Wimbledon

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Federer's serve wasn't as good as in the past. Still good to Rafa's forehand side(up the middle,) but not up the middle to his backhand side. Weird, but true. Rafa's serve is much improved(especially in consistency.) The main thing that has changed though is that Rafa dictates the flow of the rallies. It's more Federer responding to him, than him having to respond to Federer. That's new(Federer has never let somebody control that on grass..never.) It's mainly a case of Federer being not as good. It's true that Nadal has improved, but I think the reason Rafa won was due 25% to himself, and 75% due to Federer not playing as well as he has in the past(on grass.) Federer has been decaying the last 6 or 7 months. If he can't get it done here, then I don't think he will win another major until possibly next year's Wimbledon(the truth is that he is simply in decline, and may never win another major.) I have always seen him as more of a talent than a competitor.

ALERT! ALERT! ..Andruw Jones got a base hit!!

[TheSpyder]

I think it came down to unforced errors. Nadal was just a rock. Federer played out of a few holes in amazing fashion but also made some rather poor shots coming into the net. Nadal did choke a couple times but overall was just a little bit better. Great match and recorded it starting at 9 am which means if I got 6 hours I still didn't get it all.

Oh well,

Spydal

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Originally Posted by TheSpyder

I think it came down to unforced errors. Nadal was just a rock. Federer played out of a few holes in amazing fashion but also made some rather poor shots coming into the net. Nadal did choke a couple times but overall was just a little bit better. Great match and recorded it starting at 9 am which means if I got 6 hours I still didn't get it all.

Oh well,

Spydal

Federer used to finish those points off much earlier. He is not as sure of himself. Lets Rafy dictate the points now. Like I said, it's both(serve not as good, and ground game not as aggressive as it once was.) On grass, it should be Federer's power game dominating Rafy's shot-making finesse. If his power ground strokes aren't working, then it should be backed up by his aces (with his serve.) He should have a double wall of protection. Neither wall is as good as it used to be.

Federer pulled out some huge serves but all in all he
did not play his best and he knows it. Nadal's focus
is incredible for a kid that young.

I really have come to like this kid. Going up and having
the grand hugfest with his parents and coach. I wish
I had his ability to concentrate for that long. Amazing.

This could be the type of match that makes Federer
try and get better. He clearly is not as good now.
I have my doubts.

The legend of Borg is safe in my mind.

[herkhorse]

Missed the last three sets, and now wish I hadn't. Not a big tennis fan, but this was obviously great. Nadal