Novak Djokovic (The Steel Man) wins the Battle of Will against Rafael Nadal!



“I can defeat Rafael Nadal 7 times in a row- Because I am Novak Djokovic- The player with indomitable will and confidence.”

The message that was conveyed to the entire tennis world  as Djokovic tore his t-shirt after winning the longest match (5 hours 53 minutes) of the Grand Slam in the open era.

Result: Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in 5 sets:
5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5

Djokovic who was just 2 points away from winning his 5thMajor GS in the 4th set was taken to the fifth set by the sheer tenacity and determination of Nadal. It was a match filled with so many twists and turns that nobody knew until the  fifth set as to who is going to win the match. But in the end, Djokovic simply outclassed Nadal through his mental strength and calm attitude during crucial moments in the match to claim this third Australian Open GS title!

Nadal played beautifully during the first set, getting his first break against Djokovic at 2-2. Djokovic was pretty flustered after the break as he threw his racquet and went for a t-shirt (color) change. That pretty much set the tone of the match. Although Djokovic broke back again 2-4 down only to be broken back again at 5-5. Serving at 6-5, Nadal finally managed to win the set on his third set point in 1 hour 20 minutes.

Just when it looked like Nadal had finally got to terms with Djokovic in terms of mental advantage; Nole came back with a zen like approach and got a break at 2-1 in the second set. Nadal held the serve and then with his resolute determination broke back to level the match at 5-4. When it looked that Nadal has bounced back in the game, Nole stepped it up and from 30-40 (after a correct overrule by the umpire), won the set on a double fault by Nadal in 66 minutes.

The third set proved to be a nightmare for Nadal who lost it very easily. He was broken two times in the set and Djokovic won it 6-2 with just 7 unforced errors. Just when it looked like Djokovic will cruise through the match, Nadal somehow hung in there fighting his heart out at every point. The turning point came during the 8th game of the 4th set. At 3-4, Nadal faced 3 crucial break points. The set went in for a tie break which Nadal won 7-5.

In the fifth set, a tired looking Djokovic was unable to hold his own serve as Rafa took a lead of 4-2. But then this is Djokovic we are talking about- the calmest tennis player. He broke back twice to take a lead for 6-5 and served out the match. In the end it was the fighting spirit and calmness of Djokovic that prevailed and he won the the marathon match. This was a win which reminds you of Nadal’s epic win in ‘09 in two 5 set matches against Verdasco and Federer. The only difference- the winner is different!

What was more inspiring to see was the way with which Djokovic & Nadal fought this battle mentally as well as physically. After losing to a guy 6 times in the final, when Nadal was down mentally, he nearly reversed the battle of minds and clearly today, it was a match of pure will and determination!

More importantly, it showed to the world that anything is possible till the last moment. You need perseverance, determination and belief to make it possible.

This match will probably go down as the match which has taken the tennis to a whole new level. Great Warriors, Fighters and Friends with each other- Djokovic and Nadal will be saluted by tennis fans for the best match of the season!

In the end, I will sum up the match with this quote:

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.”

Also: 5 Inspiring Moments from Australian Open!


Lost Hope?  (Maria Sharapova) 

Evolution of Novak Djokovic- Australian Open (2007-2012)!

Djokovic/Nadal's Mind War: What does the stats indicate?



After witnessing probably the best match of the tournament so far (Djokovic/Murray), we are all set for the most awaited battle of minds between Nadal and Djokovic as they come face to face again for the first time in 2012 on Sunday at Australian Open.

Let’s see what does the stats (2011 Wimbledon+ US Open Final match stats) say so far:

Career Stats
Nadal
Djokovic
Current Ranking
2
1
Head to Head Record
16
13
Grand Slam Record
5
2
2011
0
6
Hard Court Record
5
10
Match Stats* (Wimbledon + US Open Finals)
Nadal
Djokovic
  1st Serve %
72
69
  Aces
7
14
  Unforced Errors
52
63
  Winning % on 1st Serve
58
69
  Winning % on 2nd Serve
43
48
  Winners
53
82
  Receiving Points Won %
38
46
  Break Point Conversions
45
50

Djokovic who is the best returner in the world is currently the player with no weakness in his game. Nadal is not far behind but if we look at their last two GS matches, clearly Djokovic has come out the best amongst both. He does not only have strong defense like Nadal but he is more aggressive amongst the two. 82 winners above against 53 of Nadal defines the story. Not only that, he has won more receiving points and has performed better under pressure than Nadal (Break point Conversions: 50%).

More important than the above is the mentalblock that Rafa has against Djokovic after his 6 defeats in the finals last year.  Nadal has to come out on the court with a positive mindset believing that he can defeat him. Just like how Federer lost the advantage during the semi finals due to his hesitance at crucial moments , it can turn out to be the same for Nadal if he does not step it up mentally.

Till now in Australian Open, Djokovic has won 51% of receiving points against 43% of Nadal. The good thing is that they have hit almost equal number of winners so far in the tournament (219-Djokovic & 218-Nadal). This shows that Nadal knows if he has to beat Djokovic, he will have to play more aggressively than normal.

Nadal’s advice to Murray before the SF was: “Be aggressive and take your chances”. Now it’s time for him to repeat the same.

Novak Djokovic:“To be honest, I think I matured as a player. I started to believe on the court I could win majors. It was very hard to take away the titles from Rafa & Roger. They will not give you titles, You have to earn it”

All in all, it will be an ultimate physical and mental battle. Djokovic is going to be tired after the grueling match against Murray but then Nadal won the ’09 championship under the same circumstances against Federer and Verdasco. So nothing should be taken for granted between these two champions.

Like Sunzi said: “Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected”.

Djokovic wsa a perfect example of this in 2011. Can Nadal follow on his footsteps this time?


Also:Lost Hope?  (Maria Sharapova)

Not Tennis Anymore, It’s Officially Battle of Minds - Djokovic & Nadal  (How Rafa can turn the tables?)





Not Tennis Anymore, It’s Officially Battle of Minds - Djokovic & Nadal

INSIGHT INTO NADAL'S MIND AND HIS BATTLE AGAINST DJOKOVIC:




Just a year back, Nadal was at the top of the world recording easy wins over his opponents. It seemed that nothing can go wrong and was being thought of as the top contender to surpass Federer's record of 16 GS.


And all of a sudden, a wave free of Gluten hit him and knocked him down from his World No. 1 ranking as well as Wimbledon & US Open Crown.


After being called as the best,you lose to a person whom you have defeated 12 times and he rips you apart clueless 6 times in a row, ! Imagine yourself - Best worker year in and year out –Suddenly your co-worker (2 places down since 3-4 years) comes and takes away the crown not once-6 times! No matter how hard you try, you are not able to surpass him/her at work-place.


Result- You are bound to feel demotivated ,loss of self-belief in yourself no matter how many times close ones tell you to remember you are the best! At least I will! Will coming second or beating other colleagues even matter?


Nadal who was the best all of a sudden lost 6 finals in a row in 2011 against Nole! The main reason, I feel, is the loss of self-belief, and the mind wanting to reverse his results against Djokovic! When he lost once or twice to Djokovic last year, he thought he would be able to bounce back! He believed he was the best- that’s why he defeated everyone in French Open. He thought he can defeat Djokovic but now after 6 times, his confidence has been finally shaken and his mind can see a repetition of trend!  He has really started to doubt his game! And that’s why, although he is still the same, his mind has one thought-Will he be able to defeat Djokovic ever?

What I am trying readers to understand is the psychology of a human mind! Nadal is no different. He is also human. No matter as fans of Nadal, we would want him to win thinking why has he all of a sudden started to play so vulnerably, is his game over? My answer- No, simply because- he is still amongst the best. It’s just that he is trying to find a solution to defeat Djokovic. And once he does that, he will return to normal!


We can look at Federer, after 2008 he has not been the same old Federer we were so used to see! Why? Because he still hasn’t been able to find a convincing answer to Nadal! And the trend has reversed for Nadal- with Djokovic posing a mental battle to his mind! I believe that till the time, he finds an answer to Djokovic, no matter where and against whom his wins are- he won’t be the same Nadal we have known since 2006.


 HOW CAN HE OVERCOME DJOKOVIC?


It’s a step by step process: A father took his boy (who was very good at mountain climbing) to the biggest mountain in the country and told him to climb that! He tried to climb, he failed. Tried it for multiple times, and still the same result. So the father after seeing this told the boy- you have been the best since last 5 years, stop thinking this is the biggest mountain- break it down into small goals and think you can do it! And when your mind poses doubt or fear, just think of me and moments when you have climbed mountains like this! And the boy thus climbed the mountain.


1) Shut out his mind about the past and stop thinking about Djokovic as the unstoppable machine:When Nadal played in Wimbledon/US Open- the thoughts of losing to Djokovic were present in his mind! And he admitted the thoughts had an effect on him! This time when he plays Djokovic, he will have to take the match game by game. Look at Federer in the SF 2 days back, when he was a set and break up, he crumbled and gave away the match. Especially at the crucial points, Nadal will have to shut out his mind.

2) Find out someone to look upto at crucial points:I know it’s difficult to shut out your mind- it is bound to go back. In those moments, he will have to find or think of someone ( & certainly his family can help showing positive signs and believing in him) whom he can look up to and give him the strength and belief that he can win during the game. The outbursts of his father and family during Wimbledon could have made anyone nervous!

We all have one such person in our lives- Whenever I am in toughest of situations- I think about 1993- Wimbledon Finals (Steffi Graf against Jana Novotna 1-4 down 30-40 in the third set and how she managed to win Wimbledon) & instantly my fears vanish -be it my exams, interviews or anything! My mind is instilled with a belief and confidence! Only if at 5-4, In Wimbledon Final, Nadal could have not committed those 2 unforced errors! And no guesses why those two happened at crucial points!

And Nadal himself said last year - He didn’t suffer that much, the reason why it’s a bit tough on him.For Nadal fans: In words of Helen Keller:

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

So Nadal right now is in phase 1 of suffering and if we go by words of great Helen Keller, he is bound to rebound back and achieve success!

                                                                                                                                 


Also: 5 Inspiring Moments from Australian Open!

Lost Hope?  (Maria Sharapova)


Evolution of Novak Djokovic- Australian Open (2007-2012)!


Emerson, Sampras, Federer: The Myth of Invincibility?

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If you have any questions- You can mail me at apekshaha@gmail.com






Djokovic - Murray Semifinal Preview- What do Australian Open Stats Indicate?



After the classic Fedal semi-final showdown yesterday, we have an equally intriguing match up lined up today: Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray.

Not much separates these two players. Their H2H is 6-4. They have met only once in a GS (Australian Open Finals 2011) and Djokovic won that easily.

Let’s take a look at their game stats till now in Australian Open:

Stats
Murray
Djokovic
  1st Serve %
57
60
  Aces
31
38
  Unforced Errors
112
115
  Winning % on 1st Serve
75
75
  Winning % on 2nd Serve
61
62
  Winners
181
173
  Receiving Points Won %
49
55
  Break Point Conversions
42
59

Their game stats till now has been almost the same except receiving points won%. Murray really will have to come out blazing with his first serve which was a poor 44% in QF.

In my view, everything will come down to who is mentally strong at crucial points. It will be a tough test for Murray’s mental toughnesswhich is known to be a bit vulnerable against top 3. Hopefully with Ivan Lendl at his side, he will come out with a better mind frame than previous meetings.

But then it’s too soon to comment on their partnership. Keeping in mind how impressive Djokovic has been playing since the last one year (Check out his game stats vs. top 4) , I will pick him as my favorite in 4.

Also: Roger Federer- Responsible for his own Downfall?


If you have any questions- You can mail me at apekshaha@gmail.com, http://twitter.com/#!/ApekshaHA or http://on.fb.me/pouTOy

Roger Federer- Responsible for his own Downfall?




He might be 0-6 against Djokovic but one thing is for sure, Rafael Nadal always had a big psychological advantage against Roger Federer. And today was no different.  Nadal won a tough 4 setter against Federer to extend his H2H 18-9. I have been a Federer fan for last 6 years. And to see him on the down roll after playing such vintage tennis throughout the tournament was heartbreaking. More than Nadal’s performance, he should be disappointed as he himself is to be blamed for the defeat today!

5 reasons leading to Federer’s downfall:

1)  Obstinate Federer: Time and again we saw Federer hit the short return towards Nadal's forehand.  Result - Either it was in the net or Nadal came out with a Forehand passing shot winner. Even though there were times when it was obvious that Federer needs to hit the shots on Nadal’s backhand, he still repeated the same mistake! It was clear by the fourth set that he will hit the approaching shot always on Nadal’s forehand and lose the point.Even the tennis analysts were puzzled by his stubborn approach.

2)   Unforced Errors:  I had said in my preview how crucial this can be and it turned out to be the match changer.63 Unforced Errors from Federer in the match vs. 34 of Nadal. The number in itself is a good enough explaination for his defeat.

3)   No answer for Nadal’s Forehand:  He simply didn’t have the answer to high loopy top spin forehands of Nadal. Nadal had one game plan and he executed it to perfection with constantly hitting his forehand to Federer’s backhand. Federer also supported him by hitting it back to his forehand. Although at the start of the set, it was a complete different scenario with Federer coming out and exposing Rafa’s backhand just like Djokovic did last year. But it was for a brief period of time only.

4)   Lack of Confidence: It’s a well known fact that Rafa is in Roger’s head and it was clear on crucial points. Whenever Federer was a break up, Rafa broke him back immediately. Inspite of being ahead in the second and third set, he couldn’t capitalize against Nadal. It was all a mental game between both of them.

5)   Lack of Variety: The drop shots which had worked so perfectly against Tomic and Del Potro were gone. He did try unsuccessfully in the first set once or twice but then they got extinct till the fourth set.

Although I must say that Nadal came out with a specific game plan (attack Federer’s backhand) and stuck to it no matter what. The tenacity that he showed in following his game plan was really commendable.  Roger had a blistering start to the match but as Nadal has always done, he wetted out the storm and hung on. Just like Djokovic showed us last year against Nadal, today Nadal showed it to us against Federer that if you can stick to your game plan, even if there are roadblocks at the start (he lost the first set), you will win. Hats off to Nadal.

Federer will have to do some real thinking if he is to defeat Nadal again in a Grand Slam. Till he sorts it out mentally and gets the belief back in himself that he can defeat Nadal, it will be difficult for him to improve his 2-8 GS record against Nadal. He needs to stick to the game plan and Nadal’s backhand: something which Djokovic has mastery upon.

Is this the end of Roger Federer’s era? Certainly not. He is the youngest 30 in the history of tennis and still in my heart, I believe that the great champion that he is, he will be able to motivate himself  and dig deep to make a strong comeback just like Agassi did in 1999.



If you have any questions- You can mail me at apekshaha@gmail.com, http://twitter.com/#!/ApekshaHA or http://on.fb.me/pouTOy

Federer/Nadal Epic Semi- Final - What do Australian Open Stats Indicate?- Part 1




It has been an amazing 10 days of mesmerizing tennis played on the grandest stage of tennis, Australian Open. And now we have come to the showdown which the entire tennis world was hoping for since the start of this tournament. It’s going to be a FEDAL battle just like 2009 finals at AO!

More than the final on the line, it will be a battle of minds too. Federer will be eager to stamp his authority and prove to the world that he can defeat Nadal at Grand Slams too. Until now the record is 2-7 for him. But with the renewed confidence of player who finished 2011 on a 17-match winning streak after winning titles in Basel, Paris and the ATP World Tour Finals, he will be raring to go and continue his winning streak. Whereas Nadal will be determined to reach his second Australian Open Final and not let the mental advantage he holds against Federer go by.

Federer is playing the best tennis of his career as was evident during the clinical demolition of young Tomic and Del Potro. Nadal on the other hand has slowly but steadily risen to his old lethal form and if the last two sets of his QF is to be taken into account, there is no doubt that tomorrow’s battle promises to be one of the toughest in the history of tennis.

Let’s take a look at the career and game stats (at AO) until now!

Career Stats
Federer
Nadal
Current Ranking
3
2
Head to Head Record
9
17
Grand Slam Record
2
7
Australian Open Record
0
1
Hard Court Record
5
4
Game Stats
Federer
Nadal
1st Serve %
60
72
Aces
41
23
Unforced Errors
96
94
Winning % on 1st Serve
83
80
Winning % on 2nd Serve
62
55
Winners
181
182
Receiving Points Won %
44
44
Break Point Conversions
51
44
  
Nadal has won 80% of his first serve points with only 94 unforced errors in 4 matches. He has 182 winners and has made 72% of his first serve in. This will be a sign of worry for Federer- if he has to win tomorrow; he will have to come out firing winners.

Federer in turn has hit 181 winners (he has played one match less than Nadal) and 41 aces. His receiving points won are same as Nadal- 44%. This is what Nadal will have to be careful about: Not let Federer break his serve as with such strong serve, Federer will need only one break to win the set.

Rafael Nadal: “So I will keep fighting with positive attitude.  But if I play like the third or fourth set, hopefully I will have my chances.”

Roger Federer: I'd like to play Rafa because of our great epic match earlier in the finals here a few years ago.  I'd like to get a chance to play him again here.  It's going to be more athletic and tougher. I'm ready for that."


Overall it will be a fascinating encounter to watch these two athletes give their best to leave a mark on the history. Who knows tomorrow history repeats itself and Federer does to Nadal what Nadal did to Federer in 2009 AO epic final?

Also:   Twitter Reaction- Federer/DelPotro Match!


Roger Federer- The Last Link To The 90's? 
If you have any questions- You can mail me at apekshaha@gmail.com, http://twitter.com/#!/ApekshaHA or http://on.fb.me/pouTOy


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