What’s Nadal hoping for?
Posted by tennisplanet on November 16, 2009
Deep in his heart, he just wants his top spin loaded forehand to wreak havoc the way it did centuries ago. That way the trek to the top will be as painless and comfortable as possible, allowing him to not step out of his comfort zone.
So far he has relied heavily on ‘not having enough matches after the layoff’ BS to carry on in the hope of magically one day igniting that spark and recreating the ‘08 magic. Hard court season is providing a perfect cover for him to indulge in this fairy tale crap.
Additionally, the results he has had on the surface are not really forcing him to look elsewhere in a move to reinvent himself from the ground up. They (results) have been just enough to delay that inevitable process robbing him of invaluable time.
He also has this very real possibility of Federer fading any time now to not go ballistic in a direction that will not only take him out of his comfort zone but will also require huge effort and time to perfect.
It’s called stalling – against false hope and your unwillingness to put in the effort to draw commensurate results.
Meanwhile newer, bigger and fresher threats have already landed making the ‘catching up’ process, once the reality sinks in, even more difficult if not impossible.
If he carries on with this complacent and cowardly attitude the only way left for him to be called a tennis player will be to go for the doubles – for the rest of his career. And then doubles on clay only. And then doubles on video games only.
Aunt Tony must be hoping it might one day come down to doubles of a different kind – with him in the duet.
kitty said
We have seen time and again how champions are able to adapt. This is a test for Nadal to show that he is not one-dimensional and I have no doubts he will come up with the goods soon, he just still looks troubled by the injury and not fully fit.
Jenny said
Nadal will be playing one or two singles rubbers in the DC final on clay in Spain, so that should get him going! The chosen Spanish players in the final against the Czech Rep are: Nadal, Ferrer, Verdasco, Lopez. I would imagine Nadal and Ferrer will play singles rubbers, Verdasco and Lopez doubles.
kitty said
Thanks Jenny. For some reason I thought davis cup finals was after london.
Jenny said
You’re right Kitty, it is, December 4 – 6, sorry for the confusion.
mircea said
Nadal has too much heart and pride not to win big matches.
bento said
Plateau and decline.
Eskay said
Coaching for free:
1. Practice fast serve at 200 kph 30 minutes a day.
2. Practice play from baseline and do not recede 10 feet behind the baseline.
3. Flatten forehand slightly, but hit with greater force.
4. Improve volleying.
If not, retire gracefully at the end of 2010.
Dude said
“And then doubles on clay only. And then doubles on video games only.
Aunt Tony must be hoping it might one day come down to doubles of a different kind”
TP!! That was hilarious…..havent stopped laughing !
Dont think u can write Nadal off…yet! Even in his current state (feel sorry him) he is intimidating to a few if not most players. Perfect example was the way T. Rob choked while serving for match in Paris. Nadal’s will-power is really admirable & Im sure its scary for his opponents. So for him to lose matches, I think its more physical than mental. As expected with Fed, I believe we will most likely see the real Nadal at AO ‘10.
DK said
TP I hate to nitpick but it’s either “painless and _comfortable_” or “_painful_ and uncomfortable”. That’s what you likely meant, otherwise you’ve got pizzolate (pizza & chocolate) going in that basement of yours…
Jenny said
LOL!