2010 Nadal vs 2011 Nadal

Some say last year´s Nadal was the best we ever saw. He dominated the competition, winning 3 consecutive slams and 3 Masters Shields. Some say this year´s Nadal was subpar.

I always had the feeling that Nadal´s level wasn´t really that low and the only thing that changed in the game was Djokovic. Nothing else.

So i compared the so called best Nadal of 2010 with the somewhat subpar Nadal of 2011:


DOHA:http://www.senojflags.com/images/national-flag-symbols/Qatar-Flag.png

2010

R32 Simone Bolelli (ITA) 93 W 6-3, 6-3
R16 Potito Starace (ITA) 62 W 6-2, 6-2
Q Steve Darcis (BEL) 122 W 6-1, 2-0 RET
S Viktor Troicki (SRB) 29 W 6-1, 6-3
F Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) 6 L 6-0, 6-7(8), 4-6

2011

R32 Karol Beck (SVK) 103 W 6-3, 6-0
R16 Lukas Lacko (SVK) 89 W 7-6(3), 0-6, 6-3
Q Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 24 W 7-6(3), 6-3
S Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) 22 L 3-6, 2-6

Even though 2010´s Nadal reached the final instead of the 2011´s semifinal, he still lost to Davydenko. Nothing new here.


AUSTRALIAN OPENhttp://www.buildyourown-computer.com/Template/img/icon_australia_flag.gif

2010

R128 Peter Luczak (AUS) 70 W 7-6(0), 6-1, 6-4
R64 Lukas Lacko (SVK) 75 W 6-2, 6-2, 6-2
R32 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 26 W 6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5
R16 Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 39 W 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Q Andy Murray (GBR) 4 L 3-6, 6-7(2), 0-3 RET

2011

R128 Marcos Daniel (BRA) 93 W 6-0, 5-0 RET
R64 Ryan Sweeting (USA) 116 W 6-2, 6-1, 6-1
R32 Bernard Tomic (AUS) 199 W 6-2, 7-5, 6-3
R16 Marin Cilic (CRO) 15 W 6-2, 6-4, 6-3
Q David Ferrer (ESP) 7 L 4-6, 2-6, 3-6

2010´s Nadal had a tougher draw than 2011´s Nadal, but in the end they still fell out short, not reaching the final. Still, 2011´s Nadal had a better finishing pole.


INDIAN WELLShttp://www.googlyfish.com/sites/all/themes/acquia_marina.old/images/USA_flag.png

2010

R128 Bye N/A W
R64 Rainer Schuettler (GER) 90 W 6-4, 6-4
R32 Mario Ancic (CRO) 694 W 6-2, 6-2
R16 John Isner (USA) 20 W 7-5, 3-6, 6-3
Q Tomas Berdych (CZE) 25 W 6-4, 7-6(4)
S Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) 26 L 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(1)

2011

R128 Bye N/A W
R64 Rik De Voest (RSA) 162 W 6-0, 6-2
R32 Ryan Sweeting (USA) 105 W 6-3, 6-1
R16 Somdev Devvarman (IND) 84 W 7-5, 6-4
Q Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 239 W 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(7)
S Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)90 W 6-4, 6-4
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3 L 6-4, 3-6, 2-6

Better result for 2011´s Nadal, but both still had to fight to win their first title of the year.


MIAMIhttp://www.googlyfish.com/sites/all/themes/acquia_marina.old/images/USA_flag.png

2010

R128 Bye N/A W
R64 Taylor Dent (USA) 83 W 6-4, 6-3
R32 David Nalbandian (ARG) 161 W 6-7(8), 6-2, 6-2
R16 David Ferrer (ESP) 17 W 7-6(5), 6-4
Q Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 10 W 6-3, 6-2
S Andy Roddick (USA) 8 L 6-4, 3-6, 3-6

2011

R128 Bye N/A W
R64 Kei Nishikori (JPN) 62 W 6-4, 6-4
R32 Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 41 W 6-3, 6-3
R16 Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 23 W 6-1, 6-2
Q Tomas Berdych (CZE) 7 W 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
S Roger Federer (SUI) 3 W 6-3, 6-2
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 L 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4)

Similar results to Indian Wells. Both lost one set until they faced elimination in the semifinal and final respectively.


MONTE CARLOhttp://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/flags/medium/France.png

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Thiemo de Bakker (NED) 77 W 6-1, 6-0
R16 Michael Berrer (GER) 51 W 6-0, 6-1
Q Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) 16 W 6-4, 6-2
S David Ferrer (ESP) 17 W 6-2, 6-3
W Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 12 W 6-0, 6-1

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) 59 W 6-2, 6-2
R16 Richard Gasquet (FRA) 18 W 6-2, 6-4
Q Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) 40 W 6-1, 6-3
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 6-4, 2-6, 6-1
W David Ferrer (ESP) 6 W 6-4, 7-5

Both won their fist title of the year. Only difference in the set lost to Andy Murray in 2011. Nothing important here.


ROME http://www.iaapea.com/images/flags/Italy.png/MADRIDhttp://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/flags/medium/Spain.png

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 29 W 6-1, 6-3
R16 Victor Hanescu (ROU) 39 W 6-3, 6-2
Q Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 26 W 6-4, 6-1
S Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 40 W 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
W David Ferrer (ESP) 17 W 7-5, 6-2

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 62 W 6-4, 6-3
R16 John Isner (USA) 19 W 7-5, 6-4
Q Gael Monfils (FRA) 18 W 6-1, 6-3
S Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 35 W 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
W Roger Federer (SUI) 1 W 6-4, 7-6(5)

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 24 W 6-1, 6-3
R16 Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 32 W W/O
Q Michael Llodra (FRA) 27 W 6-2, 6-2
S Roger Federer (SUI) 3 W 5-7, 6-1, 6-3
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 L 5-7, 4-6

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 148 W 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-0
R16 Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 40 W 6-4, 6-2
Q Marin Cilic (CRO) 23 W 6-1, 6-3
S Richard Gasquet (FRA) 16 W 7-5, 6-1
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 L 4-6, 4-6

A pattern starts to emerge. They both lost one set in each tournament. The major difference is Djokovic.


ROLAND GARROShttp://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/flags/medium/France.png

2010

R128 Gianni Mina (FRA) 655 W 6-2, 6-2, 6-2
R64 Horacio Zeballos (ARG) 44 W 6-2, 6-2, 6-3
R32 Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) 33 W 6-3, 6-4, 6-3
R16 Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) 29 W 6-2, 7-5, 6-4
Q Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 21 W 7-6(2), 7-6(3), 6-4
S Jurgen Melzer (AUT) 27 W 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(6)
W Robin Soderling (SWE) 7 W 6-4, 6-2, 6-4

2011

R128 John Isner (USA) 39 W 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-4
R64 Pablo Andujar (ESP) 48 W 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(4)
R32 Antonio Veic (CRO) 227 W 6-1, 6-3, 6-0
R16 Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) 37 W 7-5, 6-3, 6-3
Q Robin Soderling (SWE) 5 W 6-4, 6-1, 7-6(3)
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 6-4, 7-5, 6-4
W Roger Federer (SUI) 3 W 7-5, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-1

Both won Roland Garros, but it´s hard to review this tournament, due to the fact that Nadal only faced a Top10 (Soderling), whether 2011´s faced 3 Top10´s (Soderling, Murray and Federer) and Djokovic was out of competition.


QUEENShttp://www.asterioroadsters.com/en/images/uk-flag.png

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Marcos Daniel (BRA) 112 W 6-2, 6-2
R16 Denis Istomin (UZB) 72 W 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4
Q Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 31 L 6-7(5), 4-6

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Matthew Ebden (AUS) 168 W 6-4, 6-4
R16 Radek Stepanek (CZE) 57 W 6-3, 5-7, 6-1
Q Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 19 L 7-6(3), 4-6, 1-6

Upset by Lopez in 2010 and by Tsonga in 2011 in the QF. Nothing new here.


WIMBLEDONhttp://www.asterioroadsters.com/en/images/uk-flag.png

2010

R128 Kei Nishikori (JPN) 189 W 6-2, 6-4, 6-4
R64 Robin Haase (NED) 151 W 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3
R32 Philipp Petzschner (GER) 41 W 6-4, 4-6, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-3
R16 Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) 66 W 6-4, 6-2, 6-2
Q Robin Soderling (SWE) 6 W 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-1
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-4
W Tomas Berdych (CZE) 13 W 6-3, 7-5, 6-4

2011

R128 Michael Russell (USA) 90 W 6-4, 6-2, 6-2
R64 Ryan Sweeting (USA) 69 W 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
R32 Gilles Muller (LUX) 92 W 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 6-0
R16 Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 21 W 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4
Q Mardy Fish (USA) 9 W 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 L 4-6, 1-6, 6-1, 3-6

2010´s Nadal lost more sets than 2011´s (5 to 3), but still managed to win the title. However, 2011´s Nadal lost once again to Djokovic (5th final lost to the Serbian).


Canada http://cdn1.iconfinder.com/data/icons/finalflags/32/Canada-Flag.png/Cincinnati http://www.googlyfish.com/sites/all/themes/acquia_marina.old/images/USA_flag.png

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 24 W 7-6(12), 6-3
R16 Kevin Anderson (RSA) 87 W 6-2, 7-6(6)
Q Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 37 W 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 L 3-6, 4-6

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Taylor Dent (USA) 83 W 6-2, 7-5
R16 Julien Benneteau (FRA) 32 W 5-7, 7-6(6), 6-2
Q Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 20 L 4-6, 6-4, 4-6

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Ivan Dodig (CRO) 41 L 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-7(5)

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Julien Benneteau (FRA) 112 W 6-4, 7-5
R16 Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 21 W 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 7-6(9)
Q Mardy Fish (USA) 7 L 3-6, 4-6

Two early exits at Cincinnati and another one in 2011´s Canada Master, instead of 2010´s reached semifinal. Nadal was still struggling to dominate the hardcourt Masters Series.


US OPENhttp://www.googlyfish.com/sites/all/themes/acquia_marina.old/images/USA_flag.png

2010

R128 Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 93 W 7-6(4), 7-6(4), 6-3
R64 Denis Istomin (UZB) 39 W 6-2, 7-6(5), 7-5
R32 Gilles Simon (FRA) 42 W 6-4, 6-4, 6-2
R16 Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 25 W 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
Q Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 8 W 7-5, 6-3, 6-4
S Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 14 W 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
W Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3 W 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2

2011

R128 Andrey Golubev (KAZ) 98 W 6-3, 7-6(1), 7-5
R64 Nicolas Mahut (FRA) 99 W 6-2, 6-2 RET
R32 David Nalbandian (ARG) 76 W 7-6(5), 6-1, 7-5
R16 Gilles Muller (LUX) 68 W 7-6(1), 6-1, 6-2
Q Andy Roddick (USA) 21 W 6-2, 6-1, 6-3
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 1 L 2-6, 4-6, 7-6(3), 1-6

Easier draw in 2010, but still only one set lost in 2011, compared to 2010´s none. Yet again, he reached a final and was successful, beating in 2010 a somewhat burnout Djokovic but losing in the 6th consecutive time to the Serbian.


TOKYOhttp://www.netsupportsoftware.com/images/flags/flag_japan.gif

2010

R32 Santiago Giraldo (COL) 63 W 6-4, 6-4
R16 Milos Raonic (CAN) 200 W 6-4, 6-4
Q Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) 432 W 6-4, 6-1
S Viktor Troicki (SRB) 54 W 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(7)
W Gael Monfils (FRA) 15 W 6-1, 7-5

2011

R32 Go Soeda (JPN) 118 W 6-3, 6-2
R16 Milos Raonic (CAN) 30 W 7-5, 6-3
Q Santiago Giraldo (COL) 53 W 7-6(6), 6-3
S Mardy Fish (USA) 8 W 7-5, 6-1
F Andy Murray (GBR) 4 L 6-3, 2-6, 0-6

Didn´t face a top10 in 2010 and won, losing one set. In 2011, went to battle against a hot-form Murray and lost. Nothing out of unusual.


SHANGHAIhttp://www.netsupportsoftware.com/images/flags/flag_japan.gif

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 21 W 6-4, 6-4
R16 Jurgen Melzer (AUT) 12 L 1-6, 6-3, 3-6

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 53 W 6-3, 6-2
R16 Florian Mayer (GER) 23 L 6-7(5), 3-6

Another two early exits in the Chinese Masters.


WTFhttp://www.asterioroadsters.com/en/images/uk-flag.png

2010

RR Andy Roddick (USA) 8 W 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4
RR Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3 W 7-5, 6-2
RR Tomas Berdych (CZE) 6 W 7-6(3), 6-1
S Andy Murray (GBR) 5 W 7-6(5), 3-6, 7-6(6)
F Roger Federer (SUI) 2 L 3-6, 6-3, 1-6

2011

RR Mardy Fish (USA) 8 W 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3)
RR Roger Federer (SUI) 4 L 3-6, 0-6
RR Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 6 L 6-7(2), 6-4, 3-6

Probably the tournament that stands out of the patern of previous ones. 2011´s Nadal didn´t even made it to the semifinal´s, whether 2010´s reached the final. Though both still lost to Federer.


So let´s analyse throughly each year:

WINS/DEFEATS

2010: 71 10
2011: 69 15

2 more wins and 5 less defeats. Not a big difference.

FINALS/TITLES

2010: 9 7
2011: 10 3

Major slump here. In 2010, Nadal lost two finals to Federer and Davydenko. In 2011, he lost 6 of the 7 to Djokovic. The other winner was Murray.

WINS/LOSSES TOP10:

2010: 10 5
2011: 15 12

We can say Nadal faced easier draw´s or that the competion was weaker (more upsets, less top ranked players reaching the latter stages), but like the previous data, Djokovic´s presence just ruins Nadal´s record.

UPSETS

2010: 5
2011: 4

It was hard to determine what a upset is. Ferrer was a Top10 in the Australian Open and it was an upset when he eliminated Nadal. So in order to put away what we think or not is an upset, i have put it down to losses against top10 outsiders. But once again, there´s no big difference.

And finally:

WINS/LOSSES BIG3

2010

Federer: 1 1
Djokovic: 2 0
Murray: 2 2

2011

Federer: 3 1
Djokovic: 0 6
Murray: 4 1

In my believe, this truly shows what really happened in 2011. Djokovic caught Nadal´s number, period. In fact, Nadal improved his h2h record against Federer and Murray in 2011, but simply couldn´t win a match against the Serbian. And when you have to face that unbeatable player in 6 finals, you can´t do much. That´s gonna ruin your year.


I dunno if anyone will agree with my view of Nadal´s play throught 2010 and 2011, but i think that these numbers really show the reality of matchups, and that if Nadal gets the upperhand against Federer, then Djokovic got the upperhand against Nadal. Still, if Federer managed to win againt Nadal on grass and hard, the same Nadal wasn´t able to dominate Djokovic neither on clay, grass and hard. And that´s why some people think Nadal is declining, when in fact he simply faced a player that got his game in check, period.

In my believe, this truly shows what really happened in 2011. Djokovic caught Nadal´s number, period. In fact, Nadal improved his h2h record against Federer and Murray in 2011, but simply couldn´t win a match against the Serbian. And when you have to face that unbeatable player in 6 finals, you can´t do much. That´s gonna ruin your year.

Pretty much. In most of the matches at Wimbledon and USO, Nadal looked as good as ever, especially in the Wimbledon semis where he blew Murray off the court after losing the first set. If not for Novak, this might have been his most successful year ever.

I think it's a conclusive analysis. Many will disagree with straightforward analysis of data to draw the conclusion, perhaps preferring anecdotal evidence (ie - 'Statistics don't matter, I 'saw' Nadal playing worse). However, I don't think it is plausible to overwhelm such a bulk of data with malleable opinion. Is it more plausible that

A) Nadal level dropped, and everyone elses level dropped (bar Djokovic) as well to ensure his results super similarity, '10 - '11, vs all but one of the field

B) Nadal level remained constant, majority of players level remained constant (ish), Djokovic change was the catalyst for difference in results (almost solely a change in finals against him)

I don't think maintaining option A is plausible in the slightest.

Nadal wasn't bad at all this year, but he wasn't great either. Although yes, his level was slightly better overall last year but I don't think that's the reason for his results this year, I simply think it's down to someone actually being able to compete with him at a high level on every surface more than anything.

You musn't forget that Nadal can still blast through most people playing pretty badly (as can, say, Federer, but someone like Murray struggles to do).

You musn't forget that Nadal can still blast through most people playing pretty badly (as can, say, Federer, but someone like Murray struggles to do).

Nadal can't 'blast through' anyone.

His 2011 form was nothing special whatsoever. The fact he won a slam and was the no 2 player sums up how feeble this era is/or how slow all the courts are.

Everyone else played awful in 2010. 2008 was Nadal's best year

a poll would have been hilarious here.

Of course, Nadal would have best year result wise if not for improved Nole.

Very good and thorough analysis. It was obvious to me that Nadal's form hadn't dropped so much as Novak's form vastly improved. Rafa would have had his best season ever had it not been for Nole.

Although the Nole/Fed rivalry is much more electric, it's due to their personalities and off-court considerations. The real rivalry this year was Rafa/Nole. I expect a fierce battle for the #1 between these 2 wonderful players in 2012. Lucky us! :)

Nole 2.0 is to Rafa what Rafa has been to Roger for the last couple of years. It's all a match-up issue with the Top 3 guys, it's Rock-Paper-Scissors.

Nole 2.0 = Paper
Roger = Scissors
Rafa = Rock

If not for Nole 2.0, Rafa would have won 12 grand slams by now.

The problem for Rafa is that he has finally met someone who can match him shot for shot from the baseline, has a better serve, better stamina, and who now has an extremely high level of self-belief and confidence.

OP, great thread by the way! :worship:

Some say last year´s Nadal was the best we ever saw. He dominated the competition, winning 3 consecutive slams and 3 Masters Shields. Some say this year´s Nadal was subpar.

I always had the feeling that Nadal´s level wasn´t really that low and the only thing that changed in the game was Djokovic. Nothing else.

So i compared the so called best Nadal of 2010 with the somewhat subpar Nadal of 2011:


DOHA:http://www.senojflags.com/images/national-flag-symbols/Qatar-Flag.png

2010

R32 Simone Bolelli (ITA) 93 W 6-3, 6-3
R16 Potito Starace (ITA) 62 W 6-2, 6-2
Q Steve Darcis (BEL) 122 W 6-1, 2-0 RET
S Viktor Troicki (SRB) 29 W 6-1, 6-3
F Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) 6 L 6-0, 6-7(8), 4-6

2011

R32 Karol Beck (SVK) 103 W 6-3, 6-0
R16 Lukas Lacko (SVK) 89 W 7-6(3), 0-6, 6-3
Q Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 24 W 7-6(3), 6-3
S Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) 22 L 3-6, 2-6

Even though 2010´s Nadal reached the final instead of the 2011´s semifinal, he still lost to Davydenko. Nothing new here.


AUSTRALIAN OPENhttp://www.buildyourown-computer.com/Template/img/icon_australia_flag.gif

2010

R128 Peter Luczak (AUS) 70 W 7-6(0), 6-1, 6-4
R64 Lukas Lacko (SVK) 75 W 6-2, 6-2, 6-2
R32 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 26 W 6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5
R16 Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 39 W 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Q Andy Murray (GBR) 4 L 3-6, 6-7(2), 0-3 RET

2011

R128 Marcos Daniel (BRA) 93 W 6-0, 5-0 RET
R64 Ryan Sweeting (USA) 116 W 6-2, 6-1, 6-1
R32 Bernard Tomic (AUS) 199 W 6-2, 7-5, 6-3
R16 Marin Cilic (CRO) 15 W 6-2, 6-4, 6-3
Q David Ferrer (ESP) 7 L 4-6, 2-6, 3-6

2010´s Nadal had a tougher draw than 2011´s Nadal, but in the end they still fell out short, not reaching the final. Still, 2011´s Nadal had a better finishing pole.


INDIAN WELLShttp://www.googlyfish.com/sites/all/themes/acquia_marina.old/images/USA_flag.png

2010

R128 Bye N/A W
R64 Rainer Schuettler (GER) 90 W 6-4, 6-4
R32 Mario Ancic (CRO) 694 W 6-2, 6-2
R16 John Isner (USA) 20 W 7-5, 3-6, 6-3
Q Tomas Berdych (CZE) 25 W 6-4, 7-6(4)
S Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) 26 L 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(1)

2011

R128 Bye N/A W
R64 Rik De Voest (RSA) 162 W 6-0, 6-2
R32 Ryan Sweeting (USA) 105 W 6-3, 6-1
R16 Somdev Devvarman (IND) 84 W 7-5, 6-4
Q Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 239 W 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(7)
S Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)90 W 6-4, 6-4
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3 L 6-4, 3-6, 2-6

Better result for 2011´s Nadal, but both still had to fight to win their first title of the year.


MIAMIhttp://www.googlyfish.com/sites/all/themes/acquia_marina.old/images/USA_flag.png

2010

R128 Bye N/A W
R64 Taylor Dent (USA) 83 W 6-4, 6-3
R32 David Nalbandian (ARG) 161 W 6-7(8), 6-2, 6-2
R16 David Ferrer (ESP) 17 W 7-6(5), 6-4
Q Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 10 W 6-3, 6-2
S Andy Roddick (USA) 8 L 6-4, 3-6, 3-6

2011

R128 Bye N/A W
R64 Kei Nishikori (JPN) 62 W 6-4, 6-4
R32 Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 41 W 6-3, 6-3
R16 Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 23 W 6-1, 6-2
Q Tomas Berdych (CZE) 7 W 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
S Roger Federer (SUI) 3 W 6-3, 6-2
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 L 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4)

Similar results to Indian Wells. Both lost one set until they faced elimination in the semifinal and final respectively.


MONTE CARLOhttp://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/flags/medium/France.png

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Thiemo de Bakker (NED) 77 W 6-1, 6-0
R16 Michael Berrer (GER) 51 W 6-0, 6-1
Q Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) 16 W 6-4, 6-2
S David Ferrer (ESP) 17 W 6-2, 6-3
W Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 12 W 6-0, 6-1

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) 59 W 6-2, 6-2
R16 Richard Gasquet (FRA) 18 W 6-2, 6-4
Q Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) 40 W 6-1, 6-3
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 6-4, 2-6, 6-1
W David Ferrer (ESP) 6 W 6-4, 7-5

Both won their fist title of the year. Only difference in the set lost to Andy Murray in 2011. Nothing important here.


ROME http://www.iaapea.com/images/flags/Italy.png/MADRIDhttp://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/flags/medium/Spain.png

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 29 W 6-1, 6-3
R16 Victor Hanescu (ROU) 39 W 6-3, 6-2
Q Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 26 W 6-4, 6-1
S Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 40 W 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
W David Ferrer (ESP) 17 W 7-5, 6-2

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 62 W 6-4, 6-3
R16 John Isner (USA) 19 W 7-5, 6-4
Q Gael Monfils (FRA) 18 W 6-1, 6-3
S Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 35 W 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
W Roger Federer (SUI) 1 W 6-4, 7-6(5)

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 24 W 6-1, 6-3
R16 Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 32 W W/O
Q Michael Llodra (FRA) 27 W 6-2, 6-2
S Roger Federer (SUI) 3 W 5-7, 6-1, 6-3
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 L 5-7, 4-6

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 148 W 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-0
R16 Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 40 W 6-4, 6-2
Q Marin Cilic (CRO) 23 W 6-1, 6-3
S Richard Gasquet (FRA) 16 W 7-5, 6-1
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 L 4-6, 4-6

A pattern starts to emerge. They both lost one set in each tournament. The major difference is Djokovic.


ROLAND GARROShttp://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/flags/medium/France.png

2010

R128 Gianni Mina (FRA) 655 W 6-2, 6-2, 6-2
R64 Horacio Zeballos (ARG) 44 W 6-2, 6-2, 6-3
R32 Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) 33 W 6-3, 6-4, 6-3
R16 Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) 29 W 6-2, 7-5, 6-4
Q Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 21 W 7-6(2), 7-6(3), 6-4
S Jurgen Melzer (AUT) 27 W 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(6)
W Robin Soderling (SWE) 7 W 6-4, 6-2, 6-4

2011

R128 John Isner (USA) 39 W 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-4
R64 Pablo Andujar (ESP) 48 W 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(4)
R32 Antonio Veic (CRO) 227 W 6-1, 6-3, 6-0
R16 Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) 37 W 7-5, 6-3, 6-3
Q Robin Soderling (SWE) 5 W 6-4, 6-1, 7-6(3)
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 6-4, 7-5, 6-4
W Roger Federer (SUI) 3 W 7-5, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-1

Both won Roland Garros, but it´s hard to review this tournament, due to the fact that Nadal only faced a Top10 (Soderling), whether 2011´s faced 3 Top10´s (Soderling, Murray and Federer) and Djokovic was out of competition.


QUEENShttp://www.asterioroadsters.com/en/images/uk-flag.png

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Marcos Daniel (BRA) 112 W 6-2, 6-2
R16 Denis Istomin (UZB) 72 W 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4
Q Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 31 L 6-7(5), 4-6

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Matthew Ebden (AUS) 168 W 6-4, 6-4
R16 Radek Stepanek (CZE) 57 W 6-3, 5-7, 6-1
Q Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 19 L 7-6(3), 4-6, 1-6

Upset by Lopez in 2010 and by Tsonga in 2011 in the QF. Nothing new here.


WIMBLEDONhttp://www.asterioroadsters.com/en/images/uk-flag.png

2010

R128 Kei Nishikori (JPN) 189 W 6-2, 6-4, 6-4
R64 Robin Haase (NED) 151 W 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3
R32 Philipp Petzschner (GER) 41 W 6-4, 4-6, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-3
R16 Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) 66 W 6-4, 6-2, 6-2
Q Robin Soderling (SWE) 6 W 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-1
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-4
W Tomas Berdych (CZE) 13 W 6-3, 7-5, 6-4

2011

R128 Michael Russell (USA) 90 W 6-4, 6-2, 6-2
R64 Ryan Sweeting (USA) 69 W 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
R32 Gilles Muller (LUX) 92 W 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 6-0
R16 Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 21 W 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4
Q Mardy Fish (USA) 9 W 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 L 4-6, 1-6, 6-1, 3-6

2010´s Nadal lost more sets than 2011´s (5 to 3), but still managed to win the title. However, 2011´s Nadal lost once again to Djokovic (5th final lost to the Serbian).


Canada http://cdn1.iconfinder.com/data/icons/finalflags/32/Canada-Flag.png/Cincinnati http://www.googlyfish.com/sites/all/themes/acquia_marina.old/images/USA_flag.png

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 24 W 7-6(12), 6-3
R16 Kevin Anderson (RSA) 87 W 6-2, 7-6(6)
Q Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 37 W 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 L 3-6, 4-6

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Taylor Dent (USA) 83 W 6-2, 7-5
R16 Julien Benneteau (FRA) 32 W 5-7, 7-6(6), 6-2
Q Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 20 L 4-6, 6-4, 4-6

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Ivan Dodig (CRO) 41 L 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-7(5)

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Julien Benneteau (FRA) 112 W 6-4, 7-5
R16 Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 21 W 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 7-6(9)
Q Mardy Fish (USA) 7 L 3-6, 4-6

Two early exits at Cincinnati and another one in 2011´s Canada Master, instead of 2010´s reached semifinal. Nadal was still struggling to dominate the hardcourt Masters Series.


US OPENhttp://www.googlyfish.com/sites/all/themes/acquia_marina.old/images/USA_flag.png

2010

R128 Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 93 W 7-6(4), 7-6(4), 6-3
R64 Denis Istomin (UZB) 39 W 6-2, 7-6(5), 7-5
R32 Gilles Simon (FRA) 42 W 6-4, 6-4, 6-2
R16 Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 25 W 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
Q Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 8 W 7-5, 6-3, 6-4
S Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 14 W 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
W Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3 W 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2

2011

R128 Andrey Golubev (KAZ) 98 W 6-3, 7-6(1), 7-5
R64 Nicolas Mahut (FRA) 99 W 6-2, 6-2 RET
R32 David Nalbandian (ARG) 76 W 7-6(5), 6-1, 7-5
R16 Gilles Muller (LUX) 68 W 7-6(1), 6-1, 6-2
Q Andy Roddick (USA) 21 W 6-2, 6-1, 6-3
S Andy Murray (GBR) 4 W 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2
F Novak Djokovic (SRB) 1 L 2-6, 4-6, 7-6(3), 1-6

Easier draw in 2010, but still only one set lost in 2011, compared to 2010´s none. Yet again, he reached a final and was successful, beating in 2010 a somewhat burnout Djokovic but losing in the 6th consecutive time to the Serbian.


TOKYOhttp://www.netsupportsoftware.com/images/flags/flag_japan.gif

2010

R32 Santiago Giraldo (COL) 63 W 6-4, 6-4
R16 Milos Raonic (CAN) 200 W 6-4, 6-4
Q Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) 432 W 6-4, 6-1
S Viktor Troicki (SRB) 54 W 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(7)
W Gael Monfils (FRA) 15 W 6-1, 7-5

2011

R32 Go Soeda (JPN) 118 W 6-3, 6-2
R16 Milos Raonic (CAN) 30 W 7-5, 6-3
Q Santiago Giraldo (COL) 53 W 7-6(6), 6-3
S Mardy Fish (USA) 8 W 7-5, 6-1
F Andy Murray (GBR) 4 L 6-3, 2-6, 0-6

Didn´t face a top10 in 2010 and won, losing one set. In 2011, went to battle against a hot-form Murray and lost. Nothing out of unusual.


SHANGHAIhttp://www.netsupportsoftware.com/images/flags/flag_japan.gif

2010

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 21 W 6-4, 6-4
R16 Jurgen Melzer (AUT) 12 L 1-6, 6-3, 3-6

2011

R64 Bye N/A W
R32 Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 53 W 6-3, 6-2
R16 Florian Mayer (GER) 23 L 6-7(5), 3-6

Another two early exits in the Chinese Masters.


WTFhttp://www.asterioroadsters.com/en/images/uk-flag.png

2010

RR Andy Roddick (USA) 8 W 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4
RR Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3 W 7-5, 6-2
RR Tomas Berdych (CZE) 6 W 7-6(3), 6-1
S Andy Murray (GBR) 5 W 7-6(5), 3-6, 7-6(6)
F Roger Federer (SUI) 2 L 3-6, 6-3, 1-6

2011

RR Mardy Fish (USA) 8 W 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3)
RR Roger Federer (SUI) 4 L 3-6, 0-6
RR Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 6 L 6-7(2), 6-4, 3-6

Probably the tournament that stands out of the patern of previous ones. 2011´s Nadal didn´t even made it to the semifinal´s, whether 2010´s reached the final. Though both still lost to Federer.


So let´s analyse throughly each year:

WINS/DEFEATS

2010: 71 10
2011: 69 15

2 more wins and 5 less defeats. Not a big difference.

FINALS/TITLES

2010: 9 7
2011: 10 3

Major slump here. In 2010, Nadal lost two finals to Federer and Davydenko. In 2011, he lost 6 of the 7 to Djokovic. The other winner was Murray.

WINS/LOSSES TOP10:

2010: 10 5
2011: 15 12

We can say Nadal faced easier draw´s or that the competion was weaker (more upsets, less top ranked players reaching the latter stages), but like the previous data, Djokovic´s presence just ruins Nadal´s record.

UPSETS

2010: 5
2011: 4

It was hard to determine what a upset is. Ferrer was a Top10 in the Australian Open and it was an upset when he eliminated Nadal. So in order to put away what we think or not is an upset, i have put it down to losses against top10 outsiders. But once again, there´s no big difference.

And finally:

WINS/LOSSES BIG3

2010

Federer: 1 1
Djokovic: 2 0
Murray: 1 3

2011

Federer: 3 1
Djokovic: 0 6
Murray: 3 1

In my believe, this truly shows what really happened in 2011. Djokovic caught Nadal´s number, period. In fact, Nadal improved his h2h record against Federer and Murray in 2011, but simply couldn´t win a match against the Serbian. And when you have to face that unbeatable player in 6 finals, you can´t do much. That´s gonna ruin your year.


I dunno if anyone will agree with my view of Nadal´s play throught 2010 and 2011, but i think that these numbers really show the reality of matchups, and that if Nadal gets the upperhand against Federer, then Djokovic got the upperhand against Nadal. Still, if Federer managed to win againt Nadal on grass and hard, the same Nadal wasn´t able to dominate Djokovic neither on clay, grass and hard. And that´s why some people think Nadal is declining, when in fact he simply faced a player that got his game in check, period.

Dude. Rafa was 4-1 against Murray this year and 2-2 in 2010

Dude, you didn't need to quote the whole thing just to add three words :(

Nole 2.0 is to Rafa what Rafa has been to Roger for the last couple of years. It's all a match-up issue with the Top 3 guys, it's Rock-Paper-Scissors.

Nole 2.0 = Paper
Roger = Scissors
Rafa = Rock



I don't think this is completely accurate. I would put my money on Nadal beating Federer a majority of the time. Same as I would put my money on Novak beating Rafa a majority of the time (now) but I would place, at best, a 50% chance of Roger beating Novak. Roger isn't the scissor to Novak's paper.

I don't think this is completely accurate. I would put my money on Nadal beating Federer a majority of the time. Same as I would put my money on Novak beating Rafa a majority of the time (now) but I would place, at best, a 50% chance of Roger beating Novak. Roger isn't the scissor to Novak's paper.
Precisely. :) This analogy of paper, rock, scissors started this year, when it was clear that Novak had got Rafa's number. But let's see whether the results justify this comparison:

In 2011, Roger beat Nole 1/5 times. 20%. Rafa beat Roger 3/4 times. 75%. Nole beat Rafa 6/6 times. 100%.

20%? That's not scissor to paper, in my opinion. :)

Novak is the rock not the fucking paper

Dude. Rafa was 4-1 against Murray this year and 2-2 in 2010

You´re right, my bad. But it doesn´t change the analysis.

Nole played better but Nadal's level dipped. From serving in the 120-130's to WTA 90 Mph serving.. From a potent backhand to almost NO BH. His movement declined, his speed declined etc.

No comparison.. '11 Nadal's game went downhill as the mileage on the body is finally wearing him down and affecting his overrall game

Nole played better but Nadal's level dipped. From serving in the 120-130's to WTA 90 Mph serving.. From a potent backhand to almost NO BH. His movement declined, his speed declined etc.



Nadal served at 90% FS and served more Aces than Djoko at the Wimbledon 2011 Final and Still LOST

Serve or no serve, BH or no Bh it's simply put a Bad matchup for Rafa...

Novak is the rock not the fucking paper
:lol: <3

Nadal served at 90% FS and served more Aces than Djoko at the Wimbledon 2011 Final and Still LOST

Serve or no serve, BH or no Bh it's simply put a Bad matchup for Rafa...

Never a bad matchup for Nadal before when Nadal was younger and didn't gas out as fast and could move much better. Nole's level raised along with his fitness.. No denying that.. But if you can't see the mileage is finally catching up to Nadal then I don't know what to tell ya.. Hes been in the top 2 since 05 or 06 thereabouts.. Thats a long time and the grind gets to you.. Obviously the amount of matches and mileage has affected Nadal's overrall game.. HE isn;t the same Nadal we saw in '10 or '08 for that matter

Nadal's level dropped quite significantly but rest of the field remained at the same crappy level or declined(Federer), thus it may appear that Rafa wasn't that bad this year, yet he actually was.
Got beaten 6 times in a row by Djokovic and what's more important Nadal lost the majority of those matches because of inferior fitness, hence the "mental block". As long as Nadal knew he can out tire Djokovic he felt quite confident even If the match wasn't going exactly the way Rafa planned.
I don't think the H2H against Murray should be considered as a factor here, since Murray did not improve neither tennis nor mental-wise and Nadal went 3-0 on natural surfaces(Murray sucks on them in general) while the h2h is tied on hard.

And finally I don't remember Nadal playing such crap during the whole clay court swing, he barely escaped John fucking Isner at RG, got straight-setted by Djokovic two times and played average at MC and Barcelona.

Never a bad matchup for Nadal before when Nadal was younger and didn't gas out as fast and could move much better. Nole's level raised along with his fitness.. No denying that.. But if you can't see the mileage is finally catching up to Nadal then I don't know what to tell ya.. Hes been in the top 2 since 05 or 06 thereabouts.. Thats a long time and the grind gets to you.. Obviously the amount of matches and mileage has affected Nadal's overrall game.. HE isn;t the same Nadal we saw in '10 or '08 for that matter

Djokovic has always been a bad matchup for Nadal. It was already in the script as early as 2007. Djokovic just had to just some small adjustments here and there. People act like he is a totally different player. He just got a little better with his physical aspects and then arguably the DC win as the true catalyst to the burst of confidence.

Nadal's level dropped quite significantly but rest of the field remained at the same crappy level or declined(Federer), thus it may appear that Rafa wasn't that bad this year, yet he actually was.
Got beaten 6 times in a row by Djokovic and what's more important Nadal lost the majority of those matches because of inferior fitness, hence the "mental block". As long as Nadal knew he can out tire Djokovic he felt quite confident even If the match wasn't going exactly the way Rafa planned.
I don't think the H2H against Murray should be considered as a factor here, since Murray did not improve neither tennis nor mental-wise and Nadal went 3-0 on natural surfaces(Murray sucks on them in general) while the h2h is tied on hard.

And finally I don't remember Nadal playing such crap during the whole clay court swing, he barely escaped John fucking Isner at RG, got straight-setted by Djokovic two times and played average at MC and Barcelona.

This clown must have a tennis level scouter.

Djokovic never lost to Nadal only to himself .....

At the US Open, there was a massive, massive, massive form difference between Nadal 2010 and Nadal 2011. And I'm not even talking about service speeds. Everything. Just watch the tennis and you can see. Also compare Nadal's 2010 World Tour Finals with his 2011 World Tour Finals. MASSIVE difference in the way he hit the tennis ball.

Precisely. :) This analogy of paper, rock, scissors started this year, when it was clear that Novak had got Rafa's number. But let's see whether the results justify this comparison:

In 2011, Roger beat Nole 1/5 times. 20%. Rafa beat Roger 3/4 times. 75%. Nole beat Rafa 6/6 times. 100%.

20%? That's not scissor to paper, in my opinion. :)

Rock, paper, scissor is :stupid: anyway. A rock will punch right thru paper if thrown hard enough or if heavy enough! :rolleyes:

Nadal would've won 5 TMS(!) and 3 GS(!!) without Nole! :speakles: Best season ever (for Rafa) if not for Novak! :eek:

I believe that settles it.

2008 was rafas best not 2010

Djokovic never lost to Nadal only to himself .....

Oh god, tardism to the next level. Saberq must be a Djokotard version of tard da fail.

Oh god, tardism to the next level. Saberq must be a Djokotard version of tard da fail.

dude again sense the sarcasm

Nadal was almost the same in 2010 and 2011. There is absolutely no difference in him. He is playing at the same level.. Only the man from Serbia is the difference.

He's as boring and dull than in 2010, no doubt about it...

Nole played better but Nadal's level dipped. From serving in the 120-130's to WTA 90 Mph serving.. From a potent backhand to almost NO BH. His movement declined, his speed declined etc.

No comparison.. '11 Nadal's game went downhill as the mileage on the body is finally wearing him down and affecting his overrall game

Nadal´s serve was always crap, period. The exception to the rule was last year´s US Open. Is it fair to compare his serve to another one within only two weeks of a tournament? Doesn´t seem fair to me.


And finally I don't remember Nadal playing such crap during the whole clay court swing, he barely escaped John fucking Isner at RG, got straight-setted by Djokovic two times and played average at MC and Barcelona.

Nadal was mentally destroyed after after Rome and Madrid. The same thing happened after the US Open. He should have taken a rest and get his ideas in check, but kept on playing and got burnout.

At the US Open, there was a massive, massive, massive form difference between Nadal 2010 and Nadal 2011. And I'm not even talking about service speeds. Everything. Just watch the tennis and you can see. Also compare Nadal's 2010 World Tour Finals with his 2011 World Tour Finals. MASSIVE difference in the way he hit the tennis ball.

I can only see two massive differences. His serve and the draw. I mean, he got a cakewalk draw to the final, only to face a somewhat burnout Djokovic.

dude again sense the sarcasm

Right I'm sure.

Nadal was almost the same in 2010 and 2011. There is absolutely no difference in him. He is playing at the same level.. Only the man from Serbia is the difference.

2010 Nadal was FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR better than 2011 Nadal at US Open and World Tour Finals. Only person who would disagree with this is someone who didn't watch tennis during this period. Nadal got worse and worse as 2011 went on. First half of 2011 though Nadal was about the same as 2010, albeit slightly worse.

2010 Nadal was FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR better than 2011 Nadal at US Open and World Tour Finals. Only person who would disagree with this is someone who didn't watch tennis during this period. Nadal got worse and worse as 2011 went on. First half of 2011 though Nadal was about the same as 2010, albeit slightly worse.

in 2010 Nadal had no competition ....none,zero

Nadal played close to his 2010 level till in IW and Miami, that second Masters final defeat to Djokovic shook him. Personally, I think Rafa's clay court form of 2010 is overrated by most people, his best on the surface was till 2008/early 2009, since then he has declined slightly on that surface. Rafa's clay form of 2011 wasnt a lot worse, maybe he was affected by b2b defeats to Novak (especially the way he lost - it was very un-Nadal like to lose from a set up in very close battles). I think he should have ground Djokovic down in Madrid but didnt and that scarred him mentally. The real blow came at Rome though and he produced a uncharacteristically listless performance in the final against a Djokovic who was virtually running on fumes. I think thats what broke him or the rest of the year and thats where Nadal 2010 disappeared for good at least for this year
Of course he lost that US OPEN 2010 serve and that didnt do him any good either, especially against the best returner in the world.
Still he was more than good enough to dismiss more or less all of the rest of the tour. Just that he ran into a guy who was playing some of the greatest tennis most of us have ever witnessed. Djokovic out Nadaled Nadal and Rafa just couldnt bring up the answers being a defensive player naturally.
But otherwise, he hasnt declined as much as ppl make out. He is playing at a very high level still and will be in contentio for the majors for some time to come. The only guy in his way is Djokovic.

I think it's a conclusive analysis. Many will disagree with straightforward analysis of data to draw the conclusion, perhaps preferring anecdotal evidence (ie - 'Statistics don't matter, I 'saw' Nadal playing worse). However, I don't think it is plausible to overwhelm such a bulk of data with malleable opinion. Is it more plausible that

A) Nadal level dropped, and everyone elses level dropped (bar Djokovic) as well to ensure his results super similarity, '10 - '11, vs all but one of the field

B) Nadal level remained constant, majority of players level remained constant (ish), Djokovic change was the catalyst for difference in results (almost solely a change in finals against him)

I don't think maintaining option A is plausible in the slightest.
The stats show that Nadal was much more dominant in MC '10 than in MC '11. Same number of sets lost, but look at the number of games lost. I think you can make the case for RG '10 over RG '11 as well. Nadal lost zero sets in RG '10, but 3 sets in RG '11. The original poster pointed out that Nadal faced 3 top players that year, vs 2 in 2010, but 2 of those 3 sets were actually lost to Isner.

IMO Nadal's been in decline on clay since MC '10. Sure, Djokovic's a bad match up for him, but Djokovic's easiest victories last year were on clay!

I agree that on hardcourts it's a different story.

in 2010 Nadal had no competition ....none,zero


He beat Djokovic in the USO final, the same guy who dominated 2011. :wavey:

Yeah, the same guy who'd won one title up to that point in the season (Dubai).

Yeah, the same guy who'd won one title up to that point in the season (Dubai).


The same guy who beat the GOAT two days earlier. :D

He beat Djokovic in the USO final, the same guy who dominated 2011. :wavey:

the same guy ? :haha: Matt my man come on

the same guy ? :haha: Matt my man come on


If Djokovic of 2011 is a clone then where is the the real Djokovic? :eek: :sad:

Nadal's serve has been horrendous this year - no exaggeration. I actually thought his groundies were okay, but getting broken 6 times in one match by a clown like Golubev or getting broken on grass by Sweeting tells you everything you need to know about how bad his serve has deteriorated... In fact the last time he served well was in WTF 2010. Usually player's serve improves with age, Nadal's has become worse than in his 2006-2007 days.

If Djokovic of 2011 is a clone then where is the the real Djokovic? :eek: :sad:

He is hidden form public view :cool:

Nadal's serve has been horrendous this year - no exaggeration. I actually thought his groundies were okay, but getting broken 6 times in one match by a clown like Golubev or getting broken on grass by Sweeting tells you everything you need to know about how bad his serve has deteriorated... In fact the last time he served well was in WTF 2010. Usually player's serve improves with age, Nadal's has become worse than in his 2006-2007 days.

That is true his serve is really bad this year.....doesnt seem to bother him against Fed though

The same guy who beat the GOAT two days earlier. :D
That's kind of the point, though. He didn't really show up after that victory, losing 3 times to Federer and twice to Nadal.