Jim Courier: Rafa needs to change to win
Posted by Seven commentators - Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:42
Rafa's made some changes to address the record he had against Novak in 2011 - 0-6 against him.
Novak has been winning the majority of baseline rallies - to counter Rafa needs to play more offensive tennis and flatten his forehand out.
There are still questions over Novak's allergy issues - Rafa can attack in two ways; beat him with offensive tennis, the second tactic would be to make it a ground war and the match as physical as possible, tiring Novak out.
Djokovic is clearly under duress at times but he manages as the moments where his affected come and go.
I'll say the champs the champ until proven otherwise. This match will be decided by what Rafa chooses to do as I expect Novak to play a solid game.
* * *
There were two big positives for Andy to take away from his match against Novak.
One, his forehand was very offensive and penetrating - it's a way forward to beat the big guys.
Two, his mental outlook was very good, remaining positive throughout the match.
It's still a 'big three', however, until Andy can win a Slam.
Novak has been winning the majority of baseline rallies - to counter Rafa needs to play more offensive tennis and flatten his forehand out.
There are still questions over Novak's allergy issues - Rafa can attack in two ways; beat him with offensive tennis, the second tactic would be to make it a ground war and the match as physical as possible, tiring Novak out.
Djokovic is clearly under duress at times but he manages as the moments where his affected come and go.
I'll say the champs the champ until proven otherwise. This match will be decided by what Rafa chooses to do as I expect Novak to play a solid game.
* * *
There were two big positives for Andy to take away from his match against Novak.
One, his forehand was very offensive and penetrating - it's a way forward to beat the big guys.
Two, his mental outlook was very good, remaining positive throughout the match.
It's still a 'big three', however, until Andy can win a Slam.
7 Comments
tomic the girl has sold the car cos daddy said to or he was going to smack her bottom ,,,if she trains hard she might make the top 500 womens list
ReplyRafa need to improve his backhand. He need to come to net more like Stefan Edberg or Patrick Rafter. A very good tennis player should be able balance between base rally and volley. He should change his game style so his opponents unable to read his shot and movement. As a result, they will be wrong-footed by him. He need to read his opponent's shot better. He need to improve his power, speed and stamina to catch shots. These will reduce his unforced error. I think if Bruce Lee was intereted in tennis, he would have been one of great player. He had so much talent in physical and mind power. He was considered by many as a good model for every field . His calibre was very high and he had...
ReplyRafa is a true Champion. There would'nt have been 5 sets except he kept on fighting back. He needs to change his game to beat Djokovic like Djokovic changed his to beat him. Djokovic played perfect tennis. Rafa is capable of doing the same but must get his first serve in (did'nt happen yesterday) and must try to use his Forehand more (his trump card) and get into position quicker to play the shot.
ReplyI think Novak has been playing games with his physical condition. I dont think there is anything wrong with him. I think he wants us to think there is when he is a little bit down in a game so that he has an excuse if he loses. The change between being physically down and back with lots of energy is too quick - he turns it on and off like a switch. As soon as he is back on top or even, the physical problems miraculously disappear.
1 ReplyC'mon, Jim, nobody has been able to compete with Novak since the serbian doctors "prepared" him for the Davis Cup! This Djoke will kill the sport!
1 Replyany one notice joker is using a white towel ...why ?? allergies ??
1 ReplyWe can't wait for tonight's match and think Rafa will do it. Two weeks ago at this time our son Nicholas, amazingly, was lucky enough to get a photo with this year's top four seeds . Yes - Federer, Rafa, Djokovic and Murray together in one photo with our 8 year old tennis player! We have it on our camera.
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