Wimbly: Outplayed
Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/GettyImages
For his second round match at Wimbledon, Rafa took on the hard-hitting, hard-serving and fearless #100 Lukas Rosol. I missed the first set and a chunk of the second, but news was: it wasn’t good for Rafa. He was playing poorly, falling, and barely squeaked out a first set win. His play improved in the second, but Rosol was still hitting out and everything was landing in. If felt like he was getting the serve returns back before Rafa even finished his service motion. Rosol took sets 2 and 3. The 4th proceeded on serve with neither guy struggling much until Rafa put together an excellent game to break. The one break was all it took and we were going to a 5th. Well, after a 43 minute delay to close the roof due to fading light; I’m thinking Rafa would have rather rode out the momentum from that 4th set. Rosol came out hitting one amazing shot after another and broke in the very first game. They held until it was all over. Rafa is out of Wimbledon: 7-6(11), 4-6, 4-6, 6-2, 4-6.
I don’t know what zone Rosol was in. It was so high, I think he should have required an oxygen tank. It would have been awesome to see if he hadn’t been playing Rafa.
| Nadal | Rosol | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | ||
| Aces | 19 | 22 |
| Double Faults | 2 | 3 |
| 1st Serve % | 67% | 67% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 76/92 (83%) | 73/93 (78%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 29/46 (63%) | 26/45 (58%) |
| Break Points Won | 3/4 (75%) | 4/8 (50%) |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 102/139 (73%) | 102/137 (74%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 35/137 (26%) | 37/139 (27%) |
| Total Points Won | 137/276 (50%) | 139/276 (50%) |
| Other Stats | ||
| Winners | 41 | 65 |
| Unforced errors | 16 | 29 |
| Net Approaches | 14/21 (67%) | 22/28 (79%) |
| Serve Stats | ||
| Fastest serve | 130 MPH | 134 MPH |
| Average 1st serve speed | 118 MPH | 124 MPH |
| Average 2nd serve speed | 95 MPH | 101 MPH |
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Couldn’t sleep last night. What a loss..He should have found a way for winning. But what if this loss came in RG finals, it would be devastating.
So, let’s try to overcome it. Vamoss…
I was completely gutted and depressed after Wimbledon and US Open finals 2011. I just wanted Rafa to win the French Open this year. At the time, I remember thinking that as long as he wins the French Open, it wouldn’t bother me in the least if he lost Wimbledon. I still wish he had beaten that 100 ranked player and was a little disappointed, but his lost didn’t bother me this time around. He’ll bounce back. He always does.
I was also really attached to his winning RG this year. Yesterday, what took me so much by surprise was not the loss but the loss in such an early round to someone ranked 100, but shit happens in sport as in life. And yes, he will be back :~)
Not read all your comments yet as I’m off to Wimbledon today but this is what I think.
It is only 2 weeks to adjust from clay to grass but I think Rafa didn’t make the transition that easily this year. He hasn’t looked that comfortable on the grass, foot work and movement not at it’s best IMo. He changed his schedule from Queen’s where the grass is like Wimbledon to Halle, Rafa is a creature of habit so did this affect is preparation?
I have always said these qualifiers can be dangerous, they already have a few matches in hand before they get in to the main draw. Rosol played amazing tennis, deserved the win and Rafa was outplayed. Rafa’s served well or it wld have been over in 3 sets. ROSOL will never pay like that again that’s the thing.
Sad for Rafa , won’t be the same watching Wimbledon without him but this is tennis now time for some much needed rest and and come back fresh for the Olympics. More important for Rafa to have won RG and to win the gold medal IMO.
Agree with you 100% Sharon.
Very valid points in your post Sharon. I have to say that I also agree with you regarding their decision to go to Halle as opposed to preparing for the grass at Queens. Lower ranked players really do not have the pressure on them when they come face to face with the top 3 and can go for every shot (not very different to what Robin Soderling did to Rafa in that fateful RG). Whether or not Rosol can perform that way again remains to be seen – but to give him his credit – he clearly outplayed Rafa who has not looked comfortable since he first stepped out onto the grass of Centre Court at SW19 this year.
I don’t get why everyone’s putting so much money or hope on Murray winning, Murray might get to the final but he has not managed to stop Djoko, Rafa or Fed at a grandslam final.
I think it’s 50/50 Djoko or Fed. I really like Fed but I wish someone else would come through and win it.
This morning I got up feeling that Rafa has to start his matches quicker, he has to work on his returns because Djoko has surpassed him and he has become the best returner. Rafa has to find a way to deal with these big hitters because there are a bunch of them coming up on the ATP tour.
Personally I find big hitters boring to watch, I want to see more rallies, a variety of shots and some net action.
As a Rafa fan I do not expect him to win every time, he is not invincible or a robot. I am proud to be his fan and I will support him to the end of his career.
If he wins the Olympics, fantastic and if he does not win, then oh well. Rafa tries to give all his got on the day and yesterday was just not enough to beat this inspired young man.
I don’t see Rosol going much further than the 4th round but he has made headlines and people will talk about him for weeks to come.
Rafa, have a good rest and come back and play for your beloved Spain in the Olympics and just enjoy yourself. You have achieved so much in your short career and I have enjoyed watching you and cheering you on.
Great post micamica.
Very nice post and I agree, especially about being a supporter until the end of his career (which I hope will be a LOOONG time to come!).
As Rafa lost so early. I really want new wimbly champ.
good points
rafa really did not cope with this change to grass when facing hard flat hitters – and servers. Full stop. I too think the change of surface w/o sufficient match play worked against him (that almost always happens to rafa in the hard court circuit leading up to the US open, where he is often very vulnerable to lower ranked bu excellent hard court players ….but at least there is a decent lead up to the US open so by the time he gets there his game on hard courts is working !!)
Rosol executed so very well…but rafa also enabled that. The number of winners rosol hit hard and flat from well inside the baseline was far too high, and they weren’t all because of rossol’s serves . rafa didn’t create th power and depth that he is so justly famous for, off either wing. His backhand just didn’t play a positive part in this match. Rosol did just plug away at rafa’s backhand…a little like rafa does to fed…and this time rafa’s sliced returns didn’t quite cut the mustard and put any pressure on and his laser backhand, flat and hard, well….i guess i missed it. There was the occasional costly lapse in rafa’s service games (generally his service game this match was good – but not at critical points in the game – didnt rafa lose one of his service games w/o winning a point? just got off to a bad start that didn’t finish?? yet he had 19 aces! Aainst rosol serving like he did today and on this service there really was no way back once rafa had a bgreak against him. I don’t think anyone expected this kind of service game from rosol – raonic or isner or karlovic yes….least of all rafa.
But sh$t happens. Rafa’s had many games over the last few years that he eventually won, when we know he “should have” lost because his play wasn’t up to it , but didn’t lose , usually thru collapse under pressure of an opponent. this time the hoped for collapse didn’t come. We as fans have to pay the price for those narrow but lucky wins. This years wimpy is the price.
But one thing about rafa is he really does improve, and get better. I think he’ll come out stronger for this.
Well there is talk of Wimbledon being pushed back 1 week in 2014 if it happens 3 weeks break between slams then so it will give payers more time to adapt to the grass.
I hope it happens. If only for the future of grass court tennis. Although I wish for Rafa’s sake it would happen and happen sooner.
Still in disbelief about Rafa’s loss. My pvr recorder only managed to record first set before the programming stopped.Not sure if anybody has seen this from the Bleacher report.They forecast that after the slow start against Bellucci, Rafa would have no trouble in the next few rounds.Here’s the link:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1237175-rafael-nadal-bold-predictions-for-rafas-wimbledon-2012-run/page/2.
I concur that Rafa has trouble against big servers because his return is not as good as Djokovic or Murray’s.He can chip or block the ball but rarely return the ball with interest for a clear winner.But against an opponent that went for broke and wanted no rallies, his usual game was ineffective.He hit shot or sprayed the ball.Again his backhand was a liability.I have been harping on the fact that he needs to drive the ball more and develop a good down the line shot.When was the last time he hit a winner down the line from the backcourt.He’s not able to change directions forcefully a la Djokovic or Murray or Berdych.I have seen how his opponents can immediately anticipate where his backhand reply would go- mostly crosscourt or the neutral zone in the middle of the court.Down the line, he pushes the ball or slices it.On grass , he needs to surprise his opponent, especially trying to wrong foot them.I hope that Rafa can read and improve these strokes, given that he’s constantly trying to improve his game.
Good analysis.
I think Rafa’s poor service returns in first 3 sets cost him. He was returning short balls without pace, allowing Rosol to dominate from the get go.
Rafa started to read Rosol’s serves better as match progressed, but it was too late when he had to play indoors where condition favours Rosol more. Rosol in 5th set would have beaten any of the Big 3.
The match is not unlike the one at Halle where Rafa lost to Kohlschreiber. Rafa simply could not read his opponent’s serves. Frankly, the way Kohlschreiber was playing in 3rd round, even if Rafa had beaten Rosol, I am not sure he would have beaten Kohlschreiber either, he was serving unbelievable against Rosol.
Well said! Look forward to seeing Rafa playing for his country at the Olympics.
Rosol did play well, so well done to him on the win. Rafa did struggle and seemed to be mistiming many of his shots and hitting alot of shots out or long. I think the power Rosol generated on all his shots contributed to Rafa’s problems overall and with his bomb of a serve which was solid nearly all of the match the outcome was inevitable. Rafa did start to work him out a bit in the 4th set but the break for the roof obviously gave the momentum back to Rosol. These results happen once in a blue moon, unfortunately today was one of those days. Vamos Rafa!!
I’d just like to say how disgusted I was by the amount of spitting Rosol did while waiting to receive or serve. He made it very obvious & it was almost as if he was saying F— You, I’m gonna beat you on your favourite court. I think repeatingly spitting should be treated as swearing & I’ve never noticed anybody do this on grass before, although I know it’s done on clay as it flies up and players get it in their mouth sometimes. At one point he did it 2-3 times before he received serve.
Rafa really needs to invest in a grass court back in Mallorca. He can easily afford to employ somebody to look after it year round and I’m sure the young Mallorcans would love the chance to play on grass.
Ah, so that was what it was – not the bouncing around that the commies thought it was. If it was spitting that Rafa was complaining about, then I fully get why Rafa got mad. But our guy still picked up his vanquisher’s racquet and handed it back to him. Never seen such C-L-A-S-S on a tennis court – and people can still have bad things to say. As a Rafa supporter for years, I am still amazed by it all.
First, I want to say that I am deeply sorry for Rafa. It’s a tough loss.
I only saw the last two sets of the match yesterday, so I can’t really rely on my own observations. My local commies were talking about an uncharacteristic lack of focus from Rafa in the first 3 sets. I suppose there must be some truth to that.
As for the rest, well… Rafa played really poor that first game of the last set. In the span of that one game, Rafa just couldn’t hold those famous nerves of his. The other guy out-calmed him. I think that’s all there was to it.
I remember that, while reading Rafa’s post round 1 presser, there were some parts which just didn’t sound right to my ears, although I am accustomed to RafaTalk and the RafaMeaning of words. I’m talking about the “one day will happen” bit in relation to a potential exit in the early rounds and “the physical, not problems, but troubles.”
I don’t know if the loss yesterday was a result of an overall state of loss of concentration and / or divided attention (I’m sorry, Rafa, but I couldn’t help notice your hyperactivity in the social media, induced by things other than tennis). Or maybe RG took such a high toll on him that he’s just emotionally and physically depleted. Or maybe his luck just left him this time. Or maybe his groundstrokes are not what they used to be. Or maybe Rosol is just that good.
I’m not in the mood nor have the time to read how people account for Rafa’s loss. This time, I don’t even want to listen to his presser. As usual, I just hope that he is healthy and that he’ll be able to do better next time.
Now… Andy Murray, here is your chance. Just do it, OK?
This was a setup because Nadal had already booked his tickets for Spain Euro 2012 final on Sunday. This guy is a legend and a diehard football fan. This is one of the reasons why he won’t be too disappointed. This will be perfect for Nadal preparation for the Olympics when he sees Spain lift the Euro will give him a huge boost Vamos Nadal……………..
Don’t have problem,RAFA.I think you can be champion in olampic.
I was devastated to see Rafa overcome by the play of Rosol yesterday. Rafa, you are the best, but i agree and think the transission from clay to grass courts has been alittle harder then usual. I hope the next player Rosol has to play turns him into a spitting frog and brings him back to earth. Rafa will get his own back, just watch the space! I love watching Rafa play, gutted that he’s now out.
I just watched the BBC’s opening coverage of today’s Wimbledon and like a few Rafa fans I’m peed off at the way they make excuses for other players but Rafa is expected to be this superhuman machine.
Rafa was not quite Rafa yesterday but no commentator will say that, especially Tim Henman (who I have always thought was an overrated player). Yes, Rosol was in a different zone and he had nothing at all to lose but Rafa was not comfortable with a couple of things and his timing was off. If it was Murray, they’d say something different.
This morning it’s just “Rosol overpowered Rafa”. Rosol will be a hero in his country.
Rosol did something special yesterday but come on he has not won the tournament, calm down.
Like one Rafa fan said on another website yesterday, Rafa gets the least amount of respect whether he wins or loses. Other players miss behave on court like breaking their raquets and swearing but it’s not addressed in articles but if Rafa did that it would be big news.
Lindsey Davenport said she was surprised that Rafa did not argue to have the roof open for another 20 minutes or so while he had the momentum in the 5th, he could have continued and got a break in the 5th game. It was still bright enough outside to keep the roof open and Wimbledon is supposed to be an outdoor tournament.
However, Rosol said he felt like he was in a trance and maybe he would have played an incredible 5th set regardless if they had gone off then or later.
It was interesting what Rosol said about the light barge Rafa gave him, he did not expect such a player like Rafa to do that on center court and obviously he mentioned that Rafa apologised. Rafa seems to be a little more on edge these days, in my little opinion.
Uhm, it’s quite pathetic of Rosol to mention the “bump”, if you’ve seen the video you’d see it was nothing, and at least as much Rosol’s fault.
Well…I think that we are sad…but,I wish him a goog rest and a very happy vacation!
I think I may follow some more Wimbledon (after saying I wouldn’t and after the commentary on Rafa’s loss dies down a bit) to follow this Rosol guy. If he loses it will prove to all, especially himself, that this was a fluke. If he continues to win, then, it will sting a little less and will make for a fascinating tournament.
Let’s see.
I did not like Rosol’s comment and that Telegraph article: “I knew he would try something” Really?
Rafa will come back…with a score to settle with himself more than with anyone else that is how class acts handle themselves.
My comments:
- Rafa would have won this match had they continued playing and not closed the roof. Davenport was right. Rafa should have made this request. The set itself took about 30 minutes and it took about 40 minutes to close the roof. I think they could have easily completed the match in the same 40 minutes and Rafa likely would have broken Rosol early b/c Rosol looked tired in the 4th set. The break was exactly what he needed to win the match.
- Rosol was dancing around as Rafa was serving. This is clearly against the rules and was not enforced. I went and watched previous matches of Rosol and he doesn’t do this when returning. It was clearly something he was doing to distract Rafa and get in his head during Rafa’s service motion. Rafa was right to complain about this during the match.
- Rosol said he “knew” Rafa would try something, regarding the bump ? Really ? When has Rafa ever bumped anyone. I can understand Rafa’s frustration in perhaps doing this as retaliation to Rosol’s clearly illegal movement during Rafa’s serve and the chair umpire not doing anything about it.
I think Rosol would have beaten anyone in the 5th set if he had a 40 minute break like that. It was essentially a one set grand slam match. I think he was lucky they stopped play and closed the roof otherwise I don’t think he would served as well. A 40 minute break will always give the player that doesn’t have the momentum the advantage. Rafa was in a great rhythm in the 4th set and seemed shocked they would close the roof. Bad move on Wimbledon’s part. The biggest part of Rafa’s game is his ability to wear down the opponent and they helped neutralize this and turn it into a one set match, in a grand slam. Additionally, the court appears to play faster when the roof it closed. This also gives the advantage to the bigger server.
FWIW, the tennis gods, umpire or powers that be at Wimbledon just weren’t with Rafa at Wimby this year. Maybe things will change in the Olympics. I hope Rafa doesn’t take this loss too hard and has some time with family and friends in Mallorca before getting ready for the Olympics.
Rosol’s statement that he knew Rafa would do something like that is weird, that’s the sort of statement you’d expect to hear from a player in the top 20 or something who plays Rafa consistently.
1. How many times has Rafa met this guy?
2. That was very unusual behaviour for Rafa.
3. Rosol was jumping around like a duracell bunny and it was distracting Rafa. What was with all the spitting too? Maybe he was told to annoy Rafa and get inside his head.
4. Rafa should have requested to stay on and play the 5th set until the light dimmed and then close the roof. He might have got a couple breaks but we’ll never know now.
I’ve stayed off every website that mentions the match because the majority of the comments are negative towards Rafa. It’s astonishing how when a player loses especially Murray or Rafa the websites are full of malicious comments. When Rafa wins it’s a different story.
Rafa is far from a perfect player, he has his routines and he wastes time between points and keeps everyone waiting but he is one of the nicest guys on the tour according to most players and ‘real’ tennis fans.
I really don’t think the treatment even at FO and Wimby is what a 5 time finalist is deserving of. Do you think they would have closed the roof on Federer, Murray or Djokovic if they had that kind of momentum ? I don’t think some British and French fans really mind it when someone from any anglo part of Europe beats a player from Spain. It isn’t their fault. It is just in their blood. IMO, Rafa doesn’t get the respect Federer, Djokovic or even Murray get from the European press.
The tournament organisers are not stupid. They must have known that closing the roof would help Rosol who was clearly tired. The 40 minute break and different court conditions were just what he needed to recover. I know that I can be a little over-suspicious at times, but I can’t help but think that they saw an opportunity to scupper Rafa’s chances and give their own player (Murray) a helping hand. Yes, Rafa should have objected more vigorously to the suggestion of the roof being closed, but I think he probably didn’t want to make a fuss, particularly as he seems to be getting a lot of stick for complaining at the moment. It is interesting that Karlovic was also complaining about unfair foot falt calls during his match with Murray. Maybe I’m way off beam with my little conspiracy theory, but you can’t help but wonder!
@Wendy that is pretty much what Karlovic was implying, that the British will do anything to give Murray a win. Karlovic was given several foot faults during his match with Murray yesterday. However the BBC commentators were saying that statement does not carry any weight because the line judges are from different parts of the world.
People were saying that the draw was too easy for Rafa and hard for Murray, but look who’s out. They knew closing that roof would alter Rafa’s game. He loves playing outdoors in the sun.
Maybe it gives Murray an easier path to the finals but I cannot see him beating Djoko or Fed this year. Maybe in the future but I wouldn’t bet on Murray winning.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Tsonga or Del Potro winning it now although I don’t see anyone else but Djoko or Fed taking it right now.
I don’t think Murray will win, but it gives him a much better chance of getting to the final now.
One thing about the roof. I remember a couple of years ago they closed the roof during a Djokovic/Rochus match in the first or second round. Rochus had all the momentum but darkness fell and the roof had to be closed to turn the lights on (how stupid is that?!). Djokovic was having allergy issues with the roof open but once they closed it, the conditions sped up and Djokovic had a chance to catch his breath and Rochus lost all his momentum. IMO, this roof closing business is going to be a problem. The whole reason they can’t turn on lights without the roof is because of an ordinance in the town of not having lights on after 9 or 10pm.
Screw the lights! They’ve played in the dark before now! Is it just me or does Wimbledon not feel the same with that awful roof!
Wimbledon definitely does not feel the same with that bloody roof, Sue Lloyd on the BBC keeps saying it’s supposed to be an outdoor court and the roof should be open as much as possible.
Why was it closed for most of today?
I meant Sue Barker from the BBC
No doubt they want to get their money’s worth out of it to justify the cost.
It doesn’t seem fair really that they stopped the match when there still was light and would be for a while. I guess Rafa should have argued against the decision… maybe he felt that people were saying he shouldn’t have asked for the match to stop at RG and didn’t fell like arguing again?. I hope not… he just has to ignore those kinds of comments.
I don’t know if it was people at Wimbledon wanting Murray to win ,I doubt it, but in any case I’m certain Andy himself would have nothing to do with anything like that. I hope he manages to win…
Honestly, I never understood why Rafa did not ask to play on. I think they would have insisted on closing the roof anyway but it was worth the try. It was clearly a decisive factor in the match.
He probably just tried to be a gentleman there.
Like the rest of you, I am proud to be a Rafan and will support him through thick & thin. IMO defending his RG title comes above everything else, the rest is bonus.
Shit happens, that’s all it is. Hardly happens to Rafa, so the big hooha.
Rafa has been making changes to his game to counter the Djoker threat this year, so it is possible that he needs to a bit more time to translate his slightly-changed game to grass (a surface that changes the most between the 2 weeks of play and that he is tackling for the first time this year). He has been alluding to physical tiredness as well. All of which could explain the less-than-optimal movement and timing. Mentally he was also not fully there yesterday (too excited about Spain getting into Euro final huh, naughty boy???) and while playing him for the first time, perhaps he also underestimated his #100-ranked opponent — who just happened to play a blinding match. A perfect storm, and so shit happened. And that’s why Rafa said “I’m not very, very disappointed.”
The most important thing is that he is not injured. He should rediscover his grass game (as long) as he continues training on the turf for the Olympics.
Class is permanent – it is one of the few things I have faith in. VAMOS.
I where is he going to train for the Olympics. He should just have had a grass court built in Mallorca. It’s not like he can’t afford it…
snowyc – totally agree with you. I am sure that winning a gold medal for Spain in the Olympics again will be very important for him. I can’t wait to see him in red and gold.
Cristina, he did say he wants to go back home to rest a bit, but after that he should restart training on grass if he is serious about defending the gold. I honestly don’t know if there are grass courts in or near Mallorca, but there definitely are in and around London. :)
Ruthie, I can’t wait too :-)
Cannot but think Rafa has now lost confidence on grass. He first loses to Philipp Kohlschreiber at Halle rather tamely whom he had never lost to previously. Even getting to 0-4 against Bellucci a clay court player indicated Rafa’s mental state on grass. My opinion is that the match he played against Novak in last years final was on his mind. He was totally outplayed in the final and so totally confused the whole match. Rafa of course has had problems at Wimbledon before in the earlier rounds and taken to five sets when the courts play fast. Now Kohlschreiber trashes Rosol in three sets!! Watched the entire match and did not once see Rosol spitting on court. Maybe he was trying to get to Rafa which he did. But then Rafa has been known for his concentration and mental strength and that was not evident against Rosol. Well I guess what’s important is that Rafa won RG!!
Rosol was clearly violating some AELTC rules. This is what I believe Rafa was referring to in the presser. I think the stars lined up for Rosol. But these are his 15 minutes of fame. Rafa didn’t play horribly and I think this why he can accept losing. He knows he will do better at the Olympics and USO. Quite frankly I think the rest will do him good.
There are a few articles out there that include the following information that seems to confirm that Rosol was deliberately trying to disrupt Rafa’s game:
‘Rosol admitted that he and his coach, former tour pro Slava Dosedel, had worked out a plan to unsettle Nadal. However, he was in no mood to share his secret.
“I cannot tell it to no one. Then Rafa will change everything.”‘
It sounds like Tom Tebbutt(RafaLint: June 29th)has it right when he says that Rosol has a reputation for being a real jerk, widely disliked by his fellow players!
Not only that, but then he has the face to claim that Rafa was “trying something” to disrupt him.
And then he doesn’t want to say what he did because “Rafa will change everything”?. Lol,this guy thinks way too highly of himself. He’s a mediocre player so he needed to try that kind of thing. Rafa doesn’t need that kind of thing.
That said, Rafa shouldn’t let that kind of thing bother him. I sometimes think he needs just a tiny little bit of arrogance in that kind of situation…
I find it fascinting that they kept playing for Murray last night with all of the talk about having to quit at 11:00–hmmmm… and clearly that favored Andy—!!! They could have played longer for rafa’s match and truly I beleive Rafa woudl have broken him quickly in the 5th.
I was there at Centre court and the crowd was cheering wildly in tandem “Lukas Lukas” over and over and I tied to yell as loud as I could “Rafa, Rafa”–it was heartbreaking. He did such a good job of firing himself up in the 4th-every point, and |you could hear Toni yelling “Vamos” at every point-very supportive. Lukas had his jacket on after the 4th-IMMEDIATELY ready to go–and we all know Rafa hates to serve first—just sad, but the Football win will cheer him up. He was totally a class act. With all of this -I am cheering very hard for Daveed or Tsonga big time. I thought the British crowd was nasty. Cheered incredibly loud for a Rafa double fault as well– go for the gold Rafa !
Remember that for them, the biggest obstacle for their country man, Andy Murray is and was Nadal. So that may be part of it. I am sure Rafa knows this.
What I am really disappointed in is in Roger Federer’s comments regarding Rafa’s wild loss. How he could only laugh about it because this’ guy’s tennis (on the fifth set, especially) was a joke how good it was. So okay…leave it there. But then he goes on to say that he is happy these things still happen in tennis. Yeah right, would you have been happy if it happened to you?
No matter how the article is spinned, it just didn’t sound right. I have respected Roger for a long time, and I wouldn’t have minded him perhaps winning it. I am terribly disappointed. Although I would love to see him beat Nole in the semis, if he gets there, I am not sure about the finals. I actually hope Andy takes it. He is a good guy and it would make things very interesting if he wins this one.
Here is the article I refer to:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2167034/Wimbledon-2012-Lukas-Rosols-victory-Rafael-Nadal-Roger-Federer-laugh.html
He does go on to say: “I hope it does give many other players great belief in playing us in the future.” So, he did include himself in there. Would he feel differently if it had happened to him? Of course! That’s human nature.
Hmmmm. I still remember him crying buckets when he lost to Rafa at Wimbledon. So I am not sure about that. But yes…he does include himself. Perhaps because he hasn’t won a grand slam in a while, it is easier for him to be philosophical about it all. But I am sure that at his peak of peaks, when he was the indisputable #1, when the anointment of GOAT, was bestowed upon him, he would not have been so cavalier about a loss like that, which never happened to him, of course.
Miri, I know what you mean, but what Federer said caused added grief to a lot of Rafa fans still reeling from the loss.
I think this is the kind of thing you say if it happens to yourself, not when it happens to others.
I can’t help but remember how caring and sensitive Rafa was, putting a comforting arm around a sobbing Federer after beating him at AO final 2009. It was Rafa who gently encouraged him to give his runner-up speech another go.
I can’t help but remember how sensitive and discreet Rafa’s celebration was when he beat him 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 at RG final 2008.
But of course, it is not fair to expect others to live up to Rafa’s lofty standards.
Well, I’m sorry, but I feel that pain was more self-inflicted due pre – conceived notions about and hatred of Federer than by the actual meaning and intent of his words.
Federer should remember how he feels when he loses. Rafa just won a Grand Slam a month ago. Federer has been Slamless for over 2 years! Does Federer find that funny? Or when Federer lost a Davis Cup match this year in his home country to a heavy underdog, does Federer find that funny? I think losing a Davis Cup match at home is worse than losing a Grand Slam match, because Federer let down his entire country by losing a Davis Cup match that everybody expected him to win.
What do you all think?
Federer seems never to have heard the proverb, “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” Honk, honk!
So Federer is laughing while Rafa loses. Well, I think Federer is NOT going to even reach the Wimbledon finals for the third straight year in a row! For a 6-time Wimbledon champion, I find that bad result laughable. I wonder whether Federer will be laughing when he loses before even reaching the final?
At least Rafa has won a Slam the last 2 years- Federer should be well aware of that (in contrast to Federer, who’s been Slamless for over 2 years!). I find it very laughable that a 16-time Grand Slam champion can be Slamless for over 2 years.
Federer should remember- what goes around comes around! He should think before he laughs at Rafa’s losses.
What do you all think?
Sorry…I didn’t mean to start this thread and get people so upset by it. It is not great what Federer said, but it isn’t thaaat bad either.
I don’t dislike Federer. I was in shock that such a smart guy would walk into a mine field an say something like that. Actually, he explained he felt bad for Rafa, somewhere in that press conference.
I hope either him or Murray win Wimbledon . If he wins it, and he remains as #1 for a little while it will be good for Rafa. Believe it or not…
In all fairness, Rafa had never played Rosol, did not know much about him and I think this had a lot to do with him not finding solutions. The next time, if there is a next time, Rafa will get things right and a lesson will be taught as it happened with Soderling in Roland Garros.
Now just good vibes and faith in our warrior. He will rise again as the sun does. I believe…and I know, from what I have read that you do too!
He will get that olympian gold, which is, as Steffi said much more meaningful than a grand slam.
Yeah, agree. Federer’s comments were inappropriate, but could be worse.
My observation is that Rafa fans do not hate Federer. But I observe lots of Federer fans do hate Rafa, but you kind of expect that given what Rafa has done to him over the years. Djokovic fans have no reason to hate anyone, but they are just a lot more vocal.
That may perhaps help to explain the crowd behavior at matches when the audience may appear to be hostile to Rafa, esp at the French? At the French, they witnessed Rafa twice denying Federer the holy grail (4 in a row). Also denied him many grand slams. The resentment just built up, perhaps?
I once had a candid discussion with a Federer fan. A nice guy. He dislikes Rafa. On a bit of probing, he was quite honest, and says he does not really know why, because Rafa seems like a really nice guy, and then he puts it down to just human nature. You know, if the guy keeps “crushing the dreams” of your favorite player, you just develop these negative feelings about him. It is human nature.
I’d like to meet the Rafa fans you know. I keep running into ones that spit nothing but vitriol at the mere mention of Federer’s name. I don’t understand disliking anyone from afar that much.
I think the words Rafa spoke at the presser about tennis not being the most important thing in life puts things into perspective. Something tells me that no matter how many majors he wins or loses, Rafa will still be the same person. I don’t think we’ve seen another player before (including Federer etc) that has such great perspective irrespective of whether he is winning or losing. We’ve seen Fed’s petulance after tough losses (2011 USO Semifinal against Djokovic). I’m sure Fed is a nice guy when he’s away from a tennis court but he’s known by insiders in the media for shots during press conferences at opponents or other players. Again, there’s nothing wrong with him as a person but in my opinion no one is more real than Rafa. I think the reason Rafa keeps winning is because he keeps everything in perspective.
LOL well yeah, Miri, there will be all sorts of fans, I guess. About Rafa fans spitting vitriol, I must say the Rafa fans on your website seem quite well behaved, no? You have done a good job ~_*
I have less respect for Federer lately. Rafa remains the gold standard in terms of character and integrity which will serve him well beyond his tennis career. And yes, Fed might just remember how he felt when Rafa won the AO, Fed in tears, saying how it was killing him.. taking center stage with his emotions…that always seemed a bit self indulgent to me. I would love to see Daveeeeed win Wimbledon! He is so deserving of a grand slam IMO.
You are correct…it was the Australian and just look at how Rafa behaved.
I loved seeing that again. Rafa shows such respect and compassion.
I was somewhat disappointed at his comments.
“I thought the British crowd was nasty.” As a UK citizen and a follower of tennis for over 40 years, I find this comment rather offensive.
Firstly, please do not assume that the audience on Centre court was was all British; it was far from it. Wimbledon is a tournament that attracts a massive international attendance year after year. And secondly, please do not suggest that the whole crowd was ‘nasty’; Rafa has huge support here. There were indeed a good number of people shouting their support for Rosol but to suggest that the whole crowd was doing it is a gross generalisation.
Yes, sweeping generalizations are not a good thing. Also, I’ve been to matches where I’ve heard people complain Rafa wasn’t getting much support or that they were surprised the crowd was mainly for his opponent – the 2010 US Open final, for example. But in that case (and a few others), I felt there were just as many if not more people pulling for Rafa, but they were just not as loud as those pulling for the opponent.
Lastly, it’s common for people to root for the under-dog and the unexpected to happen. Unexpected is more exciting than status quo.
I remember Rafa saying, about the 2010 USO final, that he had the “amazing feeling that people wanted him to win”, so he at least certainly didn’t have the feeling that the crowd was not supporting him.
Thank you for saying that. Rafa was the clear favourite on court that night. But as you rightly say, rooting for the under-dog is common – and at Wimbledon, it as much a tradition as Pimms and over-priced strawberries.
The crowd sure wasn’t cheering for the underdog when Roger went down two sets to love against Benneteau. They were chanting Roger, Roger to lift Federer up during the crucial fifth set.
Why they couldn’t have shown Rafa the same respect is a mystery to me. And a great disappointment. I heard very clearly the support for Rosol against Rafa and the commentators remarked that they were surprised as they thought the crowd would be for Rafa- esp in the fifth set.
I don’t see how there can be a question that the comments of Roger after Rafas loss lacked empathy and class in reference to an oppenent who has always accorded him the utmost respect when Roger has been defeated earlier than expected. When Roger went out in the Wimbledon QF, Rafa chose to talk of Rogers splendid record of reaching semifinals, ..
I could not believe my ears during Rogers interview after defeating Djokovic, where he said out loud for all the world to hear, that people had commented on his absence in 2010 and 2011 Finals- ‘how can there be a Wimbledon final without Roger Federer?’ ??? He said that about himself? wow
I don’t think Rafa deserves to be disrespected – not by people watching a his matches nor by his colleagues.
Federer said Rafa’s loss is “good for the sport”. So, when Federer gets humiliated by Isner in Davis Cup loss in Federer’s home, does Federer also think that’s “good for the sport”? When Federer suffers a humiliating loss to his former pigeon Roddick this year, does Federer think that’s “good for the sport”?
I hope Murray crushes Federer in the finals! But even if Federer does regain No. 1 ranking, he’ll lose it quickly because he’s too old. When Federer’s ranking drops, is that also “good for the sport”?
By the way, Rafa crushed Federer in Australia, and I think that’s VERY GOOD for the sport.
Federer was quoting others, he did not say that about himself. Whether he should have brought that up or not, is another thing.
Yes I did not word that correctly – I should have said it more like, he brought those statements up about himself ?? it just floored me that’s all!!
@Heath- well said.The theory that ‘the British’ conspired to cause Rafa to lose to Rosol, in order to make Andy’s route to the final ‘easier’ is wearing a bit thin, too. Seems as though Rafa is a far better loser than a great number of his fans are.
‘Seems as though Rafa is a far better loser than a great number of his fans are.’ You can say that again, Claire! Rafa has moved on and is thinking about the next challenge; a few people here could learn from him. And yes, I am getting a little weary of the ‘Wimbledon organisers conspire with the crowd in order to oust Nadal and promote Murray’s chances’ theories too.
Spain beat Italy to defend their Euro title. So happy for Nadal!
I can’t say I like either Italy or Spain in football, but I was supporting Spain just for Rafa, lol. Very happy for him, he must have been so, so happy :).
I was thinking of Rafa all the while I watched Spain majestically sink Italy last night & clapped & cheared every goal like I would a great point played by Rafa. Hope this made him get fired up for his next outing on the grass of the AELTC! The Spanish National Team remind me of Rafa, calm, humble, hard working, dedicated, a real team effort & pure class.
Don’t worry folks, he’ll come back stronger & hungrier. After all he is ‘The Nadal’. Isn’t that why we love & follow him so much?
Steffi Graf: “Winning the Olympic gold medal is a different experience to winning a Grand Slam, and I have to say that I rate it higher”
Here, here…from another class act.
Rafa will win it…again and then he will come back and win the US Open.
I think it is important to remember that much gets lost from microphone to printed page – tone, innuendo, body language, etc. That said, there have been many times when I have listened to Federer speak and thought to myself “You can’t say that!” because he came off incredibly snotty or self-important. An example would be a recent interview where Fed was asked to compare his current play to when he was winning slam after slam. He said he thought he was physically stronger now and went so far as to comment on how good his shoulders looked! Point being, I don’t think he meant to imply that his shoulders were unbelievable, but that is how it came off. The same may be true of this interview. But who knows. I think Federer knows better than anybody that he hasn’t won a slam in years, let alone made it to a slam final, so maybe he has some resentment against our boy.
At any rate, “Virtue is its own reward” and Rafa has it in spades. ☺ Win, lose or draw, Rafa is a class act.
Pardon my generalization that the “British” crowd was nasty, I didn’t mean to offend. I made a mistake. I understand the crowd is mixed for sure. The crowd was difficult for me as a Rafa fan. Somewhere in my Wimbledon material or a sign on Centre Court it states “do not applaud a double fault” and the cheers when Rafa had a double fault were huge.
Interesting post, Scooter.
I am wondering, at the French, when Djokovic had 3 double faults in which he gave away 2 games and 1 match point, I wonder if the crowd also behaved the same way? I hope not.
It is well known that the crowd at RG are quite vocal against Rafa.
I saw the Fed ” I laughed” interview and it did wind me up.
Fed wasn’t laughing in his next match when he was close to getting his butt whooped by Benneteau and now he has a back problem.
I’m a great believer in what goes around comes around.
I think Federer has a lot of respect for Rafa off the court because of the way he conducts himself, the way he goes about his business and the way Rafa shows respect to all the players on tour, especially Federer.
On the court it is a completely different thing and Federer like his fans does not like to look second best or anything but a legend. Listening to his interview, his comments about Rafa are about Rafa the player, not Rafa the man.
I think Rafa deserves the utmost respect for adjusting his game to tackle the Djokovic problem. When I am talking to some of Federer’s bitter fans I often ask why hasn’t Federer done the same in order to tackle Rafa.
“why hasn’t Federer done the same in order to tackle Rafa.”
Rafa used to be able just hammer away at Federer’s BH. At RG final last year and AO SF this year, I noticed that his BH has greatly improved, not just as a defensive stroke, but a cross court weapon as well.
I think his greatest weakness against Rafa is mental. Rafa often brings his best tennis against him and plays phenomenal passing shots when he should have lost the point. When this happens, Federer’s confidence dives, and he starts making mistakes.
Rafa did say after the AO semi that he had noticed the improvement in Federer’s backhand, and so he had been wanting to play him in a different way – that is, not hitting so much to his backhand but to both wings – and that he had done that in that semi.
Are you sure?, at least watching it on TV I didn’t get the impression the crowd was cheering against him.
Then, I never get that impression. I don’t know if it’s just me, maybe I don’t pay any attention to that, but I hadn’t ever noticed that the RG crowd didn’t support him much before joining tennis forums and seeing people talking about it and hearing lately Rafa being asked about it.
Still, when I saw the RG matches this year I didn’t get that impression either. And Rafa did say that usually the crowd is great anyway…
Rafa got a couple of his wisdom teeth pulled out.
Just FYI
Rafa’s facebook announcement:
I want to apologize to all, I suffer a tendinitis and I can’t to play against Novak for Alma Nadal. I share with you my apologies, in particular to the fans that had already purchased a ticket to such a good cause.
————–
This is not looking good at all. I thought it was strange that he had to pull out of Miami SF and yet still played so well throughout clay season. He probably was suffering right through clay season and RG and still managed to crush everyone in his way.
Mind boggling how far above the rest Rafa’s level is, on clay.
The lack of match play, and his knees, do not bode well for Olympics.
Nicely said by Rafa. He and andy are friends on the tour and I believe Rafa really wants Andy to get his 1st slam but he also knows what a huge task it will be to beat Fed at Wimbledon in the final. I think Andy is capable, can he do it? We will see on Sunday but I really do hope so.
Fed said iin his interview after his early exits the last 2 yrs ” people were saying how can we watch a Wimbledon final without you in it” how smug is that?
My reply is “quite easily Roger and great it was to”
I know…sometimes Federer doesn’t measure what he says, or if he does, the adoration some places feel for him is so strong that he feels he can about say anything and nothing will be taken out of context or taken against him. He just has a way…it is unnerving sometimes but it seems as if he is untouchable. The press and commentators simply worship this man.