Is Rafa in Decline?

[Riotbeard]

Before anybody freaks out at me "in decline" should not be confused with "done."

I think he is. I also think he will win at least two more slams in his career. Rafa has not played a whole tournament at his peak level since last year's Aussie Open (obviously with the exception of the final). So it's been over a year since Rafa played his best tennis for more than maybe glimpse. Even though Rafa won Roland Garros last year, he hardly produced vintage performances.

So my question is, are we witnessing the beginning of the end? I think so. Mind you I am guessing rafa is around for at least two more seasons after this.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

Before anybody freaks out at me "in decline" should not be confused with "done."

I think he is. I also think he will win at least two more slams in his career. Rafa has not played a whole tournament at his peak level since last year's Aussie Open (obviously with the exception of the final). So it's been over a year since Rafa played his best tennis for more than maybe glimpse. Even though Rafa won Roland Garros last year, he hardly produced vintage performances.

So my question is, are we witnessing the beginning of the end? I think so. Mind you I am guessing rafa is around for at least two more seasons after this.

Yes and no.

There is no humanly possible way he can sustain and compete against his standard setting, mind blowing record.

The fact is Rafa is a unique animal among the Big Four.

-He needs LOTS of match play and practice.

-His confidence seems to be much more fleeting than the others.

-His book detailed the constant self doubt (of course, us mere mortals read this and
can't comprehend it, but you can see it in action)

-He often plays in a lot of pain. Probably for most of his career, where as Fed's and Murray's back issues were during specific time periods.

So, the fact is he is more vulnerable than ever before, but don't count him out just yet. He will pick his spots.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

Before anybody freaks out at me "in decline" should not be confused with "done."

I think he is. I also think he will win at least two more slams in his career. Rafa has not played a whole tournament at his peak level since last year's Aussie Open (obviously with the exception of the final). So it's been over a year since Rafa played his best tennis for more than maybe glimpse. Even though Rafa won Roland Garros last year, he hardly produced vintage performances.

So my question is, are we witnessing the beginning of the end? I think so. Mind you I am guessing rafa is around for at least two more seasons after this.

..also, he has been accused of sandbagging in the past..but I think all of his physical problems as of late are VERY real, and have intruded on his normal training.

I mean Rafa cramping in a three set match?

 

[brokenshoelace]

The beginning of Nadal's decline was at least 2 years ago. Now it's a flat out decline.

 

[brokenshoelace]

I mean Rafa cramping in a three set match?

According to our resident doctor on all things Rafa, Mr. Front, this is perfectly normal. Or at least, it was at the Australian Open.

But yeah, obviously he's in a noticeable physical decline which is affecting everything else.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

I mean Rafa cramping in a three set match?

According to our resident doctor on all thins Rafa, Mr. Front, this is perfectly normal. Or at least, it was at the Australian Open.

I am sure the good doctor will be show here soon.

 

[Front242]

Does the bear sh1t in the woods? It happens to them all.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Does the bear sh1t in the woods? It happens to them all.

Obviously, but there's something to be said for the extent at a relatively early age.

Nadal hasn't had a full season since 2011. That's pretty telling.

 

[nehmeth]

Nadal hasn't had a full season since 2011. That's pretty telling.

How many other top level players have only been able to play for limited spans within a year over five years? A few? How many all time greats? I can't think of anyone.

I liked the way he cleaned up his play to win the quarterfinal in Rio, but his movement is nowhere near where he needs to be. I wonder if he will ever be able to get it back. Even so, he's a resourceful man and will figure out a way to adapt.

He may be declining, but he's got a few good years left.

 

[Front242]

Agassi took quite a while off tour for one and it prolonged his career in the end.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Agassi took quite a while off tour for one and it prolonged his career in the end.

It's pretty easy to spot why that analogy won't apply to Nadal but OK.

 

[nehmeth]

Agassi took quite a while off tour for one and it prolonged his career in the end.

Giving up crystal meth probably helped a lot too. :snicker

 

[brokenshoelace]

Nadal hasn't had a full season since 2011. That's pretty telling.

How many other top level players have only been able to play for limited spans within a year over five years? A few? How many all time greats? I can't think of anyone.

I liked the way he cleaned up his play to win the quarterfinal in Rio, but his movement is nowhere near where he needs to be. I wonder if he will ever be able to get it back. Even so, he's a resourceful man and will figure out a way to adapt.

He may be declining, but he's got a few good years left.

I too think that he'll still be good for a few more years. Actually, I anticipate he'll be better say, next year than he is this year. The reason for that is it might take him time to adapt to his physical "limitations" (not the right word but you get what I mean) and play accordingly. Granted, he's done that throughout his career but at this point it's more difficult and the adjustment needed is bigger.

 

[Front242]

Agassi took quite a while off tour for one and it prolonged his career in the end.

Giving up crystal meth probably helped a lot too. :snicker

I love (The) Crystal Meth(od). Good group! :snicker

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Well Rafa isn't in his prime years anymore,I also think if Rafa isn't winning tournaments and playing to his best competitive level he will retire,he wont stick around for the love of tennis,just my opinion.It would not surprise me if he retires after the Olympic year in 2016.Rafa has said many times his wish is to play at the Olympic in 2016 and he will then revise his situation.

 

[Front242]

With the slam record on the line there's no chance he'll retire next year imo unless he happens to win every slam between now and May/June next year which, well, frankly ain't happening.

 

[herios]

His decline started, so yes. It is not a steep one, but it has started. he will never have another 2008, 2010 or 2013.

 

[herios]

With the slam record on the line there's no chance he'll retire next year imo unless he happens to win every slam between now and May/June next year which, well, frankly ain't happening.

And what if he has 2 more injuries which would take him off court for several more months? How many times do you think his body will respond well, when he tries to come back.
History says to me, as soon as he will play for several months non stop he will collect yet another injury.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I have to agree,if Rafa does have another injury,hopefully not,that could put a huge cloud over his playing career.

 

[Front242]

Not really. Tommy Haas has broken practically every bone in his body and is back next month at nearly 37.