Roger v/s Rafa

[Vinay]

Finally Roger gets some success against Nadal...

Let's say that this is just about the minimum he needed before going into Roland Garros. Not that it should change much the nature of the chances of these two winning Roland Garros - Rafael Nadal is going to be a massive favourite. But, somehow, it will sow the seeds of hope in Roger's mind about whether or not he can or should try to beat Nadal on clay at Roland Garros. He's, over the past two years, say, gone into the Roland Garros final with an air of fatalism...

 

[Nani Nana]

Federer is the third best player in the world on clay.


He beat Nadal in Hamburg two years ago and got murdered in Roland Garros.


Don't see why it should change now he took advantage of Nadal's exhaustion.

 

[kietotheworld]

He's not you know, he went into the last one talking about how he thought he has the game to win and got crucified.

 

[Skelter]

Well Nadal had won over 30 matches on clay in a row, it is significant.

But it doesn't change much, I still fully expect Rafa to win but Federer needed to win this for his state of mind and especially the way that he did in that last game. He got tight again and was 15-40 down but fought back and proved a point, to himself more than anything!

Will give him a much needed confidence boost ahead of the summer season and that's good for the rivalry and for the French/Wimbledon.

 

[Vinay]

Well Nadal had won over 30 matches on clay in a row, it is significant.

But it doesn't change much, I still fully expect Rafa to win but Federer needed to win this for his state of mind and especially the way that he did in that last game. He got tight again and was 15-40 down but fought back and proved a point, to himself more than anything!

Will give him a much needed confidence boost ahead of the summer season and that's good for the rivalry and for the French/Wimbledon.

Exactly my point... I feel that against Nadal, Roger loses games more in his mind than actually on the court... That is why I think this win might do him a little bit of good... If only a little, that is!

 

[Vinay]

He's not you know, he went into the last one talking about how he thought he has the game to win and got crucified.

Sometimes you can talk all you want, without actually believing what you're saying... It was a case of that for Roger, I feel!

 

[Brophs]

So Roger beats a below-par Rafa.

Surprised, but it changes nothing in the long term. I don't think he can beat Rafa at his best any more, so it comes down to luck/fitness/form. But maybe it will give him confidence going into the second half of the season.

 

[jveezy]

Great result for tennis. Bad result for my wallet (not really).

 

[Dyslexic Untied]

Doesn`t change much in front of Roland Garros. There has been a significant gap between them in the last few finals there.

Rafa is obviously struggling a bit with his health though, so there could be a chance.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Exactly my point... I feel that against Nadal, Roger loses games more in his mind than actually on the court... That is why I think this win might do him a little bit of good... If only a little, that is!

Agree with that. Big Roger fan i am, and i've been disappointed to see how hes let Rafa mess with his self belief, and its hard to see it changing with him ageing now. Still, with his ability theres always some hope...

 

[Vinay]

Agree with that. Big Roger fan i am, and i've been disappointed to see how hes let Rafa mess with his self belief, and its hard to see it changing with him ageing now. Still, with his ability theres always some hope...

Glad that someone shares that view... I was starting to believe that I might just be a little deluded!

 

[surf]

Nadal often has issues with injuries, and Federer is good enough on clay to take advantage if that happens. Otherwise, it's Rafa all the way for the French.

 

[Alex]

Nadal often has issues with injuries, and Federer is good enough on clay to take advantage if that happens. Otherwise, it's Rafa all the way for the French.

You do bring up a good point, but Nadal tends hurt his knees more than anything else, and however clay is easier on your knees. I think if Monfils is healthy he could cause Nadal a problem as he has already taken him this year. In the end I think it will come down to a Federer-Nadal final, and it just seems Nadal has his number these days, and he well regardless he has always had his number at the French. Would love to see Rog complete the career Grand Slam though.

 

[Christofaux]

When i saw the title this is what sprung to mind

vs

Rafa is trying to work out who's cup size is bigger.