Djokovic vs Nadal Cincinnati Masters SF 2008

[connassedu13]

3min50

[TJB147]

Novak plays how Andy Murray should play. sustained aggression at latter ends of big tournaments. Andy does not play aggressive enough at business end of grand slams

[Gipshaw]

5:34

Best drop shot ever.

[kelman221]

I watched this match from the seats that day. I was hoping to watch a big battle from Nadal but all i saw was Djokovic smacking him around teh court. I want to know what happened damn it lol.

[chibi33097]

@UltimateTopspin

not really he just used to it and now he's playing at his best. btw he used head in his earlier days before wilson

[UltimateTopspin]

@chibi33097 yeah , well , now he's used to head after his grand slam , djokovic is the greatest ;d

[Bdubbs09]

@UltimateTopspin right now he is playing great with head.

[jellyz100]

@UltimateTopspin lol in what sense? he won his second grandslam. beat nadal 3 times in a row this year. beat federer twice i think as well. and has cemented his winning streak in the record books up with macenroe, villas etc.

and that was just all done in less than the first half of the season. thanks to that, he's just 35 points short of being number 1 in the world. closest he's ever been to being no.1. so BOOM!

i think djokovic should thank head

actually he probably worships them!

[UltimateTopspin]

@jellyz100 HAHAHAHHA, sorry, I meant that he has learnt to play with head now :)

[Luchon20082010]

You can see djoko in this match is too relaxed, so he can hit very clean winner very easily. In the us open 2010 final, djoko was hitting hard, but almost all of his shots, were in the middle, proof that he was very nervous. If he could play like this, he would have been the champion in 3 or 4 sets maybe.

[TheIntiruna]

@dud321xyz

Yeah it was 3 sets.

And match point nole missed a overhead.

Also early 08 nole would have beat nadal in the us open final.

[TTFAFF]

Why Djokovic didn't play like this on this year's Us Open? He still got it, I know!

[akebefrontiere]

Djokovic can be having a bad year but he just needs to meet rafa on hard court to find his form again as rafa is his pigeon and he can easily nullify rafa one dimensional tactic of going to the backhand.

Same for rafa he can be having a bad year but get him to play his pigeon roger on clay or maybe wimbledon and then he would find his form again.

[MLBoykin]

@akebefrontiere They met on a hard court, the biggest stage there is in fact, and you saw what happened.

[TheIntiruna]

When Djokovic play like this.

Rafa dosent have a chance against him in hard court.

[guitarraper27]

I miss this Djokovic..

[pacendrix]

what cab u say ... brilliance :D :D :D 

[89Pleasek]

Djokovic in this kind of form is probably the best hard court player next to Federer and Del Potro

[stbskitz]

does the commentator know any other words besides "brilliant" :/

[fundrazer]

Seems to be some misconceptions on what racquet Djoker has been using. Number 1, he never used a Wilson Kblade that you can buy at the stores. Wilson made a custom mold for him based on his old Head radical. Number 2, he has never used the Head Speed Pro that you can buy in stores. I don't believe he's ever used a 16x19. I believe he's still using something based on his lm radical tour.

[msouzafon1]

Alway good to watchNadal losing (it's a shame it happens very rarely).

[michielmetsemakers]

why is nadal screaming when djokovic is hitting xD?

[ArcticFox72]

Amazing play from Novak considering Rafa's form. He had won 5 consecutive tournaments played on  3 different surfaces over a course of 3 months coming into Cincinnati!

[nikz1996]

djokovic is good but still i prefer nadal its just nadals unlucky day i fink but djokovic used pure skill but nadal is rapid goes nearly for anytthing

[imavaughanstar]

1:40

holy shit

[disc2503]

Go Nole go!

[algerinoooooful]

joko is more better than rafa in this surface.his forehend is simply monster

[foudra]

djo was a monster in this match, i think he was better with the Wilson. The surface seems different than 2009's, i think it's faster!

[JL6293]

@foudra Djokovic was better with Wilson. According to McEnroe (I think it was him that said this), Djokovic's forehand especially lost some bite when he started using Head. I'm not saying Head rackets aren't good, but it's properties don't fit well with Djokovic's groundstrokes very smoothly.

[AllGenreMusic]

@JL6293 Novak has been using the same racket... Nearly all top pros do NOT use the actual model they seem to be using. It is just a paintjob. Federer has been using the same racket for many years now. Wilson just gives it a new paint job every 2 years or whatever to match the racket they sell at stores. Nadal's racket appears to be using the Cortex system and Nadal says he uses the system in Babolat's advertisement videos, but he in fact does NOT use the Cortex system. And so on..

[JL6293]

@AllGenreMusic

I understand someone told you that most pros stick to their original racket. And that is true. Those are the pros that liked a racket and changed paint jobs, but that "new" racket would always follow a series such as the prostaff -> ncode -> k factor -> BLX. Novak Djokovic switched manufacturers. His racket is not the same. There is also no proof that Nadal doesn't use the cortex system. Know that pros not switching rackets is a highly suspect-able rumor, not guarunteed fact.

[AllGenreMusic]

@JL6293 Changing manufacturers doesn't mean you can't use the same frame. If you are a top pro with high priority in a sponsorship deal and if you have the specifications you want, they will gladly change it for you. Plus, the change from the Wilson racket he was using to the curent Head YOUTEK is not that different at all. They are nearly the same specs.

Nadal doesn't use the Cortex system. If you actually demo rackets you'll understand. Go to any tennis forum and they will say the same.

[JL6293]

@AllGenreMusic

I understand that. But when you switch manufacturers, there comes issues with keeping the same frame. Novak is certainly using a different frame. Even if the specs are absolutely the same, the racket is different.

And about the cortex system stuff, I mentioned very clearly to you that I said these kind of things are "highly suspect-able rumors." That means that a lot of unofficial evidence points that the hypothesis ("rumor" is not necesarily true, even if it's likely).

[reefric]

@AllGenreMusic not that different? the wilson kblade tour he used was 93 sqinch headsize 18X20 string pattern, then novak went to a Head that ws 98.sqinch, 16X19 string pattern, then he moved to a 100sq.inch head size with a 18X20 string pattern. going from a mid size to a midplus is a difference.

[AllGenreMusic]

@JL6293 Plus either way, you took John's comments wrong. He wasn't saying the Head YOUTEK racket was giving him less power. All he was pointing out was that coincidentally Novak started to hit the ball with less pace. But it has NOTHING to do with the racket. Instead, it is his mental game. He clearly doesn't have issues with generating pace as seen in the indoor season of 2009. After 2008, he just totally lost it mentally and has become a mental midget who can't pull the trigger when needed.

[JL6293]

@AllGenreMusic

There are lots of factors you can blame for loss of pace. The variable comes down to his racket. I'm saying this because if you don't trust a frame as much, you won't swing normally with it. Of course it's all mental. But if the racket is the one variable causing that mental difference so consistently, you "can" blame it on the racket.

[BrotherTree1]

courts sound different 08 compared to cincinnati 09

[usernameman2]

i liked djokovic way better in 2008 his strokes r so much better looking with the wilson than the head raquet

[ductrung3993]

yeah, the head seemed too long and awkward with him

[timeF1ysBye]

@usernameman2 i thought i was the only one who thought this. i totally agree with u

[G1r9a9n3t]

@usernameman2 its the same racket as it was before...just with a head PJ

[insrbgistro]

@usernameman2 Are you sure? :D

[PNinacio]

wtf?? djokovic was a monster in this match!! unbeliable!!

[kvyas2]

this is a pity match, nadal rocked him at the olympics like 1 week later. it was hillarious

[tolendoi123]

I miss this Djokovic, blazing groundstrokes!! now his shots especially his forehand kinda lost a little bit of sting.... btw Federer is the greatest!! He may have a loosing record to Nadal but c'mon Nadal's a living legend when it comes to clay.... majority of their matches were played on clay because even though it is Roger's "weakest" surface he always makes it to the finals of a clay tourney...

[timeF1ysBye]

wait a minute, i thought djojkovic uses a head youtek, but it looks like he uses a k-blade in this match

[AllGenreMusic]

..Did you not watch Djokovic before this year? Before this year (this match was in 2008 if you didn't notice) he was exclusively using Wilson rackets, most notably the K-Blade. Then at Brisbane of this year, which is a warm-up 250 series tourny to the Australian Open, he switched to companies and became sponsored by Head.

[frozensoulxd]

its 2008 :] djok switched around 2009

[tikealpzyx]

its funny to see these two go at it, Federer's better...no , Nadal has his number...Oh yeah well how can he when hes hurt all the time. Guys, theyre both remarkable talents. Federer's had an incredible 2009 (of course at the expense of Nadal's injuries) Who was the indisputable #1 in the world jan-may, Nadal. I love Roger and respect what hes done, but I dont buy him as the best, until of course, he beats the best. That should answer your question

[cj397]

he has beaten nadal at monte carlo this year on nadals favorite surface.

and nadal lost to murray on january 2nd or 3rd of this year on hardcourt at dubai.

what are you saying?

have you seeen what federers done?

nadals amazing, but federers definitely the greatest player that's ever lived.

nadal's been on a hotstreak the past couple years, but these kind of hot players can only last so long

[tikealpzyx]

first of all, Fed didn't beat Rafa in monte carlo, it was in Madrid AFTER Rafa played the longest semi in Masters history against Djoker. Yes, I'm a HUGE Fed fan, but unlike most, I repsect the hell out of Nadal. How can you say he's had a "hot streak", lol he's been great since '05. Once again, Rafa didn't lose to Murray in Dubai, it was Abu Dhabi, a meaningless exo (Not really a stats guy are we?), Fed got spanked by Murray in the same tourney. Theyre both great, Ill leave it at that.

[alywen06]

i agree but murray doesnt no exo tennis he plays the same old boring stuff he didnt spanjk anyone

[alywen06]

madrid :)

[AllGenreMusic]

At the expense of Nadal's injuries? By saying that you are as ignorant as the other people. So you are telling me for a fact that if Nadal wasn't injured he would have made ALL the finals that Roger won the tournaments in? Last time I checked, it takes 7 players to beat to win a slam, not 7 Nadals. Nadal IS NOT the ATP. And until Roger beats the best? Wtf? I didn't know 6 Slams was better than 15? Practically the only record Roger hasn't won is the calender GS. GTFO ignorant Rafatard.

[tikealpzyx]

"Rafatard"-funny. You're right, I can't assume Rafa would've made every final Fed was in & nobody knows how things would'be turned out. But here's what I do know...I know a healthy Rafa can dominate anyone on clay, especially Rog. I also know Rafa was having a FAR better year in terms of winning tournaments than Rog (pre-Madrid). Remember Fed was having trouble getting to finals much less winning any. So what would have happened, IDK but if I were a betting man, I'd pick Rafa every single time.

[lagirouette90]

A la vue decette vdeo, il me paraît évident que des joueurs comme Federer ou Djokoic onjt un panel de jeu bien plus complet sue des joueurs comme Murray, et sutout Nadal... Tout est possible pour Federer et Djokovic, tandis que Nadal doit forcer sa nature en attaquant, et il devient vulnérable face aux meilleurs comme Djoko, Federer, Murray, ou encore Delpotro, Roddick, etc... Mais physiquement, il faut reconnaitre que c'est impressionnant de le voir jouer.

[florianbonnet]

Chui assez anti nadal en général mais quand on dit dla merde comme tu le fait y faut reagir. Nadal est techniquement meilleur que Djokovic ou Murray. Il l'est moins que Federer selon moi, mais etant donné qu'il le pousse a la faute ou kil lamene au filet y gagne souvent contre lui. Ce match a été joué apres les JO si je me souviens bien et meme avant le match cetais clair que Djokovic allé gagné donc voila !

[banana22]

injuries are part of the game. but Nadal got too stressed i think. He really got the talent. But Fed can control himself much better thats why he reigned for years. ^^

[MegaWynona]

Rafa's style of play will not last longer. He is just prone to injury with this kind of move.

[msouzafon2]

I agree. However. people are talking that for six years now, and the guy just keeps winning. Very weird.

[Mabuchalli]

@MegaWynona smart opinion a lot of people that really understand this game are predicting the same thing..hope it wont happen but I think rafa will be gone by age 27-28

[MendesMarques]

@MegaWynona im trying to figure out what you meant when you said this.. im pretty sure nadal will have a long career full of victories as all of us could see in 2010

[jellyz100]

@MegaWynona ur absolutely right. anyone who argues this isn't thinking straight. i hope nadal's career can go on for ages but he's already had serious recurring problems in his knees forcing him to lose his no.1 ranking last time. federers got years on him and he's never suffered from any serious injuries. federer's game is the definition of tennis. it's how everyone wishes they could play. nadal and his uncle toni even said so themselves. i dont even like federer just enjoying watching him play

[CabezaDeRes]

El tenis agresivo en su máxima expresión, e interpretado por su máximo referente el gran Nole, ¡carajo!.

El estilo de Nole es el de mi preferencia. Lástima que cayera en la final ante un ya ascendente Andy Murray.

[cathwitness]

Even Federer once complained about the difference in speed between Montreal and Cinci.

On that occasion Djokovic who was Montreal champ, lost 1st round Cinci cause he could not get a ball in play in the superfast conditions.

The Cinci tournament always has way more unforced errors or mistimed shots in matches than Montreal.

[cathwitness]

He only beat Rafa because the cinci conditions are super-fast.

Cincy is a boring tournament, where players don't really get their timing, because of the fast court and atmospheric conditions. They should scrap this bullshit tournament

[strojzabelu]

You are totally wrong. Hardcourts should be fast. I suppose you are a Nadal fan, so you want every surface to be slow, so he can win, For instance, he woldn't have a chance of winning Wimbledon if the grass was as fast as it used to be in the past. And btw. Djokovic beat Rafa because he was aggresive, not because of the conditions. Rafa will pretty much always lose against aggresive hard hitters like Djoko, Delpotro, Tsonga, Gonzalez, Berdych etc., because he is too passive.

[mavsfan1000]

Grass and Indoors should be fast. Outdoor hardcourts should be medium speed.

[itigibm]

I am FEDUP with people who vote positive when someone insults nadal's game and vote negative when someone says sth against roger/djoko.

Come on, every player has his own way of playing, i'm ok with all surfaces, not all of them have to be the same colour, speed, atmosphere, etc but please, some respect for nadal, maybe it's some envy because he's started a new way for playing tennis, like people critiziced the first player who did serve-volley all the time, for instance.

[strojzabelu]

Rafa started a new way of playing tennis?? Yes, but only if every single player in the future will use doping, otherwise it just won't last. Just look at Nadal. No doubt he's a great player, but he will be wasted in a couple of years, just because of his playing style.

[itigibm]

I was just trying to tell you that different players are needed, as different surfaces are needed, such as life, different species, different colours... diversity is what makes the world change and evolve. Imagine all courts were fast, all players would play the same, including nadal, and the game would boring. Nadal makes the game gripping and interesting, which is perfect when mixed with roger's game. I'm convinced tennis would die if everybody played like federer (so if played like nadal)

[bonfirejovi]

i agree long points are more interesting than short points. federer is a boring player.

[Bonaboms]

Well what do you want!? ppl r jerks, especially on utube. i think these ppl, either feel envy towards nadal, or fear him greatly for the menace he is to djoko, fed& murray whoever they are fan of. The fact is nadal leads COMFORTABLY his head2head vs all these 3. Alas it is true he has severe problems physically, but its not only due to his style, but to a rather (unfamiliary)unintelligent careerplan, playin waay too many tournaments. But when he is fit, he usually beats evry1, like q1 of 09

[DLPBurke]

he doesnt won comfortably at all. Not in other slams apart from clay.  And had he been same age as federer, federer would prob be a lot further ahead on hard courts.

[KnightofZyryab]

What like in Wimbledon 2008, when he only dropped a set en route to the final or the AO where he did not drop a set until the SF against a superhuman Verdasco ?

[DLPBurke]

2008 wimbledon he did not win comfortably. AO he did not win comfortably, and he hasnt got near US.

[KnightofZyryab]

What the fuck are you talking about - he was playing Roger Federer, the now titled Greatest of All Time in both finals. What are they supposed to beat other in straight sets ? How has he not got near the US, he has made the semis twice, succumbing both years to excellent performances and under stress from fatigue and injury respectively.

[DLPBurke]

Look boy, Federer is outshinin the dude and rafa's legs are already packing in. he lived by the sword and his legs are dyin by the sword. he is a great player but he will never be held as high as feds.

[KnightofZyryab]

So fucking what ? Many players will never be compared to Federer, why cannot you and others just appreciate his play without reveliing in his injuries ? I don't know why people have to be so nasty about him.

[BrotherTree1]

@strojzabelu yeah but all the players u mentioned, have to have a good mental state or they'll get killed by rafa. except djoko, his mentality against rafa is just second-nature when they face each other on hardcourts.

[bbbgogo]

Why dont you just suggest to ATP that they should scap every fast court tournament or just simply turn every court into clay, to make things easier for your boy to win calender slam undeservingly.

Seriously, I cannot believe tennis can sink any lower with fans like you, you aint a tennis fan, you're just a nadal fan. I have no problem with this guy dominating clay stuff, he deserves it. But tennis should have variety of plays. fanboy like you whine about that should just STFU.

[cathwitness]

All depends on if you want to see short rallies with lots of aces/ forced errors

vs

longer points where players test each others court positioning with a variety of spins and angles, to finally work a point in their favour.

[wozniacki15]

where has this forehand been for djokovic in 2009? it needs to come back now!!

[reefric]

novak is one of the few, who can actually go toe to toe on the baseline with rafa..

[EscapedC0nvict]

berdych, blake and tsonga can also overpower nadal from the baseline

[reefric]

on their best day´s, I suppose they can give rafa some trouble.

[MulletMan310893]

suppose? berdych has beaten nadal before, as has song (remember AO 08?) and blake has beaten nadal as well. i think they have to be at their best consistently to beat nadal tho

[reefric]

i agree, and the court must be a fast hard or indoor court to give them better chances..like this one here in cincy.

[reefric]

in the first set of this match, novak was just killing it of his forehand, nearly bageled rafa..

[EscapedC0nvict]

this was the best match novak has played, or against federer at AO 08

[reefric]

agains´t rafa, probably one of his best, miami 2007 and montreal 2007 he played really great as well agains´t rafa..I didn´t see montreal though, only highlight´s, did you?

[EscapedC0nvict]

no, unfortunately i was on holiday with my family at the time

[manco82]

Nadal sucks!!!

[medina25]

your fucking mother sucks too!

[Ryan81M]

This is probably the best match Novak ever played in his life against Rafa.

[MattyOyola21]

Is that the way a player gets the #1? By losing a match? This is just Nadal

Federer got the #1 by winning the Australian Open in 2004

And got it back by winning Wimbledon this year.

Is the deference clear?

[Radenko90]

So good....

[rampituptothemax]

Do you have highlights of Novak/Murray in the final?

[momadiego91]

No, I don't...

[djo1994]

Novak played awesome tennis.