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I've watched some highlights over the last few days of his matches at RG and I have my opinion, interested to know if you think the same.
1. The size of the court. I have a feeling this contributes towards his wins but is not the biggest factor. Often in these matches he is defending deep behind the baseline but most of the time he's no further back than he would be for example say at Rome or Barcelona.
2. The opponents playing to Nadal's strengths. Many key points in many matches, even against supremely fit guys like Novak and Ferrer, they are hitting harder earlier which means at the business end they are tiring more quickly.
3. Nadal's style of play. There can be little to argue this point, he is a defensive baseline player who waits for opponents to tire before pulling the trigger. Rarely in rallies does Nadal take the initiative. But whatever the style, it's damn successful for him, perhaps others can try to beat him at his own game.
4. The surface conditions. The surface is slow and high bouncing, we all know that helps his style of play, but shouldn't the others be able to cope with the conditions as well? I mean it's the same for both players.
5. Peaking at the right time. Rarely does Nadal have to play 2/3 5 setters in a slam, but especially at RG. Is he just better at beating his opponents more quickly in the earlier rounds? An example is the 2 SFs last year, Novak not fully fit and being dragged around much more by Gulbis whereas Nadal dismantling Murray without breaking sweat. Nadal peaking right in time for the final.
6. Any other reason. Please state.
I have a feeling the biggest reason for his success is the style of play, he has mastered the best style to win RG. Perhaps the only way he can be beaten (except for father time) is if someone plays him at his own game. Tiring him down before taking advantage the deeper the rallies go.
1. The size of the court. I have a feeling this contributes towards his wins but is not the biggest factor. Often in these matches he is defending deep behind the baseline but most of the time he's no further back than he would be for example say at Rome or Barcelona.
2. The opponents playing to Nadal's strengths. Many key points in many matches, even against supremely fit guys like Novak and Ferrer, they are hitting harder earlier which means at the business end they are tiring more quickly.
3. Nadal's style of play. There can be little to argue this point, he is a defensive baseline player who waits for opponents to tire before pulling the trigger. Rarely in rallies does Nadal take the initiative. But whatever the style, it's damn successful for him, perhaps others can try to beat him at his own game.
4. The surface conditions. The surface is slow and high bouncing, we all know that helps his style of play, but shouldn't the others be able to cope with the conditions as well? I mean it's the same for both players.
5. Peaking at the right time. Rarely does Nadal have to play 2/3 5 setters in a slam, but especially at RG. Is he just better at beating his opponents more quickly in the earlier rounds? An example is the 2 SFs last year, Novak not fully fit and being dragged around much more by Gulbis whereas Nadal dismantling Murray without breaking sweat. Nadal peaking right in time for the final.
6. Any other reason. Please state.
I have a feeling the biggest reason for his success is the style of play, he has mastered the best style to win RG. Perhaps the only way he can be beaten (except for father time) is if someone plays him at his own game. Tiring him down before taking advantage the deeper the rallies go.
