Did Rafa's backhand use to be better before than it is now? Or is it because of Novak's game has got something that makes it look relatively weak?
Its both. I think Rafa's game is definitely not top notch right now...i didn't see any of the trademark banana shot, on the run forehands and DTL backhands either. Nole's game is definitely impacting him...psychologically even more so.
I can answer the absence of Rafael's 'banana' forehands.. when Novak is smacking the ball to the corners of the court with pace and depth.. Rafael is in 'defense' mode; trying to survive in the point. Currently, Nadal cannot do anything to coax a 'slow, midcourt' ball from Djokovic.. Even when Rafael gets on top in a point, Novak finds a way to turn the tables on the Spaniard.. out-Rafa-ing the 'Bull' himself. I am sure that Rafael, in cahoots with the wily old coyote, Uncle Toni, is working on a master plan to counter the rise of the Serb..
Its both. I think Rafa's game is definitely not top notch right now...i didn't see any of the trademark banana shot, on the run forehands and DTL backhands either. Nole's game is definitely impacting him...psychologically even more so.
I can answer the absence of Rafael's 'banana' forehands.. when Novak is smacking the ball to the corners of the court with pace and depth.. Rafael is in 'defense' mode; trying to survive in the point. Currently, Nadal cannot do anything to coax a 'slow, midcourt' ball from Djokovic.. Even when Rafael gets on top in a point, Novak finds a way to turn the tables on the Spaniard.. out-Rafa-ing the 'Bull' himself. I am sure that Rafael, in cahoots with the wily old coyote, Uncle Toni, is working on a master plan to counter the rise of the Serb..
Comment