What I see from this match is that almost all parts of Rafa's game are functioning well: his CC, I/O and DTL forehand; his CC and DTL backhand; his speed and movement around the court; his net game; his serves. He even played closer to the baseline during some parts of the match. Very encouraging signs, his three weeks of solid practice before the WTF have paid off during this DC final. What he needs now is to get some rest after this DC final, enjoy his Christmas and then get ready for the Abu Dhabi exho and the new season.

The court is slow at the AO so it favors Nole's, Rafa's and Murray's style of play. Will be nice to see these three guys vs the likes of Fed, Tsonga, Berdych and Delpo. Not forgetting the new batch of youngsters headed by Tomic, Australia's very own.

If Argentina wins the doubles, I wonder who they'll field on Sunday against Rafa. Delpo looked tired and must be tired after almost five hours of play on Friday. Monaco vs Ferrer, Argentina may have a chance as Ferrer is also tired, so the match against Rafa will be crucial for Argentina, should all that come to pass.

The Argentina team is playing with huge deficits. Both Delpo and Nalby have been struggling with injuries all year long and have had to withdraw from several tournaments. The spanish team definitely has to be the fresher team coz they didn't have to travel, be awakened at 6:30 am to be drug tested, and they are all playing injury free. If any of them is tired, then how much more tired will the Argentina team be? Also, the home court advantage is a big plus for Spain, and them a greater edge over the Argies, especially since clay is Delpo's least favorite surface. JMDP has always stated that he prefers HC to clay as he can serve big and hit his FH hard, and that's not at all possible for him to do on clay. They should just give the trophy to Spain. Why prolong the agony.

I think Davis Cup surfaces should be picked out by the ITF and not by the home team.

lucky,

I loved your comments about Rafa's game! I also noticed those shots you mentioned. I think he was hitting that cc backhand better than I have seen him in a long time. So nice to see! I thought his serving was quite good, also much better than we have seen in a while. His movement was great and his forehand was formidable.

While Monaco wasn't going to present any real challenge on clay (not many do!), I still think that observing the quality of Rafa's shots and game indicated high quality stuff. I think Rafa played even better than he did the semis, where he demolished Gasquet and Tsonga easily.

That makes me think that it is mostly mental with Rafa. If it was something more, then he would not even be able to play his best game even on clay. I think he looks better now than he did during the clay court season.

Now that Argentina won the doubles, it will be interesting to see who plays against Rafa tomorrow. It always winds up on Rafa's shoulders, but he has proven to be up to the task. I am just happy to see him enjoying playing tennis. The love of the crowd just envelops him and seems to inspire him.

scoretracker- I do agree that the host team usually has the advantage in terms of choosing their preferred surface. I heard Monaco also injured his wrist while playing against Rafa, so I think Argentina has no choice but to field Delpo vs Rafa and Nalby vs Ferrer.

NNY - I also agree that Rafa played better in this DC final compared to the DC semifinal against France. I think the reason is that the semi was immediately after a tiring USO; whilst this DC final is after a long five weeks rest. To me Rafa was mentally tired rather than physically tired during the WTF; it's obvious because he couldn't even think clearly during his WTF matches, not making any adjustments during his matches there. On clay, it's a different story as Rafa's game in default mode is still better than most players'.

lucky,

I agree with you about why Rafa has played even better in the final. He is rested, even though that stomach thing really seemed to take it out of him in London. Also, he would be a bit rusty. That's the conundrum with Rafa - he must have some rest built into the long tennis year to keep his body healthy, but he thrives on match play.

I also noticed how Rafa seemed unable to think his way through the WTF matches. He is superb at making mid-court adjustments during matches. Yet he wasn't able to do so at WTF. That is not like him.

I have this sense that Rafa is so at home on the clay that he doesn't even have to think during matches. He is such a natural, so in his element, so instinctive in his movements and shots. It's like it comes to him automatically.

Also, as far as the home team having the advantage in choosing their surface, that's the point! The U.S. team chose a fast hard court when they played the Spanish team last summer. Unfortunately, it didn't help them in the end. That's why I don't buy this stuff about court surface being the determining factor. Also, in 2008 Argentina was able to choose their home court surface and they opted for hard court, figuring that it would give them the advantage against the Spanish team. Rafa didn't play at that time, due to a recurrence of knee tendinitis, but Spain won anyway.

So much for that so-called advantage. You also have to bring your best game to win. It's not necessarily the deciding factor. It's not like the Argentine players are unfamiliar with playing on clay.

Glad to be of some help to the deprived who are desperately in need of some fodder. I think jean should take note that my so-called 'whining' is helping to provide some here with material on which to rant.

http://blogs.tennis.com/tournament_blog/2011/12/del-potros-final-shot. html

Interesting take....................I don't think we should take it for granted that Rafa is going to shade the tie with Delpo. If Rafa is going to win, he will have to earn it..........


Vamos Rafa!

ritb,

I take nothing for granted, however I do have faith that Rafa can do it on clay. I also think that Delpo will not want to lose twice in DC. So he will come out motivated and play his best.

If I am being honest, I hoped that Feli and Verdasco would have done their part so that Rafa doesn't have to once again play two matches to carry Spain to victory.

I think Albert Costa now needs to change his doubles pairing, it's time to go beyond reputations. Spain has good doubles players/pairings who can do better than Felli/Fer combo.

I hope Rafa gives his A game one last throw for the season, goes back to Mallorca a winner with his confidence sky high.

Much as I do not like Rafa having to play one more match, this could be the confidence boost his confidence needs: winning DC for Spain!!

Vamos!!!!!!!

ritb,

I agree with you about the doubles team. Costa needs to make a change. That was a woeful effort. They were also beaten soundly by the French doubles team in the semfinals. Then Rafa has to come back as cleanup man yet again to get the win.

We know how much this means to Rafa. He will go out there and give it his all.