Rafael Nadal eased through the first three rounds at the French Open, but things could get more difficult now that we are into the second week.
They are certainly getting more interesting, as Nadal’s fourth-round matchup is a blockbuster. One, Felix Auger-Aliassime is one of the rising stars in the game and a potential future Grand Slam champion. Two, Auger-Aliassime is coached by Toni Nadal.
Toni probably won’t be around to see it–at least not in person–but Sunday’s showdown could be a good one. Both players have been in impressive form this fortnight. Nadal did not drop a set during the first week, ousting Jordan Thompson, Corentin Moutet, and Botic van de Zandschulp. Auger-Aliassime has also won nine sets in a row, although he actually lost his first two of the tournament to Juan Pablo Varillas. After overcoming Varillas in five, the world No. 9 defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Filip Krajinovic in straights.
Auger-Aliassime’s reward is a second meeting with the 21-time major winner. They previously faced each other three years ago in Madrid, long before Toni started working with the Canadian. Nadal had no trouble giving his opponent a clay-court lesson, cruising 6-3, 6-3.
Can the 21-year-old make this one more competitive now that he has a lot more experience under his belt? It’s possible. Auger-Aliassime has become extremely consistent at slams, as his three most recent results are quarterfinals (2021 Wimbledon), semifinals (2021 U.S. Open), and quarterfinals (2021 Australian Open).
Of course, the bad news for the underdog is that Nadal is looking like his normal French Open self. The 13-time champ’s preparation was derailed by rib and foot problems, but those concerns have been put to rest–at least for now–by his first three matches. Nadal had no trouble improving to 108-3 lifetime on the terre battue of Paris.
Auger-Aliassime can throw a lot more at Nadal than Thompson, Moutet, and van de Zandschulp, so this could be the Spaniard’s first test of the fortnight. But it’s one he should pass without too much of a scare.
Pick: Nadal in 4
WWW?
Does FAA have a one handed or 2 handed bh? I can’t remember.
I know he has done very well at slams recently but dealing with Rafa’s lefty spin on a clay court is different gravy.
There is only a top temperature of 17 tomorrow unfortunately.
Ok I just remembered he does have a 2 hander…
Tricky match. but if he wins, it will be good for his confidence..
Hope Rafa doles him 1 1 0!!!! 🙄 Anything else would not be pleasing!
Mr Nadal, instead of going to bed to be ready for match tomorrow he’s at Saint Denis watching UEFA!! Well I’m hope it puts him in a good mood for his match tomorrow!!!! So at least there’s that! 🤣😂😂😂
Real Madrid won 1-0 so Rafa should be in a very good mood!
Think he will take inspiration from it. Like Rafa, Real Madrid often looked like it had no chance of even getting to the Final but they scrapped their way there anyway …
Its really Tricky DRAW FOR RAFA. he has hardest challenger than other 3. Hope he finishes 3 worst case 4. if he wins tomorrow, Next match against Djokovic is going to be killer. Save some energy for that. 🙂
It might be Rafa in 4….but more likely Rafa in 3…Vamos!
Definitely!! Let’s hope Rafa gets more inspiration, lol!! What’s going on the men”s matches should have started long ago!!
Meanwhile on behalf of Novak Diego is making light work of himself!! Sigh!! But yet Rafa has the draw of nightmares!!
At least Leyla won her match!! Goodie!!
Yes I like Leyla!
Somewhat pathetic by Diego!
I have been feeling nervous about the FAA match all week remembering how he played against Med at the AO which was the 3rd straight slam he got to the late stages.
However Med on hard is nowhere near the level of Rafa on clay.
I saw footage of Rafa laughing with Moya earlier today and he looked very relaxed. The principle reason I worry about this match is that it is happening in the fourth round.
Anyway, if Rafa hits his fh like he did last match he will be fine.
Wow wow wow that’s just cruise control for Novak!! Almost embarrassing!!! Fight Diego where is ure fight?!! Cmon!!!!
By the way y isn’t there any thread for Novak”s match?
That would be asking a lot.
Bravo Coco!!
Very good for Coco, played a great match!! Happy for her and Leyla!! Good going girls!! Let’s c what Sloane can muster!! 😀
Meanwhile, Rafa looks on point so far! 😀
I was wondering if I should bother watching since we have an astrological prediction that Rafa will lose to Novak in the quarterfinal. Sarcasm intended! 😛
I am nervous about this match.
Forehand DTL winner!
Go for it Rafa!
Nadal came to play today.
Rafa has his game face on.
I’m not that nervous to be honest! I’ll get nervous if Rafa goes down two sets, but for now I’m doing a little bit of cooking while I watch. And that says a lot!! Bcoz normally I can’t do anything!!
Meanwhile Zverev is cruising 🤪
I would think Zverev is cruising against that guy.
Rafa should already have broken! 2 misses he should have taken
Thanks rafa! I knew this would happen when he squandered break points…
Ouch, my foot.
Yes exactly and he still confused to do so can’t seem to break even form 0:40!!!! Can u believe that crap?!! Errors upon errors!! Vamos Rafa!!
Yes crap! So many chances to break!
3 break points gone!
One of them was very makeable
More squandered break points, but that was good serving by Felix.
Felix is playing way better and is serving better too!! Rafa I suspect will lose this set, he has had too many chances and wasted them! He needs to step up!! But I like the fact that he is getting his teeth in Felix’s serves but he needs to hold his own. I want this to work up in 3 but it doesn’t seem so!!
Thanks Toni!😠😠😠😠
Rafa is giving this set away. Every time he fails to break this kid gets more confident. I feel like screaming.
I wish Rafa would wake up.
This is a nightmare. Rafa is going to lose the first set.
Rafa playing really sloppy.
His serve hasn’t helped him at all.
However well Felix served Rafa should have broken at least once.
This is why I was nervous.
Me too. But his game hasn’t been there.
Timing just not there atm.
Better from Nadal in those two games.
FAA served very well.that set but he wasn’t playing that great. Rafa really squandered his chances and didn’t play well when he faced break points.
He really needs to focus and regain intensity.
Rafa has began to settle so not to worry he’ll pick up in the remaining sets. Don’t forget it’s his first real test and he hasn’t played Augier since he has been Toni’s coach. And Rafa needs a match like this bcoz if not he doesn’t stand a chance going forward. Even if it goes to five he’ll still win and it will be the match he needs! So just calm down and watch Tafa work his magic you all 😃
I’m not worried yet but yes a bit frustrated
And true, I’m quite pissed with uncle Toni!!! That’s just not on!!!
Meanwhile Zverev has won first set in tie break! He is serving better than Rafa!!
It’s actually been the Toni connection subconsciously worrying me…
Rafa hasn’t returned his serve well. Missed some which are makeable
That’s me!
I have stopped watching for a bit I hate to c Rafa playing like this on clay of all surfaces. Not very convincing today, worse performance thus far!
U c I told i guys I was not buying what Rafa was saying about Uncle Toni coaching Felix!! There is no way that can be awkward!!
Yes!!!!
Rafa does fight back!
He just needs to keep finding FAA’s bh…
Rafa making too many bh errors
Moya and Marc are looking pretty bewildered.
They don’t know why Rafa is missing standard rallying balls
Rafa just needs to grab a break and start to relax. He has been playing way too tense
Getting a break would give him some momentum.
Yes! But FAA is serving very well.
Having a good serve is so important, even on clay. I really blame Toni Nadal for not helping Rafa to develop a good serve from young! Rafa has to work so hard to win points whilst FAA could just win points easily with his big serve! A lack of foresight by Toni Nadal.
I am not thrilled that Uncle Toni decided to work with this kid. He could have waited until Rafa retired.
The same thing I was saying all along!! Yes, uncle Toni SHOULD have! What kind of thinking is that? What did he expect Rafa to tell him, uncle No I would rather I wait until I retire?!! Rafa wouldn’t tell him so but expect that he would think that!! I am sure Rafa is not happy about that at all!!! But he would keep that to himself or to the immediate family!!
Anyway, just wrapping up my cooking, good to c Rafa with the break finally, hope he consolidates!! Sigh!
Rafa played that game so much better! Come on Rafa!
And Toni can get lost….
Toni wanted to show what a great coach he is…
Nice of him to help this kid so he can beat his nephew at RG. Not okay.
🤣😂😂😂😂😂 @ Amy!!!
But there was no need for him to want to do that everyone knows that he’s one of the best coaches EVER!! I am all for Rafa wanting to different take like all players do but ti turn around and coach someone else? Nah, not appreciated here!!
Rafa’s serve has not been what it was before the rib injury. Whether it’s lack of confidence or something to do with compensating for the rib, I don’t know.
Yes! Now bloody well hold!
And yes he did!! Vamos Rafa!! Now open up that chest and let the wings fly!!!
Amen! Bloody well hold! Can you gear Amy, Rafa?
HEAR Amy!
Haha nny! He did it!
Now get lost Toni! I knew he would indulge his big fat ego!
Rafa is the better player now..
Still making some errors but playing a,lot better..
Yes but he bp conversion is abysmal!! On average it’s about 33% but today it’s like 0.001%!!!! What’s up with that? He could have won two sets already!’
Rafa still having some trouble with Felix’s serve, but the groundstrokes are greatly improved from the first set.
Finally gets the break!
Break points 2 out of 14? They put up the stats for the break point conversion.
Yikes!
How many BPs must Rafa squander before finally getting a break? Why must he keep hitting right back at FAA? A brain freeze there! Luckily FAA’s level has gone down and Rafa finally has upped his.
Yes! It has been torture for Rafa to get a break.
Rafa must make FAA run, it’s when FAA has to run for the ball that he may overhit his shots. Come on Rafa, please hold serve!
Apparently Rafa ‘s fh speed was down 8km on his tournament average. Since the second set it’s back to normal
U all talk about breaks but I HATE early breaks!!! For someone like Rafa it’s not good he usually loses them! I Like breaks at 4 all or 5 all! For someone like Roger or Novak it’s fine bcoz they have the serve to rely on but Rafa, uh uh!! But great if he holds here!
He has 2 now Mona!😀
Am thinking of sending Toni a poison pen letter..
Hah! He deserves it!
😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣 @Amy u will kill me!!! Yes. not impressed with Uncle Toni at all!! But I do like Felix though, he’s a good player and a nice guy. Can’t support him when playing Rafa!
A break of serve from NO where!! Damn it!! Rafa let Felix back in the match!! Shit!!
Give me strength! Up 40 love and he loses his serve. Really sloppy!Now he has given him belief again..
Rafa playing too defensive again…
Has to go more for his shots…
We really need to see the fhdtl
Rafa need to focus here and not lose his intensity!! Cmon Rafa stop MUCKING about!!!
Ok he broke back but he should be up a break!
Folks did u c that celebration after breaking back? 🤣😂😂🤣😂 Rafa is so mean!!! 😝
No this is a joke!! What is going on? Shouldn’t Rafa have won this set already?! Sigh!!
Now he gets broken again!
He is playing crap again suddenly.
On to a fifth we go then!! Rafa can’t hold serve!! This is troubling now!!
No point breaking serve when you can’t hold your own serve! This is going five sets and Rafa’s chance of winning the match is getting slimmer. He is looking sluggish but FAA is looking energetic.
Rafa’s serve is very disappointing!
Exactly!! Now I’m truly worried!! That break at 40:0 is what really amazed me! He just brought Felix back into the match for no reason!! Now he has to go to a fifth!! Very frustrating!!
I have a feeling he’ll get one more shot at breaking serve. Hope he can continue to hold his own serve this set.
This is all very odd. He was completely out playing FAA and lost focus.
His confidence seems to have disappeared…
AA keeps hitting at Rafa”s BH, serving at Rafa’s BH, so clearly good game plan against Rafa! Toni did well with the kid! Rafa making way too many errors in the fourth makes it easier for AA to lead! And Rafa’s first serve is deserted him…
Fifth set is a nightmare for Rafans…
Vamos Champ!
Rafa needs to get ready for a fifth!! Practicing Holding his serve in this set and remain focused!
He allowed the set to run away from him!!
Everyone won their match in 3 Rafa had to let this happen!! Now he has to fight to hold in the fifth! This is very upsetting to me!!
Why Rafa’s level can fluctuate so much from match to match? He was playing so well in R3; I know FAA serves well here, but it’s Rafa self destruction, with such poor quality service games. FAA really didn’t need to do much to break serve!
I actually don’t like FAA very much.
I am gob smacked Rafa let him back in like this
Even if he wins it in five, he’s not going to beat Djoko if he continues to play like this! Djoko will eat him up in straight sets!
Don’t say that, if he wins here he loves to fight another day!! But at least he knows what he needs to do to play Novak. Novak himself is not looking that great! Who has he played really and today he got broken multiple times! So is what happens on the day that counts!
But he won’t necessarily play like this against Djokovic.
What is true this s that this is a match Rafa is losing rather than FAA winning
Some of the mistakes Rafa is making are astonishing
No 13 at rg was unlucky for rafa .no doubt
His aura at RG is lost..
It’s better he loses here than to Novak in qf as Novak will totally roast him as he will have nothing left for that match..
Y do U all keep saying that?! He hasn’t given up on himself he is still Fighting out there!! Vamos!!
At least Rafa will serve first in the fifth
Well that was a horrible set of tennis by Rafa
Can he get his head together?
what a good performance from FAA so far!
may the best man win.
Damn.. hope he can pull this one in five. Winning in ao and in trouble in 4r rg seems familiar☹️
Yes! I hadn’t thought of that!
Yeah, it’s either you win this or you win that but not both it seems!
The thing is FAA isn’t really playing unbeatable tennis, and Rafa has the momentum with him after winning set three, yet he just plays and serves poorly to allow FAA into the match! It’s just so irritating watching this happening!
Exactly!!
This isn’t Novax!
The problem has been his ROs
So many chances missed!
Not sure I want to watch this.
All the momentum with FAA
It’s very important he is serving first
Another astonishing error! How can he win playin like this..
If he can hold then he has a chance
Rafa attended the champions league final last night.
hopefully he got back early enough to get a good night’s sleep.
And how the f is faa serving at such a level. He is making rafa look like federer on bps
The big difference has been the serve
FAA has got so many free pints and Rafa none
Rafa is playing better now. Just needs to believe
Djoko must be laughing watching this match goes the distance. Whoever wins this is going to be killed by Djoko in the QF.
Rafa has himself to blame for getting into a mess like this. He doesn’t play smart tennis these days, very much prefer to chase from behind and allowing his opponents to dictate.
I think it’s easier to play smart tennis when you are feeling confident on the court. He just looks under-prepared and under-confident. This level not good enough to even take a set off Djoko. The fundamental thing here is not feeling confident about his game.
I agree to an extent but he was bossing FAA then just suddenly lost confidence
This is a rerun of mental problems in the past imo
Well yes, Rafa has never had a potent serve!! Uncle Toni never thought it appropriate to help Rafa improve this it’s a wonder Rafa is still so successful!! Even Zverev is serving better than Rafa!! 😀
And these rg night sessions have neutralized rafas top spin and coupled with rafas loss of speed he only has the aura as a weapon
at this point I see Rafa winning the match.
yep, I called it.
Great net coverage by FAA
Vamos Rafa!!
Meanwhile Sloane is cruising!! She is playing very well!
Rafa does not look tired though, like his body language! I think Rafa looks the fresher of the two!!
Rafa played a lot better at the AO
I am so fed up with the negativity! No it would not be better for him to lose this match! I am with Mona! He is still fighting. For myself I just see a different Rafa since he came back from the injury. He is lacking confidence. That is why he keeps letting this kid back in the match.
Exactly NNY! I don’t want Rafa to lose here! Y for? He is serving better, playing better there’s no reason y he should lose if he remains focus and maintains his intensity. For his match with Novak he will approach it differently being very aware of what he needs to do. If Rafa is giving himself a chance and fighting then y should I not believe?!!
I said he would play differently against Novax! I am supporting him!
Well Rafa was playing freer bcoz he had nothing to lose, didn’t expect to go deep. But here it’s different!
Rafa would be destroyed by Novax playing like this
I struggle to think when he last returned serve so poorly on a clay court
I think overall Rafa looks step slower and that becomes a problem while serving. But even movement wise he does not look sharp. Last year he was sharper.
How could u tell whether or not he was slower or faster last year FedEx!! What metric r u using to determine this?
Just my reaction and looking at how he reacts in general, on both wings FH and BH side movement. Its not by a lot, but unfortunately at this level, it makes a lot of difference. The stretch shots which he usually makes, he missed today and that is because he is not coming to position. I felt Rafa was returning better in AO but today it was a combination of FAA hitting bombs but Rafa lost confidence today. Should have finished in four sets.
I think even Djoker did not look sharp but he has an easy match so he would be well rested.
I hope Rafa recovers well. He did not sweat a lot maybe because of cold weather which is good.
Rafa has never been destroyed by Novak at FO, actually it’s been the other way round!! U guys really r hard on Rafa here, he is not losing. Yeah he played some lose points here and there but so had everyone in the field! This is clay Rafa can handle a five setter!! He’s done it many times before, it’s part of the game!!
Lucky,
I just want you to know that my comments were not directed at you. There is one person who has been relentkessly negative. I get where you are coming from. I feel the same frustration. Rafa should have won it in four sets. It’s because we love him so much and want to see him win efficiently and not have to push himself.
I don’t understand his mindset either.
Just bloody well take one!
Yess!
Can he serve it out?!
Come on Rafa!!!
amy,
I know you are cheering him on!
Please Rafa serve it out!
I can’t watch!
Mona,
You are my hero! Brava! I love your never say die attitude!
Yes!!! I just had to watch Rafa”s body language, he knew he messed up in the 4th but he said to himself that’s fine, I’ll just have to do better in the fifth and fight!! And I just had to believe, Rafa wants this!! He does not look like somebody who is not looking forward to playing Novak!! I very much looking forward to this match!! My money”s on Rafa!! Vamos!!
Now for those doubters? Where r u?? Where r u?!! U guys need not give up on Rafa!!! Let him do his thang!!! Vamos!!
This is a perfect match for Rafa!! And Rafa is looking forward to it……….he fought hard he gave himself a chance!!
He has done it nny!
Big hug!
I am dead with shouting and cheering him on!
amy,
Yes! He did it! Big hug right back at you!
Massive kudos to Rafa that he managed to do it while struggling!
Surely this win will give Rafa confidence…!?
Will it be enough to beat djokovic .against djokovic there are mental demons no ..plus the 4.5 hrs on court today at 36 years is too much right to recover from n the Novak match will be super physical ..glad the foot held well today
I sure hope so! This tested him to the nth degree!
Well Rafa wins in the end, congrats! Should’ve won this sooner; he always like to fight back when his back is against the wall. He serves better when he really needs to hold serve to win, but serves poorly throughout the match! When he can serve well like in the last few games, why he just couldn’t do it earlier? I just don’t understand Rafa’s mindset!
Agreed. His serve games were very good in fifth set. I think none of the games went to deuce. Should have closed in four sets. Anyway this could be a test that he might have needed. Day off should be good as he had easy matches earlier. Lets see
Lucky,
I just want you to know that my comments were not directed at you. There is one person who has been relentkessly negative. I get where you are coming from. I feel the same frustration. Rafa should have won it in four sets. It’s because we love him so much and want to see him win efficiently and not have to push himself.
I don’t understand his mindset either.
Well no much play all clay season and body rested a lot from March 24 till may 15…so maybe the 4.5 hr match will not pain harder compared to had he played a full clay season
just like Real Madrid last night, Rafa is going for #14
That match was probably a good thing for Rafa. He was dangerously short of clay matches coming into Paris. He needed to find a new gear, which he has done.
That’s a great positive comment Cheryl!
I think people should remember how poor he was against Sinner in 2020
Then he massively upped his level against N ovax
That was qf Amy.. he got lot of rallies against deigo in sf ..plus Novak played a 5 setter against tsitsi in 2020 sf
I’d agree but this coming one match before playing Djokovic, I am not entirely sure.
One thing’s for sure, Rafa is nowhere near his top level. Saw moments of brilliance in set 5 but I don’t know where he will be against Djoko. I am pretty sure Djoko will come out playing great!
I never saw as usual:-) was the fh not firing too ? The fh was good first 3 rounds…what part of his game is poor ?
Sanju he was just very erratic.
He was in real control and then played a sloppy game to lose serve from 40 love to and he seemed to completely lose confidence and focus…
But the fact he came back is great!
Vr, yes I know it is extremely difficult.
I just wanted to remind everyone of how poorly he was playing in 2020 until he raised his level.
Sinner had set points and choked and let Rafa off the hook but Raga really was playing poorly for most f the match…
Rafa needs some help from djoko if he has to win. Needs djoko to come out flat. And as far as demons ago even novak must be having his own demons against rafa at rg.
Novak the favorite though based on last years results. Also Novak had handled faa handily when they met.
If rafa pulls it off it will probably be among his top 3 victories at rg.
given the circumstances, to me this will be this greatest victory at RG.
Djokovic has not been stretched at all so far. Only Molcan put up a fight against him.
Rafa has to up his level from today’s come the QF, if not he will be toast. This is not being negative but being realistic.
Djoko isnt playing unbeatable tennis but his level is somehow rather steady, not so much ups and downs imo. Rafa playing like R3 level > Djoko; Rafa playing at R4 level < Djoko.
Djoko may not have FAA's big serve but his ROS and rallies are so much better, so Rafa really needs to be more aggressive and steps inside the court more often, and tries to shorten points as much as possible because physically he's at a disadvantage.
How Rafa is going to return Djoker and more importantly how he counters Djoker’s drop shots could very well decide the sourse of the match. First time since 2015 RG QF, Rafa isnt a favorite going into a clash on court PC, but that may not be that bad a thing for him !
Djoker tried the drop shots in the 2020 RG Final and he lost in straight sets including a bagel. Last year we all know that Rafa’s foot was an issue so we can’t use that to judge anything.
I thought Djoker’s level last year was pretty good. If he brings that level, it will be hard for Rafa.
Foot flared up end of third nadline..not entire match.. n that happened due to the intensity n length of third set
Night match will have a big say no…
Luckystar, you have to take into account who Novak has played and who Rafa has played.
Molcan stretched Djokovic but Nishioka, Bedene and Schwartzman hardly showed up. I thought Schwartzman would at least make Djokovic work hard but he didn’t.
Djokovic hasn’t faced anyone who played at the level Felix played today. Moutet and Botic didn’t hand it to Rafa on a plate either.
Exactly Nadline!! Ppl r also forgetting that Rafa”s draw is atrocious while everyone else has less dangerous players and so it makes them seem so sharp!! I’m glad Rafa got tested today so he knows where his level is at and what he needs to do to beat his next opponent. No one needs to tell Rafa what to do there!!! Vamos Rafa!!
Meanwhile, for someone with Karen”s size where is his first serve?!! He is letting Carlos boss him around, cmon Karen at least take this to a fifth!!
Lucky,
I don’t think you are being negative at all. Rafa can’t come out against Novak playing the way he did especially in sets 1 and 4. I think you make a good point Novak being steady without so many ups and downs.
Novak’s ROS is formidable. Rafa has to come out aggressive.
So how he fares against Rafa depends on which Rafa turns up.
The two sets he lost, his combined stats were: 13 winners, 28 U.errors,
The three sets he won, his combined stats: 34 winners, 13 U.errors!
The level fluctuated quite a bit and he was miserable at converting break points. He needs to be on top from the start but we all know he is very likely to start nervous. I don’t think he is going to have lots of time and he needs all the varieties from the start.
We are all not happy with his serve and it is nightmare scenario against Novak if you are not serving well.
I think Djokovic is 75-25 favourite here for various reasons. Rafa can do it as long he comes out playing like he did in set 5 and Novak also isn’t on top of his game.
Not sure if they give them a night match or a day match ?!
Night for sure.
I don’t think rafa will come out nervous as he is not the fav..everyone had Novak as the fav..
I hope rafa gets that mentality when he walked on court for rg 2020 final when he was told 5 mns before the match that roof will be closed .he told Moya ‘ I don’t care ,I am not losing this’ . He needs that same mindset , only then he will win…
Actually rafa is 21 ,Novak wants to touch 21..so I think Novak will be more nervous ..
He came out extremely nervous in 2015 when nobody expected him to win so you never know who it will be.
There’s no question Rafa is the best on this surface and once he hits top gear, while Djoko can push him a lot, he always comes out on top.
There’s too much uncertainty this time around. Rafa himself knows he is under-prepared but he is going to give it his all. Novak has had ideal preparation and is physically going to be at an advantage too.
Let’s not downplay Novak’s win last year too much. It was an incredibly high quality match and it was only late in the 3rd set Rafa started having issues and yes he was pretty flat in set 4.
Can Rafa do it? OF COURSE. I just haven’t seen enough to feel confident. I saw glimpses in this match and I hope can put together a masterclass and Djoko ends up being the one feeling more nervous!
Vamos, Rafa. Give it your all and I hope you can pull this off!
only 25% for Rafa? that’s really low.
Yes, I thought 25% was really low.
His level so far has been far from his best, he just played 4.5 hrs of tennis and Djo has had ideal preparation. Is it not being realistic? Like I said, if he brings out his best tennis, he will beat Djoko but will he? We will only find out on Tues. I hope he can win!
If they’d swapped 4th round opponents and Rafa had played Bedene and Djokovic had played Felix, Rafa would have won in straight sets and Djokovic would not have beaten Felix in straight sets.
That’s my perspective.
VR,
I am very aware that Rafa’s level is not at his best. I am also acutely aware of his mediocre serving. Nadline pointed out that Novak has not been challenged so far. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, Novak wins Rome, his first title this year and suddenly it’s all roses and sunshine with him? He always talks himself up. But playing a Rafa not at his best is still a big step up from his previous competition.
Rafa has won RG not playing his best. I am the last person to sugarcoat this. I know that things seem stacked against Rafa, but you just never know.
I finally watched the fifth set. There was no way I could watch it live. That was vintage Rafa. But he can’t sustain that level of play. He was on fire. That is what it will take to beat Novak. I don’t think we are in disagreement here. Rafa should have closed out this match in four sets. Even his serve returned in that fifth set.
On paper Novak looks to be the favorite. I don’t know if Rafa can come back strong after this tough match today. So I don’t have a problem with giving the odds to Novak. I am just not sure about 75-25.
Rafa did not have enough preparation. He didn’t win any clay tournaments and did not even play the first two. He also doesn’t have the confidence that he would have if he had won a tournament.
I just wonder how Nivsk goes from playing like crap to suddenly being invincible. Rafa may not be ready to beat Novak, but I know he will give it his all.
fair points, maybe more like a 65-35 or 60-40 but I am not sure. The thing with Novak is that he’s usually found it easier to bring his A game against Rafa than visa versa and like Rafa said, he’s won Rome and comes in with nice momentum.
If you tell me the Rafa from set 5 appears from the start, he’ll take the match. In what mental and physical state he’ll be, can anyone use really tell? Nopes. This is the most uncertain I am about him at RG (save 2015 when we knew he was struggling big time).
I was keen for Rafa to meet Novak with his improved 2nd serve but his whole game ain’t quite firing yet. I can only hope he gets it together and delivers a defeat to Novak.
I hope we get a day time match !
VR,
As I said I think we are overall on the same page regarding Rafa’s chances against Novak. It be fair, i guess it’s silly to quibble over percentages. You can stick with 75-25 and maybe we will be surprised.
I do think Novak can bring his “A” game against Rafa more than Rafa can bring his. That rib injury sure messed with the clay season.
Actually I am also very uncertain about him at RG. Too many variables. Coming off the rib injury and missing two clay tournaments. The foot flaring up badly at Rome.
Can you tell if he is hitting his second serve as fast as he did before the injury? Because I can’t convert it into mph. His serve doesn’t seem to be as good as it was earlier in the year. I agree that his whole game is not firing just yet. And I think he knows it.
Ie Joy reading your thoughts and your honest take on Rafa’s chances. It’s a Shane that he had to get such a nightmarish draw.
I think once Rafa retires, people will realize and maybe miss the intensity of these five set matches. He was far from his best but I thought was clinical in fifth set. Literally someone who has dominated a tournament for 15 odd years, its weird to think how good he was where he was untouchable in his 15 prime years.
I think for all Rafa fans and maybe for Djoker fans, it should less be about who wins the next match, rather should be more of a celebration of a great rivalry and probably two of the greatest careers in the history of sport
I remember during Rafa’s younger days, I just watched his clay court matches without even need to worry one bit, and he was serving out bagels and bread sticks so frequently. Those were such joyful moments because I knew he would win the match and I could enjoy my coffee and snacks while watching him play. There weren’t five setters played by him at RG until 2011 in R1 against Isner.
It was when he reached mid twenties that he started to get challenged more often, mainly by the top form Djoko.
It’s still amazing watching him play here at RG despite his age at 36, he is still able to move so quickly and matches his younger opponents. He’s using his tennis acumen, court craft and experience to help him fight against these younger opponents.
He’s the king of clay, no doubt about that. I haven’t seen anyone among the youngsters having promises to be the future king on clay or replacing him. As good as Alcaraz is, he still needs to fight hard to win his matches, not handing out bagels or bread sticks the way young Rafa did.
Rafa has as rival in DJoko, I hope some youngsters would challenge Alcaraz in future and make a rivalry out of it.
I think only year Djoker could really challenge Rafa was 2013. I actually thought even in that SF, Rafa should have closed earlier but that was probably the best I have seen Djoker play against Rafa at RG.
Thats why Tuesday match is more like raising a toast for great rivalry where both of them are obviously still past their prime but are still meeting in latter stages of the tournament keepiong their side of promise.
Tuesday is 10th meeting at RG for these two great rivals ! Are you kidding me, seriously, its a ridiculous stat and just goes to show how much these guys are better than the rest.
VR,
Sorry for the autocorrect mashup of my words in my last post. I meant to say that I enjoy reading your thoughts.
Oh and it’s a shame that he got such a bad draw!
Hopefully Nadal can lobby for a day match to even up roofgate. Also they have his statue there. Should at least do this much. Only issue is it means a shorter TaT
Amazon prime will decide that..assume it’s a night match
Yeah, it is very much dependent on which Rafa comes out to play. For this R4 match, if the Rafa of R3 came out to play, I was confident that he would beat FAA comfortably, and that’s why it’s so shocking to see the way he played in set 1, there were one or two service games where he couldn’t make a single first serve!
I really don’t know whether it’s because of the Toni Nadal factor, plus, Rafa knows that FAA has a powerful serve.
Djoko is a familiar opponent; I think Rafa knows the game plan, it’s just the execution part, and his own physical condition. I hope the right Rafa comes out to play, the one who can at least serve well like in the fifth set today.
Rafa had a late night yesterday; he was 20 minutes late for his practice session today so I’m guessing he overslept. I think that’s why he was so slow in the first set; he wasn’t alert enough. Not to take anything from Felix who was brilliant.
I am pretty Fed up with Toni.
This may not be fair or rational but it’s how I feel.
I felt before the match that the Toni factor would help Felix and hinder Rafa.
I felt really irritated seen g Toni in the crowd holding court …
To be fair to Toni, he is not Felix’s principle coach who is Frederic Fontang. Rafa was a bit slow in the first set probably because he had a late night yesterday at the Champions League match. Rafa had a very short practice yesterday and was 20 minutes late for his practice today so he wasn’t as sharp as he could be.
Felix is a great player. He can be dangerous but he can also lose to anyone. Anyone who is up against Rafa has a different mindset, including Djokovic. If Djokovic plays against Rafa the way he has played so far he would definitely lose. IMO
@ Amy, I concur!!
But all in all Felix played very well so he has a lot to be proud of, he took Rafa to the brink which is only just short of beating him at RG!!
Jim Courier (my commie) said that Toni had left his seat at the beginning of the 5th set and the cameramen could not find him. I guess the match was too much for him? Old age setting in? He’s certainly been through worse!
Happy Rafa won. But the road ahead is maybe the toughest he’s ever faced at RG? Djokovic, followed by either Alcaraz or Zverev, followed by Tsitsi or, just possibly, Meddy? I look at that line up and I think, oh, just lose and get a head start on the grass! Assuming he plays the grass. Guess that depends on whether he feels he’ll be competitive there. But for a pro, it’s ONE MATCH AT A TIME. I should at least be a professional fan by now, but not so much…
Ramara, no!! If Rafa decided to play RG then he should give it his all!!! What’s the point of bailing out? He has never been that type of player!! Rafa likes to take his chances and he believes in himself even when he is not at his best. He has the most GSs in the history of the sport y should he give up on himself, he knows how to win!! He may have some scar tissue when it comes to Novak but he knows what he has to do to beat him here!! Novak was perhaps so engrossed in this match and was hoping Rafa would lose bcoz I’m sure he would much rather play FAA!! Yet u saw how hard Rafa wanted to win knowing full well that Novak is awaiting him! So y r u guys worried for?! He’s obviously not afraid to face Novak so y should we be?!! Vamos champ!!
So based on the comments here it’s best Rafa just not show up for the match with Novak!! Maybe Rafa should have not even taken part in RG!!! I mean seriously u guys? After u saw how hard Rafa fought today u r still not willing to give him a chance!! Rafa has won this tourney 13x and Some ppl here r providing tips on what Rafa needs to do to beat Novak!! Rafa KNOWS how to beat Novak at RG, he’s done it plenty times before!!! Give Rafa a break!! He can do this!! Who has Novak played to be honest? Has he even been tested! In 2020 when Rafa beat Novak in str8t sets and even bageled him ppl thought all along that Novak was going to take him out!! And yet still u guys still have no faith in Rafa at RG? So when will u have any faith?!!!!
Meanwhile, Carlos is making a meal out of Karen!! If Rafa ends up winning RG it will surely be one of the greatest wins of his career bcoz they sure did all they could to stop him from winning here!!
Including scheduling his quarterfinal on Chatrier at night! Yuck!
Heh, never occurred to me that Alcaraz might lose to KK. It did occur to me that Djoker just might lose to Shortman, but he never has, and I guess he never will.
I am incredibly proud of Rafa. He didn’t come into this RG with his full toolkit but he IS COMPETING with what he’s got. Pleased with the backhand dtl today. It’s been MIA lately.
Hi Monalisa, yes if he wins it will be greatest win of his career. Every body including me concerned about his level and health. Djoker is another beast and super hungry after RAFA won 21. he is obsessed with having most GS and longest WN 1. these days he has become mentally tough in bad situations. RAFA will be under pressure all through. Just hoping Rafa can come through these but it is extremely tough considering rafa’s condition now. i had some work so could not join here before. Good luck for SF> i doubt i will be able to watch live. too much stress 🙂
Sorry I meant food luck for QF
After today’s match, I feel more relaxed about Rafa level, his foot holding up, of course.
If Djoker played Felix and Rafa played Bedene I wonder how things would have played out.
Djokovic’s R4 match was against Schwartzman, not Bedene.
I think he would’ve handled FAA in 3 or 4, but I guess we’ll never know.
Well the very good thing about today is that in the final set Rafa did win the match. Felix didn’t choke and Rafa really had to dig deep under immense pressure.
Also he did serve it out which makes a nice change.
So Toni left the court for the final set? Maybe that’s what helped Rafa!?😀
Tony gets very nervous watching Rafa. He said he couldn’t watch the 5th set of the AO final against Medvedev, he was that nervous.
Rafa’s post match press conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ml-Q5ltdjs
Everyone gets nervous when Rafa plays even his not so fans 🤪. Rafa is so formidable yet his fans still count him out!!
May be out of Love. Secretly we all want him to win!!
Oh my gosh I went on u tube and there r so many Novak fans on Rafa”s pressor thread saying how Novak is going to wipe Rafa out, lol. There were more Nole fans on the thread than Rafa fans and I’m like u guys must really be nervous if that’s the case!!
Monalisa, Nadline and all other Rafa fans. Be objective, pls. I always be objectiv, examople, RG 2020, it ws obvious Rafa is on anoher level than Novak in that time. Now, Rafa is not at his best, it s obvious, Novak plays fantastic right now and he is very eager to beat Nadal again at RG, esp.after AO case. I would be very surprised if Rafa takes a set on tuesday, I am afraid of Alcaraz, not Rafa right now.
Rafa won’t win a set on clay?
wow, that is a bold prediction.
So Novak is playing so well considering he hasn’t played anyone of note, and all of a sudden Rafa won’t win a set against him on clay at RG of all places!! And u say u “try” to be objective!! Plz, shut up!!
I’m not saying it will be walk over by any means but Rafa is certainly looking forward to playing Novak here and as long as he is I am willing to give him a chance!! Vamos!!
Mona,
This is a Novak fan who is going to denigrate Rafa’s chances and build up his guy. Novak and his fans are known for talking up his chances.
Alcaraz lives up to the hype. At this point, I can’t call it hyperbole anymore. Carlitos is the real deal.
I didn’t think Holger Rune would beat Stefanos Tsitsipas. I
Alcaraz hasnt the experience to beat either Rafa or Djoko in Slams.
Happy to be wrong about that
Hope you are right, Big Al.
Hope you are wrong, meant to say. Ready or not Alcarez is coming on.
Lindsey Davenport is horrible. She is cheering for Iga to lose because all she sees is the USA flag winning. Pegula is the most boring of all of them.
And here comes another fabulous 19 year old with bags of talent and attitude, step forward Holger Rune!
Did you watch Holger, Margot?