[zzbust]

I'm thrilled for Rafa. The idea of him playing on grass in a couple days is unfathomable to me.

And hence he's not on my GA team.

Nole is 25, Nadal is 26.

Fed at 30 has not won a slam in almost two and a half years, so if we use that trajectory as an example, Nole still has two or three good shots at winning RG.

The interesting thing about Nadal is that despite the miles he has put on his legs, he remains as fast as ever. The first signs of Nadal fading will come not from his tennis skills diminishing but from him losing his foot speed.

As has been with Roger.

[2puO4Rhf]

Day 16: Monday, 11 June

Court Philippe Chatrier 1:00 PM Start

Men's Singles - Finals
Rafael Nadal(ESP)[2] vs. Novak Djokovic(SRB)[1]
To Finish 6-4 6-3 2-6 1-2

[effenseshoora]

Interesting thought. I don't think Novak would have exploded like he did if both Roger and Rafa hadn't been there to shove him into third for so many years.

It's impossible to know, but I tend to agree. I think the "iron sharpens iron" thing has been a factor for both Rafa and Nole - not so much Roger, because he was the original iron and I'm not sure either Rafa or Nole made him a better player. But I do believe that Roger made Rafa a better player - that, in fact, Roger was the best inspiration that Rafa could have had - and Rafa, and to a lesser extent Roger, made Novak a better player. Murray hasn't responded to the challenge of this epic age like Rafa or Nole have. No one else has. It says a lot about the kind of athlete Rafa and Nole both are.

[Vomephems]

Nadal is going down Sunday.

[Freeptube]

I'm suddenly nostagic for the muscle shirt, pirate pant Rafa. Though I do love how his hair has gotten shorter and shorter.

[Vomephems]

I meant with both of them staying relatively healthy in the next 2- 3 years. Of course if Nadal fades first that's another story...

Nole is 25, Nadal is 26.

Fed at 30 has not won a slam in almost two and a half years, so if we use that trajectory as an example, Nole still has two or three good shots at winning RG.

The interesting thing about Nadal is that despite the miles he has put on his legs, he remains as fast as ever. The first signs of Nadal fading will come not from his tennis skills diminishing but from him losing his foot speed.

[jagxj12]

Nole is 25, Nadal is 26.

Fed at 30 has not won a slam in almost two and a half years, so if we use that trajectory as an example, Nole still has two or three good shots at winning RG.

The interesting thing about Nadal is that despite the miles he has put on his legs, he remains as fast as ever. The first signs of Nadal fading will come not from his tennis skills diminishing but from him losing his foot speed.

Yes, but Roger has not been lucky with the following generation (Nadal, Nole and to some extent Murray) being very strong. Agassi had a lot more luck in this and kept winning slams in early 30-ties. Probably would have won another 2-3 without Federer around in 2004-2006.

As has been with Roger.

[2puO4Rhf]

NBC Sports Network will carry coverage live. Check your Cable provider for channel in your area. In NYC area NBCSN was previously Versus.

[fubyFrery]

That would help. BUT, I'm not sure how much longer Nadal will be able to hold onto his form anyways (It's Nadal Knee-Watch 2012!!!! ) I sez, Novak just needs to keep healthy and hang in there, and it'll happen when Nadal finally fades. It's not like anyone else looks all that impressive.....well, on any surface.

I meant with both of them staying relatively healthy in the next 2- 3 years. Of course if Nadal fades first that's another story...

[fubyFrery]

Novak will definetly needs a" Soderling" too ^^^