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© Paul Zimmer

Out against Rafa

26.01.2012 | Tennis, Starseite 2

Roger suffered a 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-7(5), 4-6 loss against Rafael Nadal in the semi-final of the Australian Open today. It was an incredibly intense match, offering the spectators a true tennis-spectacle. 

Roger started perfectly into duel no. 27 with Nadal, breaking the Spaniard in his first service game. But and only a few sloppy points at 4-2 gave Nadal enough room to find back into the set. But Roger managed to take the first tiebreak only a bit later. In the second set, Roger lost his rhythm, giving Nadal plenty of room for a total of three breaks. Our champ then saved a set point in the 11th game of the third set, eventually forcing a tiebreaker. After three unforced errors on Roger's side, Nadal clinched the set on his last of five set points. In set number four, an early break on Nadal's side was enough for him to seal his victory after 3:42 hours.

 

"I thought Rafa played well from start to finish," Roger said. "It was a tough match physically as well. I'm disappointed, but it's only the beginning of the season. I'm feeling all right, so it's OK."

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Pereiranfan
01/30/2012 | 04:53 PM
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Roger plays like he feels that doesnt want to give in about focusing on his BACKHAND but he can win without it he totally avoids the issue, and thats what he has always done with Rafa and this ends up killing his confidence. HE LACKS ON ADJUSTING THE FEET TO HIT THE BACKHAND WELL, like he doesnt concentrate on it completely. its always been THE BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKAHAND BACKHAND BACKHAN BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKHAND BACKAHAND BACKHAND
brookfed25
01/30/2012 | 04:41 PM
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It is fine to praise Roger. He has accomplished so much. I will still root for him, but realistically I cannot see him defeating the top players anymore. He will never beat Nadal. I think Djoker will also beat him now. Murray and Tsongs are getting better. Roger will have his good days, but to go to the finals will be though.
xinccinx
01/30/2012 | 01:42 PM
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Dear Roger,

Always have hope and self-belief that you CAN and you WILL beat Nadal. Hope is such a meaningful word, don't you think? HOPE = Have Optimism, Possibility Emerges! HOPE = Hanging Onto Positive Expectations.

Positive expectations are a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you have positive expectations, you anticipate that good things will happen. You start to think positive thoughts and take positive actions that lead to a positive life.

Have a good day Rog!
SingleHandedBackhand
01/30/2012 | 12:44 PM
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I think Roger should consider Brad Gilbert's book Winning Ugly. He needs to get rid of the idea that the only way of winning against Nadal is to smack one winner after another. Nadal clearly has two lesser shots right now: the backhand and the second serve. Even his court positioning tends a little bit to the backhand sight. Roger needs to exploit what Rafa constantly does to him. If it means winning ugly, than so be it. And stick to a gameplan when it works Roger! You are still the greatest!
Idris-UK
01/30/2012 | 10:40 AM
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As a fan of your Roger, Im dissapointed the way you got knocked out.

Too many unforced errors and you gave too many easy shots for rafa.
Next time you play rafa, please target his backhand more and more.
Just look what Djokovic ALWAYS does againsta rafa? he always targets rafa's backhand and eventually gets lots of errors and easy points.

Im sorry to be critical of you but like most your fans, I want you to win more slams, and you are always very close, even last year. Good luck.
Anupama_Federer
01/30/2012 | 09:03 AM
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hey rogi! all the best!!
Sohan_K
01/30/2012 | 08:18 AM
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Hey...I don't think u need to do anything different against Nadal... Nadal is kind of player who forces the opponent to make unforced error out of frustration .. He likes long rallies and does not end the point quickly..
All you need to do is play 5 hr or 5 setters alteast twice a week with good opponents while practicing..u r body has to start getting used to playing 5 hrs of of a match without drop in performance...
With this and since u have all the shots in the book .. its a winner
DanteH.
01/30/2012 | 06:30 AM
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It's disappointing that you lost your 27th match with Nadal... but you remain as my favorite and I still believe that you are the greatest of all time. Just an observation: you are not as mentally tough when facing Nadal as when you are playing against other players. It seems you're not fully convinced that you can beat him with your game. Too many unforced errors during that match! Hoping that you will win the next one and improve your win-loss record against him to 10-18...
Henryleung
01/30/2012 | 06:20 AM
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I am just interesting to know what Roger thinks after he has watched yesterday AO finals. I just can't wait to seeing you in next tournaments!
Henryleung
01/30/2012 | 06:19 AM
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Tennis has now proved to be a physical game. This no doubt favours the younger. Simply can't image how Roger could run side by side for 5 hours or more. On second thought, Roger would not be trapped to play with the younger's baseline game. If Roger can't get many winners, it is difficult to beat Djoke, Nadal and Andy who play with a very high level of defence skills and simply run to return each and every balls.
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