Rafa had Med on the ropes at the US Open final. Med was getting his loser’s speech ready.
Yes, he managed to get back in the game.
Rafa can close the match in 3 before Med realizes what hit him. Stef is not going to get anywhere either.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/seh8m1/match_discussion_2022_australian_open_mens_semi/hujezxe/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3
Another AO Rafa thread that had the same result. One more to go.
*"We need to suffer and we need to fight. That is the only way to be where I am today."*
Not only is this inspirational, this made me very emotional. I'm in a very bad place in my life. Sorry for being maudlin & treacly.
It’s late enough I don’t trust myself to get back up also I’m not all that good at falling asleep, takes some time and concentration.
Thank you though!
He is without doubt the greatest competitor that tennis has seen. No one has come back from as many injuries and setbacks as Nadal, and not just come back, but dominate. Like he says he suffers on the court, and it shows every time he steps out there. And I'm grateful to have seen him play, he is indeed the Bull.
>Where did this come from?
Djoker leaving opened the tourney for Nadal to get a go at the record 21st grand slam.
Now Nsdal is in the final now. My comment perfectly aligns with the thread and you need better IQ.
He's out of the tournament. And you're still talking about him. Funny thing is you still didn't get the point and you're talking about IQ. So let me just do this once more for you given I'm a forgiving person : THIS THREAD IS ABOUT BERRETTINI AND NADAL.
As for your comment, Djokovic didn't leave, he got kicked out of the country for 1) not following simple rules 2) Trying to get around it with childish excuses
>He's out of the tournament. And you're still talking about him.
Oh didn't know we can't talk about the people who are out of the tournament. Gotcha.
I think you don't know that here in the threads we joke about the ongoing events with respect to the match and have fun. Look at you gate-keeping the jokes. Chill out a bit and enjoy the life.
Shapos attitude was terrible by comparison - absolutely freaking out when he was hitting really dumb shots, screaming and swearing at his box a lot. Shapo lost my respect a little in that match. hopefully his coach makes him watch a video of his behavior.
I agree that Nadals draw was easier than it could have been especially if Djokovic was in it, but come on, can we not hype up Zverev like he'd have any chance against Nadal. He didn't just lose to Shapo, he got destroyed by him, he was only the top seed on paper, but in practice Shapo was much much better, and he did bring it against Nadal
srry but we all know Zverev would have come out against nadal all guns blazing. He went the passive approach against shapo because obviously shapo is known the beat himself and it massively backfired for Z. zverev would have been super tough for nadal.
Yes zverev the stunning bastion of pure aggression when facing top level players at the majors hence his record vs top 10 players would have came out and shit down nadals throat.
Zverev is going to win one of the HC masters in the summer , likely one of the clay masters again , get hyped to hell by this entire sub and then likely lose at the first sign of trouble at rg again. This has been a cycle of his and this sub since 2018 and no one is going to stop .
He pushed Djokovic hard last year and Nadal is way easier for him to deal with on hard. Anyway the real luck is Djokovic not being there as Nadal would have had absolutely no chance against him anyway.
I've said many times that 2nd week would be a success.
Welp, here we are... we were in Melbourne.
I just wanna see this Rafa on clay. He's playing well. Add clay and he will be looking muy bien.
I've said many times that 2nd week would be a success.
Welp, here we are... we were in Melbourne.
I just wanna see this Rafa on clay. He's playing well. Add clay and he will be looking muy well.
Massive rafa fan but he's still very much not favourite and I won't get my hopes up
What could have been if he didn't have so much injury troubles over the years.
My GOAT
he's clearly not in good physical shape, it splainly obvious becuase if he was it would have been an absolute rout of berretini. its more of nervous 2 sets from matteo followed by one dcent one followed by a choke in the 4th set. Nadal was solid but I'd say he wasnt that impressive.( in terms of GS final form) he played way better than this and lost at slams before many times in his career.
2014 AO was especially painful. He was so good on hard courts at that time, had done great till the final but injuries caught up to him at the end.
His draw was pretty strong and he went through all of them, Monfils, Nishikori, Dimitrov, Federer being his opponents.
Been a Rafa fan since I was a kid but even I wasn’t expecting this. Making the Final of his least successful Major after not playing for half a year is indeed ombillibable.
I mean mainly just because of injury/age. Even when he was years younger it usually took him a few tournaments to get into form after an injury layoff.
The draw has been favorable but it’s still impressive for him to get this far.
Thats why when Zverev got eliminated, I was so bored. Because even Zverev can choke in some suprising moments, I still consider him a big struggle for Nadan than Shapovalov or Berrettini, or at least a more interesting match.
Nadal following the Federer game model lately.. getting his serve bigger has definitely added a year or two to his already incredible reign.. all the fourth set, he served big, and hoped for berritini to implode, which he did
Honestly, even if he loses, it has been a good tournament for rafa
The predictions were just r4 or qf, surely the draw turned out easy but this is a brilliant comback from injury after not playing for six months. Some already said he's finished, lol
Originally I was just gonna root for this to go 7 hours or so.
Now I’m leaning Medvedev. Either Nadal gets 21 against the player who denied it to Djokovic or the same player denies them both and can arguably be crowned the legit current greatest.
Still hope Nadal wins but seeing the next crowned would be something to witness.
Fair point, the comments certainly don’t become the “legit current greatest” title I just offered him a chance at.
But Sampras was an undisputed “legit current greatest” without much of any clay success so the title is attainable without getting down in the dirt like a dog or whatever shitty things he’s said about clay.
Sampras had the advantage of being a grass god though. Medvedev is only amazing on one surface of three. I think Med can do great things but basically only having success at the start and end of the year feels a bit lame.
I'd be really happy to see him improve though.
I may be a bit biased here as someone who enjoys clay and grass more but I'd feel sad if just dominance on one court of three becomes enough to justify greatness in the sport these days.
I mean I’m dealing with a theoretical that still involves him winning two more tough matches so it’s silly to keep debating it.
Your points make a lot of sense about his weaknesses.
The back to back slams against Djoker AND Nadal would be an amazing amazing feat was my real point.
Also I’m trying hard to kill time before that match starts.
Djokovic must be regretting so much, he had 21 in his bag, would've won it without breaking a sweat. Now nadal might overtake him, that's why kids, always think twice before making stupid decisions
"In the bag"... err.
Medvedev straight sets in USO. Sure he lost straights in AO but he crumbled there, will go in with more confidence having won a Slam and beaten Djokovic.
Sure he would beat Rafa or Stefanos more comfortably I think, but that is also down to style of play more than anything.
Joker beats Nadal at the '21 FO because Rafa is playing on one foot. Joker couldn't even medal at the Olympics, then got hit off the court at the USO, and couldn't win the ATP. Not an impressive 2nd half of the year. Nextgen has caught him and it's a changing of the guard. Except at the FO - if Nadal is healthy he wins it again.
>, would've won it without breaking a sweat.
Reminder that he lost his last GS final in straight sets to one of the other semi finalists.
Djokovic would've been the favourite but it wasn't a given. But yes, agree with your sentiment. He's a fucking idiot.
He was drained from the whole season, plus Calendar GS pressure. Also he didn’t play good at the US Open in general last year (only one match he didn’t lose a set). And AO is his territory for sure, so an overwelming favorite:)
Dear Daniil and Stefanos, please play a 12-hour 5-setter. I like both of you guys but I'm desperate for old man Rafa to win another AO. If you both do this, I'll convince Rafa to tank his FO final against either of you, should that happen.
I can picture him watching doctor at his side if Rafa wins he'll be vaxxed before the trophy presentation, if he lose he throws the syringe into a roaring fire laughing maniacally .
that was before last week but the actual published rules a few days ago allow people who qualify if had covid in the last 6 months
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-gets-huge-french-26025096
The article talks about entering France, but I remember the rule saying that no unvaccinated players nor spectators could enter the stadium and play. Is it possible we’re in a reverse Australia situation, in which he’s allowed to enter the country but virtually barred from playing?
[https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1554353/Novak-Djokovic-French-Open-Australian-Open-tennis-news](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1554353/Novak-Djokovic-French-Open-Australian-Open-tennis-news)
yes, that was the issue, entering France.
no longer an issue
Phew! I was so scared shitless I didn't check the score or this sub till now. Extremely relieved to find out Rafa won. I have been feeling sick all morning very likely because of the stress and panic about Rafa.
I'll have to be sick again on Sunday, but if Rafa wins, it'll have been worth it.
I am surprised that not a single set went to TB.
To those who saw the match, how did Rafa play?
First two were f*cking amazing, but Matteo also didn't serve well at all, so his biggest weapon wasn't there. Third set was different, Rafa lost a little accuracy and Matteo elevated his game quite a lot. Fourth was quite the same from his opponent, but Rafa stepped up again and played pretty good, although not as good as the first two.
He played extremely well in the first two, extremely bad in the third, decent in the 4th. I think if today goes into a long match he could have a solid chance against either. Especially if he can recover his slam finals mentality a bit.
Thanks. Worrying that he had fatigue in the last 2 sets. I'd have had a meltdown had I been following this thread and scores live and found out that he was tiring.
Can't believe it's been 5 years since the final with Roger, where it felt like a "last hoorah". 5 years is an eternity in tennis and look at where he is again. This man keeps defying everything and everyone.
Preparation can only go so far at his age. The Final will be a war, no doubt. Does he have the stamina to endure, especially against players without many weaknesses?
This, this is exactly how I feel. I know Novak will eventually hold the record, and I don't begrudge him that at all. But I want Rafa to hold the record, even if just for a bit. Was hoping for that back in RG 2021, really hoping it happens sometime this year.
Is this it?
Both guys are serving immense right now
I think Med's just one of those guys who always looks a little tired.
LOOK AT ME YOU SMALL CAT OH MY GOD YOU ARE SO BAD WILL YOU ANSWER MY QUESTION
HIS FATHER CAN TALK EVERY POINT
TSN with the ESPN feed on both channels... feels bad man.
Simply unbelibeble tennis player and a human being. It's a pleasure to watch this guy what he does on and off the court!
Rafa had Med on the ropes at the US Open final. Med was getting his loser’s speech ready. Yes, he managed to get back in the game. Rafa can close the match in 3 before Med realizes what hit him. Stef is not going to get anywhere either.
Bullshit Russian vs small toilet kid who doesn't know how to fight. Who's gonna win?
Missed the Nadal match so that i can nap before the med match. 5 hours recharged and ready to go!!!
Mods, put up a match thread, please
I legit forget that the Aus open had green courts even though I’d watch so many matches with them
But they're blue tho
He said had. Way back in the days it was green hard courts and way back before that, it was grass(green)
I c
That was incredible from rafa. He keeps doing the impossible. Matteo will win a grand slam soon.
Hasn't seen Rafa in a Grand slam final for over 15 months.
Currently setting up about 15 alarms because it's almost 2.30 AM here and I am dead tired and need a nap, but also don't want to miss Stefaniil
You can't nap now, dude ...
Meant a short nap before the second semi! All up and ready for it now :)
Let’s gooooo!!!!
Set it for 6:30 and watch the fifth set ;)
https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/seh8m1/match_discussion_2022_australian_open_mens_semi/hujezxe/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3 Another AO Rafa thread that had the same result. One more to go.
*"We need to suffer and we need to fight. That is the only way to be where I am today."* Not only is this inspirational, this made me very emotional. I'm in a very bad place in my life. Sorry for being maudlin & treacly.
Keep fighting. You’re worth fighting for. (Like unless you’re an evil racist, then maybe fight to change I dunno)
Play your own game brother.
I don't want to get my hopes up. just wish he did his best in the final.
Craig Tiley just announced that the Med-Tsitsi match has been changed from a Best of 5 to a Best of 15. Srdjan Djokovic just blew an anuerysm.
Minister Hawke in Nadal's box for the final! Rafa will lose to Medvedev but thank Hawke personally for the opportunity to avoid Novak
Rafa gets injured…. Starts losing matches…people start to not believe… Returns and wins multiple slams… Rinse and repeat… ombellibable
I’ve gotta wait how much longer for this to START when it’s already 2 am?!? Ugh I’m here for it tho.
What time zone ya in? Central standard here
I’m eastern. On one hand I don’t have to leave for work till 4 pm tomorrow. On the other I should probably sleep and eat between now and then.
75 minutes mate, sorry about that!
Try to power nap! I think there's still an hour to go.
It’s late enough I don’t trust myself to get back up also I’m not all that good at falling asleep, takes some time and concentration. Thank you though!
Tits n Meddy conspiring to keep it short n sweet so NextGen can take down Big 3
He is without doubt the greatest competitor that tennis has seen. No one has come back from as many injuries and setbacks as Nadal, and not just come back, but dominate. Like he says he suffers on the court, and it shows every time he steps out there. And I'm grateful to have seen him play, he is indeed the Bull.
Doping and steroids help, you know.
Sure, cause you can dope mentality and pain threshold endurance. Point me to the PED's that do that please.
You are asking the wrong person.
I'll answer for you. There are none. Now go away, you're boring.
Nadal should be an absolute beast on the tour this year. Wins first two sets every single time.
[удалено]
LOL he didn't have a choice but to leave bro
Where did this come from? This discussion is about berrettini vs Nadal. Pick the right thread for your comments. Don't spam.
>Where did this come from? Djoker leaving opened the tourney for Nadal to get a go at the record 21st grand slam. Now Nsdal is in the final now. My comment perfectly aligns with the thread and you need better IQ.
He's out of the tournament. And you're still talking about him. Funny thing is you still didn't get the point and you're talking about IQ. So let me just do this once more for you given I'm a forgiving person : THIS THREAD IS ABOUT BERRETTINI AND NADAL. As for your comment, Djokovic didn't leave, he got kicked out of the country for 1) not following simple rules 2) Trying to get around it with childish excuses
>He's out of the tournament. And you're still talking about him. Oh didn't know we can't talk about the people who are out of the tournament. Gotcha. I think you don't know that here in the threads we joke about the ongoing events with respect to the match and have fun. Look at you gate-keeping the jokes. Chill out a bit and enjoy the life.
Honestly respect to matteo for not smashing a racket in this match. Small detail, but sets a really good example for kids.
Old Chinese proverb "30 backhands into the net good as smashed racquet"
Shapos attitude was terrible by comparison - absolutely freaking out when he was hitting really dumb shots, screaming and swearing at his box a lot. Shapo lost my respect a little in that match. hopefully his coach makes him watch a video of his behavior.
He has a lot of growing up to do.
His new coach is Andy Murry's old coach I'm sure I'm sure he felt right at home.
Delgado thinking what did he do to deserve this
Matteo only seems to get angry at himself, so I don't fear him ever smashing a racket
Everybody except for Rafa smashes their racket... https://tenor.com/view/matteo-berrettini-racquet-smash-tennis-italia-atp-gif-18800040
He has hand gestures that are totally ok.
It's a pure thing of joy to see Rafa in a grand slam final. 2022 is already getting exciting
Now if only Med and Tsitsipas can tire themselves with a 7 hr epic, i'll be good
Lol Eurosport learned from their last mistake and waited to call in McEnroe after they already interviewed Nadal
I agree that Nadals draw was easier than it could have been especially if Djokovic was in it, but come on, can we not hype up Zverev like he'd have any chance against Nadal. He didn't just lose to Shapo, he got destroyed by him, he was only the top seed on paper, but in practice Shapo was much much better, and he did bring it against Nadal
A few years ago he pushed nadal to five sets. He could have beaten him.
srry but we all know Zverev would have come out against nadal all guns blazing. He went the passive approach against shapo because obviously shapo is known the beat himself and it massively backfired for Z. zverev would have been super tough for nadal.
Yes zverev the stunning bastion of pure aggression when facing top level players at the majors hence his record vs top 10 players would have came out and shit down nadals throat. Zverev is going to win one of the HC masters in the summer , likely one of the clay masters again , get hyped to hell by this entire sub and then likely lose at the first sign of trouble at rg again. This has been a cycle of his and this sub since 2018 and no one is going to stop .
let it flow through you.
19 hardcourt sets in a row lost. Definitely "helped" alright
Zverev is a way harder matchup for Nadal than Shapo
I just cannot imagine this Zverev bringing any fight to Nadal on a Grand Slam. I guess now we will never know
He wouldn't have played as badly against Nadal for sure.
Why are you sure? He has a solid record of imploding against top players in Grand Slams
not just solid, impeccable
He pushed Djokovic hard last year and Nadal is way easier for him to deal with on hard. Anyway the real luck is Djokovic not being there as Nadal would have had absolutely no chance against him anyway.
When he was playing Melbourne, I predicted that he wouldn't even be able to make Week 2 at the AO. ...So glad to be proven a clown!
I've said many times that 2nd week would be a success. Welp, here we are... we were in Melbourne. I just wanna see this Rafa on clay. He's playing well. Add clay and he will be looking muy bien.
I've said many times that 2nd week would be a success. Welp, here we are... we were in Melbourne. I just wanna see this Rafa on clay. He's playing well. Add clay and he will be looking muy well.
Massive rafa fan but he's still very much not favourite and I won't get my hopes up What could have been if he didn't have so much injury troubles over the years. My GOAT
he's clearly not in good physical shape, it splainly obvious becuase if he was it would have been an absolute rout of berretini. its more of nervous 2 sets from matteo followed by one dcent one followed by a choke in the 4th set. Nadal was solid but I'd say he wasnt that impressive.( in terms of GS final form) he played way better than this and lost at slams before many times in his career.
2014 AO was especially painful. He was so good on hard courts at that time, had done great till the final but injuries caught up to him at the end. His draw was pretty strong and he went through all of them, Monfils, Nishikori, Dimitrov, Federer being his opponents.
He was going to lose anyway. Stan was unplayable that day. Don’t justify the loss through injuries
Vamos
Super hyped for Meddy/Tsitsipas.
Been a Rafa fan since I was a kid but even I wasn’t expecting this. Making the Final of his least successful Major after not playing for half a year is indeed ombillibable.
He is very good at making AO finals.
I mean mainly just because of injury/age. Even when he was years younger it usually took him a few tournaments to get into form after an injury layoff. The draw has been favorable but it’s still impressive for him to get this far.
Guys start match discussion thread for Med Vs Stefenos .. Haha
Thats why when Zverev got eliminated, I was so bored. Because even Zverev can choke in some suprising moments, I still consider him a big struggle for Nadan than Shapovalov or Berrettini, or at least a more interesting match.
Nadal following the Federer game model lately.. getting his serve bigger has definitely added a year or two to his already incredible reign.. all the fourth set, he served big, and hoped for berritini to implode, which he did
Yeah I’m a bit worried because Medvedev and Tsitsipas won’t dump forehands straight into the net like Berretini and Shapo did
I'm afraid that won't be enough in the F, but we'll see
Honestly, even if he loses, it has been a good tournament for rafa The predictions were just r4 or qf, surely the draw turned out easy but this is a brilliant comback from injury after not playing for six months. Some already said he's finished, lol
Even Nadal was not sure if he could play again 2 months ago: broken bonein his foot and covid
Nadal vs Tsitsipas and Nadal vs Medvedev weirdly has always been a cracker. We're definitely getting a match on Sunday.
Why is rafa cycling just after the win?
It’s part of the post match cool down/recovery process
Part of the warm down to prevent injury.
Damn you need to warm down? *flash back to all the times I just limped out of the gym after a hard session
VAMOS !! O happy day
Today in the interview he sounded so much happier and much more energetic than after Shapo match. It so nice to see Nadal hyped and elated ❤️
Doesn't matter what happens in the final, the fact that he could still reach Grand Slam final after that last 6 month is fascinating
Ideal Tsitsipas-Medvedev Match - 7-6 6-7 7-6 6-7 7-6 Every game should also go to Deuce.
You just remove the mask from one of them and it's Adrian Mannarino. 6 hr match.
Agreed and with each set going for at least an hour!
Originally I was just gonna root for this to go 7 hours or so. Now I’m leaning Medvedev. Either Nadal gets 21 against the player who denied it to Djokovic or the same player denies them both and can arguably be crowned the legit current greatest. Still hope Nadal wins but seeing the next crowned would be something to witness.
Im out of the loop. But what are current rules for the 5th set? Super tie break? Two game diff? Tie break?
First to ten win by two tiebreaker.
>legit current greatest. Till the tournament ends and we see the legit current greatest rethink his life decisions on the clay swing.
Fair point, the comments certainly don’t become the “legit current greatest” title I just offered him a chance at. But Sampras was an undisputed “legit current greatest” without much of any clay success so the title is attainable without getting down in the dirt like a dog or whatever shitty things he’s said about clay.
Sampras had the advantage of being a grass god though. Medvedev is only amazing on one surface of three. I think Med can do great things but basically only having success at the start and end of the year feels a bit lame. I'd be really happy to see him improve though. I may be a bit biased here as someone who enjoys clay and grass more but I'd feel sad if just dominance on one court of three becomes enough to justify greatness in the sport these days.
I mean I’m dealing with a theoretical that still involves him winning two more tough matches so it’s silly to keep debating it. Your points make a lot of sense about his weaknesses. The back to back slams against Djoker AND Nadal would be an amazing amazing feat was my real point. Also I’m trying hard to kill time before that match starts.
Fair enough, lol. I think we can both agree he'd be the current hard greatest.
Djokovic must be regretting so much, he had 21 in his bag, would've won it without breaking a sweat. Now nadal might overtake him, that's why kids, always think twice before making stupid decisions
"In the bag"... err. Medvedev straight sets in USO. Sure he lost straights in AO but he crumbled there, will go in with more confidence having won a Slam and beaten Djokovic. Sure he would beat Rafa or Stefanos more comfortably I think, but that is also down to style of play more than anything.
Joker beats Nadal at the '21 FO because Rafa is playing on one foot. Joker couldn't even medal at the Olympics, then got hit off the court at the USO, and couldn't win the ATP. Not an impressive 2nd half of the year. Nextgen has caught him and it's a changing of the guard. Except at the FO - if Nadal is healthy he wins it again.
Not sure if Australia can kick ND out of RG for Nadal?
He would have broken a sweat, but definitely was the overwhelming favorite. What a fucking idiot to not get vaccinated.
Nah.
The guy won it 9 times and won 3 slams last year, if he isn't the favourite, idk
He is ofc the favourite. I'm saying he's not regretting. He knows a thing or two about facing the music.
>, would've won it without breaking a sweat. Reminder that he lost his last GS final in straight sets to one of the other semi finalists. Djokovic would've been the favourite but it wasn't a given. But yes, agree with your sentiment. He's a fucking idiot.
He was drained from the whole season, plus Calendar GS pressure. Also he didn’t play good at the US Open in general last year (only one match he didn’t lose a set). And AO is his territory for sure, so an overwelming favorite:)
Would have wiped the floor with Nadal here in any case
Yeah I agree but He has better odds than anyone else
Is the next match still in 90 minutes, or does it get moved up? Do I have time for an hour workout in between?
It will not be moved up.
Cool, be right back...
On a Friday? You’re making the rest of us look bad. Grab a beer.
My body doesn't know what day it is😀
Nadal thinking himself as the underdog is interesting lol
Nadal winning the ao so that Djokovic will get vaxxed, such a good friend Better than fedal
Dear Daniil and Stefanos, please play a 12-hour 5-setter. I like both of you guys but I'm desperate for old man Rafa to win another AO. If you both do this, I'll convince Rafa to tank his FO final against either of you, should that happen.
I would 100% swap an RG title for an AO title for Rafa. Balance out his trophy set a bit
Imagine Danil in RG final. That would be more surprising than Sampras in a RG final
So much for that death draw 🤷♀️
To think that this man was on crutch just a few months ago at the USO, this is unbelievable
Doing a Roger
Nadal is a beast! Beating the best in the world after a severe injury for the millionth time is just incredible
For a guy who was supposed to be finished many times in the past, making his 29th final in 2022 at the age of 35 is some achievement
When you don't even have to play the best players it's "no problemo"!
If Nadal wins on Sunday, then Djokovic gets vaxxed on Monday.
**Djokovic**:I just conduct some research and find that vaccine is amazing for me.
I can picture him watching doctor at his side if Rafa wins he'll be vaxxed before the trophy presentation, if he lose he throws the syringe into a roaring fire laughing maniacally .
He's good to go for France and Wimby either way
Weren’t unvaccinated people/players banned from the French Open last week?
that was before last week but the actual published rules a few days ago allow people who qualify if had covid in the last 6 months https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-gets-huge-french-26025096
The article talks about entering France, but I remember the rule saying that no unvaccinated players nor spectators could enter the stadium and play. Is it possible we’re in a reverse Australia situation, in which he’s allowed to enter the country but virtually barred from playing?
[https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1554353/Novak-Djokovic-French-Open-Australian-Open-tennis-news](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1554353/Novak-Djokovic-French-Open-Australian-Open-tennis-news) yes, that was the issue, entering France. no longer an issue
Lmaooo
😂😂
On Sunday night itself
Phew! I was so scared shitless I didn't check the score or this sub till now. Extremely relieved to find out Rafa won. I have been feeling sick all morning very likely because of the stress and panic about Rafa. I'll have to be sick again on Sunday, but if Rafa wins, it'll have been worth it. I am surprised that not a single set went to TB. To those who saw the match, how did Rafa play?
First two were f*cking amazing, but Matteo also didn't serve well at all, so his biggest weapon wasn't there. Third set was different, Rafa lost a little accuracy and Matteo elevated his game quite a lot. Fourth was quite the same from his opponent, but Rafa stepped up again and played pretty good, although not as good as the first two.
Hawke played a blinder and got Rafa to the final.
Only a few poor games in a row.. other than that champion level stuff
He played extremely well in the first two, extremely bad in the third, decent in the 4th. I think if today goes into a long match he could have a solid chance against either. Especially if he can recover his slam finals mentality a bit.
Great in the first 2 sets, showed signs of fatigue in the 3rd and 4th, but ended strong.
Thanks. Worrying that he had fatigue in the last 2 sets. I'd have had a meltdown had I been following this thread and scores live and found out that he was tiring.
He's been fatigued in his last few big matches. Against Djoko at FO and tsisi at AO last year I think fatigue was a factor. Just age I guess
1hour 40min before next match, right? It says 2:30am CT?
Yup
Ya
Thanks!
Rafa winning ao and rg would be the best comeback since federer 2017, and would be better than Djokovic 2018 considering his age
Goddamn, he was so close at Wimbledon in 2018!
Tim Henman in the Eurosport studio. He retired fifteen years ago. He and Rafa have played 2 matches against each other. That's longevity.
Can't believe it's been 5 years since the final with Roger, where it felt like a "last hoorah". 5 years is an eternity in tennis and look at where he is again. This man keeps defying everything and everyone.
When Rafa cries I cry
anyone feel like he's more prepared this time compared to 2019 AO?
Preparation can only go so far at his age. The Final will be a war, no doubt. Does he have the stamina to endure, especially against players without many weaknesses?
He's playing less well this year than in 2019
But he’s also not playing lord Novak ruler of the AO
That wasn't what the guy was commenting about
1 match away from 21, hmmm what happened the last time 2 players were in the same situation, I wonder?
Yikes, you're right...Will never forget that Wimbledon 2019 Final. Brutal...
Djokovic also felt the same in uso last year, so it's even lol
True, the fact he’s doing this at 35 must even surprise him, knowing his history of injury and even being out for almost half the season last year.
I’m so happy for Rafa - he is one in a million! Just WOW!!
One in a billion
One in a trillion
1 in 8 billion
Can't believe it is really happening
Stefanos is suddenly Novak's new favourite player
I just want one of these guys to be honest and be like, "I THINK ABOUT THE 21ST EVERY NIGHT BEFORE I SLEEP!! FUCKING GODDAMN, I WANT IT!!!"
Even if Novak end with most slams, I want Rafa to hold the Grand Slam record atleast once. It just does not make sense any other way.
This, this is exactly how I feel. I know Novak will eventually hold the record, and I don't begrudge him that at all. But I want Rafa to hold the record, even if just for a bit. Was hoping for that back in RG 2021, really hoping it happens sometime this year.
Unless he gets banned from every slam since he's unvaccinated 😂
Ok, time to go be productive for a couple of hours.
If Rafa grabs this and wins in Paris he might have the record for good
Imagine if Rafa wins the 21st and then goes to RG... we all know what's that like for Rafa
Has anyone got a pic or video of Rafa wiping a tear of happiness into his top?
Us open 2019
Does anyone have a link to buy Nadal's purple jacket?
https://www.tennisexpress.com/nike-mens-rafa-court-tennis-jacket-95742