types. they can write and they can compose poetry.
some are even published authors.
-
Camelot is a wonderful place for people to have a voice. they can say anything they please here and they can do anything here. Camelot is for the people.
they can have unlimited threads here.
we have also transformed it into a bit of learning center that is fun and inspiring.
We also have a sophisticated, intelligent, and mature crowd. That's Camelot's crowning glory.
-
Camelot is a wonderful place for people to have a voice. they can say anything they please here and they can do anything here. Camelot is for the people.
they can have unlimited threads here.
we have also transformed it into a bit of learning center that is fun and inspiring.
-
Camelot is going to be a vibrant, active community of a small but wonderful family one day.
people here are so cool. everybody just does their own thing and has a wonderful time.
so quiet and so peaceful here.
You're right about that. It's so nice to be able to actually have discussions without all the stupidity and anger. I go to TT about three times a year to check out the Nadal thread, but don't venture into the general pro section or match results. It's too ridiculous the way these people act.
Bobbi loves it here. I knew she would.
-
I don't understand it either Lady TT. The same thing happens with most of the top guns. All I can say is that there is usually an equal amount of delusion from rabid fans, and hatred from detractors.
I couldn't believe the hatred that Rafa, a genuinely nice guy by most accounts, got at MTF. And of course this transferred to baiting, trolling, and attacks on people in his fanbase. And of course there were was hate directed back toward other players. Anyone who is not top 10 in the world is basically a "mug" or "choker" because you can't count on their play being consistent enough to win as much as the legends.
Look, I can understand people from one fanbase not wanting to see his top competition succeed. That's pretty normal, I guess. But so many wish death, injury, calling the players derogatory names, having whole threads dedicated to trashing the player and his fans. I think there were even groups of posters that would get together and bait and attack other posters. It's really some sick stuff.
I'm sure General Hercules could tell you some horror stories.
But as with any forum there are some genuinely good posters and people out there.
Respectfully,
masterclass
I met The General on Talk Tennis, so I am well acquainted with forum behavior. TT is all that you said and more. We all feel an affinity for our favorite players, but dogging other players out and wishing death on people is beyond twisted. You don't have to be a fan of another player, but you can still be respectful. They're human and all of them have worked hard to get where they're at.
I think what Federer has done and is doing is impressive. I'm actually more impressed with the latter part of his career. That's because he's done enough and yet, he continues to train, eat right, and prepare for battle with people much younger than he is.
Anyone who can't respect that has a problem. I respect what Novak is doing as well.
All of these players deserve kudos as far as I'm concerned, but to hear that people have negative things to say about what Federer is doing right now, is just crazy. Really crazy. I have no words.
-
Camelot is going to be a vibrant, active community of a small but wonderful family one day.
people here are so cool. everybody just does their own thing and has a wonderful time.
so quiet and so peaceful here.
-
people at MTF are 1/2 nuts.
but at least we founded the castle there which will last forever and ever. we built lasting monuments there that cannot be brought down.
and some of our threads at the general discussion section will also live on.
I know our roger Federer will thread will live on forever and ever.
the castle has become one of the largest chat threads of all time. it just keeps growing there.
I don't know how many volumes it has as I have not been there in a while.
I am sure about 65 volumes with each volume having 5000 posts.
-
even to this day rafa simply refuses to expand his horizons on the practice courts.
he has become even more conservative. it is a rare sight to see him actually stand near the center of the court and hit both backhands and forehands.
often times he just parks himself in his backhand corner and just tries to hit as many forehands as possible. practice sessions keep getting shorter and shorter.
hitting on the hard courts has been a disaster for him. he has completely lost his ground game and his movement.
in fact he is back on them now. he went right back to the hard courts. you read that right: he is practicing on the hard courts right now.
there was a time to cut back-- in terms of practice and match play-- on the hard courts in order to minimize his injuries. and that time was right after the u.s. open title in 2013.
his work was on the hard courts was pretty much done at that point. he had 3 hard court slams. he has just taken down djokovic at flushing meadows again.
that was more than enough. he could have even had his 4th one if he just had just been able to skip some of the hard court events and get back on clay to stay healthy. I am talking about the time after the u.s. open in 2013.
he could have saved himself from the endless injuries and he would still be a dominant force. and he would have had his 10th RG.
now additional slams are in question. he has fallen too far behind.
even the masters events are in question, let alone slams.
more on this later.
I have to agree general. What could have been? Well, I guess we all take decisions at some point that aren't the best, that's part of being human.
But I like to look at the positive also. He's done more with what he has than almost anyone on the planet. He's still under 30. He has a whole life ahead of him, from a personal standpoint, family, etc. Yes, it can be frustrating to see the wrong turns, but we generally take the correct path for granted and often don't understand why someone would stray from it.
One thing I've noticed with Rafa, he has many times returned to great play when people thought him down and out. One can't know how many more times he'll be able to pull that off, but I know I won't count him out until he hangs up his racquet and shoes. Doom and gloom often gives way to heightened hopes and sparkling success as long as passion and dedication exists. Let's see what happens. :)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
I don't understand it either Lady TT. The same thing happens with most of the top guns. All I can say is that there is usually an equal amount of delusion from rabid fans, and hatred from detractors.
I couldn't believe the hatred that Rafa, a genuinely nice guy by most accounts, got at MTF. And of course this transferred to baiting, trolling, and attacks on people in his fanbase. And of course there were was hate directed back toward other players. Anyone who is not top 10 in the world is basically a "mug" or "choker" because you can't count on their play being consistent enough to win as much as the legends.
Look, I can understand people from one fanbase not wanting to see his top competition succeed. That's pretty normal, I guess. But so many wish death, injury, calling the players derogatory names, having whole threads dedicated to trashing the player and his fans. I think there were even groups of posters that would get together and bait and attack other posters. It's really some sick stuff.
I'm sure General Hercules could tell you some horror stories.
But as with any forum there are some genuinely good posters and people out there.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Federer should be able to destroy seppi tomorrow.
will somebody go to MTF and fire up my roger Federer thread?
Federer is working hard and paying the dues on the practice and fitness front.
he declared just 3 days ago that he was in top form.
he is putting in the long, hard yards required on the fitness front.
and all the while having 4 kids and a wife at home.
Well general, not quite a destruction, but he took it in straight sets with a tiebreaker set in the 1st, where he won the tiebreaker 7-1.
Still, title #86 and a record 8th Halle title are in the bag. Congrats to him, and condolences to Seppi who did benefit a bit from retirements in the QF and SF to the perennial walking wounded Monfils and Nishikori.
The 100 title thread is seeing action again... people are starting to get really edgy with only 14 to go. A lot of haters saying Federer is vulturing, beating up on weak fields, etc. Others are saying he'll never do it because he will retire next year (how do they know?). Heck the guy is in his 34th year and still going strong at #2 and is taking in more endorsement money ($58M) than anyone in in all sports and 5th overall when adding earnings. Why should he stop unless he injures himself badly?
#1Floyd Mayweather $300M|#2Manny Pacquiao $160M|#3Cristiano Ronaldo $80M|#4 Lionel Messi $74.8 M|
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Ffloyd-mayweather_200x200.jpg&hash=1bb0009a49c99ad5ef60a139b9e5e87beed908e3)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fmanny-pacquiao_200x200.jpg&hash=365c70600f01060f60773be7ff3020feaa0770bd)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fcristiano-ronaldo_200x200.jpg&hash=4a631cc88f0949e174fd7b453b98ec15c09d3520)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Flionel-messi_200x200.jpg&hash=d126cace5236ef62afc34b350fa862a7aa2c1515)
#5 Roger Federer $67M
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Froger-federer_200x200.jpg&hash=ed17be43e5efa2371a0849b13c99b2040f4955f6)
#6 LeBron James $64.8 M | #7 Kevin Durant $54.1 M | #8 Phil Mickelson $50.8 M | #9 Tiger Woods $50.6 M |
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Flebron-james_200x200.jpg&hash=b077f7567913472ce92adeda785b4f797701f2ab)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fkevin-durant_200x200.jpg&hash=8aff902d6b2d0782cfc6e31c0ca09cb5361c6a02)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fphil-mickelson_200x200.jpg&hash=c9883b5b0c96b64a044cafa349c8203fbad81ae8)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Ftiger-woods_200x200.jpg&hash=116d9056e1d2d0528772e96e8217f25a2f61eb71)
#10 Kobe Bryant $50M
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fkobe-bryant_200x200.jpg&hash=3a7a1efd72e417e570f59c25dd306abeefd2075d)
Respectfully,
masterclass
That is ridiculous. People are so mean-spirited and unhappy. He's 34, healthy, and enjoying the game that's he's worked all of his life to achieve, and he should just quit so as not to offend their sensibilities. I can't believe people are hating about the #2 player in the world still going strong. Say it isn't so, masterclass, say it isn't so.
My mouth dropped when I read this post. How can anyone not marvel at what he's doing? Wow.
-
Lady TT I think the harsh reality of all that be have observing and studying points to points to really one thing:
He may be thinking about retirement.
My hope is that he wakes up from this dream and realizes that he has a chance to stare down history.
How many will ever get that chance ever again?
Rafa stands alone to do this. He walked away too soon.
He can get back into it but the time is quickly running out.
He has to make his move.
That is the fear, but he's always said that he wouldn't play past the time that he was enjoying it, or ready to settle down and have a family. And if you think about it, this is about that time when people start considering the rest of their lives.
His heart's just not into it right now, so...you know. We'll have to wait and see...
More on this later.
-
even to this day rafa simply refuses to expand his horizons on the practice courts.
he has become even more conservative. it is a rare sight to see him actually stand near the center of the court and hit both backhands and forehands.
often times he just parks himself in his backhand corner and just tries to hit as many forehands as possible. practice sessions keep getting shorter and shorter.
hitting on the hard courts has been a disaster for him. he has completely lost his ground game and his movement.
in fact he is back on them now. he went right back to the hard courts. you read that right: he is practicing on the hard courts right now.
there was a time to cut back-- in terms of practice and match play-- on the hard courts in order to minimize his injuries. and that time was right after the u.s. open title in 2013.
his work was on the hard courts was pretty much done at that point. he had 3 hard court slams. he has just taken down djokovic at flushing meadows again.
that was more than enough. he could have even had his 4th one if he just had just been able to skip some of the hard court events and get back on clay to stay healthy. I am talking about the time after the u.s. open in 2013.
he could have saved himself from the endless injuries and he would still be a dominant force. and he would have had his 10th RG.
now additional slams are in question. he has fallen too far behind.
even the masters events are in question, let alone slams.
more on this later.
-
great post general masterclass.
nadal could have been the greatest of all time in terms of slams won. he may have been sitting on 18 slams today with 1-2 more to go.
but he took too many wrong turns. add endless injuries to that equation and you have a guy who has spent a lot of mental and physical capital.
I said this here long ago. what held nadal back was that he failed to innovate and progress his game.
it was still more than good to net him 14 majors. he would also own winning records against all top 30 players.
quite an achievement with a limited game.
nobody to blame at this point. he and his team simply did not hire the best fitness experts in the field.
they also did not teach him the slice and the volley very early on.
it is the same in business and in life. sooner or later you will get run over if you don't progress and innovate.
or at the very least you have to keep up/maintain your competitive advantage.
rafa's style of play is the most demanding ever seen in our sport. you pretty much had to be a super human to play that style.
you will note that other heavy topspin players who made history in our sport were also super humans. borg, vilas, and muster.
they called muster the iron man of tennis.
rafa was the greatest physical specimen of them all in our sport. he just could not keep it going. it took too much mental, physical, and emotional capital.
injuries set him back time and again. and then he became a mega global superstar anyway.
and the world simply took over. he lost focus. the world just cant get enough of him.
more on this later.
-
Exactly general, great points. Enjoying your work is one of the keys to longevity in any career. In sports, fitness and resistance to injury is another obvious key.
Looking at the list again, I noticed there are two representatives in the top 10 in earnings from each sport, except tennis, which has one, and basketball with 3.
Boxing 2 - the top 2.
Football-Soccer - 3 & 4.
Tennis - 5
Basketball - 6, 7, 10
Golf - 8 & 9.
Nobody in the NFL or MLB in the top 10.
Nadal should have been in that list instead of Kobe Bryant at this point. And I think he should be more marketable than the golfers. His fans are legion on facebook and elsewhere. But I checked, and he is #22 at 32.5 M. 4.5 from tennis earnings and 28 M in endorsements. Back in 2011, his 31.5 M (10.5 from earnings, 21 M from endorsements) was good enough for #12 on the list. So he's doing better in endorsements and overall earnings, but still slipped compared to the others. I think Rafa's marketing people have some work to do if he is going to get back up there. Novak Djokovic has improved a lot. He is now #13 with 48.2 M (17.2 M from earnings, 31 M from endorsements).
Oh well, that's life in the fast lane... :) Obviously, there are more important things in life. After all, you can only be marketable in sports for so long.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Federer should be able to destroy seppi tomorrow.
will somebody go to MTF and fire up my roger Federer thread?
Federer is working hard and paying the dues on the practice and fitness front.
he declared just 3 days ago that he was in top form.
he is putting in the long, hard yards required on the fitness front.
and all the while having 4 kids and a wife at home.
Well general, not quite a destruction, but he took it in straight sets with a tiebreaker set in the 1st, where he won the tiebreaker 7-1.
Still, title #86 and a record 8th Halle title are in the bag. Congrats to him, and condolences to Seppi who did benefit a bit from retirements in the QF and SF to the perennial walking wounded Monfils and Nishikori.
The 100 title thread is seeing action again... people are starting to get really edgy with only 14 to go. A lot of haters saying Federer is vulturing, beating up on weak fields, etc. Others are saying he'll never do it because he will retire next year (how do they know?). Heck the guy is in his 34th year and still going strong at #2 and is taking in more endorsement money ($58M) than anyone in in all sports and 5th overall when adding earnings. Why should he stop unless he injures himself badly?
#1Floyd Mayweather $300M|#2Manny Pacquiao $160M|#3Cristiano Ronaldo $80M|#4 Lionel Messi $74.8 M|
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Ffloyd-mayweather_200x200.jpg&hash=1bb0009a49c99ad5ef60a139b9e5e87beed908e3)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fmanny-pacquiao_200x200.jpg&hash=365c70600f01060f60773be7ff3020feaa0770bd)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fcristiano-ronaldo_200x200.jpg&hash=4a631cc88f0949e174fd7b453b98ec15c09d3520)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Flionel-messi_200x200.jpg&hash=d126cace5236ef62afc34b350fa862a7aa2c1515)
#5 Roger Federer $67M
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Froger-federer_200x200.jpg&hash=ed17be43e5efa2371a0849b13c99b2040f4955f6)
#6 LeBron James $64.8 M | #7 Kevin Durant $54.1 M | #8 Phil Mickelson $50.8 M | #9 Tiger Woods $50.6 M |
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Flebron-james_200x200.jpg&hash=b077f7567913472ce92adeda785b4f797701f2ab)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fkevin-durant_200x200.jpg&hash=8aff902d6b2d0782cfc6e31c0ca09cb5361c6a02)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fphil-mickelson_200x200.jpg&hash=c9883b5b0c96b64a044cafa349c8203fbad81ae8)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Ftiger-woods_200x200.jpg&hash=116d9056e1d2d0528772e96e8217f25a2f61eb71)
#10 Kobe Bryant $50M
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fkobe-bryant_200x200.jpg&hash=3a7a1efd72e417e570f59c25dd306abeefd2075d)
Respectfully,
masterclass
great post.
he will get his 100 titles.
he has 4 kids at home and a wife.
still he is focused on breaking more records and chasing history.
34 is nothing to him. he works out daily and stretches at least 2 times daily.
he is working diligently to get more and more fit.
Federer will play until he is 43+.
more people should read Camelot general.
this is the no spin zone. here we call it like we see it.
we call it objectively.
-
Federer should be able to destroy seppi tomorrow.
will somebody go to MTF and fire up my roger Federer thread?
Federer is working hard and paying the dues on the practice and fitness front.
he declared just 3 days ago that he was in top form.
he is putting in the long, hard yards required on the fitness front.
and all the while having 4 kids and a wife at home.
Well general, not quite a destruction, but he took it in straight sets with a tiebreaker set in the 1st, where he won the tiebreaker 7-1.
Still, title #86 and a record 8th Halle title are in the bag. Congrats to him, and condolences to Seppi who did benefit a bit from retirements in the QF and SF to the perennial walking wounded Monfils and Nishikori.
The 100 title thread is seeing action again... people are starting to get really edgy with only 14 to go. A lot of haters saying Federer is vulturing, beating up on weak fields, etc. Others are saying he'll never do it because he will retire next year (how do they know?). Heck the guy is in his 34th year and still going strong at #2 and is taking in more endorsement money ($58M) than anyone in in all sports and 5th overall when adding earnings. Why should he stop unless he injures himself badly?
#1Floyd Mayweather $300M|#2Manny Pacquiao $160M|#3Cristiano Ronaldo $80M|#4 Lionel Messi $74.8 M|
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Ffloyd-mayweather_200x200.jpg&hash=1bb0009a49c99ad5ef60a139b9e5e87beed908e3)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fmanny-pacquiao_200x200.jpg&hash=365c70600f01060f60773be7ff3020feaa0770bd)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fcristiano-ronaldo_200x200.jpg&hash=4a631cc88f0949e174fd7b453b98ec15c09d3520)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Flionel-messi_200x200.jpg&hash=d126cace5236ef62afc34b350fa862a7aa2c1515)
#5 Roger Federer $67M
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Froger-federer_200x200.jpg&hash=ed17be43e5efa2371a0849b13c99b2040f4955f6)
#6 LeBron James $64.8 M | #7 Kevin Durant $54.1 M | #8 Phil Mickelson $50.8 M | #9 Tiger Woods $50.6 M |
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Flebron-james_200x200.jpg&hash=b077f7567913472ce92adeda785b4f797701f2ab)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fkevin-durant_200x200.jpg&hash=8aff902d6b2d0782cfc6e31c0ca09cb5361c6a02)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fphil-mickelson_200x200.jpg&hash=c9883b5b0c96b64a044cafa349c8203fbad81ae8)(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Ftiger-woods_200x200.jpg&hash=116d9056e1d2d0528772e96e8217f25a2f61eb71)
#10 Kobe Bryant $50M
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.forbesimg.com%2Fmedia%2Flists%2Fpeople%2Fkobe-bryant_200x200.jpg&hash=3a7a1efd72e417e570f59c25dd306abeefd2075d)
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
Congrats to Federer and his fans.
He captures his 8th Halle title.
-
Lady TT I think the harsh reality of all that be have observing and studying points to points to really one thing:
He may be thinking about retirement.
My hope is that he wakes up from this dream and realizes that he has a chance to stare down history.
How many will ever get that chance ever again?
Rafa stands alone to do this. He walked away too soon.
He can get back into it but the time is quickly running out.
He has to make his move.
-
I am glad a couple of 40 year olds removed Rafa and his buddy from the facilities in straights.
Maybe now he can stop farting around and actually go work on his singles game.
His singles game is in absolute shambles and yet he gave doubles more importance here.
Whatever the hell for.
You are so funny. That all cracks me up, "farting around."
-
In other news, returning to Mallorca, Rafa tweeted a couple of days ago:
(https://www.camelotfantasies.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fgo98RpB.png&hash=1e0c62dc48767240f8473ccec215ace8a4d7e765)
Looks like he is pretty proud of it and planning well for the future. Hopefully it will be a success for him.
At the rate things are going, he might be able to open it next summer, at least that is the latest scheduled completion date.
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
rafa is really losing it.
now he says he has played too much and too many events.
well lets see how the hell is that possible when he gets knocked out early in damn near every event that he plays.
and who the hell is forcing him to play doubles. he said he was going to try his best in doubles. Miami masters was a massive mistake. it cost him big time.
he lost early at indian well and hung around there to linger around when he could have left for Mallorca to log in 15 extra days on the red clay.
I am really upset with him. he is making exactly zero progress. in fact with each passing day he is deeper and deeper in the hole with his game and his fitness.
wake up rafa. better start putting in 7-8 hours a day on the practice courts and just work on your singles game.
next year starts now. don't wait to come back stronger next year.
start coming back strong right now. start fighting.
start hitting back hard now.
-
Federer should be able to destroy seppi tomorrow.
will somebody go to MTF and fire up my roger Federer thread?
Federer is working hard and paying the dues on the practice and fitness front.
he declared just 3 days ago that he was in top form.
he is putting in the long, hard yards required on the fitness front.
and all the while having 4 kids and a wife at home.
-
lady TT your new avi rocks.
-
Great pic Lady TT!
You have to surround the image url with the img tags. Don't forget the backslash in front of the closing img tag. I modified your post so it would show up.
[img]image url[/img]
Respectfully,
masterclass
-
That is a great picture.
I don't know why it is not showing in full.
We can try something when I get home.
I can't do much with my cell phone.
-
Testing to see if I can finally get a picture to post. I don't know why i can't post pictures here.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGBFEvOWYAEMDKO.jpg)
Well, I can't get the picture to post outright, but is this funny or what?
Some people have too much time on their hands.
-
karlovic is 100 years old and yet can get rid of berdych even today.
-
look at stan. he could not win back to back matches since Rotterdam.
and then look what he put together with hard work and single minded focus. and stan is pushing 31.
if anybody can pull this off, rafa can. he has had to work hard all his life to achieve his immortality in the sport.
he just has to make up his damn mind.
-
I saw a few pics of him in practice. he looks unhappy and frustrated.
and tony looks the same way.
first or 2nd round loss at Wimbledon is very possible but I think it may turn out to be a blessing if it happens.
it will force him to do some soul searching and decide once and for all that either next year starts right now or it is pretty much the end.
he said slams don't matter. this is a bit troubling. I would not have said this.
but he also said he would like to come back stronger and more prepared next year so he can be more competitive.
I think that is for public and sponsorship consumption. players have to say the right thing when dealing with public, fans, and reporters and sponsors.
he cant win if he wont start putting in 7-8 hours a day on the practice courts. heavy topspin game requires immense timing and endless practice.
it also requires a superhuman. he is one. he just has to get back to being one again.
I think that's just the frustration talking. I don't think he's throwing in the towel after all, but I do think he's troubled by his game and results. It was as you and masterclass have been saying all along. Rafa slacked off big time. I'm sure the injuries played a part psychologically, but he came back, so if he wasn't ready to compete at the high level that he's accustomed to, he should have opted to work on his fitness more. He didn't have that many points to defend and he would've had the next six months to gain points, but...
there's always the possibility that there are things that we are not privy to that could better explain what we we're saying. I think it's a combination of fitness and lack of motivation, focus, and the psychological damage of countless injuries. That's a pretty tall order, but it can be overcome.
-
I saw a few pics of him in practice. he looks unhappy and frustrated.
and tony looks the same way.
first or 2nd round loss at Wimbledon is very possible but I think it may turn out to be a blessing if it happens.
it will force him to do some soul searching and decide once and for all that either next year starts right now or it is pretty much the end.
he said slams don't matter. this is a bit troubling. I would not have said this.
but he also said he would like to come back stronger and more prepared next year so he can be more competitive.
I think that is for public and sponsorship consumption. players have to say the right thing when dealing with public, fans, and reporters and sponsors.
he cant win if he wont start putting in 7-8 hours a day on the practice courts. heavy topspin game requires immense timing and endless practice.
it also requires a superhuman. he is one. he just has to get back to being one again.
-
I am glad a couple of 40 year olds removed Rafa and his buddy from the facilities in straights.
Maybe now he can stop farting around and actually go work on his singles game.
His singles game is in absolute shambles and yet he gave doubles more importance here.
Whatever the hell for.
He usually plays doubles to adjust to new surfaces. The doubles probably help his singles game. Did you hear them talking about how slippery the grass was? The more time on grass, i think the better it will be for him. Doubles are still tennis matches and now he has time to better prepare for Wimbledon.
And since his fitness isn't where it should be, his loss may be a blessing in disguise, otherwise he might show up to Wimbledon spent. Novak isn't playing anywhere is he? And Federer took off a week as well. Rafa is nowhere near their fitness at this point, but the good thing is that the rest of the year he can only gain points.
I think it will work out. Not that he'll win, but I think that he'll be in a better place, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Let's how that this is the kick in the pants that he needed.
-
I am glad a couple of 40 year olds removed Rafa and his buddy from the facilities in straights.
Maybe now he can stop farting around and actually go work on his singles game.
His singles game is in absolute shambles and yet he gave doubles more importance here.
Whatever the hell for.
-
i agree. He could have easily have had 18 majors by now. How awful that injuries have always derailed him. Even the year before he came on tour. But he was determined to play and his parents took him to doctors all over the world to fit that bone defect. Eventually they settled on Nike fixing him special shoes in order to play. But imagine if he didn't have that bone defect? Eighteen or more wouldn't be out of the question.
-
I have been thinking.
I looked at that match point again. against dolgopolov.
I have a funny feeling that in the back of his mind and in his heart of hearts he did not really want to go on in this event.
for any number of reasons. one might be that he does not really feel ready to challenge the top guns.
he just finished losing to both andy and wawrinka. wawrinka was here and lost only today.
another reason is that he did not really want to expend the mental and physical capital since it is in limited supply at the moment.
and then there was his stupid doubles which takes away some focus from his singles.
he could have won this tournament with a little bit of preparation.
all he had to do was believe in himself a little more and put in the practice time.
and of course some work on the backhand and the return of serve would have gone a long way.
he wants out of here to go back to Mallorca and come back a little fresher and a little stronger.
bottom line: I think, in looking at the overall picture at queens, he again did not show up with proper preparation and better focus.
and again he decided--in his heart of hearts-that it was better to not worry about winning it.
there were 500 points for grabs here. he could have snatched up those points.
that was a very short inside/out forehand he hit and then he took a little stroll to the net to get passed easily.
he was up 4-2 in the decider on the slick grass. 2 games and the match was in his pocket.
another factor which is tied into this is that he wanted out. he is a bit worn out. as I said, he did not feel like spending the limited physical and mental capital to go all the way here.
now the silver lining is that at least he is healthy. so he escapes this event with no injury.
he has never been like this before. he never went to RG to defend his crown this year. that was his last stand and he walked away from it.
now he says slams are not important.
about 2 months back he said that he would at least like to get past Sampras with 15 majors.
he can still make it happen. he is an all time great and there is still little bit of time left.
all this lost belief is a direct result of his absolute refusal to work very hard and very long in practice and on the fitness front.
which in turn is a function of lost focus. he lost his relentless will to battle and win.
now I am not sure what is going to happen at Wimbledon.
the title there is surely going to one of the following:
1. murray
2. Federer
3. djokovic
4. wawrinka
I was hoping rafa would put in the preparation to perhaps sneak into the final. he just does not believe in himself because his game has dropped so much and there is not sufficient fitness and physicality.
Great post.
It's mind-boggling in a way, but then again, not so much. He just does not seem to have the passion for the game that we're accustomed to seeing. The weird thing is, it's been like that all year. Maybe he's tired of the injuries too. It's one thing when you've caused injury to yourself, but it's a whole different ball of wax when you had all the freak injuries that he had last year. Psychologically that can be more devastating than regular injuries, because they come out of nowhere and it can feel like the universe is against you.
The back seized up in Australia. I saw it in the warm up. I was like uh oh, something's wrong. Then there was the wrist or something, the appendix, it was weird. He had a Haas like year in 2014, inexplicable injuries. That's hard to overcome.
I understand because last year was like that for me too. Strange things happened without cause. One day I had a headache, I don't usually get headaches. Matter of fact I'm usually throwing away that kind of medicine because it expires. But this one night my head was pounding and in desperation I took an Advil, that's right , something as simple as that.
Thankfully, I had a procedure planned and went to the hospital that morning. I can only thank God that I had that appointment, because when I got there my left kidney failed; out of nowhere. I was stunned because I had no symptoms, no pain, no nothing. Within a half an hour the right kidney failed and they had to rush me upstairs into a room.
They couldn't find a reason why it happened when I had just been at the doctor's office two days earlier and was tested. My kidneys were great. And then one of the doctors said, "Did you take an Advil?" I was shocked, why was he asking me that? It seemed so bizarre. Initially, I didn't remember taking it, because I might take a pain reliever once every five or ten years.
I had to stay in the hospital for a month while my body stabilized, but even in that I was never in any pain. The scary thing is that there is no warning.
After all the freak occurrences Rafa had last year, I understand. Even when you return to health, there is a fear that something else is coming around the corner. It's hard to motivate yourself during these periods, because in the mind you feel that once you get up, you're going to get knocked back down.
The latest freak occurrence I had. After all of these years I found out that I can no longer eat Doritos. Can you believe that? When I'm eating them I feel fine. But about twenty minutes later my heart starts racing and my blood pressure goes through the roof.
It doesn't make sense. I have been healthy all my life and the doctors still swear that I am in good health, but these things keep happening. My Nurse Practitioner was getting so frustrated, because there is no logical reason that these things happen.
I seriously think that's what's happening with Rafa. There is a reason, known only to him that he has about 10% of the passion for the game. He's made a lot of decisions like the one you listed above since his comeback, and until he shakes that off...
you have had to endure a lot. a lot of suffering and pain.
you must be a very strong woman. that is a lot to overcome.
I think you are right. the passion to go out there and dominate is not there.
injuries played a role. and now he is so deep in the hole with his game and his fitness that he just cant find the energy to work hard enough to come all the way back.
it is a shame with all the injuries he has had to deal with. by my calculations he is sitting on 18 slams today if you take away his injuries.
more on this later.
-
I have been thinking.
I looked at that match point again. against dolgopolov.
I have a funny feeling that in the back of his mind and in his heart of hearts he did not really want to go on in this event.
for any number of reasons. one might be that he does not really feel ready to challenge the top guns.
he just finished losing to both andy and wawrinka. wawrinka was here and lost only today.
another reason is that he did not really want to expend the mental and physical capital since it is in limited supply at the moment.
and then there was his stupid doubles which takes away some focus from his singles.
he could have won this tournament with a little bit of preparation.
all he had to do was believe in himself a little more and put in the practice time.
and of course some work on the backhand and the return of serve would have gone a long way.
he wants out of here to go back to Mallorca and come back a little fresher and a little stronger.
bottom line: I think, in looking at the overall picture at queens, he again did not show up with proper preparation and better focus.
and again he decided--in his heart of hearts-that it was better to not worry about winning it.
there were 500 points for grabs here. he could have snatched up those points.
that was a very short inside/out forehand he hit and then he took a little stroll to the net to get passed easily.
he was up 4-2 in the decider on the slick grass. 2 games and the match was in his pocket.
another factor which is tied into this is that he wanted out. he is a bit worn out. as I said, he did not feel like spending the limited physical and mental capital to go all the way here.
now the silver lining is that at least he is healthy. so he escapes this event with no injury.
he has never been like this before. he never went to RG to defend his crown this year. that was his last stand and he walked away from it.
now he says slams are not important.
about 2 months back he said that he would at least like to get past Sampras with 15 majors.
he can still make it happen. he is an all time great and there is still little bit of time left.
all this lost belief is a direct result of his absolute refusal to work very hard and very long in practice and on the fitness front.
which in turn is a function of lost focus. he lost his relentless will to battle and win.
now I am not sure what is going to happen at Wimbledon.
the title there is surely going to one of the following:
1. murray
2. Federer
3. djokovic
4. wawrinka
I was hoping rafa would put in the preparation to perhaps sneak into the final. he just does not believe in himself because his game has dropped so much and there is not sufficient fitness and physicality.
Great post.
It's mind-boggling in a way, but then again, not so much. He just does not seem to have the passion for the game that we're accustomed to seeing. The weird thing is, it's been like that all year. Maybe he's tired of the injuries too. It's one thing when you've caused injury to yourself, but it's a whole different ball of wax when you had all the freak injuries that he had last year. Psychologically that can be more devastating than regular injuries, because they come out of nowhere and it can feel like the universe is against you.
The back seized up in Australia. I saw it in the warm up. I was like uh oh, something's wrong. Then there was the wrist or something, the appendix, it was weird. He had a Haas like year in 2014, inexplicable injuries. That's hard to overcome.
I understand because last year was like that for me too. Strange things happened without cause. One day I had a headache, I don't usually get headaches. Matter of fact I'm usually throwing away that kind of medicine because it expires. But this one night my head was pounding and in desperation I took an Advil, that's right , something as simple as that.
Thankfully, I had a procedure planned and went to the hospital that morning. I can only thank God that I had that appointment, because when I got there my left kidney failed; out of nowhere. I was stunned because I had no symptoms, no pain, no nothing. Within a half an hour the right kidney failed and they had to rush me upstairs into a room.
They couldn't find a reason why it happened when I had just been at the doctor's office two days earlier and was tested. My kidneys were great. And then one of the doctors said, "Did you take an Advil?" I was shocked, why was he asking me that? It seemed so bizarre. Initially, I didn't remember taking it, because I might take a pain reliever once every five or ten years.
I had to stay in the hospital for a month while my body stabilized, but even in that I was never in any pain. The scary thing is that there is no warning.
After all the freak occurrences Rafa had last year, I understand. Even when you return to health, there is a fear that something else is coming around the corner. It's hard to motivate yourself during these periods, because in the mind you feel that once you get up, you're going to get knocked back down.
The latest freak occurrence I had. After all of these years I found out that I can no longer eat Doritos. Can you believe that? When I'm eating them I feel fine. But about twenty minutes later my heart starts racing and my blood pressure goes through the roof.
It doesn't make sense. I have been healthy all my life and the doctors still swear that I am in good health, but these things keep happening. My Nurse Practitioner was getting so frustrated, because there is no logical reason that these things happen.
I seriously think that's what's happening with Rafa. There is a reason, known only to him that he has about 10% of the passion for the game. He's made a lot of decisions like the one you listed above since his comeback, and until he shakes that off...
-
I have been thinking.
I looked at that match point again. against dolgopolov.
I have a funny feeling that in the back of his mind and in his heart of hearts he did not really want to go on in this event.
for any number of reasons. one might be that he does not really feel ready to challenge the top guns.
he just finished losing to both andy and wawrinka. wawrinka was here and lost only today.
another reason is that he did not really want to expend the mental and physical capital since it is in limited supply at the moment.
and then there was his stupid doubles which takes away some focus from his singles.
he could have won this tournament with a little bit of preparation.
all he had to do was believe in himself a little more and put in the practice time.
and of course some work on the backhand and the return of serve would have gone a long way.
he wants out of here to go back to Mallorca and come back a little fresher and a little stronger.
bottom line: I think, in looking at the overall picture at queens, he again did not show up with proper preparation and better focus.
and again he decided--in his heart of hearts-that it was better to not worry about winning it.
there were 500 points for grabs here. he could have snatched up those points.
that was a very short inside/out forehand he hit and then he took a little stroll to the net to get passed easily.
he was up 4-2 in the decider on the slick grass. 2 games and the match was in his pocket.
another factor which is tied into this is that he wanted out. he is a bit worn out. as I said, he did not feel like spending the limited physical and mental capital to go all the way here.
now the silver lining is that at least he is healthy. so he escapes this event with no injury.
he has never been like this before. he never went to RG to defend his crown this year. that was his last stand and he walked away from it.
now he says slams are not important.
about 2 months back he said that he would at least like to get past Sampras with 15 majors.
he can still make it happen. he is an all time great and there is still little bit of time left.
all this lost belief is a direct result of his absolute refusal to work very hard and very long in practice and on the fitness front.
which in turn is a function of lost focus. he lost his relentless will to battle and win.
now I am not sure what is going to happen at Wimbledon.
the title there is surely going to one of the following:
1. murray
2. Federer
3. djokovic
4. wawrinka
I was hoping rafa would put in the preparation to perhaps sneak into the final. he just does not believe in himself because his game has dropped so much and there is not sufficient fitness and physicality.
-
still he will kick himself one day.
this is one hell of a time to go through this phase.
the old burn out theory may not apply in his case. he has been out of the sport too many times due to injuries.
as much as 7-8 months at a time.
anyway with just one year to go--at this current rate---for the career to pretty much end, I think i would go for the gusto.
one last charge to show the world who he is. one last charge to right the ship in order to sail into the sunset just right.
this near total submission of defeat is not really good for his legacy. no telling what the historians will say.
no other all time great declined this rapidly from the top and they never suffered such heavy casualties on their best surfaces.
rafa is the greatest ever lived and the greatest ever will live on the red clay. he walked away too soon. he just made 29.
stan is 31 and winning slams. roger is 34 and ranked #2 in the world.
novak and Federer will play and compete into their 40's. rafa is going to kick himself for not being there.
tennis is his world.
I agree. This is the worst time for it, but sometimes we're irrational and get to the point where we don't care. Let's hope this is a blip in his career and he comes back fully engaged. Right now, he's barely going through the motions.
-
still he will kick himself one day.
this is one hell of a time to go through this phase.
the old burn out theory may not apply in his case. he has been out of the sport too many times due to injuries.
as much as 7-8 months at a time.
anyway with just one year to go--at this current rate---for the career to pretty much end, I think i would go for the gusto.
one last charge to show the world who he is. one last charge to right the ship in order to sail into the sunset just right.
this near total submission of defeat is not really good for his legacy. no telling what the historians will say.
no other all time great declined this rapidly from the top and they never suffered such heavy casualties on their best surfaces.
rafa is the greatest ever lived and the greatest ever will live on the red clay. he walked away too soon. he just made 29.
stan is 31 and winning slams. roger is 34 and ranked #2 in the world.
novak and Federer will play and compete into their 40's. rafa is going to kick himself for not being there.
tennis is his world.
-
excellent post as usual lady TT.