This Article was first published on 10sballs.com as :
www.10sballs.com/2011/08/19/not-tennis-anymore-it’s-officially-battle-of-minds-djokovic-nadal-and-federer-part-1/
In continuation of my previous article on Rogers Cup history and its effect on US Open results, I thought I will take it forward to Cincy. A tournament where we have already seen World No.2 Rafael Nadal lost to Mardy Fish and Federer to Berdych. Traditionally, Cincy had been a stronghold of Roger Federer. He had won it 4 times in last 6 years. Andy Murray won it once in 2008. On the other hand Djokovic has reached to the finals two times and Nadal's best performance till date -Semi Finals.
Last year Roger Federer won it but US Open Champion Nadal crashed out in QF. In last 6 years, Roger Federer is the only player to go on to win Cincy and US Open back to back. And if we expand it to 20 years, only 20% of the times a player has gone to win Cincy and US Open together (4 out of 20).!
Statistics wise, not much to worry for any fans except for those whose favorite goes on to win Cincy!
Cincinnatti | Djokovic | Nadal | Federer | Murray | US Open Winner |
2005 | NA | First Round | Winner | Second Round | Federer |
2006 | NA | QF | Second Round | QF | Federer |
2007 | Second Round | Second Round | Winner | First Round | Federer |
2008 | Finalist | SF | Third round | Winner | Federer |
2009 | Finalist | SF | Winner | SF | Juan Martin Del Potro |
2010 | QF | QF | Winner | QF | Rafael Nadal |
What we do need to worry is as follows:
Nowadays tennis is not anymore about game or stats- Is it? The way tennis has evolved, every player has become fit, more complete and more competitive. If you look at the top 3, each one of them has got best tennis skills, breathtaking shots and defense that will send their opponents flying off the back door! For them, it is not a game anymore, it’s now battle of minds just like chess where they have to come up with a strategy that will outclass others and leave them baffled! It is now a matter of self-confidence and belief!
Let us go back to Wimbledon 2008 when Federer lost in the epic final against Nadal. And since then Nadal seems to have a complete grip over Federer. That win created a mental block for Federer which he has not been able to overcome as that win came on one of Federer's favorite surface- Grass Court and ended his streak of dominance in Wimbledon!
Present Match Record: 17-8 now in favor of Nadal!
Fast forward to 2011, Djokovic’s unexpected but monstrous strides toward the top have left everyone stunned! And the more he plays, the more people fall in love with his game and skills! Even if you are a Federer fan or a Nadal fan, you can't hate this person because neutrally speaking; he is a hope and a living example of achieving the impossible! In words of Nelson Mandela- Everything seems impossible until it’s done!
And that’s what his achievement had been until he achieved it! He has lost to Fedal 30 times in last 4 years and his record now- 5-0 up this year against Nadal and 3-1 against Federer! He has claimed No.1 spot from them and has won 2 Grand Slams, created history by winning 5 Masters and has 55-1 record this year!
He has created that same mental block in Nadal's mind- a territory familiar to Nadal and Federer. This whole saga seems so mysterious that people wonder as to how it will look going forward. Frankly as fan of Nadal or Federer, one would think will they be able to come back, and fans of Djokovic will think- Can he continue his dominance?
Believe it or not, if you look from where I am, it will look very simple and in the next week, I will break it into very simple reasoning as to how all 3 can still turn the tables if they want? Why and How...Come back for Part II when I will take Nadal first (then Federer & finally Djokovic) and will break it down for you step by step. And you will know the answer!
And before you go- Let me tell you that you will not be disappointed- even if you are a fan of Nadal/Federer or Djokovic! I can bet upon that!
I will be back with Part II of Not Tennis Anymore, It’s Officially Battle of Minds - Djokovic, Nadal and Federer on Tuesday.
Stay tuned!(For updates, you can follow our Facebook Page, Twitter Account or Join Our Site!)
I will be back with Part II of Not Tennis Anymore, It’s Officially Battle of Minds - Djokovic, Nadal and Federer on Tuesday.
Stay tuned!(For updates, you can follow our Facebook Page, Twitter Account or Join Our Site!)
If you have any questions- You can mail me at apekshaha@gmail.com
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