Can Nadal Actually Win A Hard Court Grand Slam?

Question

Winning Wimbledon is anything but certain, but a definite possibility.

But how about Rafa at the Aussie or U.S. Open?

Does he have a prayer?

His best showing was a semifinal at the Aussie Open this year, his best at the U.S. Open has been a Quarterfinal Appearance and he regressed by losing in the Round of 16 last year.

Djokovic is an elite player on all surfaces, much like Federer, and his five straight semifinals are a testament to that.

Facing a young and improving Djokovic and a veteran but still dominant Federer, can Nadal, who's only getting older himself hope to win even a single Slam on a Hard Surface?

Yes, I realize Djokovic is only one year younger but when it comes to Slam performances on Hard Courts, players usually don't suddenly jump from making Round of 16 and Quarterfinal Appearances and then as they get older win titles, although the Aussie Open and U.S. Open have seen 30 year old winners ( Agassi and Sampras who were making finals at Nadal's age ).

Answer 1

i think he will.. he's only 22.. he'll get better better... and include his masters series shields... some in hard courts as well... so a lot more years to see nadal improve in hard courts...

Answer 2

twice the runner up at Wimbledon - he'll win it soon enough

Answer 3

Im allmost sure he wont make it.Clay is where he is the best,but that doesnt make him complete player.Like you said Djokovic and Federer are much better then him.Rafa will become boring winning every Roland Garros with no title on other surface...

Then i guess player from my country will be the No. 1 very soon.Federer is finishing his job soon(how much motivated he can be after Nadal's win today?) and Nadal wont get any better on hard surface,so its all clear-Djokovic time is coming:D

Answer 4

I think he could, after all he has several Masters Series titles on hard courts, although it is a different task altogether winning a slam.   It would have to depend a lot on his draw, and whether or not he's in top shape.  Last year he was suffering from tendinitis in his knees, and that really hindered him at the U.S. Open.  If he can be as dominant as he is at the French Open, and also reach the finals of Wimbledon two years running, then he should be able to conquer the Australian Open and/or the U.S. Open some day.

Answer 5

yes he can

Answer 6

I think Rafa can and will win on other surfaces.  Unlike Roger, who seems to be losing a little of his drive, Rafa is still hungry.  Djokovic is hungry, so is Roddick (again), and I think skill being relatively equal, the player with the most desire will ultimately win.  Rafa has it.

Answer 7

I don't think that he can win another Grand Slam, because the competition is closer to him on other surfaces.  He is by far the best player on clay.  Nobody is going to touch him for awhile on that surface.