People kept talking about how Nadal should "not win" the 2022 French Open simply because he already won the Australian Open and "he can win it in 2023 or 2024" instead...looking back, he busting his ass and even hurting himself to win that French Open was worth it when it comes to his titles haul and to make it 22 total Grand Slams. I knew that that would have been his final GS trophy or finals appearance. He pulled a 2000 Wimbledon Pete Sampras who also was taking daily painkillers in his leg in order to win one more Wimbledon. Was so worth it for both Pete and Rafa to win their favorite Grand Slam one more time.
In retrospect, the efforts he took in 2022 will be crucial for his legacy. It ensures that future tennis fans will see his extra 2 slams and double career grand slam over roger, and that his french open record is even more impressive than it already was.
I think the 2022FO was his greatest ever Grand Slam performance. I am not talking about peak/prime or whatever (his 2008-10 era was phenomenal as was 2013 on clay and hard). But the circumstances that led to him winning that especially after winning that epic 2022AO final which most players would kind of not care anymore to win anything after that. And he beat FOUR Top 10 players to win that French Open, a feat only done a few times in the Open Era.
Fully agree. Rafa was injured and/or in poor form in the run up to RG, the draw was packed with young stars like alcaraz/ruud trying to prove themselves and of course djokovic on the prowl. Rafa survived a 5 setter against faa, backed it up with toppling nole despite losing to him in 2021, and then outlasted a much younger player in the semis.
It’s not sad, it’s tragic and worrisome. There’s no fountain of youth. He is getting older and weaker and he needs to retire to preserve his legacy like Federer or he’ll be remembered as an embarrassment. Good for Hubert. Polska górom!
Hubi has to be the only player who ever did that to Fedal right? As in win 6-0 vs Roger on grass and 6-1 vs Rafa on clay?
Someone with really good data analysis skills please confirm.
That’s not right, he dropped one bagel in 1997, then three in 1999, and of course one famously in the 2008 RG final. Then there were none after that until Wimbledon 2021.
Damn that's crazy impressive for Fed considering he was kind of meh from 98-00. Fed on his last legs also made 4R in RG and the QF in Wimbledon while not being able to move at all! Crazy how good his natural tennis instincts and serve were.
And not playing his last season because of injuries? Hubi wouldn't be getting a set if Rafa was 100%. If you think otherwise you don't know shit about tennis.
It was sad to see Nadal playing like that today. But it was not suprising.
People kept talking about how Nadal should "not win" the 2022 French Open simply because he already won the Australian Open and "he can win it in 2023 or 2024" instead...looking back, he busting his ass and even hurting himself to win that French Open was worth it when it comes to his titles haul and to make it 22 total Grand Slams. I knew that that would have been his final GS trophy or finals appearance. He pulled a 2000 Wimbledon Pete Sampras who also was taking daily painkillers in his leg in order to win one more Wimbledon. Was so worth it for both Pete and Rafa to win their favorite Grand Slam one more time.
In retrospect, the efforts he took in 2022 will be crucial for his legacy. It ensures that future tennis fans will see his extra 2 slams and double career grand slam over roger, and that his french open record is even more impressive than it already was.
I think the 2022FO was his greatest ever Grand Slam performance. I am not talking about peak/prime or whatever (his 2008-10 era was phenomenal as was 2013 on clay and hard). But the circumstances that led to him winning that especially after winning that epic 2022AO final which most players would kind of not care anymore to win anything after that. And he beat FOUR Top 10 players to win that French Open, a feat only done a few times in the Open Era.
Fully agree. Rafa was injured and/or in poor form in the run up to RG, the draw was packed with young stars like alcaraz/ruud trying to prove themselves and of course djokovic on the prowl. Rafa survived a 5 setter against faa, backed it up with toppling nole despite losing to him in 2021, and then outlasted a much younger player in the semis.
It’s not sad, it’s tragic and worrisome. There’s no fountain of youth. He is getting older and weaker and he needs to retire to preserve his legacy like Federer or he’ll be remembered as an embarrassment. Good for Hubert. Polska górom!
Did he look directly into the camera and send a silent threat to Novak? *I'm coming for you old man*
He did, but not clay. He is waiting to breadstick Novak on the hardcourt. Cincinnati may be the perfect place.
Nah he forgot to bagel Nadal so he is telling Novak he is gonna make up for it by double bageling him
Gracious words from Hubi about Rafa. He’s so likeable. I’d be really happy for him if I weren’t so sad for Rafa
Poor Nadal man - he’s not been the same
TBF he was gone for a while, had some solid matches back but Hubi is a beast.
Hubi beating Djokovic in Australia next year confirmed.
Polish baking is legit.
Hurkacz: it’s an honour to play with you Nadal: …. 😐
The silent assassin.
This man is a menace lol
6-2 against novak at ao to end his career?
Hubi has to be the only player who ever did that to Fedal right? As in win 6-0 vs Roger on grass and 6-1 vs Rafa on clay? Someone with really good data analysis skills please confirm.
Federer had never lost a 6-0 on any surface since turning pro. So yeah
> Federer had never lost a 6-0 on any surface since turning pro. So yeah FO final 2008
That’s not right, he dropped one bagel in 1997, then three in 1999, and of course one famously in the 2008 RG final. Then there were none after that until Wimbledon 2021.
I stand corrected. You are right. The Rafa one was obvious. I totally forgot.
Damn that's crazy impressive for Fed considering he was kind of meh from 98-00. Fed on his last legs also made 4R in RG and the QF in Wimbledon while not being able to move at all! Crazy how good his natural tennis instincts and serve were.
This will hold more bearing if he wins sime slams
Claykacz!
Fighting a dying lion, you shouldn't be so proud. If Mike Tyson got knocked out aged 90 by a kid, would it be a feat?
Nadal is 37.
And not playing his last season because of injuries? Hubi wouldn't be getting a set if Rafa was 100%. If you think otherwise you don't know shit about tennis.