Is it possible to support both Roger and Rafa?

Tennis has been fortunate over the last decade to have two such great players competing against each other. What I think has been most notable about this rivalry is the fact that the two players' court style could not be more different. The artistry and single-handed wizardry of Federer against the bludgeoning leftie spin of Nadal. Federer is the ice king on court to Rafa's vicious warrior. Both play great tennis but their styles are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum of many styles we can get in tennis.

So my question is whether its possible to support both. Obviously, there are a lot of fan wars about these two players and so there are a lot of people who have nailed their colours to the mast. Is it possible though to support both and why would you do so?

Yes  IMO they are quite similar. Their differences are much exaggerated.

hawkeye wrote:Yes  IMO they are quite similar. Their differences are much exaggerated.

Well, one similarity is that they both play baseline-oriented tennis to a very high standard. After that, not so much - Roger is the more instinctive shotmaker, Rafa the stronger 'gameplan' player (althogh Djokovic probably exceeds him in this regard - there was a comment during Wimbledon about Djoko only having a plan A, but that it was so good why does he need a plan B?). Federer moves with ease and finesse, while Rafa is the more powerful athlete. Federer is more about winning the points quickly, Rafa about absorbing what his opponent throws at him and then countering when the opportunity arrives. Just shows there's more than one way to be a success.

You can be a fan of both, but the reasons for admiring them would be different - Federer for his sublime skill, Rafa for his athleticism and heart (this is not intended to downplay what an outstanding shotmaker Rafa is, but it's not THE great strength of his game).

I've said before, I am a huge fan of sportsmen who have the ability to make the near impossible look easy - in that regard Federer is head and shoulders above all his contemporaries, and so even now when he is celarly over the hill I still want to see him play, just to produce a few moments of magic. Sadly, when up against the best it isn't enough now.

^ Mmmm.

Both play baseline-orientated tennis. Also both are excellent volleyers.

Instinctive? At their level and experience instinct will always play a part. Granted Federer is a little more stubborn than Nadal.

Both have distinctive styles. This makes them both stand out from coached styles such as Djokovic's. Djokovic does what he does exceptionally but there is nothing unique about his style.

Both Fed and Nadal have supreme skill AND athleticism. They both make the game look beautiful in their own distinctive way. (Unless your a fan of just one)

They have a slight difference in the way they conduct themselves on court. Both are cool, concentrated and keep a game face on until they remove their bandana at the end of the match. But Federer shows little emotion when he has hit a good shot at an important time unlike Nadal. This can give the illusion that Federer's good shots are somehow more effortless.

Both are head and shoulders above their contemporaries.

Both handle the media well, are a dream for sponsors and are loved by tennis fans (admittedly sometimes not the same tennis fans)

Both are the same weight and height.

Both will end their career with the same number of slams (maybe?)

But Federer is older than Nadal by nearly 5 years so there is a difference.

Federer is a classy, elegant man and player. Nadal is all about raw, brutal will and physical power. Not the Gq award kind of guy imvho.

Nadal is a men's health man. Federer is a GQ man... Andy is a caveman...

and that my friends is called a pre-emptive strike...

To answer the question, yeah. I think it is possible. I like them both for differing reasons. I think their overall shotmaking ability is a lot closer than most want to admit (the Bull vs maestro billing is too enticing, I suppose). I didn't like Roger much when he was winning. Grudging respect, sure... but not like. Now, though, he has a very South African feel about him. The way he manages his injury (no fuss, no retirements, just get on with it). The fact that he is a Swiss who likes cricket. The fact that he used to play tennis in an abandoned/haunted hospital near where my parents lived. If he wasn't worth more money than god, he'd definitely be a very relatable guy.

kingraf wrote:Nadal is a men's health man. Federer is a GQ man... Andy is a caveman...

and that my friends is called a pre-emptive strike...

You are the walrus!!!!!  

http://www.whosdatedwho.com/tpx_26461996/mens-health-magazine-ukraine-july-2011/

http://www.whosdatedwho.com/tpx_23557893/mens-health-magazine-romania-august-2011/

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Nadal-Appears-On-Mens-Health-Cover-(Photos)-articolo4125.html

http://www.glamourboysinc.com/2011/04/rafael-nadal-chris-hemsworth-mens.html

@BS.. Yes.

@KingRaf… Condolences for the passing of Mandela.

Thanks LF - It's all a bit surreal at the moment... Must be said though, the man was loved, lived a meaningful life, and leaves behind a great legacy which all Saffers fully expect his off spring to urinate on in an attempt to get their inheritance.

Of course it's possible. I support 3, Fed, Murray, Nadal, and anyone that beats the lights out of Djoko.

kingraf wrote:Nadal is a men's health man. Federer is a GQ man... Andy is a caveman...

and that my friends is called a pre-emptive strike...

Oi! Caveman? That's no way to talk of a GQ man of the year, British Sports Personality of the year (surely) and winner of British tennis holy grail (before that title got nicked for some other tournament) and 77 year drought ender!  

I think there are loads that support both out there. People are drawn to success at the end of the day, and those two have had a fair bit of it it's fair to say.

Though it's also much easier for Rafa fans to admire Roger nowadays, now that he's no longer cleaning up.

Yes...but probably not equally!

lydian wrote:Yes...but probably not equally!

Hehe.  Indeed.  In theory it is perhaps possible but I know nobody who roots for them both in anything like an equal measure.  Certainly the vast majority of tennis fans I personally know support one or the other, but not both.  They may be ok with both, but I know of pretty much no tennis fan who - when the two of them play - would be indifferent to who wins.

Sure it is, you can support whoever you like. Hell you can be a Roger and Nole fan as well although for me there simply is too much bad blood.

summerblues wrote:

lydian wrote:Yes...but probably not equally!

Hehe.  Indeed.  In theory it is perhaps possible but I know nobody who roots for them both in anything like an equal measure.  Certainly the vast majority of tennis fans I personally know support one or the other, but not both.  They may be ok with both, but I know of pretty much no tennis fan who - when the two of them play - would be indifferent to who wins.

Exactly imo there are those who say they DO.. but in the final analysis I think it highly improbable it comes down to one or other
It is possible to like both of course, but "support" is, a whole different ball game

Deja Vu! If 'support' is equated to who will win when they play each other, it is, IMVHO, rather restrictive and a narrow interpretation of the word.

It is unlikely that Federer will beat Nadal ever again (but miracles can happen). If HE's latest is anything to go by, it would be a Bushism, You are with us (Nadal/Federer) or them(Federer/Nadal).

Has anyone measured such 'support' quantitatively, Lydian? IMHO, never. Internet boards are divisive though, even forums split.

I am appalled at the attitude to tennis every commenter has on this site. It is childish, immature  and goes against everything tennis is about. Of course we can like both Rafa and Roger but why would we if Andy is out there.

MurrayMad wrote:I am appalled at the attitude to tennis every commenter has on this site. It is childish, immature  and goes against everything tennis is about. Of course we can like both Rafa and Roger but why would we if Andy is out there.

    Hillarious where are you HE   

HE is currently in Moderator school learning how to be nice to Murray fans before taking over her new role. It's taking longer than expected, but I think we'll have it cracked in the next 5 or 6 months.

I didn't vote for her!

JuliusHMarx wrote:HE is currently in Moderator school learning how to be nice to Murray fans before taking over her new role. It's taking longer than expected, but I think we'll have it cracked in the next 5 or 6 months.

Good Lord is she taking a crash course !!!!   

MurrayMad wrote:I am appalled at the attitude to tennis every commenter has on this site. It is childish, immature  and goes against everything tennis is about. Of course we can like both Rafa and Roger but why would we if Andy is out there.

Hi MurrayMad,

  You certainly suit your name! Poor Roger and Rafa. I suppose there is nothing they could do to win your affections? What do you think of Nole? He has a new celebrity coach and I also believe he is quite good at dancing.  

Haddie-nuff wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:HE is currently in Moderator school learning how to be nice to Murray fans before taking over her new role. It's taking longer than expected, but I think we'll have it cracked in the next 5 or 6 months.

Good Lord is she taking a crash course !!!!    

we're doing double-shifts!

JuliusHMarx wrote:

Haddie-nuff wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:HE is currently in Moderator school learning how to be nice to Murray fans before taking over her new role. It's taking longer than expected, but I think we'll have it cracked in the next 5 or 6 months.

Good Lord is she taking a crash course !!!!    

we're doing double-shifts!

Obviously a glutton for punishment or a martyr to hopeless causes I admire your dedication   

Hi Hawkeye,
Even though I have recently been advised to stsy away from you as you are a well known Murray hater, which is something I am far from, I am willing to give you a chance. I have been reading past comments you have made and I disagree with all however you do show some wit. As for Nole, I am new to tennis and have yet to come across him but from your description he is no match for Andy.

Well not sure Andy sees it that way vs Djokovic but he's certainly had the upper hand on grass in recent times. Murray right now is an unknown quantity, we need to see how he gets on at AO jthen we can probably clearer about where his form & game is vs Djokovic AND Nadal. Perhaps a resurgent/refocused Federer too. We also need to see if Murray has the same fire in his belly having achieved his childhood dream and getting the UK monkey off his back. Interesting times ahead and it will be good to have a fully fit top 5 or so back on tour for what seems like ages.

MurrayMad wrote:Hi Hawkeye,
Even though I have recently been advised to stsy away from you as you are a well known Murray hater, which is something I am far from, I am willing to give you a chance. I have been reading past comments you have made and I disagree with all however you do show some wit. As for Nole, I am new to tennis and have yet to come across him but from your description he is no match for Andy.

Oh dear I await with baited breath in 2014 .. this really should be fun if you have only just come across the Serbinator

Welcome MurrayMad.

Slightly confused about how a big Murray fan wouldn't know of Djokovic when they've met in 4 grand slam finals, 3 of them in recent times... But hey ho.

MurrayMad wrote:Even though I have recently been advised to stsy away from you as you are a well known Murray hater, which is something I am far from, I am willing to give you a chance. I have been reading past comments you have made and I disagree with all however you do show some wit.

Please be advised, MM, that HE is neck-deep in a Moderation Crash-course, very ably taught by the resident Dark Arts expert JHM. She has the One Ring to rule them all.   

Danny_1982 wrote:Welcome MurrayMad.

Slightly confused about how a big Murray fan wouldn't know of Djokovic when they've met in 4 grand slam finals, 3 of them in recent times... But hey ho.

…. I am new to tennis and have yet to come across him …

@MM.. Craig (of the Caledonian variety) is the Chief Murray Officer. Please swing by his office when you can.

I am the biggest Murray fan on this site from what I have seen so far- even though I have barely watched a whole Murray match in my life. I support Andy because he is a man of my country and has given the UK pride. If only some of you had lloyalty to your own country like I do.

Lol!
Did you start supporting Murray after his Wimbledon win this year?

Given the UK pride? Come on...so did Froome do so as well?
Loyalty to ones own country has led to some of the biggest issues seen to mankind. I have never supported any player out of nationality, I rather focus on what they bring to court and their personality therein. What piece of arbitary demarcated rock they come from matters little to me. BTW, Murray's biggest fan...? You haven't met Calendonian Craig then?

Firstly no I did not become a Murray fan after his Wimbledon win, it was after he gave his winning US open speech. He spoke with such pride and joy yet he was modest too- it made me feel proud of where I was from. I see your point lydian and I wish I wasn't so easily swayed into liking a player because of their nationality. However my heart belongs to Andy and it cannot be changed, I'm afaid.
I am looking forword to meeting Calendonian Craig.

MM… very glad and happy for the patriotism you show and pride in it.

Tennis, as a sport, does need a lot more global participation, than just one country or another. There are many Murray fans on v2, so it is good to have another added to such rolls.

Not so long ago, the British empire extended across the globe.

We are in the middle of discussions on virtues of HEs posting and here comes MM - an Andy superfan who never heard of Nole, only saw a couple of Andy's matches, does not know HE but knows that there is some wit in her posts... ...mhmmm.

But just in case you are for real, welcome here MM.

Murraymad....welcome.

I'm slightly confused as you say you became a Murray fan during or after his US Open 2012 win speech, but you say you haven't come across Djokovic, who was the guy the other side of the net he beat to win that USO !!

He was also the guy he beat in the Wimbledon final this year (2013) and lost to in the OZ slam 2013 final.

Maybe you were mistaken, but since Djokovic was No1 for most of 2013 and was a prominent figure in tennis news the world over, you may have had your head buried in another sport for the last 16 months :¬p

PS, why has my smillies box disappeared, am I not worthy ?

I suppose in fairness posters sometimes refer to players I'm well aware of, but by nicknames I'm not. "Nole" is not a name Djokovic is referred to in mainstream media.
However, I'm as convinced as summerblues as to MM's status.

Anyone read Ender's Game?

Two of the characters work together by taking opposing views on forums and become powerful by the dialogue they create.

And here we see MurrayMad arriving just as HE volunteers to be a moderator...

Happy New Year everyone. If u follow the Gregorian calendar that is. Just like to say hope this forum continues as it does. I enjoy the tennis discussion.

Plus I hope Feds new racquet yields greater reward than his 2013 year. I have a feeling his better preseason preparations (compared to his 2013 - due to his South American tour) will bring better results. Then again. I've been hopelessly wrong before !!

Hope you all have a prosperous and happy 2014

Johnyjeep wrote:Happy New Year everyone. If u follow the Gregorian calendar that is. Just like to say hope this forum continues  as it does. I enjoy the tennis discussion.

Plus I hope Feds new racquet yields greater reward than his 2013 year. I have a feeling his better preseason preparations (compared to his 2013 - due to his South American tour) will bring better results. Then again. I've been hopelessly wrong before !!

Hope you all have a prosperous and happy 2014

Thank you JJ and the same to you and all my fellow tennis fans on 606v2   May 2014 bring everything you hope for

summerblues, HM

As If! 

Actually I will confess all. My alter ego is JuliusHMarx/mikey and we are planning on taking over 606v2.... and then the world.

MurrayMad/CaladonianCraig have a mission to protect the Murray name, summerblues/nitb are here from the other place to investigate the holy grail theory and HM is part of an infiltration by MI5 so we all better be very careful what we say   

Happy 2014  

Of course you can. Long as you dont have an agenda against a player or its supporters theyre both very hard to hate.
Tennis isnt a game that must be played one way, and both guys with differing baseline styles are the masters of their fields. Theyre both well behaved, likable and can field a tennis vintage that can be mesmerising to watch.
If you get too tribal over it, then you get trouble

falzy21 wrote:Of course you can.

BTW, Happy New Year.

indeed happy new year to all