WTF: So long, London
Photo by GLYN KIRK/ AFP/ Getty Images
Today’s round robin match was essentially the equivalent of a quarterfinal: winner moves on, loser doesn’t. Nice and simple, no scenarios or math to perform. With so much on the line, the match felt pretty lackluster from both of the guys, but more so from Rafa. He showed signs of life in the second set, but went back to missing routine looking shots in the third. Basically, Tsonga was playing well; Rafa looked like a tired guy playing on his least favorite surface. Tsonga wins: 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-3.
It felt imperative that Rafa come out fighting and not let the streaky Tsonga get into a groove. That’s not quite how things started, though. Rafa’s service games were struggles with him not winning rallies and having every second serve demolished by Tsonga. Rafa managed to hang in to force a tiebreak, but it was all Tsonga then. First set Tsonga: 7-6(2).
Rafa stepped it up a bit in the second or Tsonga got a little flat…or it was a bit of both. Either way, it took until the 10th game of the match for either player to get break points. It took three, but Rafa broke and took the second: 6-4.
Even though the momentum appeared to be on Rafa’s side, he served a sloppy game at 1-1 and was broken. Rafa missed some easy shots into the open court and was soon down two breaks. Tsonga choked while serving for the set and Rafa got one break back. Every the nice boy, Rafa gifts a break back and Tsonga wins.
Stats:
| Nadal | Tsonga | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics on Serve | ||
| Aces | 2 | 11 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 6 |
| 1st Serve % | 65% | 55% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 44/63 (70%) | 43/51 (84%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 16/34 (47%) | 20/42 (48%) |
| Break Points Saved | 3/6 (50%) | 5/7 (71%) |
| Service Games Played | 16 | 15 |
| Statistics on Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 8/51 (16%) | 19/63 (30%) |
| Second Return Points Won | 22/42 (52%) | 18/34 (53%) |
| Break Points Won | 2/7 (29%) | 3/6 (50%) |
| Return Games Played | 15 | 16 |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 60/97 (62%) | 63/93 (68%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 30/93 (32%) | 37/97 (38%) |
| Total Points Won | 90/190 (47%) | 100/190 (53%) |
| Other Stats | ||
| Winners | 14 | 46 |
| Unforced errors | 24 | 45 |
| Net Approaches | 3/12 (25%) | 27/36 (75%) |
As it happened blatherings:
I’m very unprepared for this! Slept too late, decided to exercise before the match, did a short version and was still lying on the mat stretching when the players took the court. Oye.
Gimmelstob saying Rafa has the flu?
Match hasn’t started and Arias is up to his 3rd mention of a physical style damaging Rafa’s game/longevity so far. It should be a drinking game.
Tsonga runs Rafa back and forth until Rafa runs out of time and sends a shot long. Tsonga holds: 1-0.
So far, Tsonga winning the rallies. Man, that was an excellent return of 2nd serve from Tsonga. Rafa HAS to get his first serves in. A good first serve and Rafa holds for 1-1.
Strong hold for Tsonga for 2-1.
SI_BTBaseline: Man. Rafa looks ordinary. #noswag
Rafa sends a forehand long: 0-15. Fierce forehand return of second serve from Tsonga gives him control of the point and he finishes it off: 0-30. Tsonga brings Rafa in with a drop shot, Rafa gets to it, but misses the reply to the passing shot: 15-40. Rafa challenges a call on Tsonga’s return and Rafa is correct. One break point saved. A good serve saves another: deuce. Another dropper from Tsonga and then a lob, but Rafa hangs in, runs back and hits an awesome spinning forehand: game point. And Rafa holds.
Another strong hold for Tsonga. 3-2
Rafa sends a forehand long: 0-15. Another dropshot/lob combo, but Tsonga comes out on top this time: 0-30. Tsonga’s backhand is long: 15-30. Lovely volley at the net. Tsonga pissed about something. Ah, Mo called not-up, but Tsonga did get to the ball in time. It’s 30-30 anyway. Nice passing shot from Rafa: 40-30. Rafa holds – I think his best hold so far in the match.
Fierce forehand down the line winner from Tsonga: 15-0. Ace: 30-0. Again: 40-0. Tsonga holds: 4-3.
Ataraxis00: Is Rafa determined to play every game from behind?
Nice passing shot from Rafa: 15-15.
SI_BTBaseline: Rafa’s starting to pump himself up now. Seems to have a gauge on his passers. Still, service games are a bit of an adventure.
Tsonga nets a backhand return of serve: 40-15. Nice forehand on the run from Tsonga, but Rafa manages to block it back to stay in the point. He goes on to win it and hold for 4-4.
Rafa’s backhand return of serve almost lands outside of the doubles alley: 15-0. Tsonga’s drop shot attempt lands on his side of the net…middle of the service box: 15-15.
Ataraxis00: I’d drop shot him too if he insists on standing back far enough to hear the conversations in the crowd.
Ace: 30-15. Rafa attempts to pass, but Tsonga hits a wonderfully angled volley winner: 40-15. Rafa’s forehand lands in the middle of the doubles alley and Tsonga, once again, holds easily: 5-4.
Nice backhand winner from Tsonga: 0-15. Weird. I agree with Arias…Rafa’s running around the backhand too much and getting himself too far out of position. Tsonga’s shot is out: 15-15. Oh, that was a fun point – both players showing their reflexes. Sadly, ends with Tsonga getting a great cross-court winner off of a passing attempt from Rafa: 15-30. Deep forehand from Rafa draws an error: 30-30. Service winner down the middle: 40-30. Rafa holds for 5-5.
Tsonga’s ball is well out: 40-30. Tsonga holds for 6-5. Rafa will serve to force a tiebreak.
So far, Tsonga’s been winning everything but the big points. He gets ahead on Rafa’s serve, but can’t capitalize on it.
How did Rafa get that back…much less in? Nice. Excellent hold for Rafa. Tiebreak time.
Tsonga paints the line with a forehand winner: 1-0. Rafa to serve two. Tsonga hits deep, Rafa doesn’t, but Tsonga can’t do anything with Rafa’s passing shot: 1-1. Tsonga’s pass is out, but Rafa touched the ball, so point and mini-break to Tsonga: 2-1. Tsonga gives it back by double faulting: 2-2. Tsonga volleys a winner off Rafa’s passing attempt: 3-2. Tsonga tees off on a slice backhand from Rafa, comes into the net and hits a winning volley – mini-break to him: 2-4. Rafa nets a forehand: 2-5. Tsonga into the net and handles all that Rafa can throw at him: 2-6. With an ace, Tsonga emphatically wins the first set: 7-6(2).
65 minutes; 65% 1st serves in; 79% won on 1st; 40% won on 2nd; 6 winners; 7 UFEs; 1/5 won at net
Ataraxis00: Jo with the first set. Sealed it with an ace. Rafa has to get aggressive or go home. This short ball defensive stuff isn’t working.
TheFanChild: Rafa is first on the Tour at winning second serve points (57%) but he’s won a paltry 40% today. #WTF
Tsonga sends a volley well long: 30-0. Good hold by Rafa to start set 2.
Ace: 15-0. Tsonga hit a fierce forehand – Rafa didn’t even seem to attempt to track it down: 30-0. Tsonga nets a forehand: 30-15. Tsonga into the net, Rafa attempts a lob, Tsonga jumps up and hits a high one-handed backhand volley winner: 40-15. Tsonga nets a backhand: 40-30. Looks like Rafa tripped a bit trying to run around a backhand to return serve. Tsonga holds for 1-1.
Deep forehand from Tsonga and Rafa sends his forehand into the net: 0-15. Good serve, into the net, winner: 15-15.
Ataraxis00: Good grief. That was the first aggressive point I can recall from Rafa in this match.
Error from Tsonga: 30-15. Serve out wide draws an error: 40-15. With a second serve ace (?!) out wide, Rafa holds for 2-1.
Thing I liked about that game? A few change-ups from Rafa.
Ataraxis00:Open court or not he’s stuck in attack the backhand mode. RT @FootFault_: You are allowed to change the direction of the ball, Rafael.
Rafa attempting more aggressive play now, but Tsonga out-gunning him: 30-0. Double fault: 30-15. Tsonga sends a forehand well out: 30-30. Tsonga into the net and hits a winner: 40-30. Rafa nets a forehand passing shot attempt and Tsonga holds for 2-2. (That was such a make-able shot. *sigh*)
Tsonga’s return is long: 15-0. Ace: 30-0. Another shot out by Rafa: 30-15. Tsonga can’t handle the serve: 40-15. Tsonga sends a 2nd serve return back to the lines people and Rafa holds comfortably: 3-2.
Tsonga nets a forehand: 0-15. Tsonga runs and gets a new racket. Rafa’s loopy second serve return sails long: 15-15. Forehand winner from Tsonga; Rafa challenges the call. Call was good: 30-15. Nice passing shot from Rafa. Tsonga stretches, but seem to be surprised the shot was down the line: 30-30. Excellent serve, high return from Rafa, Tsonga knocks off a winner: 40-30. With an ace, Tsonga holds for 3-3.
SI_BTBaseline: Through 19 games there have been no breaks of serve. Rafa hasn’t earned a break point yet, Tsonga’s had two.
Rafa goes for a cross-court forehand, but it’s wide: 0-15. Rafa working Tsonga for a change. Finishes point with a forehand winner: 15-15. Tsonga mishits a ball that pops up off the baseline: 30-15. Forehand winner? Tsonga challenges, but call is good: 40-15. Good hold for 4-3 from Rafa.
Beautiful angled volley at the net from Tsonga: 30-0. Tsonga nets a forehand: 30-15. Rafa sends a return of serve long: 40-15. Nice flat backhand down the line (took the ball on the rise) and Tsonga can’t do a thing with it: 40-30. Rafa’s forehand was long; he challenges despite everyone (linesman, Mo and Tsonga) saying it was out. And…it’s out. Tsonga holds for 4-4.
SI_BTBaseline: Through 8 games, Rafa’s actually won 4 more points than Jo. Yes, I’m now looking at stats. That’s how frustrating this match is right now.
Long forehand handcuffs Tsonga: 15-0. Rafa set up his point well, but a stunning passing shot from Tsonga: 15-15. 15-30. Second serve. Tsonga nets a forehand: 30-30. Second serve. Tsonga’s cross-court backhand is just out (would have been a winner if in, I think): 40-30. Rafa tees off on a forehand and nets it: deuce. Nice serve down the middle, nice forehand from mid-court: game point. (Replay shows the ball was out…lucky Tsonga didn’t challenge.) Tsonga’s return is long and Rafa holds for 5-4. Fist pump and a Vamos! from Rafa.
Second serve. Rafa runs down a deep forehand, but is late and sends his shot well wide: 15-0. Tsonga’s forehand is long: 15-15. Second serve. Let. Tsonga nets a backhand: 15-30. Error from Tsonga: 15-40.
SI_BTBaseline: Rafa’s doing that thing where he’s hopping up and down and letting Tsonga know he smells blood. This is so going three.
Fierce forehand and following smash from Tsonga saves one: 30-40. Another looping passing shot followed by a smash: deuce. Second serve, beautiful return and Rafa earns another set point. Knee up Vamos from Rafa. Loopy return, Tsonga smashes it for a winner: deuce. Second serve. Tsonga sends a forehand out: set point. Short second serve return from Rafa, but Tsonga hits his forehand wide. Second set to Rafa: 6-4.
2 aces; 0 doubles; 61% 1st serves in; 71% won on 1st; 82% won on 2nd; 6 winners; 7 UFEs; 0/1 at net
42% increase in points on second serve in the first set. Makes a huge difference.
Potty break for both players.
Both players sending shots long: 15-15. Strong hold from Rafa.
Ataraxis00: Commies understatement of the day: “There was a little lack of confidence from Nadal when this match started.”
Tsonga’s backhand clips the net and pops out: 0-15. Rafa runs down a dropper, but sends is reply wide: 15-15. Ace: 30-15. Strong hold from Tsonga: 1-1.
Rafa sends a forehand long: 0-15. Double fault: 0-30. Smart play from Tsonga – moves Rafa well and then into the net for a winner: 0-40. Good serve handcuffs Tsonga: 15-40. Tsonga hits a dropshot and Rafa’s reply doesn’t go over the net. Tsonga’ breaks for a 2-1 lead in the 3rd.
newballsplease: I’ll say this for Jo tonight, he’s got a plan and he’s damn well sticking to it come hell or high water – or Rafa. Got the break …
Serve out wide and Rafa’s backhand is well out: 15-0. Tsonga slices, Rafa nets a makeable forehand: 30-0. Forehand serve return into the net: 40-0. Tsonga holds at love for a 3-1 lead.
Tsonga’s backhand is long: 15-0. Second serve. Tsonga tees off on the return of serve and hits a backhand cross-court winner: 15-15. Tsonga’s backhand is long: 30-15. Second serve. Rafa gets a difficult shot back, but then nets a mid-court forehand into the open court: 30-30. Tsonga’s forehand is just out: 40-30. Rafa holds for 2-3.
Tsonga into the net, winner: 15-0. Rafa nets a backhand, drops his shoulders and pouts: 30-0. Return of serve winner (with his back turned to the net, no less): 30-15. Half-volley drop shot from Tsonga and he wins the net battle: 40-15. Tsonga nets a backhand: 40-30. Tsonga holds for 4-2 in the 3rd.
Second serve, but a good one. Tsonga sends up a loopy reply and Rafa storms the net to hit a winner: 30-0. Tsonga dominates from the net: 30-15. Second serve. Return of serve winner: 30-30. Second serve. Rafa sends a forehand long: break point for Tsonga. Rafa nets a forehand into the open court. He’s down a double break in the 3rd: 2-5.
Double fault: 15-15. Beautifully angled forehand volley winner from Rafa: 15-30. Double fault and Rafa has double break point. Rafa chips a return back into the net: 30-40. And then he sends one well long: deuce. Rafa gets a return at Tsonga’s net rushing feet: break point. Double fault and Tsonga breaks himself. He’s still up a break: 5-3.
Ataraxis00: Had Rafa not gagged on that last forehand this could be back on serve, but alas .. he’s still down a break.
Deep forehand from Tsonga and Rafa nets the backhand reply: 0-15. Rafa nets a forehand: 0-30. Forehand clips the net and pops well out. Triple break/match point for Tsonga. Forehand winner and Tsonga wins: 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-3.
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Well, what more can I say but best of luck for the DC finals and
the next season, Rafa. At least he wasn’t thrashed like Tuesday.
Dammit. He’s just had no interest this week. And there’s fear in those warrior eyes.
Come back, Rafa. You’re slated for DC glory in a week and another year of history-making in 2012 :)
lacklustre from both guys?….common mith…tsonga played well…rafa played bad..DOT.
it just felt lackluster. I can’t say why. I’m not the only one who felt that. Tsonga was his usual streaky self, but even his best play didn’t have that wonderful fire and energy he’s capable of.
Well, disappointment is now a routine. At least there is the Davis Cup to look forward to. Rafa’s going back to clay so here’s hoping all turns out well.
Rafa’s won 81.71% of his matches this year. Hardly sounds like the losses are a routine.
Losses have become routine since after the US Open. Way more losses than wins.
And that’s pretty standard for Rafa. So, its just a routine that’s repeated year after year.
It is standard for Rafa sure to not do as well in this part of the season but I don’t think people who point out how poor his game are right now are all being frazzled fans. An 81% for the year surely has to be one of his lowest in the last few years?
It’s not time to completely panic because he does usually rebound but I think it’s fair to worry about aspects of the game that have been a problem all year – for me the mental side is the biggest thing – he used to be the best at saving break points whereas I’m sure he must have slipped down the league table this year… The same is true for the serve – only really worked well at Wimbledon – otherwise not reliable.
I’m just trying to see the glass half-full instead of half-empty (it’s a new thing to me, so I’m probably not doing it well).
Here are the stats for the last few years (all available via the results pages on the site): 2010 87.65%; 2009 82.93%; 2008 88.17%; 2007 82.35%; 2006 83.10%; 2005 88.76%.
So, yes. It’s a bit lower than 2009 and 2007, but it fits with a pattern he’s had over his career – a super high year followed by a good one. (Yes, 81-3% is still good). I think after super successful years, he has some motivational (and injury) problems in the following one.
I just wish this trend continues, in the sense that next year will be a very good one. =)
And yes, I also want to see the glass half-full, as it helps me to cope with the losses as well.
I’m keeping in mind what Rafa said in his 2nd RR presser that he does not regret his decision of skipping Bercy. I feel he is totally focused on starting 2012 right. Which to me is a positive sign and means that he’s looking at the bigger picture. =)
Let’s see what happens next year. If he doesn’t have a better year, perhaps it is the demise of Rafa Nadal’s career.
Well I think it’s encouraging how close he kept the score given how Jo served & how well he was volleying. Every part of his game was below par (so many forehand errors!) – the serve & return poor as they have been of late – yet his fighting spirit (plus some helpful errors by Tsonga) let him take it to 3 on his worst surface. Hopefully that bodes well for next year… :S
I still think he’d be better off spending more time on the fitness, slimming down and trying to regain some of that explosiveness and speed – yes he’ll be slower because of the 600+ matches he’s played but it shouldn’t be so dramatic and stamina can be improved – he’s only 25 after all. Other than that hopefully the sun, time with family etc. will all help – I want him to look like he wants to be out there rather than that he’s doing a job – this week definitely looked like he was there doing a job & would rather be elsewhere….
Finally really really hope he does well in DC. Last year I’d have rooted for Argentina who’ve never won it but this year Rafa needs a win – and l don’t want to think about the ramifications of him losing at home on clay playing for his country!
I don’t think he needs to spend more time at home, he needs to play more matches and improve certain aspects of his game. While his serving and backhand visibly improved during this year’s WTF, I still feel the ROS is a problem for him. There were several second serves by Tsonga that Rafa should’ve creamed, yet he seemed fine with just putting the ball into play. That’s not going to help his chances against good servers, which most top seeded guys are. I’m not saying he should be the best returner in the world but he should really try to improve that aspect of his game. The few times that he returned well today, he always managed to win the point.
Agree about the return of serves. I think that’s often the last thing for him to start grooving on after even the slightest break from competition.
Well yes. But it’s extremely important and I’m sure both he and his team know that. It’ll help his chances just like the improved serve helped him win the USO. The only difference is that one can’t consistently serve at 130mph but can consistently be a good returner, especially with second serves.
I’m not really disagreeing with you. :) I’ve always felt Rafa often just chips his return back in an ineffectual manner…but a lot of times I thought that, he was leading the tour in winning return games. So, I always just figured I was missing something.
He was never a great returner outside clay especially on hard courts but now the problem is he is also not covering the court as well as he used to,so when he makes weak return the point pretty much lost,where as in the past he can still get in the rally.
He isnt moving as well as he used to and he doesnt know what to do.Next year will be diffucult.
I also think after a while the players have become more aware now that he’s prone to dropping returns short and r more willing 2 b aggressive which takes more time away from Rafa.
The guys has reached 3 consecutive slam finals. He is doing just fine. just tired and probably not as engaged at this time of the season.
I know you weren’t. ;) But I agree about chipping returns, it’s kind of like how he used to serve just to put the ball into play. But back then, he would run down every single shot coming at him and he would get them all back to his opponent, which ultimately baffled them. Now that he’s stopped doing that as much as he did for fear it’s probably going to make his knees worse, he should focus on other ways that won’t be as damaging for him.
Agree with you guys about the ROS. Also wondering what you think about the lack of depth on his shots? I feel like thru the Asian swing til now I am seeing so few balls being hit past the service line. With all that spin he should feel safe to hit it deeper. Miri, any chance change of strings in the last year has impacted his depth? And I am really missing seeing the solid shots up the line off both sides. His game just looks really off and I know confidence is the #1 factor right now. Hope he gets more match play in, it is the only thing that can get the confidence going.
I also think that he should lose some weight and work more on his physical fitness, but there must be some reason why he isn’t. Was I imagining it, or did I see a mark on his knee again, as if he’s been for the plasma treatment again. I was wondering if something has been preventing him from training/practising properly. I know it sounds like Rafa’s fans are always trying to make excuses for him, but what reason can there be for looking so tired and playing so poorly. I know he needs lots of match practice to play well, but even so.
He has been working on his fitness a lot when he was back home training. But it does take time and remember he was just sick.
Oh Rafa…what a balls up! How he got to three sets, I don’t know. Rafa’s game seems to need a total overhaul. He keeps telling us how he needs to play, but then continues to play in the same predictable way. The worry is, what can he do to change this in just two months. I hope I’m wrong, but the way things are going 2012 looks as if it will be a continuation of 2011. His game, fitness and confidence all seem to have deserted him. Rafa must be so frustrated because he’s frustrating the hell out of me!
I do think that he’s already started improving some parts of his game for next year. He’s been serving much differently, much more to the T and less wide out. And he has been focusing on placing those serves on the lines and not at the speed at which he fires them. Also, his backhand has really improved, it’s obvious he worked on it.
That being said, he certainly needs to be a little more sharp on court. While his placement has been alright in general, I think he’s been a little slow at times. Sure, it’s his worst surface (I kind of think it’s the worst surface in the world :p) but he managed to get to the final there last year. It’s probably a matter of confidence and self belief.
I really don’t think his game needs a major overhaul. Yes he needs 2 improve some things but It’s all about confidence right now. Without it, his instincts r all diminished and there’s no rhythm.
I can’t see many changes. He’s still a mile behind the baseline, he very rarely comes in. Everyone seems to be able to read his game…he’s still using the same, predictable patterns of play. The things that he had going for him, i.e. his fitness and his mental strength have disappeared. I really worry for him.
Come on, U don’t win 10 majors with just good fitness & mental strength. There’s so much more 2 Rafa’s game than that.
I know. I just want him to win some more!
I agree with this assessment. Maybe he’s done…
i don’t get why he stands so far behind the baseline. He won the 2nd set by playing more on the baseline and stepping in to the court and a few Jo Willy errors helped.
Im fed up with watching bh ret of serves especially, hitting the net cos he so far back.
I’m proud of Rafa 4 sticking in & fighting even with his confidence so low. The lack of confidence has led 2 issues with his FH & without that shot he can’t win. All in all It was best 4 him 2 lose 2day. Onto DC:)
Seemed to me that Rafa was playing like someone who couldn’t quite make up his mind whether he actually wanted to win. I know he’s very competitive, but subconsciously he must have been torn between giving his all in London or keeping something left in the tank for Sevilla. DC means so much to him, and the thought of losing practice time and energy (especially if he’s a bit under the weather) by struggling on at the WTF will definitely have played on his mind.
I’m disappointed, but hoping he’ll rock Sevilla. Vamos!
Please don’t be so negative Wendya! how can you predict this year on the hear and now? I was just feeling better unti I saw your comment, he does need to get fitter more than anything, being fit is what brings confidence in your ability when you step on the court, he isn’t fit enough period!
I do hope he can do well on clay though, he needs something positive to take away at the end of the season!
Then again the opposition might be thinking the same thing.
Sorry Faeaki, I just feel that he has just had quite a long break, but he doesn’t seem to have benefited from it. I just wonder what’s going to change in the next few weeks to turn things around, but I hope more than anything that Rafa can find a way.
“I just feel that he has just had quite a long break, but he doesn’t seem to have benefited from it.”
Please go and read/look at Rafa’s previous presser. He explained so nicely that the time he put in now not neccesarily will show in the next tournament but will in the long run. Please please don’t be so negative.
I sometimes wonder if Rafa is going to have a similar fate to Bjorn Borg….similar game styles, mentalities, and situations. They talk about Federer retiring, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him play longer than Rafa. Rafa’s game is just too hard on his body, and his recent losses, too hard on his mind….
I agree totally Wendya…your being realistic, not negative.
Bravo for Rafa…he did fight to the end and this is why he is so admired. These moments are precious and winning he did this year Miri is right losing is not a routine for him.
Allez hop!
Agree. I think alot of the slowness comes from tension. When u lack confidence the legs feel heavier and your anticipation is also affected.
Damit! Should have been in reply to Stf above.
Exactly. Towards the end of the second set, he played a few great points and he immediately seemed to be sharper and running more for shots that he wouldn’t even bother getting to at the beginning of the match.
At RG this year he started sluggish but improved drastically later on once his confidence started to build. Also his movement was the best all year in the DC Semi where he seemed so much looser and relaxed.
But in general, his clay year wasn’t as great. By his standards anyway. I don’t mean in terms of results, just in terms of his own game. He seemed sluggish throughout, even at Roland Garros at times. It makes me think that all the improvements he made to his game in order to be more competitive at hard court events made him sort of lose his game on clay. No more sliding, not a lot of defending etc. Which leads me to believe that he should go back to basics, find his game on clay (grass he can play, we’ve seen that) and build up from there.
Pretty gloomy here. Lol.
I was pleased with a bit of fighting spirit … though Rafa’s just seemed off this whole tournie. It is never his best, (even though he made the final last year). It’s a shame he got ill in London ; he has been just one step slower than his normal self and at this level that can be crucial, and defeating. Hope he feels better for DC and I’m sure he will be cheering on his good friend Daveed in the semi-finals.
Yep, I am so happy for Daveed!
At the end off all this what strange year this was.Gs reult concer it was jut behind 08 and 10,even 08 he wouldnt reach 3 major finals but a year that still leaves a bad taste in your mind.I always sure that his problem wasnt all that Djokovic problem as some of you think ( sure it didnt help )he was already nothing hitting the ball well and playing way back Indian wells and Miami altough the results on paper was better than 2010.The results can give a faulty picture at times.Rafa was also playing badly on clay this year before he even lost to djoko.The way he lost Murray in the end in Tokyo final says it all to me.He is even lucky to have this kind of a rock solid year because he didnt even play well,compare to his standars of course.Altough i can be very critical about at times even fired from a Rafa fan side but i really love him,so i pray that his carrer wont be like Borg.Tennis needs him at least 4 more years.
Lets hope that 2012 will be a much better year for Rafa! I think Rafa has to gain back his fearlessness and hopefully everything else will follow back. Hope he’ll do great in DC. In meantime, perhaps he could have a good long chat with Daveed on how to do great defending while hugging the baseline and not a mile away from it? Hope Daveed nails WTF. Vamos everybody guys!
Just one thing I’d like to add: I’m sure Rafa knew that skipping Paris would reduce his chances to go far at WTF. We can’t expect him to be back in his top form after 6 weeks off and a not so great Asian swing, especially when most other guys have been playing the entire time Rafa hasn’t. Looks like he’s already focusing on next year and I truly hope he goes into 2012 thinking it’s a new beginning.
We can be very sure because Rafa’s said it himself. Skipping that was a decision made with his eyes on the long-term.
Yup, true. Let’s hope that he will regroup and have an awesome 2012. Let’s start with the AO, shall we? ;)
At the end off all this what strange year this was.Gs result concern it was just behind 08 and 10,even 08 he wouldnt reach 3 major finals but a year that still leaves a bad taste in your mind.I always sure that his problem wasnt all that Djokovic problem as some of you think ( sure it didnt help )he was already nothing hitting the ball well and playing way back Indian wells and Miami altough the results on paper was better than 2010.The results can give a faulty picture at times.Rafa was also playing badly on clay this year before he even lost to djoko.The way he lost Murray in the end in Tokyo final says it all to me.He is even lucky to have this kind of a rock solid year because he didnt even play well,compare to his standars of course.Altough i can be very critical about at times even fired from a Rafa fan side but i really love him,so i pray that his carrer wont be like Borg.Tennis needs him at least 4 more years.
Interesting stats. Another factor could also b that it just takes a lot out of him mentally and it’s harder 4 him 2 maintain super intensity over consecutive yrs. Lets hope 2012 isn’t an outlier:(
According to my theory, Rafa has a great year and a year sort of off. 2008 was awesome, 2009 was blah even though he won the AO, 2010 amazing, 2011 so so (although he did reach a load of finals), so 2012 is supposed to be a good year. :p
Before I forget, just wanted to squeeze a Happy Thanksgiving to all Americans and Canadians out there….and any other country that may be celebrating it. =)
Hope you don’t mind that it’s out of topic, Miri. ;-)
:) Rafraf .Happy Thanksgiving to all in the US … we Canadians actually celebrate in October ( shorter growing season :).
Rafa’s post match comments are more depressing than the result tonight. He said he has less passion for tennis since US Open and he is very tired. He added that he will understand if DC captain removes him from the team !! I’m really worried about him ! He needs help,immediately. I don’t want Rafa to say adios at a young age ! Let’s show him our support, he needs some love and encouragement !
It doesn’t sound that depressing. He said he was looking forward to continue improving for 2012- so that part is encouraging.
Of the top players, Rafa has played the most # of matches in 2011 (even more than Djokovic), so it’s normal that he would feel tired.
After Djokovic got humiliated by Ferrer, Djokovic said he felt tired too, even though Djokovic played less matches in 2011 than Rafa. Is Djokovic in decline too?
Ok everybody hopeful then for 2012 ? But I’m worried. Next season can be worse and there is no guarantee for a victory. So what will motivate Rafa if things don’t change ?
If Rafa has a dismal 2012, then yes i would have to accept he is in decline at age 25/26, BUT THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN.
I dont want to read on here, he’s done,finished in decline etc…. i can read all this from the journo’s!!!
We’re not saying he’s done.But any player can dominate like Nole in 2012 or Rafa can have physical problems etc. I mean it is risky for him for waiting a fresh start because his plans can be ruined. His problem is mental and he couldn’t change the situation when losing. And I wonder what will he do if things won’t go well. Because accepting the situation didn’t help or won’t help.
We all love and support Rafa with all our hearts. I think it is wrong to question people when they don’t act like pollyanna !
When you say “any player can dominate in 2012″, that includes Rafa, right? Anything can happen in sports. Of course, there is no guarantee in 2012 for anybody. No gurantees for Rafa, Nole, Murray, Federer, etc.
Rafa can play better in 2012, or he can play worse. What fans can do is keep a positive attitude, and support Rafa regardless of whether he is playing well or bad.
Here is what Rafa said: “This end of the year wasn’t easy for me. That’s hard to accept. But at the same time that’s given me little bit more desire and a little bit more of a goal for 2012.”
This does not sound like somebody who wants to retire soon, does it?
well he signed up to play Halle for 3 yrs i believe so obviously is lookin at stil being around.
Reading the full presser he said he had less passion after the US Open and was very tired. He didn’t say he still feels that way. In fact he says he’s very motivated right now.
I don’t think the problems come down to fitness, is fighting spirit is not as evident as it was even earlier in the year. It is all mental. Hate to say it, but he needs a new coach, he is a grown man and I think that sometimes Uncle Toni has a big part to play in Rafa’s thinking, such as the “nervousness” that Rafa has referred to. Personally, I don’t like the way Uncle Toni talks about Rafa’s play, for example, “he is nowhere near Borg’s class as a clay court player”. He sais this is “reverse psychology” to prevent him from becoming over confident. I don’t think Rafa is the type of person who ever would. I used to admire Uncle Toni alot but my perception tells me I don’t think their coach/athlete relationship is exactly beneficial to Rafa.
But would Toni telling him he is the GOAT make it any different? I think Toni’s talks sure are challenging to Rafa but that’s the way he’s been raised as a tennis player and certainly in big part why he’s already managed to achieve so many great things in his carrer.
And the fact that Rafa is a grown-up man can just make Toni’s comments smoother to him as he can certainly stand up for his own ideas and opinions better today than he probably could 10 years ago.
Eventually, Rafa recently declared in an interview to the Spanish National Radio that Toni would remain his coach basically until the end of his carrer, unless Toni himself decides to quit for family purposes or any other reasons…
So I really don’t think Toni is the issue here, because Rafa’s been successful so far with him and there’s no reason why he could not continue to be successful with him by his side.
I think it has a lot more to do with Rafa himself. He’s known very tough losses this season, finding himself in a situation he had never been in before: facing a younger rival who could counterpower and outpower him in all the aspects of the game and to whom he lost 6 finals in a row. This certainly takes its toll on a champion’s ego – and Rafa is a champion, and has a strong ego even if not as openly expressed as some others -. That’s surely why he’s lost the flame a bit right now, the passion for the game, the determination to fight. His mind hurts, his body – certainly – hurts too, and the will to win the last big title in tennis he has not won yet was not strong enough this time around to overcome this loss of appetite for the game. Hopefully he can find his swagger back. Soon.
¡Vamos Rafa!
Hi Viva
Thanks for your comments – they’ve cheered me up a little after feeling somewhat deflated about Rafa’s lack of fight, passion, and that loss of “invincibility” and desire for the game – which is why I became such an avid fan of his in the first place. I agree, I don’t think telling Rafa he is GOAT would make any difference, but positive affirmation from successful results and achievements over the years do – not just the achievement, but also the fighting spirit, the mental agility, it makes a huge difference to ongoing confidence and the desire to strive for more. I don’t believe Rafa is the type of person who could ever become over confident in a distasteful way . Rafa has gone on to achieve amazing things in his career and hopefully will continue to do so for many more years. I hope he has a good rest and we see that vitality in him again – soon. VAMOS Rafa!
Rafa didn’t play great at WTF. I attribute that to rust. This was his first tournament since mid-October.
But even though he was rusty, he still fought hard in his match against Tsonga. I give Rafa credit for still having the fight in him at the end of a long season.
At least Rafa won a match at WTF. This is better than WTF 2009, when Rafa lost all 3 of his matches in straight sets!
What do you think?
Federer said today that the players not happy with the length of the season should stop moaning and just get on with the game. This was having a dig at Rafa and I guess Murray too for daring to make complaints about the length of the season.
OK, now i get it! Now i see what he was getting at with his “if i say something here i’m going to lie, and don’t like to lie to you people”
So his shoulder and his health were still giving him problems, but he’s been accused of *making excuses* if he tells the truth – so he lied about it. But warned us he was going to lie first.
You could tell he was still having problems because of all the shots that he wasn’t going for that he normally would run down and make easily.
Touche Rafa, point well made!
Also – his talk about the results of all the work his been doing not showing up in this tournament, but will be seen later on. Next year in particular.
And for those who kept saying “let it not be as bad as 2009″ should be well pleased. He won a match plus two more sets. Big improvement!!
:)
CC’s word of the match: uninspired
Definition: dull or ordinary; unimaginative
CC’s phrase of the match: “Just fuckin’ DO something, Rafa!”
CC’s most exciting memory from the match: Carlos Costa with an itchy nose
Pffftttffftttfffttt…
Aaaaaawww, where you there?
Uninspired was my word off the match too! I made myself watch the whole match out off a bad consience off giving up on watching sunday…. but it was flat and boring, mostley Rafa matches are a rollercoaster off emotions for me to watch but now it seemed i could’nt care less and whats worse it looked like Rafa felt the same. This just was’nt Rafa’s tourney!
Rafa i wish you that DC and being with youre fellow Armada guys will inspire your more!
No, I was at home on my sofa. They still caught Carlos Costa’s itchy nose oh telly, which thinking about it, wasn’t difficult. ;)