Australian Open 2018

[PaulP]

MIO, not sure that Safin had as much natural talent as Fed. He certainly had his fair share. But his temper and discipline were his biggest enemies, more than injuries IMO.

I understand the point he's making though, re comparing the two players.

[mateinone]

MIO, not sure that Safin had as much natural talent as Fed. He certainly had his fair share. But his temper and discipline were his biggest enemies, more than injuries IMO.

I understand the point he's making though, re comparing the two players.

Oh I think it was 100% his temperament that cost him.
He was exceptionally talented imo, but he had nowhere near the drive and dedicated to become a great of the game

[flyboy77]

He doesn't say Nadal is better mind you.

The fact Federer went 4-0 against Nadal in 2017, at age 36 says it all to me.

I still think Federer cost himself a good few slams (which largely went Nadal's way) by steadfastly refusing to change to a bigger racquet head sooner.

He was playing with the equivalent of a wooden racquet for years. i think it was only 2012 when he finally moved to the bigger head.

So for the best part of a decade, Nadal had been using 100sqi versus Fed's 90sqi.

More control with the smaller bat granted (arguably), but a major reduction in power.

[PaulP]

Oh I think it was 100% his temperament that cost him.
He was exceptionally talented imo, but he had nowhere near the drive and dedicated to become a great of the game

Right with you brother.

[flyboy77]

All sports are littered with talented types who don't cut it due to an unwillingness to do the (hard) yards....

Will be interesting to see whether Kyrgios ever really changes....

[PaulP]

He doesn't say Nadal is better mind you.

The fact Federer went 4-0 against Nadal in 2017, at age 36 says it all to me.

I still think Federer cost himself a good few slams (which largely went Nadal's way) by steadfastly refusing to change to a bigger racquet head sooner.

He was playing with the equivalent of a wooden racquet for years. i think it was only 2012 when he finally moved to the bigger head.

So for the best part of a decade, Nadal had been using 100sqi versus Fed's 90sqi.

More control with the smaller bat granted (arguably), but a major reduction in power.

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/03/r...lls/64840/

The change occurred in 2014 apparently.

[flyboy77]

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/sport...d-out.html

you're right. Good read this....

[PaulP]

I watched the first set, and I thought "bloody Chung - what an imposter and time waster. He's not even trying."

And now we know why.

[flyboy77]

Kudos the mighty Fed!!!

[Thryleon]

I'll never like Federer.  He's always irritated me since he first emerged.

Kudos to him though he's a gun.