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[CajoleJuice]

I do think Federer will at least win one more Grand Slam (even if he loses this US Open). I don't think Nadal will catch Federer but will come close (he'll probably catch Sampras). Djokovic will give Nadal troubles for the rest of his career. I see Djokovic only getting better. I'm not sure how much Nadal can improve anymore. And competition as a whole is getting stronger too. Of course health factors will also matter, you never know what can happen.

I thought one thing Nadal could improve was his serve -- and he did in Wimbledon. i'm not sure I've ever seen him serve better than he did against Djokovic in this year's final, but Djokovic is the best returner in the game and totally neutralized it.

 

[clemenx]

Do you guys see Nadal (or anyone else for that matter) playing at this level at 30yo? Tennis seems to be getting friendlier with late 20s but I still don't see it.

 

[NomarTyme]

Damn it Joker. In a fucking deep hole.

 

[Manics]

Fed led 5-2 in the first set, had a set point in the next game and his dropshot was just a couple of inches away from winning that first set. Not to mention he couldn't serve it out aswell.

And these are positives?

 

[MIMIC]

Novak >_<

Well, I said Federer in 4. At least give me THAT, Novak ;_;

 

[VistraNorrez]

You're body changes a lot in your late 20s, not matter your conditioning. Just look at Federer. Nadal will still be great at 30, but there will be new competition and Nadal's faults will be easier to exploit. He's going to noticeably slowdown.

 

[Clegg]

And these are positives?

It shows that he can get in the position to win sets against Rafa on clay.

Actually winning the set is a different story

 

[royalan]

Do you guys see Nadal (or anyone else for that matter) playing at this level at 30yo? Tennis seems to be getting friendlier with late 20s but I still don't see it.

I see it happening.

Tennis is becoming a more and more athletic sport. Players are hitting the gym more and keeping their bodies conditioned. Because of that their bodies are way more capable for longer.

That, and rackets have improved dramatically. Lighter and easier on the arms.

Hell, even at 30, Federer is playing beautifully. Based on his performance lately I can see him playing at a competitive level for a few more years, yet.

 

[DiZ_O]

And these are positives?

Wait, are you seriously doubting the mentality of the greatest of all time?

 

[Manics]

It shows that he can get in the position to win sets against Rafa on clay.

Actually winning the set is a different story

Exactly. When it comes down to the key points against Nadal, Federer seems to either seize up or Nadal is just more mentally tough. Not a good feeling going into a match against a guy who you "just lost again by a bit" to. Nadal knows he gets into Fed's head too. Probably makes him hard.

 

[Manics]

Wait, are you seriously doubting the mentality of the greatest of all time?

Against Nadal, 100% I question it.

 

[DiZ_O]

Against Nadal, 100% I question it.

He can get under his skin because of his unique style of play and force him into errors, but I doubt he'll go into a match against Nadal questioning himself if he's got what it takes to beat him. Especially if he can beat the best player this season in the semis.

 

[Clegg]

Nole with the break

 

[clemenx]

Federror appearing. This gives old man Roger some kind of charm. Sigh.

 

[royalan]

Unforced Federror...

 

[Ashhong]

Yeah great memory there. "The last hardcourt slam against Rafa I cried"

 

[royalan]

Don't deflate, Fed!!

 

[clemenx]

Oh boy.

 

[Speevy]

We might be headed for 5 sets, folks.

 

[CajoleJuice]

Not looking good for Fed.

 

[John Dunbar]

oh god this is going to be tsonga all over again

this started when djokovic put that fucking hat on.

 

[ezrarh]

Looking real bad.

 

[royalan]

It's almost as if Federer LETS himself deflate when he gets a decisive lead, and then gets caught off-guard when players don't just roll out the red carpet for him.

 

[sfedai0]

wtf Fed stop slicing and being on the defensive.

 

[OmniGamer]

"Look how deep Djokovic's balls are going"

 

[DiZ_O]

oh god this is going to be tsonga all over again

this started when djokovic put that fucking hat on.

Tsonga started going for broke and went for eveything.
Federer made almost no mistakes. He just made 4 in Djoko's first 5 points, resulting in a break.

 

[Speevy]

"Look how deep Djokovic's balls are going"

OH my.

 

[Cloudy]

Another Fed choke job coming

 

[Clegg]

Fed has been doing this for a while now. When he gets in front he drops his level.

I think Nole will win this now if it goes to 5 sets.

 

[clemenx]

He needs to find his serve again first.

 

[MIMIC]

Fed visibly scared. Barely moving, losing the placement on serve, shanking balls.

Djokovic...much sharper at the moment. Returning like never before, getting more aces, flatter on the groundies and better placement with the groundies.

 

[royalan]

Ugh, it's like he thought the first two sets WERE the game. His level hasn't just dipped, its nosedived...

 

[Sax Russel]

Hopefully Djokovic can finish off the 5th set quickly so he can take on Nadal Monday.

 

[Clegg]

Sigh

Oh Fed you just cant do things like this and expect to win.

Djokovic to win 6-0 in the 5th set

 

[royalan]

"What in the name of Del Potro was that!?" Haha!

 

[Diprosalic]

hope nadal goes at least over 5 too.

 

[clemenx]

Djoko took the chance of upping his game and isplaying in his beast mode. Looks grims... just hope for a good 5th set. 3rd and 4th set have been just beatdowns.

 

[Cloudy]

Seems like he just got tired

 

[Clegg]

I hope the 5th set is at least competitive.

 

[bud]

federer, don't do this to me.

 

[royalan]

Seems like he just got tired

You don't get that tired that quickly, even at 30.

It just seems like Fed didn't anticipate Djoker upping his game, which was stupid. To me, Fed looks caught off guard. And he seems really reluctant to adjust his game.

 

[DiZ_O]

That'll be the slowest ace you'll ever see.

 

[Clegg]

Well at least Fed won his own service game.

I cant believe how bad he's gotten in these last 2 sets.

Djokovic to win the US Open

 

[MIMIC]

That'll be the slowest ace you'll ever see.

I've hit slower =p

 

[ezrarh]

Federer, don't do this to me man.

 

[John Dunbar]

at this point i'd be happy with a relatively close 5th set. roger, i am disappoint.

 

[DiZ_O]

Just hold your opening service game ffs Roger.

 

[royalan]

Yes! Get pumped up Fed!!

 

[Cloudy]

Fed totally tanked that 4th set after he got broken the second time lol

 

[Speevy]

Come on Federer, WAKE UP!