Only thing left for Nadal

[Hs0022]

Is to retire gracefully at the FO win or lose. Is his participation a certainty or will he choose Wimby which is more health friendly?

 

[nuraman00]

I would have said, given how many times he's come back from injury, that it's too early to say he won't be competitive anymore.

Now, let's see what he looks like when he comes back.

 

[andrepierson]

It's a tough one. While his participation is never guaranteed, considering his history and passion for the game, I'd say he's likely to give it his all. As for choosing between the French Open and Wimbledon, it's intriguing. The softer clay courts at the FO are more demanding on his body, but hey, players surprise us.
Btw check out Badminton Pros It's a neat site offering insights into our badminton. Happy discussing, and let's keep an eye on Rafa's next move!

 

[nuraman00]

The softer clay courts at the FO are more demanding on his body

I thought they were easier on the joints?

 

[Hs0022]

I thought they were easier on the joints?

Impact wise they are not bad (the soft clay) and sliding is also good on the joints and knees, but points tend to be longer and I think it evens out. For any aging player I would think grass would be the safest to play on. Points are quicker and the grass offers the best cushion like surface that absorbs the shocks from impacts in running. Worst is the hard courts. AO is slower than USO. Indoor carpet is also fairly good on the body I would think.

 

[nuraman00]

For any aging player I would think grass would be the safest to play on. Points are quicker and the grass offers the best cushion like surface that absorbs the shocks from impacts in running.

Safest, yes.

But needing quick reflexes on grass might make it harder for an aging player.

 

[Hs0022]

Safest, yes.

But needing quick reflexes on grass might make it harder for an aging player.

That’s why Sampras didn’t win his last slam on Grass. He was too slow to get to the net on a rhythm with his fast serve.

 

[nuraman00]

That’s why Sampras didn’t win his last slam on Grass. He was too slow to get to the net on a rhythm with his fast serve.

I kind of think endurance is a little easier for an aging player, than quick reflexes.

Agassi still made the QF of the AO and Finals of the USO in 2005, as a 34/35 year old.

 

[Hs0022]

I kind of think endurance is a little easier for an aging player, than quick reflexes.

Agassi still made the QF of the AO and Finals of the USO in 2005, as a 34/35 year old.

Agassi was a fitness beast and did not have the same medical condition like Pete did. Pete was hampered by the “stamina handicap” called Thalassemia Minor.