Date: August 16th, 2012 11:28 AM Author: rusted mood
The history he's accumulated also indicates that this is not a problem that will go away, not unless Nadal takes a truly extended break (say, six months to a year) or drastically limits his play with long breaks between selected events.
What if Nadal decided that the only way to extend his career would be to avoid hard courts altogether? Should he decide to play only on clay and grass, how would the ATP handle his role as a part-timer?
We saw that the ATP had no mercy when it came to Bjorn Borg's wish to play more selectively; would a hard-line stance by the ATP (rules are rules; if you don't meet your mandated commitments, you will pay a price) drive Nadal out of the game altogether? One thing is for certain, Nadal could keep a very respectable ranking playing only exclusively on clay in Europe. It would certainly be in intriguing and unprecedented decision, as well as a wholly justifiable one.
But if he went that route, Nadal would not contend for the top ranking, nor appear at two majors (Australian and U.S. Opens). Given that for a player like Nadal, the career is all about Grand Slam wins and all else is trimmings, those handicaps are irrelevant. Playing two majors a year is better than having to quit with busted up knees and playing none. Ever again.
Date: August 16th, 2012 11:32 AM Author: rusted mood
you mean, just show up at the USO and AO without playing any hardcourt tuneups? he'd still have to train on hardcourt to be at a competitive level and prevent injury. hell, murray hurt himself playing in toronto on hardcourt 2 days after the olympics finals on grass because of the switch and improper training.
Date: October 4th, 2012 12:21 PM Author: rusted mood
of course it's premature, but he's not going to be able sustain that pace for more than another couple years.
also, he's not as good as before, and the noticeable difference is his inability to dominate the big servers. he's susceptible to losing to the tsongas, delpos, berdychs.
Date: October 4th, 2012 12:23 PM Author: mint sanctuary deer antler
All true, but I though his movement and backhand were better this year than in the previous ~2. And there's still no one who's shown the ability to be healthy and consistently better.