Djoker in 3

Yeah. Similar scoreline as the Rog-Nole match. Maybe a tighter first set.

Nadal in 2- 7-5, 6-4.

Nadal in 3 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5

Want Rafa to win but I think its Nole in 2..come on Rafa:-)

Going by Nole's performance yesterday, I think Rafa has a good chance of beating Nole. I keep mentioning that Nole plays like Rafa nowadays, solid defence combined with solid offence. Both can move very well on this surface, I think their serve and their ROS are the keys for them to win the match. Nole tend to take more risk, but his BH CC and DTL shots will give Rafa plenty of problems. Rafa really must play intelligently and make full use of his anticipatory skills, volleying skills etc to have a chance to beat Nole. I still like Rafa's chances here, for he is truly hard to beat in a final if he is mentally and physically ready for the battle.

This match will set the tone for the rest of the year. V V Important match for both players. Djokovic's perfection surely on the line. Can he get past the beast and show that he really is the top player this year?

Beating federer is one thing, but beating nadal in his prime in a final will surely give him a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.

I voted for Djokovic to win yesterday in the poll, but after watching both of them play today. I get the sense that Rafa will win in 3 tight sets. Unfortunately, I can't redo my vote.

I hope Nadal and Djoko don't get involved in a draining match like they did in Madrid 2009, destroying each other for RG and paving the way for Federer to win his first French Open.
Rafa doesn't have anything to prove. Once the clay season starts, he is king. I hope he will try to win tomorrow but that he will remember not to make it a life and death struggle.

It will depend on how each of them serves tomorrow. Of course, I want Rafa to win. No offense to Nole.

Rafa in 3
6-4, 5-7, 6-4

Well, Ricky, your odds are posted.

I'm not a betting woman, but I might be able to make some money tomorrow if I was.
:-)

Congratulations to Nole getting to No. 2 and Good Luck tonight :)

Djokovic has the edge on h/c, so where was his edge when Rafa beat him at the USO? Their h2h on h/c is 5-7 to Djoko, 3 of those 7 victories were when Rafa wasn't 100% fit, and Rafa has won their two most recent contest on the surface.

I have a feeling Djoko would rather he was facing Delpo today instead of Rafa.

Vamos Rafa!

Nice and short... Nole in two sets..!!

Rafa doesn't have Nole in his head like he had Delpo, so he'll have no nerves. Yesterday he was anxious not to be beaten by a Delpo who's come back from being out for a year that's why he was making so many errors in the first few games, once he got rid of the nerves, I knew it was in the bag for im.

i hope nole wins! in 2 or in 3, i dont care.
on another note, they have faced each other 5 times in finals?! :O

I think Rafa may pull it out..but i think hell start slow and may lose the first set..

Ricky - What time is the match please?

Any idea what time is it as per IST?

@sanju Match starts in 6 and a half hours from now.

sanju

it will be aired on TEN SPORTS around 1:30 AM

This has the potential to be one of the best matches of the year - world no1 player against the world's most in-form player - it could even surpass their epic Madrid encounter back in 2009.

I agree that it does pose a certain signifcance in setting up a rivalry that could dominate the rest of the year. However I don't think that Djokovic will claim the no1 spot - as long as Rafa doesn't suffer any long term injury.

Yes Djokovic is carrying a lot of momentum, like Delpo his game has the necessary qualities to beat Rafa on a hard court, taking the short topspin on the rise with the backhand. He is also a far better mover than Delpo and defends a lot better.

As Nadline points out though, Rafa has won the last two hardcourt matches, admittedly the match at London was extremely tight before Novak's eye troubles go the better of him. His two previous victories were against Rafa still recovering post injury.

One thing's for sure Rafa cannot afford to give any early deficit like he did in the semi - Djokovic is playing too good to concede that sort of ground. He will need that big game mentality that started him off so well in the US Open final.

I expect to see some punishing rallies with the match starting at a real intense pace. Whilst Rafa will need to kepp the match going for as long as possible, make it a real battle of endurance, Novak will need to keep the points quick and not give Rafa anytime to get into any sort of rhythm.

Since going against Rafa for his match with Delpo, I now have to back him for the final. If he can match the energy and consistency of his semi final performance - teh it will be too much for Djokovic, who's unbeaten run has to come to an end at some point.

Rafa to win in three extremley close and exciting sets.

what are the odds? Djoker favored?

Thanks vrael and eduardvalalex .Have to set the alarm accordingly :-)..Office work productivity down tomorrow for sure :-)

Ricky, you can't pick Nole here and Rafa in expert picks!

Cheryl, I think Ricky is questioning the betting odds.

i'm just wondering what the odds are

i thought i picked Djoker in expert picks.....

hahahaha Cheryl must be on mushrooms or something. i DID pick Djoker in expert picks.

Or maybe she was just HOPING i picked Nadal, because now she knows I'm gonna get it right (and she wrong) since I have Djoker.

betting odds favour nole....i hope they are wrong.....rafa needs to step it up BIG TIME....he HAS to serve better or nole will make him pay!

Rafa will win in 3..may lose first set most likely as will start slowly...I dont think Rafa will self destruct like Fed did...I just hope its intense but they dont kill each other to be out of contention rest of the season ;-)

I think it will be just the opposite...Rafa WILL NOT start slowly mainly due to the fact that he has learned his lesson from Delpo's match...Nole will hit hard from the very beginning and Rafa knows it...this is not their first encounter so that Rafa will need some adjustment time...rest assured that Rafa will not let him take the lead unless Nole comes up with some unbelievable tennis...

2 short sets, 2 long sets, 3 long sets, 3 one sided sets, whatever the scoreline will be im sure there will only be one winner... yeah you guessed it... its Rafa... VAMOSSS!!!

I think Djokovic has the slight edge in this match but I believe that the winner of the 1st set will win the match. Hopefully Djokovic will win this and continue his unbeaten run.

Ricky Dimon you picked Roddick to upset Djokovic in the QF now why are you leaning towards Djokovic in this match when he is facing the world no 1 Nadal?

Be brave, stand strong, stay fit, Rafa!
Vamos!

tennis2011 - shouldn't be hard to figure out

Djoker is undefeated in 2011 and has only played one sub-par set this entire tournament

wow, are you Ricky switching your loyalty and worship from Fed to Nole? The way you speak about Nole right now is really more than supportive...I only heard you praising Fed in the same way...

Djoker is undefeated in 2011 and has only played one sub-par set this entire tournament
RickyDimon, 3/20/11 8:28 PM

This is true but Djoker has not play Rafa this year and the last 2 time they played each other Rafa won. Also, Djoker has a zero winning record in the final against Rafa (5-0). The edge Djoker has is this is a best of 3 sets match and he is playing with a lot more confidence since the last time they played each other. They are both great players, great in defense and offense. I think it will come down to who is mentally tougher. Rafa plays like no other in the final, no one is more focus and mentally stronger. Rafa will win in 3 close sets.

Am I the only one wishing the women's match will be over soon? I sure hope they are not going to stop televising in the middle of the men's final if it goes over its time slot like they did yesterday with Djoker and Fed's match.

What stage is the womens match? How much more time for it to get over?

5-3 in the 3rd set...wozniaki ahead i guess....a few more minutes

GSM woz.....

RAFA TIME!!!!

Yes it's over!. Just delaying the inevitability. Let's go RAFA! VAMOS!!!!

Wozniaki must be itching to go on Twitter and post about her win :-)..She religiously tweets about her wins and losses both. She has a really nice attitude I must say

yeah woz,isner and nole have a love triangle going on at twitter...lol

nole posted a picture of wozniaki gifting him a red rose before the match with fed...;)

she's really sweet, i love her attitude.
won't the ceremony be going on now? nadal and nole cant come out til thats over right?

I'm a bit teary eyed about Marion's speech. Im sad for her;( You can tell she really wanted to win for herself and most importantly for her dad...

I thought Wozniaki was with Verdasco right atleast sumtime back..thats history is it? I mean I think she is really friendly..She seems very pally with Serena, Kim, Vera too..and anyone friendly with Serena means a lot :-)..I think todays lot in both men a nd women's tour far far more pally than the 90's and 80's..I doubt if Graf, Seles ever spoke much..or even McEnroe..Connors..Borg etc..Compare that with the camaradrie of Rafa with Fed,Djoko, Muuray ..theres no hostility at all

ugh. gorgeous weather in NYC, girlfriends shopping, lots of sales, I came into a coffee shop and settled in with my laptop and headphones, only to find out that the match is an hour late. grrrrrr.

Djokovic doesn't have the BALLS to beat Nadal.


Nadal in 2 tight ones. No doubt about it.

As usual in his prematch interview, Rafa says "I'm gonna try my best, play every point, and we gonna see what's goin on." LOL:) Love it.....

Isnt the way Rafa comes running on court for the toss, jumping around too intimidating for the opponent?Its almost as if He doesnt want a bone in his body to be stiff

It's cloudy right now in Indian Wells so it's not too hot. No reason for Djokovic to blame the weather condition if he loses...

I guess the sun is up. Yeh!!!!

Djoko looking powerful and aggressive..a tad more than Rafa right now

too early to judge, but Rafa seems to be getting to more balls than Roger was, and sending them back with more...

That is very obvious that Rafas defense and ability to put balls back is far great..maybe best in the business..But what I mean is 10 mns into the match Djoko looks a tad tad more aggressive..however Rafa doesnt seem nervous like in yesterdays match with Delpo which he started too nervy

if Rafa plays at this level throughout, i think tonight will end Nole's streak...

Larry Ellison owns this tourney? You mean the Oracle Corp owner owns this tourney ?

Djokovic doesn't have what is needed to beat Nadal. He never had it. Te 16-7 record speaks for itself.


Federer had much more chances in this match.

Yes.... I can't stop shaking.... Vamos!

Rafa deserved this break..He set up 5 breakpoints so beautifully..It would have been sheer injustice had he not broken..Go Hold Rafa now all your serves..Plz dont surrender the lead

RAFA!!!!!!!! breaks Djoko... VAMOS!!

My goodness Rafa fans, hope u r enjoying this cos Rafa is looking super! Interesting, he's returning Nole's first serve and so giving Nole the heebies.

Ohhhh yeaaaahhhh !!

Rafa is on fireeeeee.... :):)
Djokovic doesn't have the balls to beat Nadal. its clear :):)

Vamosssssss

what.a.brilliant.game.

Oh No..what a tremendous fightback from Nole to break back..excellent shotplay from Nole

Why are people saying Nole doesnt ahve the balls? Cmon he has defeated Rafa 7 times and I mean wen hes on a roll, hes very difficult to beat and stop..Rafa himself admitted that a very determined Nole is really really tuff to beat

Bugger!!! Lost the break. I am so nervous..my inside is shaking and my heart is not beating right..

Effing mishits setting the point up. This is the problem Nole has had of late against Rafa, he just never can play at his optimal level with all that heavy topspin coming towards him.

Nadal breaks backk Yupppppppppp !!!

Sanju @

But u also hve to admitt that nadal beats him timesss !!

Djokovic himself said that nadal is a toughest player to beat in wta tour :):)

Nadal breaks backk Yupppppppppp !!!

Sanju @

But u also hve to admitt that nadal beats him timesss !!

Djokovic himself said that nadal is a toughest player to beat in wta tour :):)

Wooohoooo! Go Rafa!!! 5-3

Nadal is a BEAST..If anyone cant be taken lightly till the last point is played..its him..THe intensity and passion is inexplicable at times..But what I am saying is when Djoko is on a song, he can be really tough to beat too..This match qulaity says that..Its at such a high level.Its just US Open 2010 final dejavu

Forgot to mention 16 timess !! sorry :)

sigh. guess that streak had to end sometime.

First set NADAL
6-4

Vamossssssssssssssssssssss !!!
Nadal is not allowing djokovic to play his game :):):)

Compare this match with Fed-Djokos match yest..It was al errors all over the place with total roller coaster ride..This match quality is high class

Rafa wins first set..Well deserved..Vamos

BTW guys what happened to that Rafa deadly serve of US open 2010? It was his most potent shot then..gave him loads and loads of free points..dont see much of it..

mriiidula- As the old saying goes, "What comes up must go down!'

Nole has to step in and give it to Nadal. He CAN do it, he just needs to go all out and give it a go like he has nothing to lose. His rhythm is on a lot faster level, he needs to force Nadal to play at that rhythm. Its a long shot but the only way.

Novak is playing really bad tennis.He can't afford missing second serve return points.He is just not agressive enough.
Winners/UE : Novak 9-17 Nadal 9-10
Rafa to win second 6-4.

"BTW guys what happened to that Rafa deadly serve of US open 2010? It was his most potent shot then..gave him loads and loads of free points..dont see much of it.."

I've been wondering this myself but my thought was he had some shoulder trouble after its use (remember the Paris withdrawal?) so my guess is he doesn't want ot just use it willy-nilly.

I do agree with Ice. He is really negative and playing topspin back to Nadal doesn't work. The flat punch has to come at some point in the rally.

Damn backhand! Unbelievable!

Wat a shot that was !!! Amazing to watch !!
Ridiculous backhand :)):))

Both playing equally well in this set! Who will blink first?

ice @

Its not djokovic who's playing bad...its nadal who keep forcing him to play bad :):)

Vamosss

break!!! pls pls pls hold nole, just twice more!!

well done. Now consolidate.

Djoko breaks..Get prepared for a 3rd..Since hes serving ahead too..Nadals level slightly dropped down

break points Nadal

horrible game.

Breaking bad....

Such a high quality match.

Another roller coaster..though with better standard of play..superb 2 winners by Nadal to break back..Should get very interesting now on as Rafa is serving behind

OMG. Point of the year!

@kingnadal No.It's Djokovic who's playing wrong type of tennis, the one that suites Nadal.Rafa just needs to stay in points and hit occasional winners. Djokovic doesn't dare to play flat shots and he is gonna have to if he is wants to do something in this match.

Rafa is giving his fans a heart attack. Seems to have lost his concentration.

nadal's passing shot at 0-15 was SICK ! djo got mad at that one...oh my great point from nole 2 brk pnts ! phew 1 saved...save them rafa save them !! 3-4 15-40 tense moments

5-3 Djoker

oopssiii nole 5-3 !

Surely 2nd set Djoko now..Nadal is a bit tentative and making far too many errors..

Novak is falling apart...

This is nerverwracking! C'mon Rafa break back again...

Break for Nadal, and Novak finished his match

oh my gosh... I can't watch anymore. This is too much!

finally!! 6 set points it took. ridiculous.
on to set three, ajde nole!

Glad I was wrong... can't hold pressure just by watching it.... cannot imagine how they are feeling! Match of the year so far...

3rd set..Oh hoo..We all got what we want - a 3 setter Guys what do you think? Momentum is with Djoko now as Rafas level has dropped and hes deefending bigtime now ..Will be nerve wracking..

Terrible tennis. I hate it wen it is this slow, its mens tennis for goodness sakes. Well done tho Nole, try to win now.

YEEEEESSSS!!!
Nole is back!!!!!!
But my nerves are gone....

my nerves went a long time ago zare..

25% first serve in by Rafa in the second set disgusting...and its a final can't believe it.
Whats up with that?????

Novak wins second after missing 6 set points.Well great match, but if they continue like this they will be dead for at least part of the season (the curse of Madrid).

C'mon Rafa! Oh dear god.. smash on the net.

Rafas level has dropped..really dropped since past 6 games..I hope for their own benefit and benefit of our nerves..the 3rd set wraps up quicker within 35-40 mns..If Djoko and Rafa bash each other up like that for long..not too good going into season ahead

is nadal getting TIRED?? never seen anything like that before

break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cmon nole, you can do it!!!!!

With such 2nd serve I wouldnt care much about 1st server percentage

Break! Loving it

what happen to nadal ???????
are u kidding me ????

Novak is way too good. I don't know if Nadal can still come back. Vamos Rafa!

Djoko on fire and Rafa's is dimming. Crazy, crazyy. crazy. Please Rafa, please!

2:0....AJDE NOLE!!!!!!

nadal struggling big timeeeeeeee !!!! Common

and what a brilliant service game. absolutely amazing. im barely able to type coherently in my excitement.

Nadal is making unforced errors by the dozen and Djoko is really on fire and the momentum is clearly with him..I think Nole will take this and stay undefeated

Loving it. Really loving it.

@Kingnadal

His game has just totally dropped from what I can see.
It seemed like he had a game plan in the first set but has lost it.

Djoko is hitting such sharp angles..

double break!!!!!!!! AJDEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

Nadal cant put a first serve in the court..and Djoko is not missing a ball

Nadals body language has accepted defeat already..I just hope he atleast makes 2 games and doesnt get a bagel or bread stick..Shocking to see this from Rafa

AJDE NOLE!!!! DOUBLE!!!

I have never seen such a bad serving from Rafa...terrible..

double break. how does that feel, mriiidula? seems like he has it after all.

I guess Novak continues to fly.....

this is just too painful.

wow, just wow.

Guys please dont say Novak doesnt ahve the balls..He does have them..

brilliant point! what a drop. this is so complete.

Poor Rafa. He is so frustrated.. Oh well...

nadal's body language shows all !!
I v never seen nadal like this !! Very hard to beileve really :(:(:(

samprallica - he's so so close...

Down but never out RAFA! Yes no bagel....

very close. two more games - and we know from what has happened so far that he can do it.

Thank God not a bagel..I hope not a breadstick too..atleast 2 or 3

but one thing !! rafa is the ultimate fighter !!
Dont call him out untill the last point :))

4:1.... two more service games... c'mon Nole!!!
Don't relax... it's not over 'till it's over... it is Rafa on the other side of court!!!

don't count out Nadal yet. He might just be back in this match...you never know!

What exactly is wrong with Nadal today? I can't be just nerves, or just Nova'k's play. I can't recall the last time he would have played such low first serves, etc.

come on nole, just four more points!!! ajdeee!!!

He is barely putting a first serve in..Very pathetic..Cmon Rafa atleast 2 games

I have a theory - he tried to disrupt Nole's rhythm, once Nole started countering it, it backfired spectacularly since he doesn't really have much of his own to counter when Nole dictates.

Yes no breadstick either... Just looking at the positive...

much of his own rhythm i mean. As for serves, I think he's going for a bit too much.

Nole is playing great -- but I don't know what's wrong with Rafa's first serves.
I would *like* to know ...

Cmon Nole..Serve out the match..You deserve to win..Wanted Rafa to win this..BUT well Nole deserves it..Truly deserves it..Has he ever taken both Fd and Rafa out back to back? No I guess..Delpo, Davy..Murray ahve it..time Djoko does it too

I am sad that Rafa lost, but, in the other hand, it's good that next year he won't need to defend 1000 points at the IW Masters.

Vamos, Rafa !

wow!! he did it!!!!!!
there are not many players who have managed to stage a comeback against nadal. amazing third set by nole.
he remains unbeaten this year!!! and now no one can say that the only reason he's unbeaten is because he did not play rafael nadal.

I am so proud of Novak... didn't believe he can do it... Ajde Nole!

There has to be something to Rafa..He cant surrender so tamely..25% serves is disgusting in set 2 and 3 and 42% for whole match..Congrats Nole. You deserve the win!!! Bravo!!!

LOVE IT. that was a neat finger to those who said he hasnt got the balls. brilliant brilliant matchplay. lets hope he continues to win. mriiidula, stu and all novak fans - this is one to be remembered for a while. Celebrate :D

Congratulations to Nole and his fans.

I am gutted for Rafa though.

sanju - he's beaten them back to back in the masters event in toronto back in 2007 when he was world number 4. but not since then.

samprallica - right back atcha *cyber-hug*

Major congrats to Nole! And to his fans! Well deserved as he played a whole lot better than Nadal. Perhaps was the main reason Nadal played poorly? I don't know, but at least a good part of the reason.

Here's to Novak having way more consistency this year than ever (so long as he doesn't defeat Nadal on clay or grass :-).

And I still am really curious to know what happened to Nadal today, other than Novak's play.

On a positive side for Rafa he has started this year better than he did last year and we all know what a year he had in 2010!
His beloved clay is coming up and I know this loss will kick him into gear!

Congrats to Nole. Great start to his year.

Too good this novak, and balls. .... Huuuuuge.

It looks like Nadal did not have confidence against Novak today... and that's all to Novak's credit.

But the serve %??

If it's all due to confidence... more power to Novak.

If there was something else as well... Novak still deserved the win fully. But then I'd like to know what that was.

OMG Rafa fans! he played so well in the first set, exciting, aggressive tennis and then...well sorry but he just seemed to collapse?
However, huge congratulations to Nole :) He is certainly the man of the moment and the man to beat! Adje (is that right ;))

Well done to Novak he played very well.
As for Nadal... he is the No1 player in the world and only got 25% of his first serve in the second set and didnt fair any better in the third. That says it all.

Novak is well deseving of the title he was not great all through out the match but when he needed to play his game he executed it perfectly.


Nadal should go pack to te practice court and work on his serve very very poor. Unbelievable.

Again congrats to Novak and his fans he is a well deserving number 2.

Rafa will be bitterly disappointed but Nole was too good for him today. Rafa was playing too defensive and seemed to lose confidence when Nole broke him in the 2nd set.

Rafa needs to go and work on his game.

Well Done Nole, you deserved the win, you were the better player today.

Bravo Novak!!! Well deserved win. He increased agression in 2nd and 3rd set and decreased number of UOs.
Net clearance 1st set : Djokovic 96 cm
Nadal 85 cm
2nd set : Djokovic 63 cm
Nadal 92 cm
Nadal hit 12 winners in 1st half of the match and then 2 more for the ramainder of the match.
Djokovic W / UO - 25-34
Nadal W / UO - 14 - 34

Nole!!!!!! <3

WOWWW

Novak called nadal " greatest of all time " sounds good :):)

:)

And commentators tend to call that poking of Federer. Cmon guys.... give him a break... For me Nadal is greatest player, whatever statistics says.... Nadal came in Federer era, and Federer had a pretty open path in his prime years...

Great win, Nole! Deserved every bit of it! He totaly outplayed Rafa...having 25% of the first serve, well, sure can not win a match...Nole was simply magnificent! He is given a homework to Rafa and Fed and the rest of the guys on tour...Rafa will have to do much more to be able to win the finals...Congrats to all happy Nole fans!!!

well done novak djokovic , u stepped up the aggression when it mattered but such a poor set from rafa who is normally the best in these deciding sets of finals :( ...so novak beats the king too now such a hot streak !

@kingnadal..he said that in the presentation ?? i could not watch it..does any one has a link to that or even in written form?

Tennis won at the end of the day.

Its quite nice to have fresh REAL competition (as in Nole finally believing he can beat Federer and Nadal.)

It will only make future contests much exciting and intense.

Now only if Murray would REALLY get into the mix this year...it would be EXPLOSIVE.

OMG.... I am so happy for Nole!!!
...and about Rafa, well he did it better than last year in IW.... he is still a tones of points ahead... so we had opportunity to watch best player in the world against best player on the Tour ( in this moment...)
Keep on flying Novak... keep on reaching the new limits...
...and as Nole said to Rafa: " For me ...You are the Greatest player ever..." I think that show enough how much respect Nole has for him...
For me the great thing is that even in victory and defeat they can stay friends and competitors.
Thank you Novak... !

Rafa's serves have deserted him. When one major part of your game is not working well, you simply can't win against a strong opponent. Rafa will have to work very hard on his serves again. It seems that when he's not playing well, his serve is the first thing to go. Can't imagine after levelling the second set after breaking back, he managed to play so poorly and lost his serve for the second time in the set and practically lost the match from that point onwards. How often we see Rafa doing that!

Congrats to Nole and his fans. His third set is truly master class, can't do anything wrong. His achievements so far this year reminds me of Fed's 2006. It's even better than Rafa's 2009 up to this point. We'll see how things go in Miami, Nole is certainly the one to beat at this moment. Well done!

Vamosrafa @

Yesss he said that in the presentation.... !!!

Novak : for me...nadal is the greatest player of all time...and its always a honour to play with him.....:):)

:):)

And Nole had an early exit in Miami...first round I think...so he will earn a lot of points if he goes the distance, which I am sure he will playing like this...well, the things get complicated for Rafa and Fed...and it seemed to me that this win was more desired by Nole...he was more focused, more agressive, confident...during the third set, there was only one player on the court...

luckystar... correct me if I am wrong but Fed had 16 consecutive victory in 2006. So it seems that we have new record in tennis here... No18!!!
Thanks to all respectful and fair Rafa's fans. It is so good that we have so positive atmosphere here on the site. I will remember your posts, when Rafa wins over Nole next time.

Yes it was the third set that we saw Nole's master class tennis. To me the second set wasn't very good from both players, with Rafa starting to serve poorly and lost his serves twice, and Nole double fault to lose his serve. Rafa was playing very well in the first set and he was aggressive and served well. It was when his serve started to fall apart in the second set that allowed Nole a chance to fight back and level the match. Rafa just can't get his momentum to continue throughout the second set. Well, maybe Rafa needs more match practice as I think his forehand and backhand had also failed him in the final set. I'm looking forward to Miami before the clay season starts and see how Rafa can rectify his serving, forehand and backhand problems in time for his clay season.

I'm also interested to see whether Nole can continue his winning momentum into Miami. In 2008, he won AO and IW but lost in the second round at Miami. Miami has suddenly become more interesting for me now. Hoping to see Rafa lifting the trophy there at Miami for the first time. Vamos Rafa!

All Rafa fans are hoping for the clay season to start and be free of this torture. As said earlier Nadal has entered his post peak days.
Hello Nadal , how does it feel like to be Roger Federer

@zare: Federer had winning streak of 41 (06-07)... And there are plenty of other streaks from Fed and Rafa, so lets talk about records when he at least get 30 wins :)

@luckystar: Novak was favored by weather in IW, for two final days it were comfortable 20 C, 30% humidity with overcast. With similar weather in Miami, there is no chance that humidity will be below 50% and probably it will be around 75% which will trouble him.... doubt that he can fight that...

I dno why he called Nadal the greatest all time. Sure, Rafa is well on his way to being there - but I do find it a bit disrespectful to Federer, regardless of how Federer has treated Nole in the past.

Samprallica

Maybe thats his opinion.
And he has his reasons for saying/believing that. Just as you have your own opinion. I don't see whats disrepectful in that.
It is Novak who is having to play Rafa...maybe from where he is playing and the heights he is having to reach to beat Rafa, Rafa is the greatest for him.

You're probably right, TopDog. I'm just saying that if anyone deserves to be called greatest, it is Federer. And I'm not a Fed-fan, heck no. Rafa is my second favourite on tour, but I feel its way too early to be calling him greatest when Federer has 16 slams, 285 weeks at no.1 and a hell of a lot more records.

I can't remember for sure, but I believe he addressed Federer few times as the best tennis player of all times during his interviews and thanks. Today he said that TO HIM Rafa is the GREATEST player of all times. In Serbian, when you say that someone is GREAT it is more like how someone is good as person. When you say THE BEST, that is mathematically, statistically the best. We dont say the GREATEST OF ALL TIMES, instead it is THE BEST OF ALL TIMES.

Everyone knows that Nole like much more Rafa than Federer. But I don't think this was said to provoke Federer at all...

Nirv, stop all your nonsense. It's early days yet, and Rafa has reached the final. What post peak are you talking about? The more you post, the more silly you become. I know you can't stand it that Fed has already past his prime and heading for a permanent decline, well in life you have to accept the truth and move on, whether it's pleasant or not. Just stopped being so bitter and you life will be better for you!

Samprallica

Honestly can't believe Novak meant it in that way...title wise (yes that would have been disrepectful). But I think atg has a better understanding or it.

I think Novak maybe is having to push himself to the limit when playing matches with Rafa therefore he believes he is the greatest competitor.

@nirv02, 3/21/11 1:26 AM
Rafa was doing better than a year ago. Last year Rafa reached the semifinals, this year - the final.
He certatinly doesn't feel like Fed, because he did not drop in rankings to 3th place like your beloved Fed did.

Yeah I think you are right on there TopDog.

I expect Rafa to win Miami tbh. He is the type you'd expect to bounce back, and should be the favourite. Nole can pull it off again, but he'd surprise me immensely if he did.

samprallica, nole is aware that Rafa is 24 and has achieved so much during his young age. i don't think anyone matches his success at their age of 24.

Luckystar and Augstina
fed is not my beloved , like how it is for you gals. Where life depends on how Nadal life is doing. Good luck with that.
I aint bitter , I love my life .. yee ha.

And what is the whole business about GOAT , the computer just picked Jimmy Connors as the best of all time. And a computer has no bias !!

Samprallica

I would also be suprised if Novak wins.
For some reason i'm not to convinced that Novaks fitness is that great.

Especially with the way he is playing at the moment. His game is very physical at the moment. He is doing a lot of running and thats why he is finding a way to beat Rafa rather than being extremely aggressive. If Novak gets a few tough opponents at the start of Miami and is spending a long time on the court I doubt he will win the tournament if he were to go ahead to play rafa or Murray. (or even Federer if he gets his confidence back.)

This I think is going to be the key issue in regards to Novak trying to gain the No1 spot. Being able to play high quality tennis over a long peroid of time. There is only so far confidence can take you. I guess only time will tell.

nirv, hard to believe that Fed is not your beloved when you spent so much time defending him. You got to have better things to do in your life than spending so much time defending a player whom you said that's not your beloved. I've all the time in the world, now that I'm retired, so I can afford to watch so many tennis matches, not only Rafa's.

atg, I speak Serbian and I totally disagree with you...Nole meant what he said...he was not being disrespectful to Fed, he was only being honest in saying that TO HIM Rafa is the greatest meaning it is the most difficult for him to beat him...

You are retired but obviously missing a lifetime of wisdom or maybe you retired early. Please go and find some posts where I have defended Fed. Just because I talk down Nadal does not automatically qualify me as Fed defender.

You see this is what we call in real life as being "Blinded" !!

I agree with Topdog, that Nole's style now look so physical. He's beefed up on his defence now, and hence he has to run so much more. In the past, he used to attack more and took more risk, playing his 'paint the line' tennis that had so much success against Rafa. It seems that he had learned from both Rafa and Murray in dealing successfully against Fed, by improving on his defence. It appeared that after so many loses against Fed at the USO, Nole had decided to adopt both Rafa and Murray's style, so that he can have success against Fed.

It's kind of ironical, in that Nole has had successes now against Fed, but seems to lose more to Rafa now on the hard courts, currently lost two won one. Rafa on the other hand, had cut down on his running and decided to go up to the net and attacked more, and we saw some successes today against Nole in the first set. It'll be interesting to see where these two, Rafa and Nole, will be heading going forward, on hard courts and also on other surfaces.

first 2 sets were great

nirv, please show some respect for others. From how you behave here, I can see you're one lacking in that department. You've in the past speak so much about how beautiful and graceful Fed's game is, please stopped you BS about not defending Fed, when mentioned that I prefer Rafa's style to Fed's 'graceful' style. I'll stop here, it's not for me to engage in such meaningless arguments with someone who clearly is out to irritate and only wants to win any argument for the sake of winning. I've better things to do in my life, besides watching tennis and also watching Rafa's tennis! Best wishes to you and hope you find some meaning in your life!

luckystar, best to ignore nirv. He admits he is a Rafa hater and it is also evident from his sudden claim that Rafa is post peak. How did he arrive at such a conclusion?

We can argue forever what he meant by saying that to him Rafa is GOAT. I am trying to find transcripts of his interviews and thank you speaks, but having no success finding any about declaring who is GOAT earlier. In one, he said about Federer that "many people are saying that it's one of the, you know, greatest of all times. " That doesn't look like acknowledgment... But I was almost 100% sure that he was saying about Federer that he is the BEST player of all times... or one of the BEST...

Regarding Serbian language, it is a fact that we say "BEST PLAYER OF ALL TIMES" not the GREATEST. But again, Nole speaks so fluent English that that dont has to mean anything... And I know that on US Open 2010 he said that he thinks that Rafa is already one of the greatest player of all times, because he won Olympics as well and he referred how many things he has done at his age.

I believe this will be one of the topic on following interviews :)

Thanks luckystar
That was my intention anyway , that you seek better things in your life.
Holdserve .. Rafa is post peak , because no champion last beyond 10 years after their first slam especially one that had tendinitis.

First to all the Nole fans,

Please accept my congratulations on Nole's win today! Well earned and deserved! There is nothing to say except that today, the better man won.

Now it's time to look ahead in anticipation of the next tournament in Miami and of course, the clay season.

I feel bad for Rafa, but he will put this loss aside and move on to better things.



isabeau,

I first wanted to say hello to you and it's nice to see you here and know that you were watching Rafa's match. I must say that I love your attitude about Rafa and his prospects for the year ahead! Yes, the clay season is coming and I hope that the red earth that Rafa loves so much will bring out his best. We saw some glimpses of it in this tournament, but not consistently enough. Hope to see you here more often!:)

Hey nirv looks like you just talk through your hat.
It is not yet 10 years since the first slam, even assuming one accepts your figure of 10 years as defining post peak without your providing any supporting data.
It is really too bad that you post bull here.
Unless you post some sensible comments, I am not going to respond to you hereafter.

vamosrafa, here is the trophy ceremony, so you can hear for yourself exactly what Nole said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ru3oHmByHA

Its a fact taht Nole likes Rafa more than Fed
Its a fact that Murray likes Rafa more than Fed
Its also a fact taht Fed likes Rafa far more than Nole and Murray. I almost think he despises Murray and Nole
I think Rafa likes everyone equally. He is this boring diplomatic guy who will never ever saya nything bad or mean about anyone
I would love to see a rematch in Miami between Nole and Rafa and it should be a grudge match and Rafa should take it..hopefully:-)

Disappointed but not surprised, given the way Rafa has been serving all tournament. I said it before, you cannot have a sub 60% first serve percentage and hope to beat top guys. You can scrape by against the Kalovic's of this world but not a top 10 player. Rafa's 1st set performance vindicates this. His serve was on song and he was bossing the points, Novak had no answer. 2nd and 3rd sets Rafa's serve desserted him and the outcome was only going to be one way. Rafa realised this and his body language in the the 3rd set said as much.

His lack of first serve affected his whole game and it showed. Congratulations to Novak, well deserved victory.

Rafa looked really disappointed.....that was what hurt, not so much him losing. It's not as if his loss was a mistery, the reason was clear. I guess the mystery is why he is serving so poorly? Is there something botheing him? Physically he looks fine. I hope he does not have "issues" at home.

Overall, I thought he had a successful tournament, as he said reaching the final of a major tournament so soon after an injury layoff is great. As the first set showed, if his serve is on song, he is unbeatable. I hope he sorts out that serve, it worries me.

Roll on Miami.....VAMOS!!!! I love you Rafa

03 21 2011, INDIAN WELLS, USA

After 2 hours and 25 minutes of play, Serbian Novak Djokovic brought down the house to beat Rafa Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 and win the BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Speaking at a press conference, Rafa said he felt he was playing his best. "The first set I think I played really good, having the control of most of the points, and I felt well. After that, at the end of the first set, I started to serve really bad; and in the second set it was the same in the beginning, even if I won some games and he had more mistakes than usual with the second serve return. I just played less aggressive and I think my serve didn't work that well, no?"

"I was thinking too much about my serve instead of concentrating in the moment. That's what made the difference today in my opinion," he explained. "At the same time however, It's too early to know what happened. I would have to watch the video to know what went wrong in my serve today, and work to improve. There are no secrets to this, I just have to make sure I work hard and learn from my mistakes".

"To me, It's always better to learn when you are winning than when you lose. That's much better of course," he said with a smile. "But for me, at the same time, this has been a very positive tournament, with a very positive result. So the only thing left to say is that I want to congratulate him. I think he has started the season better than what is possible. He's playing well. He's in the right place at the right moment. So I just want to wish him all the best for the rest of the season".

Boring diplomatic guy?!! What would you know? He is honest, open and friendly guy; great person and great sportsmen who cares for fair play...that is how he was raised...his interviews always indicate that and it is not that he is saying stuff just for the sake of it, he really means it...world is so much better place with Rafa in it! VAMOS RAFA!

I didnt say boring diplomatic in a negative way. No offense meant. I just meant he likes to maintain good relations with all and be on friendly terms with all. That is the way to be but what I meant was when you have an acrimonious rivalry , the tension on the court can be cut through a knife. He enjoys healthy rivalry with all.

ok, sanju, sorry about that...point well taken...but you must admit one thing: Rafa is anything but boring..:)

@nadline....thank you for posting Rafa's post match interview. He sounds okay, brutally honest as usual, knows where his problem is but above all recognises that the tournament overall was a success for him.

I feel much better now....I was afraid his serve collapse might scar him mentally.

@rafaisthebest, 3/21/11 11:33 AM
I suggest you to visit his homepage and Facebook.

Rafa's serving was abysmal. And yes, Nole and Muzz like Rafa. He's a truly nice person off court -- it's hard NOT to like him.

sanju,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but diplomats have to be diplomatic for some very heavy reasons and in being diplomatic rarely speak their mind.

Sometimes the word diplomatic does not apply to some people saying pleasant things, Nadal being an example.

I've been watching him like a hawk for six years now. I have found no evidence yet that he is not genuine in his feelings for other players and in his words about them... as some people have suggested. He is truly a nice person... raised that way and in his personality.

Roger Federer- swiss goat.

I wonder if Rafa will play Dubai next year because he kept saying he was happy with his level with so long outside competition. He lost momentum with the long break, partly because of his abductor injury and also just taking a break. He'll need to strike a balance between having a rest and keeping the momentum going.