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Agreed to both comments.
Ferrer was never, ever going to beat Rafa on Clay and I would wager he was psychologically beaten before he went on court . To have any chance what so ever, he needed the first two sets and tbh, today is as good as he has played in his career and bearing in mind how he blew Tsonga away in 3 sets in the semi, he was still a million miles away and it just shows how far behind Nadal and Djokovic, he and the rest are. Murray is probably the closest.
Clay suits Nadal. It's a slower surface and suits his all action style a treat and allows his to get into position. Now the real competition slams start - the faster surface slams where you need guile, ability, shot making and athleticism to cope with the ball pinging around at stellar speeds.
I like Nadal but he needs a bigger spread of Slams to cement his place in the pantheon of greats imho. He is already one of the best ever but 8 French out of 12 slams is very top heavy compared to Federer's haul of slams won here there and everywhere. 7 Wimbledons, 4 Aussie, 5 US and 1 French (which he admits is his worst surface yet still won), is simply astounding. I don't see how Nadal can surpass Federer's record for 3 reasons.
1. Injuries - His game is based on power and running as he lacks the natural athleticism of Federer and Novak hence, why the slower clay courts suit his style. He's already had a glut of injuries to his knees and at 27 it's only going to become more prevalent.
2. Time - He's running out of time. Barring injury he has 3-4 years at the top left. To pass Fed he's going to need to win about 2 a year which is possible but unlikely due to point one and point 3.
3. Djokovic - His nemesis. Without question a better player on all other surfaces and Nadal knows it due to his natural athleticism, speed and power on the fast courts. He's very reminiscent of a more direct Federer. Again barring injury, he will always be the obstacle in Nadal's way as the other 3 slams are on hard and grass. Djokovic has the measure of Nadal both mentally and physically in the other Slams and is practically on the verge of conquering him on clay in his backyard.
Should be an interesting season from here.. |
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