CAMELOT FANTASIES

well the backhand was not realiable so it needed more time to get into a bit of a rhythm. he cant beat nole without his backhand firing well.

so that priority #1. he had to make the backhand work a little bit more effectively as it affects everthing. it affects his court positioning. it affects his return of serve.

and it affects his ability to try to control the center of the court which is absolutely crucial against nole.


next he had to move in a little bit closer to the baseline.


thirdly he knew he had to have the DTL forehand working for him so he started going for it. he would miss quite a few but still he made them when he had to.

he would hit 27 forehand winners on this day.


he also started to return a little better.


now toward the end of the match he again started to back up a little bit and again started to run around the backhand too much.

but by then nole was worn down mentally and physically so it worked for rafa.

rafa became a little bit conservative in the end but it worked out.


so the key was better court positioning and more effective forehand and slightly more effective backhand as the match wore on.


his will and his athletic ability did the rest.


it is just a huge mental edge going in this particular battle knowing that you are 5-0 against him there. that provided rafa with some calm and composure which he displayed the whole match.

that calm and composed feeling served him well. he never lost belief and he kept a handle on his nerve.

Thanks so much. You make it sound so simple. Now, I can see it, but I never would've been able to articulate it.

Great points, I did notice Rafa's calm and composure and his use of the DTL. I just love that no matter how many times he's doubted or he loses, he has supreme confidence in himself. If he's confused and can't a solution he'll admit, but he'll also put his hard hat on keep trying.