I just caught the first three sets and was disgusted when federer choked the last one away, but then I heard nadal had plenty of opportunities for the fourth and blew it so that made me feel better somehow

I didn't catch the fifth set, who had most of the advantage?

2/2/2009 12:43:05 AM

Nadal

2/2/2009 12:46:10 AM

well thats really impressive then after that marathon last match and the fact that he looked like he was slowing down a little in the 3rd set

still though I'd like to see the break point stats to see if federer choked the match away

2/2/2009 12:54:21 AM

Federer was 6/19 break points, Nadal was 7/16.

What really hurt Roger was the 52% 1st serve percentage. His 1st serve % was 65-70% for most of the tournament until the finals.

2/2/2009 5:17:37 AM

yea it hurt roger a lot when he was up 0-40 on rafa's serve at 4-4 in the third. he converts there the set is virtually over, although fed served like shit. im like the majority of people, im a huge federer fan and i definitely want to see him break the record, but the question now is how long before nadal catches up?

2/2/2009 9:37:33 AM

i don't really think that nadal's game lends itself to a long successful career. that and there are more talented men right now than when federer was coming through.

of course, nadal's talent seems to be on the upswing still, so maybe nadal will be just as dominant as federer.

2/2/2009 11:05:52 AM

I used to believe that, but he's developed some absolutely amazing shot making ability to go with his sheer athleticism. That cross court double fisted back hand he rips is probably the most devastating shot in all of tennis right now. That along with the ridiculous spin he puts on his forehands will keep him winning matches long after his legs start to wear down.

[Edited on February 2, 2009 at 11:24 AM. Reason : :]

2/2/2009 11:22:49 AM

i just wonder if the verdasco performance from teh other day was a flash in the pan, or if he can maintain that. if he's the real deal, then nadal will have some serious competition aside from federer (though looking up his info, he's a few years older than nadal right now).

i just hate that there aren't really any american men that have stepped up in the last few years.

2/2/2009 11:25:40 AM

nadal seems like a more athletic andre agassi to me, that would be crazy if after all this federer is the best ever convo (which I agree with) and it only lasts like five years before nadal overtakes him

2/2/2009 2:41:12 PM