Nadal - The Future Looks Bright

First topic message reminder :

This interview throws a brighter spin on Nadal's future compared with some of the gloom that is being spread. But then if you will read the Daily Mail... Pfft!

But did you win your 7th title in Roland Garros with an injured knee?

"The problem started in February, at Indian Wells. I was forced to miss the semi-final in Miami but came back stronger in Roland Garros, where I played the semi-final with just some infiltration. I won because at the time I was playing some of the best tennis in my career. But the injury got worse again in Halle and the week before Wimbledon it was absolutely terrible. It was only after that I discovered I had suffered a tear.”

Admit it, you are slightly afraid of never being able to play tennis professionally again, aren't you?

"My injury (Hoffa’s syndrome) hasn’t ever forced anyone into retirement from the sport. The future looks bright. I’m still 26, I still love competing, I still love tennis. If anything, this season has been one of the seasons I’ve enjoyed playing tennis the most. I’ll try as hard as possible to get back playing again. And I’ve always worked hard all my life. I’m not foolish enough to believe I can play well enough to start winning again straight away, especially with the level of competition in tennis so high at the moment. But I’ve been at the top of the sport for 8 seasons and 3 months ago I won Roland Garros – so why should things suddenly change after 5 months out of the game? I've the same motivation as before and the same faith in my ability and desire to work hard: why shouldn’t I get back to where I was before in the sport?”

But will you be able to play on the hard courts again?

"I don’t believe I’ll be able to avoid playing on hard courts, especially as 2 Grand Slam tournaments [the US Open and the Australian Open – Ed] and a lot of other top tournaments are played on the surface, but I know I need to play on clay courts more, as that'll help my knee. I’m not only saying this now, as I’ve said it a lot of times over the past 3 years and during the ATP tour, but it’s a mistake to play so many tournaments on hard courts: I don’t see many football players or basketball players playing on the surface day in, day out. I can’t do anything to change what has happened to me, but I can do something for future generations. Playing on hard courts is very damaging for the knees, ankles and back. Unfortunately, the sport is dominated by business, by money and the upkeep of hard courts is much easier than the upkeep or grass or clay courts. The sport is heading in that direction and my feeling is that it’s a mistake. But that’s just my opinion.”

So, when do you think you’ll be back playing again?

"I don’ know whether it’ll take 3 weeks or 3 months. But I hope to play at the Australian Open, even if I hope I can be back even sooner, in Qatar. Who knows, perhaps I won’t be back until after, on the clay courts. But what I’m certain of is that after playing tennis in a certain way for 20 years I won’t be able to make any drastic changes to my style of play. You can change things slightly, something small here and there, adapt in certain ways, even in the way you stand on the court, as I’ve actually had to do. Before, I used to cover the court a lot, as it was the only way to pay against the top players. Now, I don’t cover the court as much as Djokovic. But that’s because I play a better style of tennis now.”

http://english.gazzetta.it/More_sports/25-09-2012/rafa-nadal-m-not-worried-ll-be-back-just-as-strong-as-ever-912718555671.shtml

Danny_1982 wrote:And while we're on the subject, you do neither Rafa or his fans any favours by claiming he has only lost to Murray when he's injured. Critics of Rafa and his fans have always derided that he and his fans always claim injury after a loss, an accusation which I think is unfair on a lot if his his followers.

And yet here you are, living up to that stereotype. Thank goodness not allRafa fans are the same.

The thing is quite a few Rafa fans are also Murray fans. Goodness know why as IMHO their styles are miles apart. Sometimes I think it's got something to do with Nadal always responding to media questions about Murray along the lines of "He is Nice. He will win a slam". Instead of another multi slam winning all time great who used to give a more in depth analysis. (But perhaps this will change after apparently being man handled by the crowd at the Olympics).And also Murray's stories about how he and Rafa were practically room mates in Spain and he spent most of his formative years playing computer games with him. Well on the days he wasn't hanging out with Djokovic anyway. Maybe this is what convinces so many Rafa fans to love Murray? I wonder why it doesn't work the other way round?

Anyway until recently I wasn't aware that IMBL was a Rafa fan I just thought they were a more balanced Murray fan. My experience of them has always been their disapproval that I don't rate Murray higher. So don't be upset IMBL but Rafa is by far a better player than Murray. He is also way better at playing him tactically than Federer or Djokovic. (Federer and his "tactics" Pfft!) If there are no extenuating circumstances IMHO Nadal will beat Murray. The reason people do talk about Murray being unable to beat Nadal when he's fully fit is because there is some truth in it.

Forgive me if I choose to disregard someone who speaks with a long loathing of Andy Murray. The more balanced and accurate viewpoint on Murray V Nadal in the future is ignore what has gone before. Andy Murray has moved on to a new phase in his career with many aspects of his game having improved and more importantly he now has the experience of knowing he has what it takes to win the ultimate prize in tennis. We maybe saw a glimpse of that in one of the more recent encounters between the pair about a year ago in Asia and we all know what happened there.

hawkeye wrote:

Danny_1982 wrote:And while we're on the subject, you do neither Rafa or his fans any favours by claiming he has only lost to Murray when he's injured. Critics of Rafa and his fans have always derided that he and his fans always claim injury after a loss, an accusation which I think is unfair on a lot if his his followers.

And yet here you are, living up to that stereotype. Thank goodness not allRafa fans are the same.

The thing is quite a few Rafa fans are also Murray fans. Goodness know why as IMHO their styles are miles apart. Sometimes I think it's got something to do with Nadal always responding to media questions about Murray along the lines of "He is Nice. He will win a slam". Instead of another multi slam winning all time great who used to give a more in depth analysis. (But perhaps this will change after apparently being man handled by the crowd at the Olympics).And also Murray's stories about how he and Rafa were practically room mates in Spain and he spent most of his formative years playing computer games with him. Well on the days he wasn't hanging out with Djokovic anyway. Maybe this is what convinces so many Rafa fans to love Murray? I wonder why it doesn't work the other way round?

Anyway until recently I wasn't aware that IMBL was a Rafa fan I just thought they were a more balanced Murray fan. My experience of them has always been their disapproval that I don't rate Murray higher. So don't be upset IMBL but Rafa is by far a better player than Murray. He is also way better at playing him tactically than Federer or Djokovic. (Federer and his "tactics" Pfft!) If there are no extenuating circumstances IMHO Nadal will beat Murray. The reason people do talk about Murray being unable to beat Nadal when he's fully fit is because there is some truth in it.

Nope HE it is your twisting of facts to suit your own agenda and obsessive need to cast Murray in a bad light by any means possible that annoys Murray fans (and many neutral observers). Again in this post, sources please (I am still waiting for sources from the last time I asked for them re 606v2 posters claiming Murray is an overall better player than the other three)? As far as I am aware having read many Murray interviews and his autobiography he has not made any such claims about Nadal. He said Nadal inspired him to go and train in Spain whilst they (and the other competitors) were playing football during a junior tournament and that they got on well. He said he knew Djokovic well from the junior tour and they have also both said they get on well. Also the manhandling? Never heard that one, but I forgot how you "worry" about delicate little Federer with the British crowd - he is clearly not worried in the least.

Maybe many Rafa fans like Murray because they are well balanced and appreciate more than one flavour of tennis. I don't dislike any of the top four as I am a tennis fan first and foremost. Personally I couldn't give a flying pigs t%esticle what you think of Murray but I do care about the truth and will not let twisted half truths and manipulated quotes go unchallenged.

Oh and do stop being childish about the tactics thing. LF made a valid point - Murray is excellent tactically.

Yet another post that does you absolutely no credit HE.

Guys, please be patient with Hawkeye. She has had a terrible summer. Firstly with Nadal's unfortunate injury, and then having to see Murray crowned Olympic and US open champion.

As for your extracts from Murray's autobiography.... Interesting. I read that book only 3 weeks ago, and those bits simply aren't in there. You've made them up.

Your dislike of Murray is overwhelming you. It's a shame because nobody is taking anything you say seriously anymore. If Murray goes onto to win more slams you are going to be unbearable.

I can't wait!

carrieg4 wrote:

Maybe many Rafa fans like Murray because they are well balanced and appreciate more than one flavour of tennis. I don't dislike any of the top four as I am a tennis fan first and foremost.

Carrieg
I am a big Nadal fan, I'm not gonna lie, but I also like watching Murray play

hawkeye wrote:
Anyway until recently I wasn't aware that IMBL was a Rafa fan I just thought they were a more balanced Murray fan.

Interesting. In order to be considered by HE as a "more balanced" Murray fan you have to be a Nadal fan first and foremost.

Interesting interpretation of balanced there.

legendkillarV2 wrote:This is where rational thinking has gone out the window.

What this thread has shown is that despite LF producing sterling work on the ratio of court surfaces, people still feel that 2 HC Slams are 2 too much. This is despite the fact that the US Open has been Clay, Grass and HC and that the Australian Open has been Grass and HC.

My plan for the surface changes actually included the biggest percentage change for grass, rather than clay.
I did make one tournament clay though, which is Australian Open.
You're probably right, that suggestion was probably the Rafa fan in me talking

Apologies if that suggestion offended you

legendkillarV2 wrote:
Now in relation to all this 'Your hard on HE' how about I say you are hard on anyone speaks out against Nadal. Because I have seen you run down anyone's who's opinion has been critical of Nadal.

Well during this thread I disagree with your comment 'no one gives a rats ass' (I thought it was an incorrect statement as people do care about Nadal over the world.) I also disagreed with Hawkeye when she said that Nadal has only lost to Murray when injured, because I thought there were plenty of occasions where this has not been the case.
At no point did I call HE or you 'pedantically retarted' or accuse them of 'talking out of their rectum' etc.

legendkillarV2 wrote:
Just don't preach the whole I am an aggressive poster, when you sought this confrontation out yourself.

I did not seek any confrontation. I felt that you were generally being aggressive and pugnacious to people who don't agree with you, and thus pointed it out. Some of your posts after thhat demonstrate my point perfectly

carrieg4 wrote:Interesting. In order to be considered by HE as a "more balanced" Murray fan you have to be a Nadal fan first and foremost.

Interesting interpretation of balanced there.

No HE didn't think I was a Nadal fan, she thought I was a Murray fan.

It Must Be Love wrote:

carrieg4 wrote:Interesting. In order to be considered by HE as a "more balanced" Murray fan you have to be a Nadal fan first and foremost.

Interesting interpretation of balanced there.

No HE didn't think I was a Nadal fan, she thought I was a Murray fan.

That's kind of my point IMBL. It has been pretty obvious right from the start that you are a Nadal fan first and foremost who also enjoys Murray (and other players) matches. Did anyone else think you were a Murray fan?

I am just curious as to how HE would define a balanced Murray fan. I clearly do not fall into that category in her eyes so I am just wondering what the criteria are.

There is no such thing as a balanced Murray fan according to HE.

We're all evil.

It was always clear to me that IMBL was a Rafa fan, although in HE's book to be a proper Rafa fan you have to have a weird obsessive hatred of Murray to qualify.

Sorry IMBL, you don't count!

You know how they say hate is very closely associated to love... You don't think HE has a thing for Andy Murray do you? Maybe it's not hatred. Maybe it's desire.

Just putting it out there.... Discuss.

Because I have seen you run down anyone's who's opinion has been critical of Nadal. And as for socal, he literally spews out forced opinions that everything conspires against Djokovic. If it rains the god's have it in for him. Infact his behaviour drove a particular poster away from this forum..

Yes I bring the confrontation LK. I forced a poster away like Invisible cooler who came back a month later. When have I said the gods have it in for him or anything approaching that. I pointed out like Henman Bill did, who is not a Djoko fan that the weather breaks at the FO and Wimby where not opportune for him. Basically, LK you laugh off every thread that is directed at attacking me as good humor and quote an olive branch. What afcuking joke. Then when I defend myself against months of attacks now I am the bad guy. It was pretty funny when you and BB laugh it up on thread after thread directed at taunting me with your failed and silly attempts at humor. And then when I actually stand up and defend myself after months of ignoring attacks according to you I am the bad guy.

Whatever if people want take a run at me for months and ignore them like a gentlemen this is what happens. If you or anyone else takes a run at me you will get answered in kind. If you or anyone else treats me with respect they get answered in kind.

Don't try to change the track record we all remember you and few others yuck it up while ignored attack thread after attack thread. And you had the audacity and the sheer ignorance to claim that i failed to respond to an olive branch. You are just as crazy as BB.

Well lets be honest we know the hatred that sits there. After all we have put up with her for years warbling on about how Murray is useless in one way or another and insistent he'd remain slamless. Surprise surprise she couldn't even bring herself to congratulate Murray on winning the US Open that is how deep her hatred goes. Basically, people should have given up years ago expecting to hear balanced opinion and views on Murray from Hawkeye.

Craig Hawkeye is not balanced on murray that is a fair assessment I think even she would acknowledge she is biased against him.

socal1976 wrote:Craig Hawkeye is not balanced on murray that is a fair assessment I think even she would acknowledge she is biased against him.

Agreed. I gave up a long time ago expecting a modicum of respect towards him from her as should other posters. I take what she says with a massive pinch of salt.

Oh get over yourself socal, you're such a victim.

Danny_1982 wrote:

It was always clear to me that IMBL was a Rafa fan, although in HE's book to be a proper Rafa fan you have to have a weird obsessive hatred of Murray to qualify.

Sorry IMBL, you don't count!

bogbrush wrote:Oh get over yourself socal, you're such a victim.

Nope not a victim, that is the principal problem you and Lk seem to have with me. I argue my points and if someone has a go at me I have a go at them. Hardly a victim. I ignored you for months, if anyone brought this fight it is you and people like LK, who like a hypocrite blasts me for writting about how great the modern game is while 24 hours later mr. hypocritical then posts an even more repetive how the game sucks and needs changing thread. The same thing he attacked me for 24 hours before and the other people who were on the thread. But it isn't repetive for moaners to gather online and whine about the conditions, my post talking up the game is repetive.

Sometimes you're all as bad as each other.
If you were someone looking for a tennis forum to join, would you look at this thread and say to yourself "Hmmm, there's a friendly group of people who like an intelligent talk about tennis" or would you say to yourself "Hmmm, if they're all adults, why are they all behaving in such an embarrasingly childish way?"

Nope I wouldn't come here julius you are absolutely right. And am having second thoughts about contributing thousands of posts to this tennis section frankly. Either way I don't care what anyone says I didn't start the fighting. LK himself was here before the arrival of a certain contingent who brought all the fighting with them. Prior to the arrival of certain undesirables there was never a single fight or perosnal attack.

I also frankly regret that I contributted so much to the site. Especially, in lights of how I recently have been treated Julius. Being banned for mentioning the truth about racist comments by a poster directed at me. Asked to produce evidence that the administrator had himself deleted and then I am the one that gets banned.

You guys may just get your wish I am not enjoying this either so at some point it might be better to part company.

I haven't really been around to Mod this thread the last couple of days - I may have to keep a closer eye on things. I feel like a teacher who's left the class for 5 mins and the kids have played up.
There are a few totally uncalled for posts (not yours socal).

Btw, from what you say, I don't think you've got the reasons for your ban exactly correct.

Anyway back on topic, Uncle Toni has said Nadal will be back practising in around a fortnight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bmfgVNgOq8&feature=youtu.be

This thread is back on topic, so I will be looking to ensure it stays that way from hereon in.

It Must Be Love wrote:Anyway back on topic, Uncle Toni has said Nadal will be back practising in around a fortnight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bmfgVNgOq8&feature=youtu.be

Hooray! I told you the future looks bright for Nadal.

Annoying (for Rosol) how after the match he just said Rosol played well and there was no excuses and then later on comes out months later with more and more comments about terribly injured he was.

If you are going to be all modest after the match and not mention an injury, fine. But what is the point if you are going to mention it later anyway. Either do it straight away or not at all.

Henman Bill wrote:Annoying (for Rosol) how after the match he just said Rosol played well and there was no excuses and then later on comes out months later with more and more comments about terribly injured he was.

If you are going to be all modest after the match and not mention an injury, fine. But what is the point if you are going to mention it later anyway. Either do it straight away or not at all.

A win is a win.
As Federer said either you come out on court, or you don't.
The fact is Rosol was the better man on the day and deserved to win, whether Nadal is injured or not isn't his concern.

What is the correct etiquette if you are a multi slam winning great who has just been beaten by a player ranked 100 in a match that will probably be seen by the lower ranked guy as th match of his life when you know you played injured?

Well of course you say the best man on the day won. However you might be forced to be a little more honesif the injury keeps you out for three months and counting and everyone wants to know in detail exactly what is wrong. And even if your not honest it should be obvious.

It Must Be Love wrote:

Henman Bill wrote:Annoying (for Rosol) how after the match he just said Rosol played well and there was no excuses and then later on comes out months later with more and more comments about terribly injured he was.

If you are going to be all modest after the match and not mention an injury, fine. But what is the point if you are going to mention it later anyway. Either do it straight away or not at all.

A win is a win.
As Federer said either you come out on court, or you don't.
The fact is Rosol was the better man on the day and deserved to win, whether Nadal is injured or not isn't his concern.

IMBL -

Sometimes the other guy plays better. If only all had your attitude rather than making excuses for every loss.

I don't think Nadal ever needed an excuse for that loss. It was just something that happened. The other guy is allowed to play well.

I've had the same injury and it had a severe impact on my game. The interesting thing was it depended on the tennis Surfaces I was playing on. Nadal will have trouble on harder surfaces as he grows up, as the wear and tear on the ankle and leg gets worse on hard court and grass.

The future may look bright, but there is a dark shadow lurking at the back in the shape of Lukas Rosol.

It Must Be Love wrote:

hawkeye wrote:

It's ok HE, no one cares about Nadal.
No one gives a 'rat's ass' to be precise.

Shouldn't that be a Capybara's ass?

break_in_the_fifth wrote:I don't think Nadal ever needed an excuse for that loss. It was just something that happened. The other guy is allowed to play well.

You obviously never got the memo.