[quottrethew]

When Federer began his domination he had no one after him. Nadal emerged as a counterweight but only on clay for the first year or two. Later he expanded his horizons and started competing with Roger on all surfaces.

I think Rafa has the same competitors Roger had, so I'm not that optimistic.

Finally, I'm cautious about today. First lets see if he wins before anointing him anything.

Cautious ? I don't see how he can lose this. Especially that Djokovic is a guy that doesn't recover fast.

As of the competitor, Rafa has always been trouble for Roger since their first meeting in 2004. There is noone right now you that you will say can beat Rafa under perferect condition. Nadal had an amazing clay season(Pre RG) in 2005 the year that Roger had his first crack at it.




After Nadal wins this, he will be a step ahead of Federer at the same age. He will have win 9 slams before his 25th birthday(Nadal has alaways been ahead but now it is more significant because of the # of slams won ). Federer won his 9 slams few days after his 25th birthday