Though I hate to see him struggle through the first rounds I wonder if he can pull off the win. It will be good see him come up against Federer again in their longstanding competition and if history is predictive he will win that match. The question is whether they will both make it to that point.
One thing you can say about Rafa is that he is probably the most dynamic competitor of any sport. Nothing compares to his intensity. What does Rafa want to be known for, he wants to be a known as a good guy. He is.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Rafa Reigns Supreme at the French
SI Story on Rafa French Open Win
What is there to say except that he owns this tournament. Even when injured he finds a way to win. It had seemed the Novak could make this his year but after his struggle against Ernest Gulbis it was apparent that he was vulnerable. I was hoping for a 5 set epic once Novak won the first set but it appears that Rafa can find a way to win at the French no matter how bad his condition. Of course, someday he will run up against a better player if for no other reason than age taking a toll on him like it does against all players.
What got him the win.
His forehand came back after sleeping through the first set.
His movement never deserted him.
His serve continues to cause difficulty for opponents as he finds spin there to equal his groundstrokes.
What is there to say except that he owns this tournament. Even when injured he finds a way to win. It had seemed the Novak could make this his year but after his struggle against Ernest Gulbis it was apparent that he was vulnerable. I was hoping for a 5 set epic once Novak won the first set but it appears that Rafa can find a way to win at the French no matter how bad his condition. Of course, someday he will run up against a better player if for no other reason than age taking a toll on him like it does against all players.
What got him the win.
His forehand came back after sleeping through the first set.
His movement never deserted him.
His serve continues to cause difficulty for opponents as he finds spin there to equal his groundstrokes.
Novak Must Find Life To Stay in the Match
12:07 - He can't just squeak by at this point. He needs to take harden himself and take the set to even the match. Early signs that he is physically ill are not a good omen but he can do it. The match he had the other day against Gulbis was a preview of what he is facing out on the court. He is not up to his best.
Rafa is punishing him.
12:15 - Novak - After missing a high backhand down the line he looked up to the Gods or Clouds or whatever he was raising his hands to hoping to express his difficulties and frustration.
Rafa is punishing him.
12:15 - Novak - After missing a high backhand down the line he looked up to the Gods or Clouds or whatever he was raising his hands to hoping to express his difficulties and frustration.
Rafa is seemingly implacable after a rough first set and then two strong sets that he took in a dominating form.
Mac is right when saying that Novak needs to become aggressive on the return. Just playing closer in and going on the attack would alter the equation and force Nadal to change his game.
As this is said, Novak played it safe on a two hander and then missed a forehand down the line that in normal time he wouldn't.
Rafa Takes the Second Set 7-5
11:07 A.M. - He pulled the match even and if you just listened to the match and could not watch it you would hear Rafa on the attack. Novak is seeming off kilter at the moment. He's not quite listless but he is not looking hard as nails , something he can do. Novak is making uncharacteristic errors and Rafa is looking strong. This set will tell.
Rafa Awakens in Second Set with some spectacular forehand shots
10: 26 A.M. Sunday - Signs indicate we may be looking into an epic 5 set struggle as Rafa begins to find his targets and Novak though stoic and strong is holding at the same level as the first set. Expect to see him tighten up and with some anger at himself raise his game as well.
One area where Nadal begins to show life is his forehand use. Novak is hitting more depth and is using angles and short balls more effectively while Rafa is working the points to create openings, but many of his shots are landing short. Without his heavy topspin pulling the ball foreword and up Novak would be all over him.
One close line call has changed the equation in this game as Novak questions a baseline call and wins the decision.
One area where Nadal begins to show life is his forehand use. Novak is hitting more depth and is using angles and short balls more effectively while Rafa is working the points to create openings, but many of his shots are landing short. Without his heavy topspin pulling the ball foreword and up Novak would be all over him.
One close line call has changed the equation in this game as Novak questions a baseline call and wins the decision.
French Open - Novak Takes 1st Set
Novak wins the first set 6-3.
Rafa is starting slowly and Novak is playing clean. Neither player is seeming confident or without cares, both knowing that there is no room for sloppy play or inattention if even momentary. Both are sweating literally and figuratively since nothing is guaranteed on this surface where two of of the best players even on this surface are facing each other again in another final.
Rafa was shocked awake after that first set when the crowd began chanting praise for Novak.
Rafa is starting slowly and Novak is playing clean. Neither player is seeming confident or without cares, both knowing that there is no room for sloppy play or inattention if even momentary. Both are sweating literally and figuratively since nothing is guaranteed on this surface where two of of the best players even on this surface are facing each other again in another final.
Rafa was shocked awake after that first set when the crowd began chanting praise for Novak.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Rafa vs Nole for #1 at the French
After seeing both of them playing in the early rounds of the French Open I expect to see them face off in the final. Anything can happen on the way to that point, but let me say that it is a relatively safe bet to say that both will make it to the final rounds. Who is my choice for the win? I see the stars lining up for Nole this year based on his recent wins against Rafa and also knowing that Rafa is playing injured with a nagging back problem.
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