Rafael Nadal

[gzhpcu]

Thanks don_budge. Actually I do not like his style aesthetically, just find it very effective. It bounces high towards the opponent and sideways. Tough to find a sparring partner to train for his style.

[don_budge]

We always seem to have a difference about these controversial left handers...don't we? First it was John McEnroe (thanks for your most diplomatic gesture on that one) and now it is Rafael Nadal.

The one thing that you said about him that is undeniable is that, "Nadal plays with incredible intensity". I don't know why that would come as a surprise to anyone because he is and does exactly that. Stefanos Tsitsipas seemed to have that "deer in the headlights" look in their semi-final match today at the Australian Open. He seemed to be surprised and caught by the moment and Nadal...a bit overwhelmed. A lot overwhelmed. No matter. It's a tough lesson but a valuable one. Björn Borg was quoted as saying that you learn more from your loses than you do when winning. Or was it Bill Tilden. No matter...it's true.

Novak Djokovic is a different story and he has faced Nadal many times under these same circumstances...but that being said he still must get by Pouille. No small potatoes normally but for Djokovic...who knows? But it should be Djokovic by any means and that should be interesting. I question Nadal on an ethical level sometimes. I wonder about his gamesmanship. He gets away with what you refer to as his tics. I get that. But I guess most of his idiosyncratic behaviour can probably be attributed to at minimum a combination of gamesmanship and intensity.

He hadn't played a tournament in four months but somehow comes to this tournament in top form. Sometimes I wonder if his intensity is fuelled by something other than natural resources. His behaviour sometimes give me the impression that he is on something. He was supposed to play in Brisbane before this tournament but he ended up withdrawing. He has taken more sabbaticals and his career has been almost over from injuries more than any player that I have ever been aware of in the past. He is most odd in that regard. The prolonged absences in some circles where discussion is not limited to the obvious has sometimes hinted in cycling of PED's.

I find him odd and extremely self everything. When he is talking about somebody or something else...it is still about him. Sort of like Serena Williams. But you are certainly not alone in your admiration of Nadal. Many millions of tennis fans are with you on this one. I don't like how it feels to dislike someone as intensely as I dislike him. But such is life and this is another interesting aspect of the human condition. We both see the same thing...but from different points of view.

With all due respect. I respect the fact that you like him and his style of tennis.

[gzhpcu]

I know, not everybody likes him. I, personally, have always liked, ticks anf all.

I know of no other player who has the style of tennis he does.. Reminds me of the short Bjorn Borg era, Bjorn’s topspin style was unique, though Vilas was simolar.

Nobody hits like Nadal, his trademark reverse forehand. His style is uniquely his. His body has suffered for it. It is a brutal style compared to Federer’s elegant strokes, but highly effective. Tsitsipas was steamrolled, since he never played against a similar player.

Nadal plays with an incredible intensity.

It will be interesting to see how Djokovic will do against him. I believe Nadal will win it, barring injury.