Wawrinka in Finals at Melbourne
Can he beat Nadal. It is possible since he has the weapons and on any given day you can take down a King especially when not on his best surface.
If I were Stan I'd ignore the tattoo on the arm and just play like it was your last match in life. I'd also suggest some fake strokes in between points and even work on the facial grimaces that Bartoli used. Her energy level was magical and probably had some intimidation effect on opponents much like with a cornered animal raises up to make itself look bigger.
How to beat Nadal.
Serve and Volley
Serve and volley when you can and if your serve is doing well come in every time. You cannot beat Nadal from the baseline so attack and charge the net at every opportunity.
Approach Shots
Hit your approach shots down the center at Nadal. He runs down everything so why give him the down the line opportunity. Hit it hard down the center and I mean really hard when you are approaching so as not to give him time to do anything but react rather than place his shot. You have a chip so use that part of the time as well.
Serving
Crush the ball at him periodically but mostly slice it at him and slice it away from him. Do not bother giving him anything that sits up high like kick serves since he eats those for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You cannot beat him on the high ball. Jam him and stick with body serves as a staple.
Tactics
Rush him and slow him down in between points. I know, this is gamesmanship but you can't play nice when facing a tiger.
Drop shot him and charge behind it and guess where it is going when he inevitably runs it down. If you go directly at him with the volley you have a much better chance.
Lob him if he comes to the net and I mean go for the sky. Yes, you can topspin him but what I'd do is prevent him from taking it in the air and charge the net behind the lob since there is nothing to lose but your dignity and that might happen if you try to play Nadal with normal tactics.
Start Cursing in any language you know that Rafa doesn't know and look at him when you do it. He may think you have connections. What you are trying to do is occupy his mind with something other than tennis.
Good Luck Stan
