I really appreciate how much nadal tried to be better on grass and hardcourt. He is someone who tried his best and pushed himself despite a weaker serve and injuries. Plus noone has ever made you cheer so hard!!!
nadal plays better on us open than novak because us open was the slowest besides RG before 2020 period. So naturally nadal thrives well on slow hc's, but still novak put up a valiant fight
Rafa played him absolutely perfect this match, he hit deep slices, flat ground strokes, back Djokovic up, so he couldn’t take it early, and when Djokovic tried to take the backhand early Nadal hit straight down the line.
@@martinkirkovactually yes! due to his age and injuries, he eventually became less athletic and speedy. to make points shorter he decided to flatten out his shots more during his renaissance in 2017. It meant that he generally kept up with the rest of the tour but he wouldn’t reach the peaks he once did.
@@martinkirkov Rafa's ground strokes are still alive but one thing that he misses today is his court speed. he has tweaked his overall game to compensate for this loss but nothing much can be done against players like Roger and Novak Where he has to play defense to offense and passing shots so frequently, which he was able to do at the peak of his powers.
Very true. I would also add that Djokovic not going up a double break in that set was huge as well. Djokovic's level clearly dropped after 2011 and he was not at a good mental state at the time. When Nole is at his best, he has proven to be better than Nadal's best---Wimby 18, AO 12, AO 19, USO 11, etc.
@@jacobschmidt2709 Lol. Your ego need for Djokovic to be perceived as better is hilariously revealing of nothing but your own insecurity and irrationality. Rafa at his absolute best beats Djoker, especially on clay. Djoker at his absolute best beats Rafa, especially on hard courts. Djoker is phenomenal but has benefitted from way longer periods of remaining at/close to peak form thanks to being injury free. Rafa's incredible career stats despite having to endlessly battle back from injury put him in a class of his own.
People forget that Nadal is the only player of the big 3 that has multiple slam wins on Grass, Hard, and Clay. Neither Novak or Roger have been able to achieve this.
@@Charles-oe6vl The point is surfaces, not specific tournaments. Rafa has multiple slams on hard surface, Roger and Novak don't. He's beaten Novak on hard twice in the finals, and beat Roger on grass in the finals, but neither Novak or Roger have beaten let alone take Rafa to 5 sets in RG finals.
@@breakaway2x Rafa dominates on Clay. Novak on hard and Roger on grass. Each GOAT has their dominant surface in terms of GS. You're completely wrong with saying Nadal domainates on ALL surfacse in GS. French Open wins count for pretty much half of his GS titles, alongside only a single Australian open, two WImbledons, and 4 US opens. I dont think you understand the meaning of the word "dominate". In order for Nadal to dominate in GS on ALL surfaces, he would have to surpass Novak in hard court GS wins, in which Novak has 7 Aus. Opens, 3 US. Then beat Federer in WImbledons, in which Fed has 8.
@@nihilus1626 Did he said Nadal dominates on ALL sutfaces in GS? I just saw he said Rafa achieved multiple GS on clay , grass and hard , wich neither Novak and Roger did that. Winning the Men´s Single French Open is the hardest and most physically demanding task to ever achieve in tennis. Every great player says and agrees to that.
@@Nycku007 ur correct but that's the thing, nafal doesn't have multiple slam wins on every surface. Having one Australian open is not "multiple" last I checked
Nadal on hard courts in 2013 was the best he's ever played, more agressive style and with the same confidence and physical ability as previous years meant he could beat anyone on his prime. He has never played as brilliantly/agressive on hard courts again since then. He beat Djokovic on his prime twice (and before anyone says something dumb, yes Djokovic was on his prime in 2013). Two of the greatest matches Djokovic's ever played and I've ever seen in tennis were in 2013 vs Wawrinka in AO and Del Potro in Shanghai (obviously both these legends had a lot to do with the matches being so memorable). This match was the culmination of an insane run where I think he forced himself to play a style that was not natural to him cause he realised it was pretty much the only way to beat Djokovic on hard courts. It was a truly impressive transformation to watch.
@@andrejmitrovic4958 Nah, Nole was in his physical prime in 2010 (23 at the time) and had won a major (AO 2008), beat Federer in the USO semis that year and before the final, had beaten Nadal in their 3 previous HC meetings. Nadal was clearly the underdog there but was in form, served brilliantly and won fair and square.
He's never beaten him on hard courts since so it's a 1 off If he can't back it up or longevity then it's pointless especially given since he's never defended us aus or wimbledon
Very hard because of the age and injuries. Here and in US 2010 he was at an astonishing level! I believe he may win Grand Slams in hard courts like this Australian Open but he will not be above the level of play he showcased in 2010 and 2013. He was 25 and 28 then. That was his prime.
@@RS-eo6hu I wouldn't say we saw the same level of physical ability or ball striking, but we saw a higher level of mental ability and grit. Coming back from 2 sets to love in a grand slam record breaking final is just mid blowing. And to do that against the best hard court player in the world at the moment, there are no words. He is the GOAT, for now
It is funny that, at his beginning years, Nadal did not like very much the US Open, with the court so fast that maybe he never thought to win there someday. He loved RG and, specially Wimbledon, and aways felt very comfortable playing in Melbourne. But years passed and Nadal began to love that court and, which I think is a key factor, he began lo love all the noises, the passion and the intensity of the new yorkers. Nothing is more energetic for someone with the stamina and intensity of Nadal than playing in that incredible court, in the City that never sleeps...
@@jakehuang3545 Wimbledon changed the type of grass 20 years ago. The surface was extremely fast and the games were very boring. Nowadays Wimbnledon surface is even slower than Roland Garros
@@carlossimancas9867 Yes but why would he be preferring Wimbledon (fast) to USO (slow-medium)? Also kinda weird that he would make it to finals of FO & Wimb 04-08 (slowest & fastest) but get knock out in early rounds at AO & USO by cats like Hewitt, Roddick, and Blake (BLAKE?!?)
@@jakehuang3545 Wimbledon is the cathedral of tennis. Anyone would love to win there... Just told you that playing in Wmb was easier for Rafa, cause the surface was not as fast as in the US Open. And other thing is that since 2004 to 2009 Nadal used to reach his peak of form in spring (May and June), not in September. But he changed all that since 2010, and his body began to adapt to play in NY reaching another physical peak in early September
One of the all-time great Nadal performances. And when these guys peaked at the same time they produced some of the greatest matches in history, pushing each other to the limit with incredible movement, defence, offence, mental strength, will to win ... So many long points each lost they would've won far earlier against anyone else ...
@@johngalt6838only novak would have 50 or more rafa has made 30 slams all up at best he wins 28 or 29 outside of that his injuries are a part of his crucifying his body to win
@@johngalt6838 That's true, but imo they would be much lesser players even tho their slam count is higher. They needed each other to keep raising the bar.. I'd say Djokovic, needed Nadal more since he was the chaser. Without Nadal and Federer, you wouldn't see the Djokovic you see today. Without Djokovic, I'd say Nadal may still have had a similar trajectory (although Djokovic did make him improve)
Only haters call him claydal.. ik they wish he would just go way but he won't. For me it's not how many titles he's won off clay in a grandslam. It's how many times he's given himself the opportunity to win the grand prize. He's made it to 5 Wimbledon finals, 5 US Open finals & 6 AUS Open finals 👏🏾 👌🏾 BUT YET haters wanna call him a clay specialist
This was the last time Claydal took A SINGLE SET off Novak on hardcourts! LOL.. also, the last time he beat Novak off clay (and even there he lost to Novak).. great clay player, no doubt.
@@mambi74 If we are talking about hard courts, only Djokovic (14), Federer (11) and Sampras (7) won more GS than Nadal. Nadal is maybe the 3th best hard courter ever because he had to compete with the two best hard court tennis players in history and despite this he won 6 GS.
Watching this... and thinking about how both of them still can dominate today's ATP even with their abilities much diminished (reduced foot speed, power etc)... Really shows how big the gulf between the Big 3 and the rest of the field is.
its something that we wont see again in our lifetime. 3 guys that came in the same era and just dominated tennis the way they have and still do. i just cant get enough of it!
No one has wanted 2 answer that issue; it feels like the Gap has increased the opportunities 4 the Big 3 to grab Slams in bunches; figuratively if not literally; all 3 would do well in against the Lendl, Wilander, Becker, Edberg, Cash, McEnroe era & the Agassi, Sampras, Courier & Rafter period; u toss those guys in w/ the new racket technology, better diet, etc, and things become very interesting; BECKER asked the QUESTION: where's the 3rd guy, or 2 add to that, the 4th , 5th, 6th guy, the new Nadal, Fed, or Novak; seems like there's no 1 on the horizon, but maybe that's when it happens; when u least expect it like Wilander, Becker, and Sampras, but it seems unlikely it'll be a Teen phenom making immediate Grand Slam impact; what's your guess on who b4 or after the Big 3 retire can make something happen, keeping in mind Nadal, & Novak aren't hanging it up anytime soon: Roger will probably Retire 1st
Nadal is the king of clay like federer is the king of grass or novak the king of hc... the difference is that clay is the most complex hence Nadal is the greatest
True only true fans will realise that that was the most crucial part of the match. The whole momentum of the match rested on those few points, after that game Novak never came back.
Novak has most of all the records he only does not have the most majors but as of today he has 21 slams and is getting closer and closer to Nadal's 22 being one year younger. And also Novak has had the hardest path to his grand slams out of all the big 3
Nadal is the king of tennis despite all the injuries he has and has had throughout his tennis career due to the implausible mentality that has led him to be one of the most competitive athletes in the history of the sport. I am truly convinced that he will be the tennis player with the highest number of grand slams and that history will remember him as the greatest tennis player of all time.
He is just Rafa...I can't imagine a better athlete. He is a beast, sportmanship, effort, focus, technique, soul...he has it all.If you were a coach of any sport, could you imagine a better athlete to train than him? Isn't he the best all around athlete ever?
Nadal Is My Champion! Rafa never takes his victory for granted. He always looks like a boy winning his very first tournament let alone another Grand Slam title. Yeah, that is Nadal.
and hasnt beaten novak since on hard courts so ultimate revenge goes to novak passing him in slams and head to head and obliterating him at aus open is straight sets 2019
What a match!!!! NADAL AND DJOKOVIC ARE MY TWO FAVOURITE PLAYERS......ASTONISHING GROUNDSROKES, HIGH QUALITY TENNIS, AMAZING RALLIES, GREAT DEFENSIVE SKILLS......RAFAS 2013 WAS ABSULTELY STUNNING!!!
That 200 kph ace at 30-40, 4-4 in the 3rd to save 3/3 break points and basically the set and the championship was one of the most clutch serves of Rafa's career.
@@mainemceachern1521 No doubt about that. Djokovic, however, returned the favor in FO 2015 quarters, Wimby 2018 semis, AO 19 finals and FO 21 semis. The pendulum has clearly shifted since then.
Nah,2013 rafa used more topspin,since Moya came he has reduced his topspin and he is hitting flatter shots and not trying to extend rallies all that long.Its working well against other guys,just not against Fed and Novak.
@Feed me a hammer and I will crap out nails. Rafa wasn't as Ruthless in AO 2019 as in 2013.....are u crazy???? RAFA IS A PLAYER THAT SUFFERS ON HARD COURTS WITH HIS BACKHAND.....IN AO FINAL HIS BACKHAND WAS TOO BAD AND EVEN HIS FOREHAND WASN'T EFFECTIVE.....IN 2013 HE DOESN'T MAKE TOO MANY UNFORCED ERRORS WITH HIS BACKHAND.....MUCH MORE CONFIDENT WITH HIS GROUNDSROKES......IN THAT MATCH WE HAVE SEEN THAT IF RAFAS BACKHAND WORKS HE HAS NO WEAKNESSES.....
This made me appreciate both players much more. Watched it live in 2013 and learnt so much more watching it again. I’m a Rafa fan but Novak’s technique, balance and footwork is astonishing.
See, this is what I've been saying quite often. Nadal's game is most effective when he makes frequent use of his backhands, in conjunction with his forehand (which is his primary weapon). And that is especially true when he is adding his backhand slice in the mix, and is also on point with his serving. When he plays that way, he is very difficult to beat, especially in GS matches.
@@travisbickle5279Novak is only at his best when he wins ? So fed and Djokovic beat injured /not at his best Nadal? Accept that Djokovic couldn't have done anything to stop this Nadal.
@@travisbickle5279 The difference between their levels in very very small. An inspired Murray can beat Djokovic. Even in 2015-2016 Murray was able to take sets off Djokovic. While Murray is indeed dominated by the big 3 at slams, tennis is a game of small margins, few important points win the game and usually Murray isn't able to raise his game on those points. Also if playing a grand slam final on his best surface doesn't motivate Djokovic, then I don't know how he won those 15 majors. It is impossible to play at your highest peak level every match but you have only yourself to blame. While I do accept peak Djokovic has certain subtle advantages over peak Nadal on hard, he too can lose and is not unbeatable.
Djokovic is the best all court players though tbf he has many hard court titles and 5 Wimbledon’s along with 9 clay masters and 5 wtf indoors and 4 paris titles.
The reason why this meant so much to Nadal was not only because it was his comeback from injury, but because he had lost to Nadal in 7 consecutive games and finals from 2011 to 2012. Winning this finals finally vanquished any doubts he had about beating Djokovic again
Thank you for the match! For me the best final of GS that Nadal has played on hard courts and one of the most important victories of his career along with the final of Wimbledon 2008 and Australia 2009 against Federer. The psychology he had in this final and his right (drive), was from another planet in this final. That third set where he was down 2-0, 3-1 and 0-40 in the 4 same is to highlight; because that's where the match was decided. In the fourth set Djokovic surrenders and the fatigue of the semifinal against Wawrinka took its toll ...
So Djokovic is only at his best when he wins? Aceppt that Djokovic played at his usual level here as well, it's just that Nadal in 2013 was unstoppable on hard courts as he won Canada, Cincinnati and the US Open in a row.
54:43 the foot work 👏👏 I was expecting the signature inside out though! I have never seen Rafa looking at his box with anger and mumbling. 2:02:42: gets up like a wounded horse👏 also respect moment from Novak at 2:35:45 and he played very well too!
I guess Wimbledon '08 will always be the top, but for me this is Rafa's next-best Slam. Beating Djokovic in a hard court final, after really struggling againt him on that surface for the previous two years, and doing it going away after a tight first couple sets, makes this his best hardcourt Slam result imo. History will show Novak largely dominated their hard court matchups, but getting two US Open final wins against him is a very big deal.
@42:35 look at the point construction by Nadal. He built it like a boxer wears out his opponent, trying to open up the court to go down the line with his forehand - he's unbeatable when that shot is working. And it worked like a charm. Amazing
I can't but laugh when commentarist says after Nadal wins 3rd set, that "even his girlfriend can't believe how lucky he is by winning the set". Lucky?...¿Estamos locos o que?
Anytime Nadal beats Djokovic all I hear is prime Nadal but all the other times excuses galore. Djokovic has beaten Nadal on every surface in grand slams in their prime. Dominates him on grass, hard courts he's better
@@dpok5302Nadal's prime ended in 2013, when he had to skip tournaments and grand slams for an injury that would haunt rest of his career. Djokovic was lagging behind until then (in a big way) and nothing exemplified Nadal's utter dominance better than his 2013 US open final destruction of Djokovic (who in his own right was playing some of the best Tennis of all time, still a level below Nadal ).
@@hunterx4787 GOATs lose, don't they? Muhammad Ali had 5 losses, some of them coming at his peak.. .doesn't change a lot, does it? Remind me of Djokovic Vs Nadal head to head until 2014.
2013 Nadal is overrated. He lost to Horacio Zeballos in a clay final, Darcis in the 1st Round at Wimbledon(inexcusable in his prime and never happened to Federer or Djokovic). Furthermore, he sucked in the fall---lost to Del Potro, David Ferrer and owned by Djokovic twice. A good level and year for sure, but it has nothing on Federer 2005, 2006, 2007, 2017, Djokovic 2011 and 2015 and Nadal 2008 and 2010.
2:04:23 - this applause when you think it's 40-0 anyway and it doesn't matter and after all it was the most important point that changed the outcome of this game...
As a Rafan, one of my Top 3 favorite tennis matches. Rafa, in this 2013 beast mode, can beat any other player, including Djokovic or Federer, on a hardcourt.
I forgot how great this match was. I also forgot how terrible the commentators were. After amazing games of tennis, commentator: Rafa's watch is really expensive. Followed by 30 seconds of silence.
Yeah what a bunch of jabronis. And the commentators keep defending it. NO, throw those losers out and give their seats to proper tennis fans who can shut up when told to
What happened to nadal on hardcourt pass 2013? Especially against Novak. Yes there have been tons of injuries sense 2013 but does anyone know like what became so difficult after 2013
I'm so glad all these old matches will always be here on RUclips. The big 3 era was the greatest ever.
Yes I watch these games over and over again. I don’t care how many times, I love watching these tennis matches. Best players
@xproto3845 Yeah I'll be watching the Aussie 2022 final in a few months. 🎾
me too. one of the greatest finals ever!
I really appreciate how much nadal tried to be better on grass and hardcourt. He is someone who tried his best and pushed himself despite a weaker serve and injuries. Plus noone has ever made you cheer so hard!!!
حقا لو كان لديه إرسال قوي لحصد الاخضر واليابس
That's why ppl love him. Watching him play is like you are fighting in a JUNGLE with him. It's always so exciting..
nadal plays better on us open than novak because us open was the slowest besides RG before 2020 period. So naturally nadal thrives well on slow hc's, but still novak put up a valiant fight
unless you cheer for djokovic
@@aswinsrikanth408 Not in the 4th set. He gave up. Not the first time he's done that.
Nadal was a beast on hard courts in 2013.
Good times that’s for sure!
@Sacred Atheist With a weak draw.
Yes he was unbeaten 27 matches until the Beijing final winning Indian Wells Montreal Cincinnati and the Us Open
Sacred Atheist Im from the future, Nadal the champ for uso19
@@masters.1000 Yeah, because Cilic and Berretini (being inside the top 10 as we speak) are weak draws right? 🤦🏽♂️
Rafa played him absolutely perfect this match, he hit deep slices, flat ground strokes, back Djokovic up, so he couldn’t take it early, and when Djokovic tried to take the backhand early Nadal hit straight down the line.
This period of Nadal is really difficult to beat, the way he spins the ball, his speed to cover the court and attack
So , today he decides to spin it less or what?
@@martinkirkovactually yes! due to his age and injuries, he eventually became less athletic and speedy. to make points shorter he decided to flatten out his shots more during his renaissance in 2017. It meant that he generally kept up with the rest of the tour but he wouldn’t reach the peaks he once did.
@@martinkirkov Rafa's ground strokes are still alive but one thing that he misses today is his court speed. he has tweaked his overall game to compensate for this loss but nothing much can be done against players like Roger and Novak
Where he has to play defense to offense and passing shots so frequently, which he was able to do at the peak of his powers.
Yup....only one man matched him really.....Novak.
I was at this match. Just an incredible experience. Thank you Rafa and Novak!
One of the best performance of Rafa on hard court.
2:04:07 The most decisive moment of the match and demonstrating the mental strength of Nadal.
well spotted. that was the game changer. Rafa fought back from 40 love as he always does ^^
Thx sir i came here just to see that part of the match
Very true. I would also add that Djokovic not going up a double break in that set was huge as well. Djokovic's level clearly dropped after 2011 and he was not at a good mental state at the time. When Nole is at his best, he has proven to be better than Nadal's best---Wimby 18, AO 12, AO 19, USO 11, etc.
@@jacobschmidt2709 Nah
@@jacobschmidt2709 Lol. Your ego need for Djokovic to be perceived as better is hilariously revealing of nothing but your own insecurity and irrationality. Rafa at his absolute best beats Djoker, especially on clay. Djoker at his absolute best beats Rafa, especially on hard courts. Djoker is phenomenal but has benefitted from way longer periods of remaining at/close to peak form thanks to being injury free. Rafa's incredible career stats despite having to endlessly battle back from injury put him in a class of his own.
People forget that Nadal is the only player of the big 3 that has multiple slam wins on Grass, Hard, and Clay. Neither Novak or Roger have been able to achieve this.
Rafa is also the only player of the big 3 that has a single win in Australian Open
Edit : no longer true since AO 2022
@@Charles-oe6vl The point is surfaces, not specific tournaments. Rafa has multiple slams on hard surface, Roger and Novak don't. He's beaten Novak on hard twice in the finals, and beat Roger on grass in the finals, but neither Novak or Roger have beaten let alone take Rafa to 5 sets in RG finals.
@@breakaway2x Rafa dominates on Clay. Novak on hard and Roger on grass. Each GOAT has their dominant surface in terms of GS. You're completely wrong with saying Nadal domainates on ALL surfacse in GS. French Open wins count for pretty much half of his GS titles, alongside only a single Australian open, two WImbledons, and 4 US opens. I dont think you understand the meaning of the word "dominate". In order for Nadal to dominate in GS on ALL surfaces, he would have to surpass Novak in hard court GS wins, in which Novak has 7 Aus. Opens, 3 US. Then beat Federer in WImbledons, in which Fed has 8.
@@nihilus1626 Did he said Nadal dominates on ALL sutfaces in GS? I just saw he said Rafa achieved multiple GS on clay , grass and hard , wich neither Novak and Roger did that.
Winning the Men´s Single French Open is the hardest and most physically demanding task to ever achieve in tennis. Every great player says and agrees to that.
@@Nycku007 ur correct but that's the thing, nafal doesn't have multiple slam wins on every surface. Having one Australian open is not "multiple" last I checked
Nadal on hard courts in 2013 was the best he's ever played, more agressive style and with the same confidence and physical ability as previous years meant he could beat anyone on his prime. He has never played as brilliantly/agressive on hard courts again since then.
He beat Djokovic on his prime twice (and before anyone says something dumb, yes Djokovic was on his prime in 2013). Two of the greatest matches Djokovic's ever played and I've ever seen in tennis were in 2013 vs Wawrinka in AO and Del Potro in Shanghai (obviously both these legends had a lot to do with the matches being so memorable).
This match was the culmination of an insane run where I think he forced himself to play a style that was not natural to him cause he realised it was pretty much the only way to beat Djokovic on hard courts. It was a truly impressive transformation to watch.
Prime Novak is 2013, not 2010.
@@andrejmitrovic4958 Nah, Nole was in his physical prime in 2010 (23 at the time) and had won a major (AO 2008), beat Federer in the USO semis that year and before the final, had beaten Nadal in their 3 previous HC meetings. Nadal was clearly the underdog there but was in form, served brilliantly and won fair and square.
Nope, best Nadal ever was, was USOpen 2010. That form of Nadal is the single best tennis player ever.
He's never beaten him on hard courts since so it's a 1 off
If he can't back it up or longevity then it's pointless especially given since he's never defended us aus or wimbledon
@@andrejmitrovic4958no 2011
Are we gonna ever see this level of Nadal again on hard courts? The movement and forehand was incredible!
Very hard because of the age and injuries. Here and in US 2010 he was at an astonishing level! I believe he may win Grand Slams in hard courts like this Australian Open but he will not be above the level of play he showcased in 2010 and 2013. He was 25 and 28 then. That was his prime.
Your wish has come true today.... Vamos rafa🌹🌹
@@RS-eo6hu I wouldn't say we saw the same level of physical ability or ball striking, but we saw a higher level of mental ability and grit. Coming back from 2 sets to love in a grand slam record breaking final is just mid blowing. And to do that against the best hard court player in the world at the moment, there are no words. He is the GOAT, for now
Yes. Australian Open 2022.
Yes Acapulco 2022
It is funny that, at his beginning years, Nadal did not like very much the US Open, with the court so fast that maybe he never thought to win there someday. He loved RG and, specially Wimbledon, and aways felt very comfortable playing in Melbourne. But years passed and Nadal began to love that court and, which I think is a key factor, he began lo love all the noises, the passion and the intensity of the new yorkers. Nothing is more energetic for someone with the stamina and intensity of Nadal than playing in that incredible court, in the City that never sleeps...
why loved wimbledon but not USO? wimbledon is faster (at least used to be...) than the USO, no?
@@jakehuang3545 Wimbledon changed the type of grass 20 years ago. The surface was extremely fast and the games were very boring. Nowadays Wimbnledon surface is even slower than Roland Garros
@@carlossimancas9867 Yes but why would he be preferring Wimbledon (fast) to USO (slow-medium)? Also kinda weird that he would make it to finals of FO & Wimb 04-08 (slowest & fastest) but get knock out in early rounds at AO & USO by cats like Hewitt, Roddick, and Blake (BLAKE?!?)
@@jakehuang3545 Wimbledon is the cathedral of tennis. Anyone would love to win there... Just told you that playing in Wmb was easier for Rafa, cause the surface was not as fast as in the US Open. And other thing is that since 2004 to 2009 Nadal used to reach his peak of form in spring (May and June), not in September. But he changed all that since 2010, and his body began to adapt to play in NY reaching another physical peak in early September
One of the all-time great Nadal performances. And when these guys peaked at the same time they produced some of the greatest matches in history, pushing each other to the limit with incredible movement, defence, offence, mental strength, will to win ... So many long points each lost they would've won far earlier against anyone else ...
If the other two didn't exist, the one left would have 50 Grand slams.
@@johngalt6838only novak would have 50 or more rafa has made 30 slams all up at best he wins 28 or 29 outside of that his injuries are a part of his crucifying his body to win
@@achillesviolaris1053 Oh....if any of them were not in the picture the other ones would have more majors. They are all top of the crop trading blows.
@@achillesviolaris1053 All those losses to Novak in finals would have been his. Same for Roger.
@@johngalt6838 That's true, but imo they would be much lesser players even tho their slam count is higher. They needed each other to keep raising the bar.. I'd say Djokovic, needed Nadal more since he was the chaser. Without Nadal and Federer, you wouldn't see the Djokovic you see today. Without Djokovic, I'd say Nadal may still have had a similar trajectory (although Djokovic did make him improve)
It is often overlooked that Nadal actually has the second highest number of US Open champion titles (4) among current players, only after Federer (5).
could had 5, if he played 2020 US open he was in great form in that year.
Indeed... And I predict he will tie Fed when he wins 2022 US Open
@@ishurockstar Great form in 2020. Are you kidding me 🤣🤣🤣. He lost AO in QF and Rome in SF. He only won RG in October
@@RFazor lol
His brilliance is his kindness, his benevolence the way he seems to spread happiness @ himself making it contagious + his 1 of a kind athleticism
Only haters call him claydal.. ik they wish he would just go way but he won't. For me it's not how many titles he's won off clay in a grandslam. It's how many times he's given himself the opportunity to win the grand prize. He's made it to 5 Wimbledon finals, 5 US Open finals & 6 AUS Open finals 👏🏾 👌🏾 BUT YET haters wanna call him a clay specialist
He only lost because of Novak, or Federer....the same goes for the other two.
This was the last time Claydal took A SINGLE SET off Novak on hardcourts! LOL.. also, the last time he beat Novak off clay (and even there he lost to Novak).. great clay player, no doubt.
@@mambi74 If we are talking about hard courts, only Djokovic (14), Federer (11) and Sampras (7) won more GS than Nadal. Nadal is maybe the 3th best hard courter ever because he had to compete with the two best hard court tennis players in history and despite this he won 6 GS.
@@mambi74 Nadal prime ended in 2014. Of course he didnt beat Novak after that, still great to re-live this moment!
Wow, thank you so much. Very appreciated from us tennis fans. 👍
Thanks for watching! We'll continue to upload more videos
Watching this... and thinking about how both of them still can dominate today's ATP even with their abilities much diminished (reduced foot speed, power etc)... Really shows how big the gulf between the Big 3 and the rest of the field is.
You are absolutely on point, the difference between these 3 (maybe 2 now) and the others is HUGE. They're GOATs and the rest are mere mortals ;)
its something that we wont see again in our lifetime. 3 guys that came in the same era and just dominated tennis the way they have and still do. i just cant get enough of it!
No one has wanted 2 answer that issue; it feels like the Gap has increased the opportunities 4 the Big 3 to grab Slams in bunches; figuratively if not literally; all 3 would do well in against the Lendl, Wilander, Becker, Edberg, Cash, McEnroe era & the Agassi, Sampras, Courier & Rafter period; u toss those guys in w/ the new racket technology, better diet, etc, and things become very interesting; BECKER asked the QUESTION: where's the 3rd guy, or 2 add to that, the 4th , 5th, 6th guy, the new Nadal, Fed, or Novak; seems like there's no 1 on the
horizon, but maybe that's when it happens; when u least expect it like Wilander, Becker, and Sampras, but it seems unlikely it'll be a Teen phenom making immediate Grand Slam impact; what's your guess on who b4 or after the Big 3 retire can make something happen, keeping in mind Nadal, & Novak aren't hanging it up anytime soon: Roger will probably Retire 1st
They hit the ball just as hard if not harder in today's game. They kept improving even if they are not at their physical prime.
Nadal also won the Olympic gold medal on hardcourt in 2008
And Djokovic won the Olympic gold medal on clay in 2024 🐐
Glad he got a career golden!@@Josuke217
After French #13?
The king of clay. Rafa is the ultimate representation of hard work, determination, willpower and to never say die
Really hope Rafa comes back
The king of Tennis.
Nadal is the king of clay like federer is the king of grass or novak the king of hc... the difference is that clay is the most complex hence Nadal is the greatest
Nadal stared into the abyss at 2:03:40 and survived. This was absolutely incredible
True only true fans will realise that that was the most crucial part of the match. The whole momentum of the match rested on those few points, after that game Novak never came back.
He started into the abyss and smiled
and in AO 2022
in the age of 36
He won for the second time and got his 21st gs
He isnt just The King of clay, He is THE GOAT
Rafael Nadal THE GOAT
just your opinion ... and we all know what opinions are worth ...
@@georgeway2092 nah, facts ^^ there are tons of evidence that solidifies nadal as the greatest!
Novak has most of all the records he only does not have the most majors but as of today he has 21 slams and is getting closer and closer to Nadal's 22 being one year younger. And also Novak has had the hardest path to his grand slams out of all the big 3
Nadal is the king of tennis despite all the injuries he has and has had throughout his tennis career due to the implausible mentality that has led him to be one of the most competitive athletes in the history of the sport. I am truly convinced that he will be the tennis player with the highest number of grand slams and that history will remember him as the greatest tennis player of all time.
Indeed ! Undisputed Goat 🐐
He is just Rafa...I can't imagine a better athlete. He is a beast, sportmanship, effort, focus, technique, soul...he has it all.If you were a coach of any sport, could you imagine a better athlete to train than him? Isn't he the best all around athlete ever?
Ronaldo
Si, por supuesto 💪💪
Well, Novak is the GOAT so......
Nadal Is My Champion! Rafa never takes his victory for granted. He always looks like a boy winning his very first tournament let alone another Grand Slam title. Yeah, that is Nadal.
This was a very sweet revenge by Nadal. One of the most important victories in his career. Phenomenal win. Vamos Rafa!
and hasnt beaten novak since on hard courts so ultimate revenge goes to novak passing him in slams and head to head and obliterating him at aus open is straight sets 2019
@@fivospanayiotouAre you feeling butthurt or something. Get back in your box Novak fanboy.
@@fivospanayiotou yes, indeed he did
Nadal OBLITERATED Djokovic at Roland Garros@@fivospanayiotou
Thank you US Open for posting these great matches!! (US Open 2013 final, Us Open 2015 final)
What a match!!!! NADAL AND DJOKOVIC ARE MY TWO FAVOURITE PLAYERS......ASTONISHING GROUNDSROKES, HIGH QUALITY TENNIS, AMAZING RALLIES, GREAT DEFENSIVE SKILLS......RAFAS 2013 WAS ABSULTELY STUNNING!!!
2:06:03 seeing nadal come back from 0-40 at such a decisive moment uncle toni is like "yeep thats the mental giant i helped create"
RudG RudG Djokovic made the mistake not to slam down those slice backhands at 15-40.
@@fredrikdahlin7869 excuses
Other player might surrender at 0-40. But Nadal would not
That 200 kph ace at 30-40, 4-4 in the 3rd to save 3/3 break points and basically the set and the championship was one of the most clutch serves of Rafa's career.
@@mainemceachern1521 No doubt about that. Djokovic, however, returned the favor in FO 2015 quarters, Wimby 2018 semis, AO 19 finals and FO 21 semis. The pendulum has clearly shifted since then.
Nadal in his prime was ruthless. Was expecting this form of his (2013) against Djokovic this AUS Open 2019. But sad it was a one-sided match.
Ruthless enough to get straight setted by someone like Darcis in the first round of Wimbledon
@@thomasbrunkle8389 Players do go through bad patches,nobody does well all the time.In his prime he beat Federer in the same tournament
Nah,2013 rafa used more topspin,since Moya came he has reduced his topspin and he is hitting flatter shots and not trying to extend rallies all that long.Its working well against other guys,just not against Fed and Novak.
@Feed me a hammer and I will crap out nails. Rafa wasn't as Ruthless in AO 2019 as in 2013.....are u crazy???? RAFA IS A PLAYER THAT SUFFERS ON HARD COURTS WITH HIS BACKHAND.....IN AO FINAL HIS BACKHAND WAS TOO BAD AND EVEN HIS FOREHAND WASN'T EFFECTIVE.....IN 2013 HE DOESN'T MAKE TOO MANY UNFORCED ERRORS WITH HIS BACKHAND.....MUCH MORE CONFIDENT WITH HIS GROUNDSROKES......IN THAT MATCH WE HAVE SEEN THAT IF RAFAS BACKHAND WORKS HE HAS NO WEAKNESSES.....
Feed me a hammer and I will crap out nails. Ahahahaha good joke
I enjoyed reliving this match, thank you. Vamos Rafa
2:03:59 0-40 I just came here to watch this.
Nadal is my favorite tennis player/I like his attitude > WIN OR LOST he always shows humility and respect 🤝
This made me appreciate both players much more. Watched it live in 2013 and learnt so much more watching it again. I’m a Rafa fan but Novak’s technique, balance and footwork is astonishing.
That neutralizing backhand slice and the fearless forehand down the line are very important for Rafa to beat Novak . Vamos 💪
See, this is what I've been saying quite often. Nadal's game is most effective when he makes frequent use of his backhands, in conjunction with his forehand (which is his primary weapon). And that is especially true when he is adding his backhand slice in the mix, and is also on point with his serving. When he plays that way, he is very difficult to beat, especially in GS matches.
This is what happened in Nadal's win over Medvedev in the AO2022 Final
Rafa's first and 4th sets were two of his best sets ever in his career
Thank you for the inspiration Rafa...Rest in Retirement🙏
Most valuable victory in Rafa's career. Beat Novak in hard court grand slam at his best... Amazing work for Nadal
novak was not in his best...even murray dominate 1 months before in Wimbledon in straight sets
@@travisbickle5279Novak is only at his best when he wins ? So fed and Djokovic beat injured /not at his best Nadal? Accept that Djokovic couldn't have done anything to stop this Nadal.
@@palaknagori6255 ok...andy murray is for you with djokovic the same level....you say that with you comment..please shut up....
@@travisbickle5279 The difference between their levels in very very small. An inspired Murray can beat Djokovic. Even in 2015-2016 Murray was able to take sets off Djokovic. While Murray is indeed dominated by the big 3 at slams, tennis is a game of small margins, few important points win the game and usually Murray isn't able to raise his game on those points. Also if playing a grand slam final on his best surface doesn't motivate Djokovic, then I don't know how he won those 15 majors. It is impossible to play at your highest peak level every match but you have only yourself to blame. While I do accept peak Djokovic has certain subtle advantages over peak Nadal on hard, he too can lose and is not unbeatable.
palak nagori great comment finally someone
The soundrecording at the US Open always makes it seem like every single shot is an absolute howitzer
Rafa is superior in this match, what a phenomenal player. Big fan from Bangalore India
Watching this now as a 4 time US open champ, Rafa is! And they said he was just a clay player. Lol
Cwm368 7 majors outside favourite surface
12 for roger
6 Novak I believe
He is very comfortable with the ball bounce on hard courts, and his footwork does the rest.
Doxa Addow feds favourite surface is a actually indoor hard
Djokovic is the best all court players though tbf he has many hard court titles and 5 Wimbledon’s along with 9 clay masters and 5 wtf indoors and 4 paris titles.
@@LordCaedus-bl7wi he's the best. No doubt
Vamos Rafa!!! 2013년처럼 이렇게 멋지게 2019년에도 우승 가즈아~~~ Here’s to your 19th major ! You are the best !
Con la vida tan difícil que tengo ,lo único que me sigue gustando es ver a Nadal jugando
2:15:10 that is one of the most terrifying Nadal's forehands i've ever seen. I get goosebumps everytime I watch it.
Here after Nadal won the AO 2022
The reason why this meant so much to Nadal was not only because it was his comeback from injury, but because he had lost to Nadal in 7 consecutive games and finals from 2011 to 2012. Winning this finals finally vanquished any doubts he had about beating Djokovic again
WELL NADAL HAS NOT BEATEN DJOKOVIC EVER SINCE OUTSIDE CLAY! 10 YEARS OF LOSING AND AVOIDING DJOKOVIC HAHHAHA
Lo que tu quieras pero aquí literalmente le pasó por encima
Thank you for the match! :)
Glad you enjoyed it! We'll keep uploading new finals each week
@@usopen Ah very cool! Have you been uploading the final of 2011?
@@lejonas29 you can see that they haven't, just check the channel.
@@lejonas29 Keep checking back. More to come
Great showdown btw the two greatest tennis player.
Thank you for the match! For me the best final of GS that Nadal has played on hard courts and one of the most important victories of his career along with the final of Wimbledon 2008 and Australia 2009 against Federer.
The psychology he had in this final and his right (drive), was from another planet in this final. That third set where he was down 2-0, 3-1 and 0-40 in the 4 same is to highlight; because that's where the match was decided. In the fourth set Djokovic surrenders and the fatigue of the semifinal against Wawrinka took its toll ...
#21🏆 2022 AO Champs
Vamosss Rafa !!!
Forever A Fighter💪
This Nadal would destroy any of today's young gen in Straight Sets including Medvedev.
Amazing battle. Thank you for sharing!
Vamos Rafa!
2013 was hands down the best year Rafa ever had on Hard Court tournaments! Complete domination! 👍🏻 🎾👌🏻.
Simply , you are the greatest RAFA
Wow. My word! I just can't believe you uploaded such an epic match! Thanks an ocean. You made our day.
Thank you for full matches!! Hoping for many more :)
2:27:03 The shot that sealed Novak's fate 😈
Forehand down the line was used exclusively for break points.
Rafael Nadal is a professional tennis player. He made history in tennis championships.
2019, He gets it again. Maybe 2020 too. Along wt Roland Garros GS.
If Thiem can beat him on hard court now he will edge him at the French he'd have to hope Thiem is not on his half
@@xidiamond6851 that comment is stupid
RG postopned. Wimbledon cancelled. Dunno whut would happen next few months
Xi DIAMOND that makes no sense lmao.. hardcourt Nadal is not Clay Nadal
Rusdayati Idrus He’s not playing, sadly.
He's an idle for those off and on the court. Tennis has never been so blessed amazing talent.
Their montreal match eariler that year was WAY better.Djokovic performed to his usual level and nadal still beat him.
And hit him in the face hahahahahahahahahah!
So Djokovic is only at his best when he wins? Aceppt that Djokovic played at his usual level here as well, it's just that Nadal in 2013 was unstoppable on hard courts as he won Canada, Cincinnati and the US Open in a row.
@@jameswalker6864 You are dumb as fuck.Djokovic lost in montreal lmao.
@@jameswalker6864 i dont get how you got upvotes
@@aleksamilosevic8792 idiot
Seriously, how does he still do that. Best athlete ever, probably
54:43 the foot work 👏👏 I was expecting the signature inside out though!
I have never seen Rafa looking at his box with anger and mumbling.
2:02:42: gets up like a wounded horse👏 also respect moment from Novak at 2:35:45 and he played very well too!
The terrible crowd is consistent with the location.
Pulsivity New Yorkers are known for it.
@@deemariedubois4916 yep, it's been like that for years so crowd is not an excuse for every players
Well Americans are always loud in sports such as hockey, basketball, American football, baseball, etc.
@@dewman7477 they just have no respect
@@georgnicholson8551 maybe tennis is different but in other sports it’s normal can’t stereotype Americans
2:10:30 most satisfying smash ever
Rafa at his best is just unstoppable and ultimately why he's the GOAT!
the last two games of the 3rd set perfectly showed the world why Rafa is the best player in the world
This victory would be the sweetest win over Novak cuz of the most important hard court tournament in the world.
Rafa Nadal is one of kind player you're amazing Rafa I'm avid fan of yours
We’ll never see this again goodbye Rafa
21 slams in 2022! 🤯🤯🤯
22 now
NADAL vs DJOKOVIC is always a joy to behold.
There are commentators who you enjoy listening to during matches. This lot's not one of them.
Perfect timing to upload Nadal vs Thiem 2018 in full :)
I really will appreciate this moment. Both players are legends including Roger. I
Crazy to think Nadal hasn’t beaten Djokovic or Federer on hardcourts since 2013
Actually since 2014 as Rafa beat Fed in straights sets in 2014 AO semi finals.
Still remembered this iconic match from Nadal..
One of Nadals best performance ever! Best match ever.!!!
SALUDOS DESDE RUMANÍA. RAFA ERES EL MEJOR DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS 👋👋👋👋👍👍👍👍
I guess Wimbledon '08 will always be the top, but for me this is Rafa's next-best Slam. Beating Djokovic in a hard court final, after really struggling againt him on that surface for the previous two years, and doing it going away after a tight first couple sets, makes this his best hardcourt Slam result imo. History will show Novak largely dominated their hard court matchups, but getting two US Open final wins against him is a very big deal.
Rafa Nadal is one of kind amazing I'm one of you're million fans
2010 US Open Final? He played like a superhero in that tournament...dropped just one set throughout and that too was in the final against Novak.
@42:35 look at the point construction by Nadal. He built it like a boxer wears out his opponent, trying to open up the court to go down the line with his forehand - he's unbeatable when that shot is working. And it worked like a charm. Amazing
Unbeatable that's why he's 2 from 5 wimbledon and 2 from 6 aus opens and Novak's got him head to head considering nadal got a headstart
I can't but laugh when commentarist says after Nadal wins 3rd set, that "even his girlfriend can't believe how lucky he is by winning the set". Lucky?...¿Estamos locos o que?
almudena 8 -> commentator got confused, he means: ´she can’t believe how lucky she is to be with that guy’ hahahahaha 😂
que jugador mas inrespetuoso eres el mejor nada ni siquiera conocia sl tio este que mal juega bravo por nadal
2:10:35 Notice the only one who's not getting carried away by emotions, knowing it's not even remotely over yet.
Great observation
Nadal’s forehand was on fire that summer.
gracias por este partido completo. sigan asi ofreciendo tan buen material
Prime Nadal was the GOAT as far as level of game is concerned.
Then explain 2011 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
Anytime Nadal beats Djokovic all I hear is prime Nadal but all the other times excuses galore. Djokovic has beaten Nadal on every surface in grand slams in their prime. Dominates him on grass, hard courts he's better
@@dpok5302Nadal's prime ended in 2013, when he had to skip tournaments and grand slams for an injury that would haunt rest of his career. Djokovic was lagging behind until then (in a big way) and nothing exemplified Nadal's utter dominance better than his 2013 US open final destruction of Djokovic (who in his own right was playing some of the best Tennis of all time, still a level below Nadal ).
@@Shwetankdhyani but if my math is correct, 2011 was BEFORE 2013, right?
@@hunterx4787 GOATs lose, don't they? Muhammad Ali had 5 losses, some of them coming at his peak.. .doesn't change a lot, does it?
Remind me of Djokovic Vs Nadal head to head until 2014.
2013 Rafa on hard court is the greatest ever.
@Daniel Kane 2010 Nadal
iw, rogers, cin, and uso o/
2013 Nadal is overrated. He lost to Horacio Zeballos in a clay final, Darcis in the 1st Round at Wimbledon(inexcusable in his prime and never happened to Federer or Djokovic). Furthermore, he sucked in the fall---lost to Del Potro, David Ferrer and owned by Djokovic twice. A good level and year for sure, but it has nothing on Federer 2005, 2006, 2007, 2017, Djokovic 2011 and 2015 and Nadal 2008 and 2010.
This was Rafa's last win over Djokovic,on HC ,and it has been almost ten years!
In fact he started having serious injuries a bit after that point in time.
One of the best moment for USO
2:04:23 - this applause when you think it's 40-0 anyway and it doesn't matter and after all it was the most important point that changed the outcome of this game...
I don't get how some Americans can pronounce 'Rafa' but Rafael becomes 'Rafiyel'. 😂
I miss Rafa...
Спасибо. Давно пора выкладывать прошедшие матчи полностью. Хорошая идея. Roland-Garros только жадничает.
The clay specialist beating the hard court specialist in a major final… on hard court. Nadal forever.
As a Rafan, one of my Top 3 favorite tennis matches. Rafa, in this 2013 beast mode, can beat any other player, including Djokovic or Federer, on a hardcourt.
No he couldn't no way...Novak of 2019 destroys this nadal version
I forgot how great this match was. I also forgot how terrible the commentators were. After amazing games of tennis, commentator: Rafa's watch is really expensive. Followed by 30 seconds of silence.
his watch is actually really expensive, i believe that particlar RM is worth north of $200k
@@issayah The commentator said the price which was 690k dollars.
Great win for Nadal that year. Great mental strength, especially that match point when the New York crowd wouldn’t keep quiet.
Yeah what a bunch of jabronis. And the commentators keep defending it. NO, throw those losers out and give their seats to proper tennis fans who can shut up when told to
super tremendo partido Nadal da con todo tiene una mentalidad increible👍👍
What happened to nadal on hardcourt pass 2013?
Especially against Novak. Yes there have been tons of injuries sense 2013 but does anyone know like what became so difficult after 2013
Here (by algorithyms) after 2022 FO finals victory for Nadal #22 grand slam overall. İ did not notice that Novak tanked the last set until now!!
Nadal is 4-1 in US Open Finals. 2 of them were against Djokovic. The others were Medvedev and Anderson.
3 of them