Rafa played well today and I am seeing so many Rafa fans get so excited for his level. I have seen the whole match live and felt if Djokovic faced the same opponent it would have been 6-2, 6-1, probably, just because I noticed there was not much pace on Youzhny's ball, Rafa had whole time in the world on most of the balls so dont get so excited Rafa fans. I am not Rafa fan and this is what I observed but I may be wrong, I have to agree that I was wrong about him before so good luck for your wishes.

Don't be ridiculous, Nole won't beat this Youzhny 6-2, 6-1. Rafa served well and returned reasonably well. Youzhny won points through his solid game and not too dependent on his serves to win points, so Nole's ROS won't be tested and so won't get much advantage. Now Youzhny was moving very well the whole match and got to many balls so whether it's Rafa or Nole, it won't be an easy match. Rafa has a better net game than Nole so if Rafa chooses to move up the net more often, he'll beat Youzhny a lot quicker than he does today.

Don't underestimate Youzhny, his backhand DTL shot is such a beautiful and powerful shot it's not easy to counter. Youzhny had put in so much effort in this match and anyone thinks that he could be beaten 6-2,6-1 was showing little respect for his game. Unless Nole could serve unreturnable bombs all the time, I don't think he could beat Youzhny easily, certainly not 6-2, 6-1.

Luckystar, I dont dislike Youzhny and like his game, especially the beautiful backhand, so I think I have no reason to disrespect him but felt he was not the same player, looked like he was playing well but if you notice closely there was not much pace in his shots. Rafa definitely played better than the past two matches and even the commentators were excited with his level of play so if he wins the tournament it would be good for his confidence but I dont think he will.

lucky,

The voice of reason again! I agree with you completely. I don't know why some have to view a match like this through the prism of - what might have been - if it was Djoker. I don't get that at all.

Finally I saw the replay of Rafa's match for myself and Youzhny played very well. I thought Rafa had a bit of a mental lapse in the second half of the second set, but he got it together and closed out the match in straight sets.

I also agree with you about his backhand DTL shot. I don't get to see him play that much, but in this match I was very impressed seeing him use this shot so well.

Speaking for myself as a Rafa fan, I am not jumping up and down all over the place. It's still the beginning of the year and I don't expect to see Rafa come out playing at his best level yet. However, I was quite pleased with what I saw. Rafa is hitting those backhand DTL shots better than he has in a long time. I think his cc backhand is much better and could get better still. His forehands had depth and accuracy. He served much better, too.

What I saw that really encouraged me had more to do with Rafa's attitude. He seemed more comfortable, focused and not so tired as he seemed in the last months of 2011. I think he is still getting used to this new racket, but confidence is the real key for him.

Tomorrow he gets his first real test against Monfils. I like his chances.

Sorry, but I read my last post and realized that is was not clear in the third paragraph that I was talking about Youzhny and not Rafa. I didn't specify that it was Youzhny's backhand DTL that impressed me.

It was in the next paragraph that I talked about Rafa's backhand DTL.

Who cares if djokovic would've beaten youzhny 6-2 6-1.

A tennis player has to beat whoever is in front of him.
It's the top guys that matter.

The question is wether nadal or Roger can beat djokovic or if murray can beat nadal or Roger or djokovic. And we all know the top 4 will reach at least the quarters probably the semis (bare injury) in the AO.
Then it all comes down to playing against the best of the best.

Good luck Rafa - hope you play great tennis again today against Monfils and that you win in straight sets. Very happy to see the positive energy again.

Vamos ..................

Vamos Rafa

it's impossible (and downright stupid) to guess how bad Djoker would have beaten Youzhny

but I'm going to do it anyway: NOT 6-1, 6-2!!!!!

I agree with you Ricky... Nole is keeping that result just for Fed :)

Looks like Monfils is whacking Rafa today..5-2 up 1st set

5:2 for Gael... few terrible mistakes from Rafa... What is wrong??

anybody watching can update? Where is Rafa faltering or is Monfils on a song and hit a purple patch?

6-3 GM 1st set.

Monfils is on song and playing superbly. When like this, he is as powerful as Rafa and just as athletic. Thrilling. However, consistency is the name of the game, so we'll see if he can maintain this form.
Really good match so far, a treat :)

looks like we were celebrating too fasta bout Rafas level of play yesterday (:- or Monfils the blow hot blow cold is today on a purple patch blow hot zone

Yes knew it, Monfils can't keep that aggressive level up and Rafa pounces, 2-0 to him now.

3:0... Rafa is awaken... vamos!!!!

stay steady Rafa...Vamos!

Monfils' level has really dropped. Rafa at 4-1.
Can't see Gael winning this match somehow.

Spoke too soon, Monfils wakes up, hits some scintillating backhands and we're back on serve!

Rafa down 4-5 after being up 4-1 in 2nd..Is this a joke?

Well we indeed celebrated too soon.

Wow! Rafa better wake up now. Monfils serving for the match!!!!

deuce..u watching the match..whats wrong/ how did Rafa lose 4 straight games? I mean its a shocker

...after 2 MP.... deuce!!

...what a point!!! ... from both of them....ADV for Gael

...and we have VIVE LA FRANCE finale....

Congrats Gael!!

Worried for Rafa..4-1 up in 2nd and lost the second..shocker

zare..what was the issue? Its a shocker

what lucky said in morning was true, 3 years back he lost to Monfils in same tourney when he was playing well..

everyone who said that ricky's pick of monfils over nadal was absurd should hang their heads in shame :P

Rafa had no business losing the second like that....not good.

Impressive, Ricky.

vrael..whats the issue? did he play that bad or was Gael in an alltogether different zone?

Thrilling aggressive, patient tennis from Monfils was the issue sanju! Well played Gael. I only wish he'd play like that all the time.
Congrats Ricky, you're pick was good.

but was Rafa that abysmal? what didnt work today? standing way behind baseline again?

Nadal needs to re-evaluate his strategy. Taking nothing away from Monfils who played out of his skin, Nadal should've taken that second set. So back to the drawing board Rafa. AO right around the corner. Big trouble awaits...Hope he can get himself sorted.

Rafa wasn't abysmal, he was outplayed, end of. Monfils is a huge talent, triple junior slam champ etc, problem is we rarely see more than a set of this talent. His first serve was magnificent today, which helped, he was coming to the net but biding his time too and hitting massive winners from way behind the baseline. His athleticism was fabulous as well, some of their rallies were out of this world.

so would this monfils havedefeated anyone at other side of net amongst the top 4? or not easy to say?

TOLD YOU

ricky, no need to be so "in your face".

sanju: Fed and Murray yes, not sure Nole.
Yes, Ricky...and you have been congratulated!

sanju, Rafa was clearly being outplayed by Monfils here. First set was all Monfils, second set Rafa had himself to blame for losing it when he was leading. He should have being more aggressive when he had a chance for a second break. To me, Rafa's problem on the hard courts is always his court position behind the baseline. As Barry Cowen mentioned, Rafa knows how to position himself on the clay court, and he stands close to the baseline on grass, but on the hard courts he seems lost.

It seems to me that if he knows that his opponent has a big serve, he tends to stand further back to return serves and he ends up returning short on many occasions. He obviously respect the fact that Monfils has a big serve and big forehand and he ended up being pushed further back from the baseline. His serve not very effective today, having to serve many second serves , all because he fears Monfils' big forehand. There's nothing in Rafa's game today that can hurt Monfils, and Monfils was dictating play most of the time, except for the first few games in the second set. IMO, Rafa played too tentatively today, too much respect for Monfils speed, serve and forehand. I think he should step inside the court more, create those sharp angles that are not too easy for Monfils to run down to return. To me it's a tactical failure on Rafa's part. A more aggressive approach to the match may serve him well today instead of letting Monfils dictate for most part of it.

Now I feel that Rafa's game is not tailor made for the hard courts, unlike Fed's, so he has to work very hard to be at the top of his game in order to win on hard courts as he faces more dangers on the hard courts. Rafa also can't sustain his intensity throughout a whole match these days, there're always some mid match let downs in intensity, like in both the Youzhny and this Monfils match.

I'm a bit sad to see Rafa lose like this when he has the chance of levelling the match. He seems to fear (or showing too much respect for) big servers, big hitters and quick movers these days. His slice is terrible this match and i feel that he uses it wrongly in that game where he has chances to break Monfil's serve a second time in the second set. I hope he can up his game considerably come the AO.

Haven't seen the match. But being up 4-1 and wasting the lead is certainly not nadal pre 2011 and definitely nadal 2011.

thanks lucky

Doesnt feel good to real all that..I mean Monfils is talented but I mean theres no reason Rafa needs to show him so much respect.

Rafa : Please win atleast 13 slams before you retire, thats all I ask

Didnt Monfils take Nole to 3 last year and run him tight too on HC/ I somehow rem one of their matches was tight and close..

Good one, Ricky!

I am disappointed that Rafa did not play like he did yesterday but have faith that he WILL eventually get his sparkle back. It sounds like Monfils played a great match and deserved to win so congrats to him.

sanju, I don't know about that Nole/Monfils match. Monfils clearly has the game to trouble anyone when he's on fire, he did beat Rafa( both time at Doha), Murray and Fed at Paris Masters 2010. I think he hadn't beaten Nole yet. It's not losing to Monfils that I'm sad about this match, but how Rafa lost after he was 3-0 up in the second set. He was close to breaking Monfils for a second time in the second set in the fourth game when he was 3-0 and 40-40 when he made that stupid slice backhand that went wide. He really had some poor shot selection today. It's OK when you're up a set and a break that you experiment with some of your not so good shots but not when you're one set down and fighting to stay in the match.

For Rafa to win 13 slams, I think we can only count on him to win on clay and grass. To me even if all parts of his game are working well, his failure on the hard courts is always due to his poor court position and taking the ball late. It's just not a natural part of his game to take the ball early or take a more aggressive position on the hard courts. His opponents simply are given more time on the hard courts to react to his shots, which may explain why players like Nole and Davy who take the ball early could always beat him on the hard courts; and Fed too on the indoor hard courts.

Rafa stands way behind baseline because he has made a permanent habit to hit most of the returns lofted and if he would stand close to baseline most of his will be long !!

I may be wrong but almost every 2nd return shot he hits these days looks like lofted

in short you can say his clay and hard court game has mixed up.

First I MUST congratulate Ricky for his prediction! Well done! However, I still think Rafa could have won the match if Rafa of yesterday showed up...I also must admit that I should be more realistic and less sentimental in the future...should listen to what my mind tells me, not my heart ,when Rafa is concerned...

When I learned Fed was not playing and was going to leave the tourney I simply knew Rafa would lose the match...don't ask me why but I just knew it...Rafa again did not have that little something in him today...he was slow, he was not focused and made numerous UEs just like he did the whole 2011 season...and most importantly he was not aggressive AT ALL...Monfils is talented and amusing athletic player (although sometimes he really gets on my nerves with the way he jumps to hit the ball) but still he is no match for Rafa and he will never be...too bad that this Rafa does not realize that...he is so low in confidence these days and so afraid of anyone with big forehand and powerful serve that he becomes defensive and moves back allowing such opponent to dictate the play...Today we were again witnessing Rafa of 2011..I will just go on and say that I hope he did not want to push it too hard today and that's all...I hope to see different Rafa at the AO...what else to say but just that with Rafa of 2011 we his fans have learned to accept defeats and to live with it...I still hope our old Rafa will come back...

Vamos Rafa!!!

First, anyone who would tell people to hang their heads in shame because they thought that Ricky's pick was absurd, is the one who should hang their head in shame!

It's amazing how some have to come out and try to make things worse with these kinds of comments. Is it always about being right? To some I guess it is.

Monfils played some great tennis today and seemed to have all the answers for whatever Rafa threw at him. He served very well and always seemed to be able to blast an ace when he got into trouble. I haven't seen Monfils play this well against Rafa in some time. He seems to be in great form right now and deserved the win. It's interesting that he beat Rafa at this same tournament in the past.

I am with lucky in being disappointed at how Rafa lost the second set being up 3-0 and 4-1. He had his chances to get a second break in that second set, but didn't get it done. I also felt that Rafa was trying to experiment with some shots, but it was the wrong time to do it. If he was up a set and a break in the second set, then you can try a few things.

I don't know when Rafa is going to move up closer to the baseline to be able to return more effectively. I guess the issue is that a heavier racket may be good, but you need the aggressive mindset to go with it. I am not going to say that Rafa won't be able to win on hard courts. I am hoping that he can figure it out, because he has been very successful on hard courts in the past.

I've been watching Rafa's matches for a long time now so much so that from his body language, I can tell whether he's feeling OK or not. He looked uncomfortable playing against Monfils, something like he did at Doha 2009. Judging from how well Monfils played against Troicki the previous day, I've a feeling that this would be a tough one for Rafa, hence my comments on the other thread about their match in Doha 2009.

Rafa always started his seasons losing in the first tournament that he played but did reasonably well at the AO, at least reaching the QFs since 2007. Of course I'm hoping that he wins this AO which will be a pleasant surprise for me. After seeing how he played at Doha, I don't expect much from him and a semifinal will be a big achievement IMO.

It seems that Murray at Brisbane is getting better with his play, Nole is fit and playing at a high level during Abu Dhabi. Tsonga and Monfils are playing well to reach the final here; Berdych seems playing well at the Hopman Cup. Ferrer and Delpo unknown yet, starting their tournaments next week. Fedal seem to have the most problems this start of the season, hopefully they still can be featured strongly in the slams and the masters.

I was caught off guard because I had not seen Monfils play yet. If I had seen him, then I would have realized that he was in very good form.Ricky's pick would not have been so surprising to me. However, Rafa has been able to beat him many times in the past. I think Rafa playing with his old confidence and mental toughness would have beaten him, even as well as he played today. I give Monfils credit for not losing his concentration, as he has done so often in the past. He stayed in there and didn't let Rafa take the match away from him.

I don't know how you get back confidence and that ferocious will to win that gave Rafa such a huge advantage. It was the great intangible that enabled him to win even when it would appear that he shouldn't. That is the Rafa that I do not see now.

I really haven't had a chance to see much of the top players. I haven't seen any of Murray's matches or Nole's. I only saw Fed against Seppi. I think this year could shape up to be one of the most competitive we have seen in a long time.

I am setting my expectations appropriately for the AO. As lucky said, a semifinal finish would be a good result. That doesn't mean that I won't hope for more, but after seeing him in this tournament I want to be realistic.

So Rafa lost to an on-fire Monf, so what? For those who fear Rafa, he is done for...for those who like and admire Rafa, zzzzzzz.................roll on Oz2012!!!

ritb,

I love your optimism! So you were not surprised at the outcome? Rafa's match with Youzhny was the first I have seen of him in the new year. I didn't know how well Monfils was playing.

I gather that you are optimistic for the AO. It's nice to see you so positive. It makes me feel better.

Nice Hopman Cup match going on now between Berdych and Gasquet. Both are playing well and it's 5-5 now first set. It seem to me that everyone of the top guys are playing well now, including Rafa. Yet to watch a match at the Chennai Open where the no.9 and no.10 players are playing. Also waiting to see Ferrer and Delpo in action.

One thing I'm sure, this AO will be one competitive slam and I think none of the players will have it easy, Nole included. I'm sure Rafa is pissed with himself that he let his opportunity to level the match past by. He'll sure not want to repeat that mistake again. Rafa was playing better in that Doha 2009 match against Monfils when Rafa was reaching his top form on hard courts just before he won at the AO. He was playing so well at the AO that he beat his opponents in straight sets until he met Verdasco at the SF. He's not playing as well now in Doha and yet he had a chance to level the match when Monfils was playing well. We've to take the positive out of this match, at least most part of his game are functioning well except for that backhand slice. What he needs to do is to play like he did at IW and Miami, step inside the court more often and play closer to the baseline always; also play aggressively right from the beginning of his matches and sends out the right message to his opponents, ie I'm here to win, you have to give chase, not me!

What worries me is that this becomes almost a custom now that medium to top level players (excluding top 4 since they are anyway expected to play the best tennis against Rafa) tend to play the best matches against Rafa...it makes me wonder if that is more of the Rafa's problem to allow them to play their best tennis...it clearly shows nobody is afraid of Rafa any more...they feel his lack of confidence and they manage to make him even more defensive...they feel his fear...if Rafa does not stand up and fight this will happen all the time and even those out of top 100 will have a chance against him...I noticed in the match with Youzhny that Rafa was decisive and aggressive at certain break points he faced and managed to deal with danger in key moments...with Monfils he was nothing like that...he played those short shots that I am sick off...I wish he would fight and risk more often even if that involved making more UEs...I would rather have Rafa fight hard and lose the match than have safe Rafa meditate on the court hitting just to get the ball in...that is not the game I am used to see from him...if he continues like this he has no way of keeping the No2 spot and Ricky's prediction even in this early stage will prove more than accurate and rather optimistic I dare say...

Nativenewyorker
, 1/7/12 10:49 AM

Seriously, nny, Rafa played well, it's just that Monfils played even better. What I liked about Rafa's play was that he was putting into practice what he said he is gonna do i.e. play aggressive. He rarely dropped the ball short and he was thinking out there, varying his shots. It's just that, on the day, he came up against an inspired Monfils. And this should not be a surprise at all, Monfils has the tools to hurt his opponents. What has been a surprise is how often he has fallen short.

So, I am VERY optimistic about Oz 2012 for Rafa. I liked what I saw in Doha. Don't worry about Rafa. In fact, I was hoping he would lose, he wants to peak at Oz 2012, not some 250 tourney........

Vamos!!!!!!!!!!

Well said ritb ............vamos our Rafa.

Strange thing is according to Rafa, he was playing too aggressively in the first set and Monfils was too fast and that's why he lost. He said that he slowed down in the second set and believed that's the right approach and he was 3-0 and then 4-1 up.

I'm watching the recording of the match now to see whether he was really that 'aggressive', which I don't believe he was. Maybe he meant aggressive baseline tennis but I felt he should play aggressive all court tennis, like I said step into the court and create those angled shots. Monfils was simply too quick around the court so I think mixing it up with some net game may be a better approach. Well he did try to be aggressive in his first service game and the two were running all over the place and Monfils ended up winning one point after a 27 shots rally. Rafa did approach the net but not very good on his volleying in this match. I do agree his serve and ROS in this match were not as good as in his previous matches probably because of Monfils good forehand and good serves. Also he's not hitting his DTL forehand that often so that's may be an indication of his lacking in confidence when facing Monfils.

I also was more than surprised to learn that Rafa saw his first set game "too aggressive"...I disagree in my honest opinion...I also disagree that Rafa did not play short...he played way too short and that is why he was exposed to Monfils hitting winners all over the place...also, Rafa was too slow and his shots were predictable which made an easy target for Monfils who saw his chance in running and waiting to attack the short balls of Rafa...I am sorry Rafa thinks this way and I am sorry Rafa seems pleased with his game saying that Monfils simply was better...that is not how champion spirit works, that is how average tennis players excuse their loses...he should look for the wrongs in his game rather than just say Monfils outplayed me...he said the same thing about Mayer...lol...

Well maybe deep down in his heart he knew he was outplayed and was already thinking of ways to counter this Monfils while answering all the questions? I believe Rafa is fair and realistic in his assessment of his own game. He did hit some deep penetrating shots though some others were still short, so he might be speaking of it relatively. He did play aggressively but more from the baseline, trying to create some angled shots from there but some of them were too short landing well inside the sidelines and Monfils was quick enough to reach them. Yep, his forehand was predictable as he hit mostly CC to Monfils backhand.

Monfils was playing like Nole in that first set, with his serves, his forehand and backhand on fire. (it'll be interesting to see this Monfils vs Nole with both playing the same way and getting to so many balls). I would say not many players can play like Nole or a Monfils who's on fire. To me Rafa's losses to Dodig and Mayer were when he was not playing his best game. A Murray, Delpo, Tsonga, Berdych or Monfils who's on fire can beat anyone, the top three included. The game plan to beat Rafa was discussed till death already, since those days when he had troubles with the likes of Blake, Gonzo, Youzhny, Berdych and Nalby, more so after he got beaten by Sod, Delpo and then Davy. It's nothing new but it's the execution of which that's difficult and only Nole of 2011 could do it again and again, to the Rafa of 2011, none other player could repeat it again and again. Whether the players fear him or not, they still have to play incredible tennis to beat him, just like they have to play incredible tennis to beat Fed during his 2008 when he became more vulnerable.

I had to go out soon after the match yesterday so I've had time to take the loss in and calm down. Monfils was just better yesterday, Rafa played well but could have done better by cutting out errors on his FH, but you can't win them all.

I hope Rafa gives his fans somehing to smile about soon.

Well, our Rafa boy was smart to lose yesterday......................otherwise he would be in the locker-room pacing up and down waiting for the court to dry up.................and it's never gonna dry up because of fog! Stupid to risk twisting an ankle just before a Slam for 250 points. Let Tsonga or Monf take it........

Told you Rafa was smart.........................

luckystar..natashao..you are being way too hard on Rafa..reading your comments it almost seems that Rafa is done and dusted..

I know its very difficult to see him not winning the way he used to, being a bit tentative, not confident that he can do it, losng wen ahead..but I think we should keep the faith

Remember he was in a worse state in 2009-early 2010 and he did come back strong..hopefully we will have sumthing to smile about

natashao..looks like you are sure your dream wont be realized :-)

If anyone was in any doubt about who is the most talked about player on the circuit then just read the following from Steve Tignor's latest blog:

"As the new year begins, there are two very different ways of looking at Rafael Nadal. On the one hand, there's isn't much to say about him and his future that hasn?t been asked and answered before; on the other hand, he remains the game?s most popular object of speculation. For the better part of 2011, the tennis world wanted to know: What was wrong with Rafa? How did Novak Djokovic solve the man we thought was going to be the sport's next king? Was Nadal declining, slowing down, losing his serve, losing his motivation, losing his hair, ready to snap, ready to pull a Borg and walk away forever? What could he do to turn it around?"

Pound for pound, Rafa is THE most influential player right now..................everyone wants to know what Rafa's next move will be.................

Vamos Champ!!!!!

yes read the Tignor article , good one

Folks what are your predictions for the 4 slams this year and Olympic gold? Would like to hear what everyone feels..Please Please Please..Would like to hear from Ricky and Cheryl too :-)

I don't get all the hullaballoo from certain Nadal fans. Rafa said from the get go that he didn't feel prepared for this swing because 1.) He didn't get to practice much because of his shoulder 2.) The change of weight on the racket will take some getting use to and 3.) He will be trying out new tactics on court. In other words, he told all of us that he's pretty much in a state of flux right now, and that he hopes to
be ready for IW. I don't like it when Rafa loses to anybody, particularly a french player, but as someone else said earlier, I don't think this came as a big surprise to him. Did he like it? Hell no, his head to head with Monfils was 8-1 and I'm pretty sure he wanted to make it 9-1. But still, I don't think it was a big surprise.

sanju
, 1/7/12 5:18 PM

I will not stop dreaming as long as Rafa plays tennis...I believe in him and I hope to have our old Rafa back soon...I just don't like him losing his spirit and being too respective of the players he face...I think he adds an extra power to them with the way he experiences them lately...I want our old confident Rafa back, Rafa who trusts that he can win the match not the one who prior to the match accepts that he may lose the one...

The loss was not a surprise but the way he lost it was. How often you see Rafa having a 4-1 lead and then goes on to lose the set and in this case the match? I can only remember one match with a similar scenario, that Miami 2009 QF match against Delpo. Well maybe that Madrid 2008 SF match vs Simon too (I'm not sure about this).

Tactics aside, Rafa's problem on the hard courts seems to be his court positioning. All
aspects of his game are functioning well except maybe his slice backhand. I noticed he tried to flatten his shots with some successes this tournament and his shots were more penetrating. However once he tried to slow down the pace (according to him) in the second set, he started to loop his forehand and as a result thrown in some attackable short balls. It seems that Rafa can't handle the sudden change of pace by his opponents. I'm not trying to be critical about his game, which I find has much improvement and he in fact played very well this tournament. However what's worrying was his mindset, he seems to be lacking in confidence when facing dangerous opponent.

Watching the Doha final, I can see how well both Tsonga and Monfils strike the ball, with depth and pace, I wonder whether Rafa can hit that way consistently and not looping his shots so often. Berdych was also hitting the ball well at the Hopman Cup. I hope Rafa is all prepared, especially mentally and tactically, to deal with these players; he may bump into one of them at the QF stage at the AO.

@rafaisthebest , 1/7/12 5:26 PM

That is so true. Everytime Rafa loses, the world stops and wants to know why. The man on the moon, the sun and the stars hold a summit to figure it out. Rafa took 2 months off with injury and it was as if the light had gone out in the tennis world, nothing was the same until he came back. The excitement when he came back from commentators and tennis fans alike was palpable, Federer actually said he though the hype over Rafa should be toned down a bit.

I pointed out that when Nole, the hottest player right now, was beaten at the end of last year, can't even remember who beat him, Oh yea it was Tipsa, it was as if nothing happened, no one cared had that been Rafa under the same circumstances, the internet would have been rife with debates and disections as to why it happened.

Even here on TT, Rafa commands the most interest by his fans and foes alike.

Vamos Rafa

^^^^ând you know what...........................Rafa will be back in the winners' circle this year, mark my words! When Rafa retires we will be speaking about him the way we do about Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Michael Schumacher, Valentino Rossi, Pele..........................

Vamos

Some of u guys r being way too hard on Rafa. I think you've caught "Murrayfanitis"! We all know Monfils can play lights out and take out most anybody. Trouble is if he does it on Monday he can't seem to do it on Tuesday. He definitely didn't play as well against Tsonga. Perhaps for him it's something to do with playing your good friend? Who knows? But inconsistency your name is Monfils!

something tells me that Fed and Rafa will be put in same half this time and Djoko and Murray in same half

Djoko-Murray semi will be a slugfest..major slugfest..Murray wont choke in the semi..if that happens taht will be match of the tourney..

Fed/Rafa semi may be classic too with both a bit of a question mark..

Yes but Fed and Rafa both reaching semi is dodgy if either run into a red hot Tsonga, Monfils, Berdych, Delpo, Ferrer in between (:-

deuce, I agree. When I saw Monfils playing Becker I thought Rafa would walk it against him in the SF. Adrenalin is a wonderful thing, Monfils was so inspired that I think even Rafa was surprised. Players definitely save their best for Rafa because they know there would only be one result otherwise. When Rafa played Monfils at the USO in 2009, the match took a similar pattern but Rafa was able to overcome him in the end, of course, that was a best of 5.

If I have to make a criticism of Rafa it's that he does need to hold on to his serve, he really drops his serve far too often.


Vamos Dear Rafa

It's blind fanatics who expect Rafa to win every match he plays. He is human, and this attitude is terribly direspectful to other players who play Rafa. Like I said (and he said as much himself), played well but Monfils was better. That's life on the circuit, sometimes you play well and you lose, sometimes you play like crap and you win. How many times in 2011 were we all agreed, including Rafa himself, that he played badly sometimes but won? FO2011 Anyone? No complaints then from the perfectionists.............He is getting older so why would his body not conform to that?

I would rather listen to what Rafa himself (a 10-time GS winner) says about his play than some over-indulged fans with zero sporting achievements (compared to him) to their names say about it.

Personally, I am glad he lost to La Monf............if he had won and gone on to lift the trophy that would have been proof positive that "he was back" to some! Nonsense. This way, there is zero expectation (in their eyes) of him doing well at Oz2012, let alone winning.

I for one am backing him all the way...................

VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know which rafa fanatics you are referring to. I for one expect Rafa to lose some matches and hence my concern when he had to face Monfils, knowing a Monfils in full force can take out Rafa. My concern about Rafa is his mindset when facing players who can hit big and serve big. Like what nadline mentioned, Rafa seems to drop serves easily these days. Prior to 2011, he was so good at holding serves and many times by clutch serving, that he even jokingly called himself 'break point saved' expert. Now he seems not too confident about his own serve and in crunch time can't seem to serve himself out of trouble.

There's nothing wrong with his game, in fact he's playing almost like he did during the DC matches, and he has almost found that lethal CC backhand again AND, I'm so happy to see him hitting that backhand DTL shot so well too. He just has to improve that backhand slice now and get every part of his game working well together, plus a confident approach to his matches, regardless of whoever his opponent is.

sanju, I'm hoping for a Fedal half of the draw. I'm really sick of seeing a Rafa/Murray semifinal again, assuming they reach the last four. I also hope that whichever top four guy who gets Monfils as a fourth round opponent won't have to face Tsonga or Berdych in the QF.

The only thing I really care about is that Rafa is happy playing tennis - you win some and you lose some that is the reality in sport. I loved his body language and obvious enjoyment when he was playing against Youzhny - however, I did not see that against Monfils so much.

Whatever happens is in Rafa's hands alone but I will never lose faith in him.

Vamos our unique and very special Rafa .............

Tsonga, Berdy, Delpo, Tipsa, Ferrer, Monfils can play spolisports..

Hope Rafa gets Almargo /Mardy /Roddick/ Simon as 4th & qtr :)

schatz, I agree with you...I was myself so pleased to see aggressive and confident Rafa as he was in the match against Youzhny...I was certain he would be able to act the same in the match against Monfils but then I heard his on court interview in which he said he was happy to play "this one more match" and I thought Rafa is again less confident in victory...he himself did not show any of the enjoyment in his match with Monfils and that is what just makes me worried...

I was so excited to see Rafa play better than the whole last season and that is what I have written here...I don't see why would we restrain from offering our opinion even when our ?sporting achievements are ZERO? although there is no way that any of you would know that...does that mean that Ricky and Cheryl should not offer their opinion on anybody's game just because they may have zero sporting achievements in comparison to those of Rafa, Fed or their likes...I think we are all here allowed to offer our opinion, our thoughts and our concerns as much as we are allowed to celebrate the wins and criticize the losses of our favorites...I am disappointed that my or anybody's concerns about Rafa's attitude and our wish to see him more confident and more trustful in his own game can be understood as being "blind fanatics"...

and I would never say that I was pleased Rafa lost to Monfils...I am so sad he lost it and the way he lost it because I saw all his matches in Doha and I saw all the positives in his improved game...his potential and the way he played were more than enough to beat Monfils...that is just unfortunate that Rafa again did not trust his own game...

I've stopped reading the post mortem on Rafa's losses as I find it depressing enough when he loses without reading about all the skills he is lacking, etc. etc. etc. I believe that only the players really know why they lose a match, no amount of speculation or analysis will tell us what they really know in their heart of hearts. I'm sure they don't share their innermost thoughts with us, not even with their besotted fans, maybe only with their coach, because everyone is listening.

I have faith in Rafa and I have learnt to come to terms with the fact that there will always be peaks and troughs and as RITB says sometimes he wins when he has no right to do so because the other player was better on that day, but there are times when he loses when he clearly shouldn't, as against Dodig last year. That's life.

I have caught up on all the comments here. First I wanted to say that everyone is free to say what they wish. I may not agree with some, but I respect their right to have their own opinion.

However, I have decided to forego any further analysis of Rafa's loss to Monfils. Of course, I wanted to get a feel for where Rafa is at now, since this was the first time I saw a complete match this year. I saw some very good things and some not so good things. I will say that Rafa was making a concerted effort to flatten out his shots, so much so that the commentators mentioned it several times. He did hit that backhand DTL much better than I have seen in a long time. His cc backhand was solid, but not at its best. He had great depth and penetration with his forehand shots. I liked seeing him move into the court to close out points with great net play. There was a lot to like seeing him this early in the season. His goal was not necessarily to win this 250 tournament, but to get some match practice and work on some aspects of his game in preparation for the AO.

Rafa knows what he has to work on and where his game is right now. We should also keep in mind that one match does not a season make. This is the beginning of a new year. Rafa wants to be ready for the AO. At least he is healthy and not suffering with that terrible virus he had at Doha last year. That's a good thing!

What really bothers me is some of the comments to the effect that Rafa fans were out of their minds or whatever, because they believe that Rafa's dominating h2h against Monfils made him a strong bet to win. However, he did come up against an inspired Monfils who gave it his best effort to get the win. This one loss will not define Rafa's year. That is what I try to keep in mind.

I am not making any predictions for the AO at this time. I haven't seen Murray or Nole and only one match from Fed. I will check out the replays of the matches on the tennis channel to try to get a sense of where some of the players are now.

Also, we should keep in mind that how one does in the warmup tournaments before a slam, is not necessarily an indication of how they will do once they get there. We know that Rafa is a fierce competitor in slams and usually plays himself into form. Once he gets to the second week, you can never rule him out.

I do agree with ritb and nadline at this time. So no more analysis and overthinking from me. I am just looking forward to the first slam of the new year.

of course, we are different people from different parts of the world and our opinions differ...that is what makes life interesting...we can always agree to disagree in a civilized world...and I will always say what I think and will always enjoy reading what other people think even if I do not necessarily agree with them...I have high respect for everybody here and will always appreciate the "word of wisdom" no matter who the source is...I came and stayed on this site mainly because I realized that there are varieties of people here, different fans and different views and I find most of their comments clever and worth reading...that is what tennistalk makes unique and fun to be at...I honestly learn from the analysis people make here and I think everyone should be encouraged to present her/his view here...tennis is such a rich topic for discussion and it should stay that way...

natashao,

Very nice post!

I agree with all you wrote it in. Besides a few people with emotional needs that cause them to post stuff that was better never posted it is true that it is great reading everyone here.

chlorostoma,

Nice to see you back! Please keep posting. You have been greatly missed!

natashao,

I loved your last post! Well said! I feel much the same way that both you and chlorostoma do. It's the few who post for the wrong reasons that have made this site unpleasant at times, but thank goodness they are not here anymore.

I also learn so much from reading everyone's comments. A lot of great tennis knowledge and food for thought! :)

Thank you native,

Wouldn't it be nice if the emotionally needy people stayed away throughout AO? It's nice wishful thinking sometimes :-).

chlorostoma,

Let's put out some positive vibes and maybe it will become reality! :)

Just keep on posting and stay right here!

Someone on another blog mentioned that Rafa is on course to have reached 4 Slam Finals in a row....................wow! The only other guy to have achieved that feat is Fed.

To me this is astounding considering, in my opinion, he was far from being at his best in terms of play.

Roll on 2012!!!!

Rafa reaching four slam finals isn't impossible. He had already reached three slam finals in a year for two consecutive years, in 2010-2011; if Rafa stays fit and healthy throughout the season, reaching four slam finals is something achieveable, IMO.

What we didn't know after the USO was that Rafa was experimenting with his twicked racquet. That might explain some of his losses. That's why I say we can never know what's happening behind the scenes.

"The only other guy to have achieved that feat is Fed."

Agassi also reached 4 slam finals in a row.

^^^^^^^thanks for the info......

thank you, native

nadline, so Rafa had switched to a heavier racquet as far ago as (right) after the US Open?

^^^I won't swear to it, but I believe so.

nad, I think you are right about the fact that Rafa has been experimenting with the new heavier racquet after the USO...however, they apparently added too much weight on it and it turned out to be too heavy so they went back to the old one until December after the DC...then Rafa got injured in that DC match, his knees first, followed with his shoulder injury which made it impossible for him to practice enough and get used to the new racquet...

I don' t know if you all were able to see this interview, I got it from Rafaholics...It is rather hard to understand since it is one of those Google translations and it reads funny at times but it has some interesting stuff in it (like the info on Rafa considering skipping Madrid this year!) and I find it worth reading...

Rafa Nadal: "I've never been brave"
via google translate
Neus Yerro | 09.01.2012 | 4:05 pm

Feelings and renewed hopes. The year has just begun and promises Rafa Nadal puts all eggs in one basket.

He started the final in Doha. Was discontinued. Resumed and was proclaimed the new champion of the Qatar Exxon Mobil Open. And beside it, on the track number one Rafa Nadal made an intensive training with Francis Roig. Over two hours polishing strokes, looking for that plus you want to face the coming months to adapt to new conditions of your racket. To all this continued for another 45 minutes in the gym. Back at the hotel, Nadal spoke with SPORT.es

He had his doubts about playing in Doha but in the end, the decision has been very successful ¿
Yes, especially since my shoulder has responded well. You never know but overall very happy.

¿Good feel for what lies ahead?
I know I'm doing well, with a much more positive attitude I had in the second half of last season, especially down the stretch. I get up every day with the hope of going to train. I think I'm on the right track. In Australia What (we think). Maybe it comes soon. I am able to do a good tournament but you never know Am I happy with the level of my game, how I'm doing and I think I'm sowing to reap the rewards. Although maybe not in Australia.

The good news is that the season has not done more than Started How
Exactly. But for me, the most important part of the season is from Indian Wells to Wimbledon.

Leave the Olympics ¿
Well, let's think only up to Wimbledon. After that we will tackle the Games. It is at this time where I have to be really good, where I have to win the handful of points that are important for the season: Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid (Madrid We will see) ... Rome, Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

What do you most remember in 2011 it cost?
Sensations. Of more tired than usual. Mental and perhaps, at times, also a physicist, but especially mentally. At times I felt the season I did something heavy. Many years of routine, maximum intensity every week. Fortunately, this has changed and today sensations are very different and I'm looking forward. When a season starts, everything is different. At least try to do everything in your power.

Do you mind having to talk nearly every day of Djokovic?
Nooo Do you imagine that Federer did the same with me some years ago. The stories are repeated over time, is nothing new. It's just a matter of accepting the situation, to enjoy what I have, which is much, and keep working to try to have more. That's it. Djokovic, today, deserves all the praise because he has done is admirable and very difficult. I always try to answer with the highest education because I think that's what I play.

Each time he returns after a break, you have doubts. Will you be your way or is there more?
Well, I'm not a very determined person virtually nothing. I find it hard to make decisions. I'm not a particularly brave person and input and not particularly confident in myself. I have doubts at all but I think those same questions I have gained much.

Do not say anything negative, that have helped?
Yes, respect everyone, to be afraid that things will not go well and that makes me always give one hundred percent. It has its downside but also positive. The doubts are part of life in general. If one does not, in my opinion, can only be for two things: either it is a luminaries or arrogant. Nothing is so clear in this life, if any, very little. In my view, of course.

So changes in the racket are more than thinking, '
Yes We propose and conclude Wimbledon but being injured, because I played infiltrated from the octa-final match with Del Potro, prefer to wait for time. After the U.S. Open also tried. Then we put too much weight to the racket, he could not gain control of the ball so it was too risky and went back to stop. It was the end of the season, thinking we'd have a month to work, it was a good time. It could not and so I say I need time. Three grams in the upper frame of the racket and noticeable. But we conclude that they can help me with my service, not being the same as the final stretch of 2010, and my attacking play, connecting more hit winners, and especially with the backhand.

sorry, nad, I just saw you posted the link of the abovementioned Rafa's interview on the other thread...well, that is the price I have to pay for being busy and not being able to visit tennistalk often enough...:)

The funny thing is that when nadline posted that link and I clicked on it and read it, I thought that there was something wrong because the language was all messed up and hard to understand. Now I realize that this is that crazy google translation that often doesn't make sense.

In spite of the bad translation, there are some interesting bits of information about what Rafa has been doing. He does seem to be thinking ahead and trying to be at maximum form and playing well with the new, heavier racket at the start of the clay season. That makes sense. Rafa doesn't have a lot of pressure now. He is defending quarterfinal points at the AO and then nothing until IW and Miami where he made the finals. So hopefully he can work his way into great form and the new racket will pay dividends as the season progresses.

I was glad to see in the interview that he thinks he's been too predictable lately. I've noticed that whilst he was building up the point, recently, his opponent surprises him by playing a winner. He needs to watch that.

^^^Sorry, mixed tenses there, but you know what I mean.

nad,

I have noticed exactly what you are talking about. The way I see it, it seems as though Rafa is content all too often to just put the ball in play. Then it is his opponent who finally ups the ante and goes for a winner. Rafa used to construct the points meticulously and then know instinctively when to blast a forehand winner or backhand winner. I don't see him doing that as much now.

You are saying that his opponents are now anticipating him more and can beat him to the punch. If this is not correct and I have misinterpreted what you are saying, then please feel free to clarify. I do agree that Rafa has become too predictable. I am also glad that Rafa is aware of it. That is important. Sometimes you don't realize that you are following this pattern that has become recognizable to your opponents.

Awareness is at least a start. Also, it would help Rafa to shorten the rallies for the sake of his body. I am also hoping that Rafa can strengthen his serve and make it more reliable and allow himself to get some easy points when he is in trouble. That would take a lot of pressure off him.

I am so looking forward to Oz 2012! This is about the first Slam where Rafa is so written off by the tennis cogniscenti I am loving it!!! So much pressure off, knowing that your boy doesn't have a prayer..................I hope Rafa feels the same and can go out there, strut his stuff and play with reckless abandon!

Bodo even rates Tipsy's and Almagro's chances as better than Rafa's, in a five set match....................hahaha!!!

Roll on Oz 2012!!!

Isn't this U Toni's responsibility to tell Rafa about his predictability, having watched from the player's box for most of Rafa's matches? Why do we see the same pattern being played out match after match? Is U Toni doing his job well as a coach? I only hear him talks negatively about Rafa's game but I've seen not much changes in Rafa's game. Is Rafanthat stubborn that he refuses to change after being told about his mistakes or about what he needs to do or to change to improve his game last year? Why wait till his ego was badly bruised then they decided to change? I'm not talking about the changes to his equipment but rather the changes in his approach to his matches: mindset, game plan, etc.

IMO U Toni was not helping Rafa much in his approach to his matches against Nole, he even said in his interviews that they'd not found any solution to the Nole problem. Why gave Nole
the added belief that Rafa can't beat him? Why lower Rafa's confidence level even further from his already low level? No wonder Rafa walked away from that Wimbledon final feeling disappointed, he was going toe to toe with Nole in the first set but his nerve failed him and he lost that set. I've never seen Rafa being so nervous in his matches since those days after he came back from his 2009 injuries and spent one full year regaining his confidence. For Rafa, when not playing with calm, he can't get his serves right, can't think clearly on the court and hence can't adapt or change his strategies mid way through the match.

I feel that for Rafa to regain his confidence in his game, he has to win something big first, before facing Nole, like for example winning the AO beating someone else other than Nole in the final. He shown nerve even facing Monfils, I can't imagine him facing Nole now! Perhaps beating a player who's playing well at the moment, like a Tsonga or a Murray or a Delpo, may help him in his confidence in facing Nole. I certainly hope that Rafa will win the AO, whoever he beats doesn't matter, as long as he can win and regains his confidence.

I think this year's AO performance from nadal and Roger will depend a lot on the draw.

If Roger is drawn Tsonga or Berdych in the quarters they certainly have a shot at beating him. If however he draws fish or ferrer I expect Roger to make at least the semis.

There's also JMDP, Monfils, and a couple other players that can take some neergy off Roger before the quarters and that can also affect his chances especially given his recent back issues.

Looking forward to the AO and will be following the draw ceremony tonight.

I only ask 2 things Roger in nadal's half and tsonga not in Roger's quarter.

Don't shoot me but I've always felt iffy about Toni. Some of his methods seemed harsh to me and his praise scant. I blame him for Rafa's tics. I feel he is that problematic person- the "impossible to please" parent.

Yep, and I feel that U Toni is talking too much to the press. Maybe Rafa should stop him from giving any interviews to the press, especially the Spanish ones. It's time for Rafa to do the talking himself instead of letting Toni says what he wants. I feel that U Toni is getting too much attention as a coach; I don't see Anacone or Marian giving too many interviews.

I'm also getting fed up listening to Toni's criticism of Rafa's attitude. Rafa is no longer a child, he doesn't need Toni's approval in whatever he does. Time for Toni to let go his iron grip, and I hope Rafa will continue to 'rebel' against Toni's unreasonableness! Concentrate in helping Rafa in his game, not his attitude. If anything, Toni is to be blamed for Rafa's lack of confidence in himself and in his game. Toni is not doing anything to help in rebuilding Rafa's confidence, IMO.

Nadal is an adult man who can make decisions for himself. He's got millions of dollars, he can get another coach or go coachless.

I don't think he'll go coachless. Toni is a family member so I don't think Rafa wants to sour his relationship with Toni. All he needs to do is make his own judgement and just tell Toni not to talk too much to the press. They are open to seeking help from other coaches if there's the need, so Toni can and will stay as coach as Rafa needs to get some feedbacks or ideas after his matches, though Rafa should be the one making the final decisions.

Yes NNY, that's what I'm saying. I also agree with RITB that the pressure is off Rafa going into OZ, which is a good thing. Last year this time, everyone was expecting him to continue his form from 2010 but, sadly, illness and injury scuppered him right from the start. No one was tipping Nole for anything this time last year, so all these clever people who have such 'insight' after the event can say what they like, no one knows how it's going to pan out. No one gave Rafa a chance after his lack-lustre year in 2009, and look what happened in 2010.

bleck is right. Rafa is old enough and pretty enough to make his own decisions now. It's no use blaming U. Toni, though he may have been too harsh on him and has not allowed him to believe in himself like Roger or Nole do. Rafa gets frustrated that all his time is taken up with tennis and he doesnt seem to have 'me time'. That's understandable for someone who has been on the treadmill for ever, but if he is on the tour he has to go for it 100% because there is no point in being disappointed when he loses if he is allowing his gripe over the arduous calendar to get in his way.

I also don't believe that his Mum really thinks that being a good person is better than winning because I have seen how tense she gets during a match when Rafa is not winning, and his Dad too. I don't think being a good person has anything to do with being a winner.

Basically, Rafa should grow up and cut off the apron strings from Mum. I'm saying this as one of his most ardent fans because I so want him to do well


Vamos Rafa

Yep Rafa has grown up now so whether it's his parents or his uncle, he should not let them dictate what he should do, just make his own decisions and stick by them. As his fans I think that's what we want to see.

well, my dear Rafans, this is exactly what I was saying in my above posts after Rafa lost to Monfils: that his shots were too predictable, that he lost his confidence and has to come back to the winning streak sooner than later and by that I meant he needs to win the tourney by beating someone other than Nole so that he can gain confidence back...but then certain Rafans attacked me for being "blind fanatic" and the rest is history...:)

I tend to disagree about Uncle Toni...yes, he is so harsh and he is so demanding, but so is, for instance, Ferrer's coach...that is Spanish mentality...I read somewhere that Ferrer's coach used to lock him up so that he could practice longer, and look where Ferrer is now...:( I happen to love Uncle Toni and I admire him very much...I believe Rafa is where he is, mostly because of Uncle T...Rafa needs someone to tell him if he is not playing well and to put him back to earth...Rafa is himself aware of the fact that he was not playing well enough to beat Nole last year...also, to implement different tactics against Nole is not an easy one because both players know each other so well and there is not much new stuff you could invent to surprise such an fierce opponent like Nole...I know that Nole's team has been studying Rafa's matches and Rafa's game for ages..didn't we come to a conclusion a while ago that Nole was beating Rafa with his own game...Nole of 2011 was more or less Rafa of 2010...

so I believe Rafa needs to listen to what his Uncle says and needs to focus more during the match...once he wins a tourney he will gain his confidence back...for this AO I am not sure...I saw Rafa's interview from Australia on Eurosport last night and all he was talking about was injuries he earned in December which he carries on into this AO...I myself am more frustrated about Rafa's interviews in which he plays down his own chances than about Toni's talk...However, I did dream about Rafa wining AO, the same as I unfortunately had a dream of Rafa losing Wimby 2011 to Nole...so I tend to believe in my dreams :) I still believe Rafa can win this AO... maybe I dreamt about some other AO, like AO 2013? :) He will win one for sure and whether it's 2012, 2013, or 2014...that does not matter...:)

Vamos Rafa!!!

nats, I hope your dream comes true. If Rafa wins OZ, that would be such a shot im the arm for him.

Uncle Toni has got Rafa where he is today so he's had a positive effect on Rafa's career. If Rafa had gone to the Tennis Academy in Barca as was suggested, he may have ended up no better than the rest of the spanish armada.

I'm not saying having U Toni as a coach is a wrong thing to do, and that's why I believe Rafa should not go coachless or change coach. Just get Toni to concentrate on Rafa's game and talk less to the press, simple as that. There's no need to tell everyone, especially Rafa's rivals or opponents, that Rafa is vulnerable now, it's not a wise thing to do IMO.

natashao - to me the Rafa of USO2010 with that big serve and with confidence, plus that lethal CC backhand, is enough to deal with this Nole. As per players like Fed and Murray, Nole didn't change his game much, it's just that he's physically fitter and with each win his confidence grew. I've watched the Abu Dhabi matches again and noticed that when Ferrer played against Rafa, he was able to come to the net more often to attack, because as usual, Rafa stayed further away from the baseline. Against Nole, Ferrer couldn't do the same as Nole was standing close to the baseline, hitting deep penetrating shots and forced Ferrer to stay behind the baseline, and Nole would step into the court whenever he had opportunities to do so. To me that's Nole'a winning formula - forces his opponents back and comes forward to attack, gets as many balls back as possible

To me, the problem with Rafa lies in his head. It all started when he missed his chance of a Rafa slam because of his illness and injury. His fitness was affected and hence he started losing confidence in his game when he had his narrow escapes against Karlovic and Delpo at IW. His sudden collapse

Yes, I agree that missing out on the Rafa slam really hurt him then he lost to Nole for the first time in a final at I/W, then lost to him twice on clay, then at Wimbledon, and it all got too much for him.

I do think that he should not be too pre-occupied with the tennis calendar, he should just get on with it. Life is not perfect and many people hate their working hours but have to accept it.

Sorry, I meant to say the sudden collapse of his serve in that IW final was due mainly to his loss of confidence in his game, when he couldn't overpower Nole and the ball kept coming back at him, even the return of his serves by Nole. Had he won that match or the one at Miami, we won't be talking about 'Nole was in Rafa's head' now. I really think that once Rafa gets his head problem fixed, he'll get his rhythm back and won't be missing so many forehand and backhand shots, won't be having that much problem with his serves, won't be having some wrong strategies or wrong shot selections and won't be dropping his serves so often during his matches. So Vamos Rafa, get your mojo back and show us what a great champion you are!

Rafans, prepare to be transported from hell, purgatory, heaven and back!!! It's Rafa time!

God, what this boy has cost me in terms of jagged nerve scar tissue, and i still come back for more...................


Vamos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

^^^Not to talk of sleepless nights, loss of appetite and the rest. Lol

http://www.livetennisguide.com/2012/01/12/toni-nadal-djokovic-murray-h uge-favorites-at-2012-australian-open/

My apologies to Rafans who do not like to see Uncle T's interviews! I have a different view about Uncle T: I think he is a positive influence on Rafa. Like Rafa, he tells it like it is, he does not molly-coddle Rafa, he does not tell him what he wants to hear, he tells him the truth as he sees it. I agree with his view on Nole and Muzza's chances, in fact they are my finals prediction.............

Vamos Rafa!!

Oh, and I agree with him about Delpo..................he is a danger, if not at this year's Oz, but for the rest of the season, hope he stays healthy...............

Actually, with all due respect to U. Toni, he doesn't know anymore than I do about who will do well or not. People make predictions based on the latest results and that's not necessarily a good barometer. Since Doha, Tsonga has lost twice in Kooyong to Melzer and Nishikori, Monfils went down to Tomic and those two players have already been touted as possible dark horses because of their performance in Doha.

I think U. Toni should put a sock in it.

^^^^^^^oooh, am I right in saying you are not an Uncle T fan (anymore), nadline? Rafa better start winning before those poison arrows find their mark and he loses an Uncle!! hehehe......

It's not a good idea for a player if his coach continuously talk up his opponents. How is Rafa supposed to feel? Rafa probably knows that he doesn't really mean any of it.

I think it's all part of Team Rafa's strategy of shielding Rafa i.e. deflecting attention from Rafa (much the same way as Mourinho does by focussing attention on himself rather than his team), taking the pressure off Rafa. Think about it: if you go into a match thinking you are a shoe-in for the win and mid match things start going pear shaped for you, you will find it harder to regroup than if you had entered the match with lower/even expectations, and this is what Rafa does so well (except where Djokovic is concerned of late), change strategy quickly to counter a threat mid match.

That's my take anyway..............................

Yep, talking about who are the favorites for the AO is not going to help Rafa, so U Toni should just keep quiet. Not many people consider Rafa as the favorite anyway, so there's no need for these talks by Toni to lower anyone's expectations of Rafa.

I don't expect much from Rafa, just hope that he need not bump into a red hot Nole when Rafa is not ready to meet him. OTOH, if he's going to meet Nole, that means good news, ie he manages to reach the final. I just hope that he does well there and not suffer further blow to his confidence.

IMHO, U Toni's talking too much had done some damage to Rafa's reputation, especially when he keeps talking about Rafa's injuries. Team Rafa was being accused of using injuries as his excuses in case he lost his matches. Sometimes we can't blame the media for bringing up all these questions about his injuries, for it's Rafa and his team who keep talking about his injuries in the first place.

If they're using it as a strategy to lower the expectations from his fans, or tennis fans in general and thus reduce the pressure on Rafa, I think it won't be necessary anymore, as some people out there are already pronouncing the demise of Rafa the warrior. His fans are realistic about his chances of winning so there's no need for all these talks about whichever of his opponents are favorites or having better chance than Rafa in winning the AO. We can see and decide for ourselves, no need for Toni to tell us anything, just concentrate on helping Rafa regains his confidence, certainly not by building up his opponents!

From reading Rafa's book "My Story" - it is obvious that uncle Toni constantly reminds Rafa that Roger, Novak and Andy are all better and more complete players than Rafa even though Rafa still has a winning H2H against all 3 of them.

When he won his first RG title uncle Toni said that Rafa had been lucky as the OTHER player in the final played better than he did. What a dampner on his first major achievement.

When interviewed not that long ago and asked who he thought was the better clay court player, Rafa or Bjorn Borg, uncle Toni said in his opinion Bjorn Borg! From what I have heard other commentors say they seem to think that Rafa is the better clay courter. They both have 6 RG titles for goodness sake! Even here he could not back Rafa.

Any wonder that Rafa has a bit of a problem with his confidence when his own uncle keeps putting him down at every opportunity. I used to like uncle Toni before I read this book but now I no longer feel that he is a positive influence on our Rafa.

This is just my opinion. As a staunch Rafa fan I only want what is best for him not just as a tennis player but also as a person.

I only ask 2 things Roger in nadal's half and tsonga not in Roger's quarter.
bleck
, 1/12/12 10:16 AM

Be careful what you wish for....................................
Can't believe my wish is the same as that of a FedFan...................I also so want Fed to be in Rafa's half (let pesky Muzza keep Nole busy). They are saying the courts are playing slow and the balls are heavy down under..........................you know that spells trouble for the GOAT don't you, bleck?

Funny you should say that RITB. When I read bleck's post I smiled to myself but decided to leave it. Roger is the one person I would love to be in Rafa's half. Muzz is so desperate that he will leave his guts on the courts rather than lose to anyone and not win his first slam.

Sadly, as usually, Rafa/Muzz, Nole/Rog are all joined at the hip so we may not get our preferred option.

I haven't made any critical comments about Uncle Toni up until now. However, I am kind of over this business of him trumpeting the favorites for the AO and praising Rafa's competitors to the heavens. As some have said, Rafa fans are being realistic about his chances and don't need Uncle Toni to beat it to death. He needs to keep working with Rafa to improve his game and his confidence and keep his mouth shut and forego interviews.

Rafa is trying to regroup and get himself together and right now I believe he needs positive reinforcement. I am not saying that Uncle Toni should lie to him about how he is playing, but encouragement and support can only help.

I read a fascinating piece by Steve Tignor on tennis.com last night. It was his blog about Rafa. He included an extraordinary video of Rafa working on his serve with this Spanish coach who offered to help him improve his serve before the 2010 USO. It showed clearly how Rafa made certain adjustments that allowed him to serve amazingly well in that tournament. He seems to have reverted back to the same old bad habits. It was very enlightening. So it was much more than Rafa just changing his grip. But I understand Rafa not wanting to reveal just how much work went into getting that big serve. I would love to see this man work with Rafa again and try to get him to do the same things that allowed him to serve so well

Uncle Toni's predictions are not welcome................... but Ricky's are welcome?????
Or wait, Uncle Toni is just supposed to say Rafa is going to win every tournament he plays...............

.........................and Uncle T does not give Rafa encouragement and support, and he is still in Rafa's corner, and Rafa keeps him there?? Ego, Rafa's an idiot..........

I know u guys will be singing a different tune about Uncle T the day Rafa starts winning again..........................

No, I've praised Toni enough in the past for helping to make Rafa the player he is. I'm not going to praise him about the way he goes about talking as if Rafa is some talentless idiot, even if Rafa starts winning everything again.

My dislike of the way Toni treats Rafa has nothing to do with how Rafa performs on the court, more to do with him treating Rafa as if Rafa is still a child and unable to think or decide for himself. I especially dislike him talking too much to Rafa during his matches, one example, that Wimbledon match in 2010 where Rafa ended up being fined for getting coaching during match. Rafa was furious then and he said during his press conference that sometimes Toni talked too much; I agree with Rafa here. I hope Rafa stops looking up to Toni during his matches; just carry on playing the way he thinks he should play and stops Toni from talking to him courtside during matches. I hate it when Rafa's reputation is tarnished all because of these coaching or cheating issues. No more of all these please, Rafa is a great champion, he needs no coaching during matches!

ritb,

As I said in my post, I have refrained from ever criticizing Uncle Toni. However, I am really not happy about the interviews he has been giving of late, talking about how poorly Rafa is playing and how this one or that one can beat him. I used to think that it was his way of motivating Rafa, but I don't think Rafa needs that.

You also know very well that I did not say that Uncle Toni is supposed to say that Rafa will win every tournament he plays. What I said was that he should just stay quiet and forego the interviews.

I have also given Uncle Toni enormous credit for helping to make him a great player. However, that does not mean that I have to give him unqualified praise all the time. I have been unhappy with Uncle Toni's interviews for a while. It serves no purpose to give information to his competitors before a tournament. They don't need to know how Rafa is playing, where his game is at, whether he is hurting or not feeling confident. Say nothing.

I also don't particularly care for this idea that I am playing the blame game with Uncle Toni because Rafa hasn't been winning. I know better than that. Rafa is the one who has to go out there and play. We have seen his struggles for ourselves and have a pretty good idea of what he has been going through of late. Rafa has also spoken about it himself.

Finally, I allowed myself to give one specific criticism of Uncle Toni - that he not run off at the mouth in interviews before the first slam of the year. That's all I ask. He should be honest with Rafa, but doesn't have to tell everyone the absolute truth in public interviews.

Finally, I actually do welcome Ricky's predictions. I may not always agree with them, but I definitely look forward to reading what he has to say.

I think Rafa should stop looking at his box so much then U. Toni will stop muttering to him. He should just get on with it. Say what you like about Roger, he never, ever looks at his box.

I hope Team Rafa has brought lots and lots of nice disinfecting towelletes for Rafa to wipe that big Oz trophy with, the bitable part....................boy gonna bite it!!!! Yay..................!!!

Really like Rafa's draw...................roll on Monday.........

Nativenewyorker
, 1/13/12 8:33 AM

It's a discussion, nny, don't take it personally. Different view-point, that's all, not an attack on you.

Enjoy Oz 2012!!!!

Luckystar @ 6.35am - agree with you totally in everything you have said on this subject.

I have not seen the AO draw yet but am happy to read that you like it ritb. I am quite happy to provide the disinfecting towelletes for Rafa :) Wouldn't it be great to see his teeth on that trophy again?

Vamos our dear Rafa ...............enjoy your tennis and sock it to them at the AO

schatz
, 1/13/12 12:59 PM

I like the draw;
I like the fact that Rafa is fine healthwise;
I like that Rafa is not in the conversation as far as the winner's circle is concerned;

If Rafa confounds the cognoscenti and wins, I will be over the moon. If he loses, I will hold my hands up and say chapeau to his opponent.

So, I'm gonna kick back and enjoy the tourny.

May the best man win!!!

ritb,

I am not taking it personally at all! I just wanted you to know that I am not an Uncle Toni hater. I just want him to be quiet and let Rafa do the talking on court with his racket! Yeah!

I would never think you are capable of attacking me personally. I know better. You are a great person and incapable of being mean or hurtful. I hope you take my response in the same way. Not attacking you, just clarifying what I said.

I am not as confident as you are, but part of that is just my normal nerves and anxiety before a slam. If I was sure about Rafa's game, then I would be more relaxed. I will always support Rafa. So I will be watching and cheering him on with all my heart.

As you said in your last post, if Rafa proves the so-called experts wrong, then I will join you over the moon. If he doesn't, then all I can say is too good to his opponent.

Yes, may the best man win!

^^^^^^nice.