Best Nadal matches

Here, we will take a look at some of the best Nadal matches. From Agassi andSampras,the baton of talent and marvel has been handed to some stalwarts like Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer. But there is one muscular Spaniard who has thrown caution to the winds with some unimaginable court coverage and Herculian power in his shots. He is a 9-time French Open Champion, a feat respected by many. He has gone 10 consecutive years with at least 1 Masters title per year.His name is Rafael Nadal. So, lets go through some of his landmark matches which shaped up his impeccable career.

#5 vs Djokovic, 2011 Madrid final

Termed as the point of the century, Nadal received a lob from the Serb by running back and hitting the ball between his legs to lob it just over Djokovic, who looked on in shock. Yes, this is the absolutely stunning class of Nadal. Though Djokovic won the match in straight sets, this match had to come in this list because due to such moments of brilliance, players worldwide have a certain fear as well as respect for the man.

Nadal on his way to executing “the point”

#4 vs Djokovic, 2012 Australian Open Finals

This match was central to the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry. Nadal described it as the most toughest match that he has ever played. Djokovic described it as the finest win that he has achieved. Such was the quality of the match.

Nadal won the first set 7-5, breaking Djokovic late on. Djokovic came back to clinch the second set 6-4 after he had been broken in the set. The third set was complete domination from Djokovic as he just lost two points on serve to clinch it 6-2. With him leading the fourth set at 5-3, many thought that the match is done. But it was not to be, as Nadal made a brilliant comeback to win the set 7-6. The final set was one of drama and aggression. After Nadal was winning 4-2, Djokovic broke Nadal’s serve to make it 4-4. He then broke Nadal yet again to finally make the road for his title crystal clear. The aggression, the never-say-die attitude and quality showed by both players made the match the longest in the Australian Open history.

Nadal executes a drop shot to outwit the Czech

#3 vs Djokovic, 2011 US Open

Nadal had been regarded as being limited to be a clay-court performer rather than an all-round perforner by many tennis fans around the globe. His inconsistency on hard courts wasn’t a mystery for man and therefore, Nadal had a point to prove against a man who was having one of the best tennis seasons till date. Djokovic was comfortably leading in the match, having won the first two sets 6-2 6-4 and heading to another win in the third set to defeat the Spaniard in straight sets. But the Spaniard had other plans. He fought back with all the energy that he could muster to send Djokovic all around the court with his shots. At one point of time, even the crowd behind Djokovic’s baseline could touch him. Such was the power of Nadal’s shots who roared to victory in the set but couldnt keep up the momentum in the final set, losing to Djoko 6-1. But the resilence by the Spaniard in the third set was for everyone to see. The change of this stereotypical clay-court image was changing.

Nadal firing in a forehand

#2 vs Coria, 2005 Rome Final

Nadal and Federer were in a rat race to be at the top of the ATP ranks. A win for Nadal would take him just 10 points away from Federer. The Spaniard had to only defeat fellow countyman, Guillermo Coria, whom he had defeated the previous month in Monte Carlo. Being an epic 5 hour battle, the match was riddled with some powerful shots and some amazing court coverage by Nadal. Being a young shadow to what he is now, Nadal was more nimble-footed and played with the conviction of a true master. But he was matched by Coria who hit shots with equal power and conviction. Being down 4-0 in the fifth set, Nadal came back to win it with some amazing resilience. Crediting the crowd for the win, Nadal also said that this is the toughest match that he has played in his life. A distraught Coria felt that it was cruel to lose out on such a good lead but also felt that he felt satisfied that he lost to one of the top players in the sport. Such is the enigma of Nadal.

A jubilated Nadal after the pic

#1 vs Federer, 2008 Wimbledon Men\'s Singles FInal

Considered to be one of the greatest matches in tennis history, this match came at the pivotal moments when the rivalry between Nadal and Federer was at its peak. The match was heavily interrupted by rain and disturbed the momentum of both players. Here, the Spaniard won the first two sets 6-4 6-4 before Federer battled back by winning the next two sets by scoresof 7-6 7-6. Saving two championship points in the process, Federer was reeling in his pursuit to maintain his reputation in grass courts. A style that was considered to be inferior to Federer, Nadal’s powerful play was too much to handle for the sophisticated Swiss and, in the end, Nadal triumphed over him after a heavily fought contest with the final set scoreline reading 9-7.

Nadal on his way to clinching a mammoth win