Rafa simply has no answers at the moment
Australian Open 2012
- Thread starter Sean_RedDevil
- Start date
Rafa needs to stop hitting those useless sliced back-hand right back at Novak. That is really killing him.
Djokovic is to Rafa what Rafa is to Federer.
Haha Djoker
"don't panic don't panic don't panic"
Not sure what reason Djokovic has to panic.
Not sure what reason Djokovic has to panic.
This thing is done. Its 4am. I can't stay up anymore. I am going to sleep.
The guy is Nadal's kryptonite.
Puts Murray's performance the other day into perspective, he did really well, think he has a chance at the US Open this year.
Puts Murray's performance the other day into perspective, he did really well, think he has a chance at the US Open this year.
Good night dude
Lol that's what it's like watching man united here in oz every week
No fight from Nadal in the past hour. Difficult to watch really, completely strewn with errors.
Novak just too good for Rafa atm(and everyone else tbf)...Good match, that break to go 3-1 in the 2nd set was crucial.
FFS Rafa. Let's get a fifth set...
I think they're quite equal on errors but Novak is hitting significantly more winners than Rafa.
Rafa's first serve and his forehand is getting shitier though, and Nole is too precise and looks a bit fitter.
Rafa just looks like he's out of spirit really. Every now and then he hits a screamer and there's a glimmer or hope, but his head's gone down whereas Novak is coasting.
Vlade Divac 
I think Rafa plays way too much from behind the baseline,
On clay he can dictate from back there but the hard courts don't allow that and gives Novak the time he needs to do what he does
On clay he can dictate from back there but the hard courts don't allow that and gives Novak the time he needs to do what he does
Touche.
Ultimately the problem for Rafa is the serve. He can't get easy holds against Novak and so its almost impossible to keep fighting off break points the entire match.
Also Novak has one of the best "reset" modes I've ever seen. If he plays a bad shot at a crucial moment, he usually puts his head down and forgets about it. Whereas other players let it carry to the next couple of games. Case in point when Murray fought back to 5-5.
This means opponents can't really get on top of him for a prolonged period which again makes it impossible to beat because you are fighting for every single point. Its impossible not to get knackered.
Also Novak has one of the best "reset" modes I've ever seen. If he plays a bad shot at a crucial moment, he usually puts his head down and forgets about it. Whereas other players let it carry to the next couple of games. Case in point when Murray fought back to 5-5.
This means opponents can't really get on top of him for a prolonged period which again makes it impossible to beat because you are fighting for every single point. Its impossible not to get knackered.
The men's game is so blessed it's unbelievable. When Nadal won three GS's in a year, the majority thought he was well set (injuries aside) for a Federer-esque era of dominance. And then Djokovic just ups his game to levels previously deemed unimaginable. Incredible. The womens game on the other hand...
Absolutely. Just how many different number ones did they have in the last few years.Are they any talented youngsters who could possibly stop the dominance of Nadal and Djokovic?
Murray and Del Potro can but both of them aren't youngsters.
Murray and Del Potro can but both of them aren't youngsters.
and Djokovic is amazing.
This
Novak is breezing through his service games whilst Rafa is being pushed to the wire on his.
Feel quite sorry for Rafa cos Novak is playing unbelievably.
Nadal's reluctance to try anything else than camping at the baseline is unbelievable.
Djokovic stepping on the gas going for the throat now..4-3 40-0
Tennis needs new players to challenge at the top. The current lot are really beginning to get a bit boring.
Djokovic > Reed Richards
Excellent hold by Nadal.
Great hold by Rafa ... The end might be near but that was great
Wow.. great stuff from Nadal.
Would e a massive shame for rain to come off. feck off rain
Would e a massive shame for rain to come off. feck off rain
Stunning game. If Rafa loses this it won't be for lack of effort.
'kinell. Oustanding!
Thank goodness they are closing the roof. Would be a shame to delay this.
What a time for a rain delay.Not sure if the rain delay will suit Rafa... He finally had some
Momentum but funnily enough he was the one that wanted it
Momentum but funnily enough he was the one that wanted it
It's a bit like the Barcelona situation..but not really their fault that they are so bloody great at football/tennis..and in tennis it's quite incredible that you get 3 great, great players at the same time (and Murray, who's not far off)...
It's a bit like watching the Barcelona-Real Madrid game when both are playing well, the level is so high, everything is decided on the smallest of margins..
Average 2nd Serve Speed for Nadal is 137kph. Novak's is above 150. That's the problem.
That's why I love watching Nadal. He's been woeful for 2.5 sets now but what guts and fight to come back from those 3 virtual match points. Rain came at a bad time for him..