Now that they're going to speed up the courts at Wimby for 09, will Nadal win?

Question

They slowed the courts down the last 2 years, and we didn't get to see a historic win of Federer breaking history. Sort of sux for us. But anyhow, now that they are going to speed up the courts again to move fast like a hard court, it will be to Nadal's disadvantage. These are simple facts that everyone knows, so don't go getting emotional about it. I just want to know what you think about them returning to fast surfaces.

Answer 1

I still Nadal has the chance to win.

He is good;

:D

Answer 2

I'm a diehard Rafa fan.

And yes, he DID have an advantage this year because it was a slower surface, but he goes up to QF/SF at the AO and the USO every year, doesnt he? That obviously proves he isnt useless on hard courts, i.e., faster courts!

And now he's tasted the Wimby trophy, he's not going to give it up so soon, and ESPECIALLY not to Federer!!! Or Novak, for that matter. Or anyone else. =P

Answer 3

Wimbledon is havin the same court speed for the last 4 or 5 years .. They slowed the court a bit in 2002 . And they have made no comments about anything regarding the court after last wimbledon . Only thing the rest of the world knows is that there will be a new roof next year .

So would be nice if you can give some reference .

Answer 4

Well, it is not just about court speed.  It is true that Nadal's heavy topspin is good on clay courts, and not so great on faster courts.

However, look, Federer is getting older.  Nadal is only 22.  His career is only budding.  4 straight grandslams and a wimbledon?  Djokovic has only won one and now he is 20 or 21.  Federer has gotten to French Open finals, even with the slower surface, he just hasn't won it.

Nadal is talented, he is soon reaching his peak at around 23 or 24.  Federer is 26.  he has only really 2 more years untill he is pretty much old and retired.  Now, Federer is going down, while Nadal is peaking.  It was only a matter of time.

Answer 5

Oh maybe! Interesting I didn't know they were doing that. Sure it gives Fed an advantage but then again Nadal may be a hard court fast court master by this time next year!

Answer 6

Put simply, Rafael Nadal's extreme grip and play style is suited for the slow speed, low bounce and long rallies of the clay court. Speeding up the grass courts will make it extremely difficult for Rafael Nadal to win. The rallies will be over in a heartbeat (exaggeration) against the serve and volleyers. The heavy spin applied to the ball will not gain enough friction on the lawn. And the high bounces will make his helicopter swings awkward. My bet is for Federer in 09.

Coach Ninja

http://www.ninjaunion.com/

Answer 7

I think Nadal will perhaps have trouble with other players if they speed up the court before even reaching Federer (if he makes it also).  I think this hardcourt season will tell whether things have changed or not for Nadal.  If both Fed and Nadal reach the finals again I think at this point without knowing how things will pan out now then I would say Fed has the advantage.  Also remember Novak (whom I'm not fond of at all) is really good on the hard courts so he will probably be a big factor also.

Answer 8

Nadal can't win if the ball stays low. Its not his fault they made the grass "spongier" as Henmin said, producing the bounce. Still, it gives clay courters a hand up.

Answer 9

Funny and most ironic !!

These were words that came to mind when I first read this question.

Why so, one would wonder??

Well, guess which was the first year in recent times when the courts at Wimbledon were slowed down ?

It was the year of 2002.

Guess who the winner was then ??

Tadaa, Mr. Roger Federer, for the first time, became Wimbledon champion !!

Agreed though that it suits Nadal's game better if the courts are as they are now, rather than a faster grass court, but you have to give credit to the man for playing the tennis of his life as he is nowadays.

Another thing that almost has become a regular feature of the Wimbledon is the rain that seems to be in the air around that point of the year. This could be one of the factors that contributes to the "slowness" of the grass , as we call it.

Will Nadal win with the faster courts ? I think we'll know once the U.S. Open and the Australian Open are done with by the start of next year.

Thee courts might be an indication of what game plan Nadal has for faster courts, cuz on faster courts, u bet that the top spin cannot be the most lethal weapon, defensive play cannot be your best ploy to get out of sticky situations ..

We have an interesting time ahead , atleast for the next 3 - 4 years with these two greats slugging it out, and with Novak also performing quite well.

To the Wimbledon organizers : Dunno know how they "slow" or "speed up" the surfaces, but lets hope they don't s***w it up trying too many different variations !!

Answer 10

Positively, yes ! Nadal will be just as comfortable on any surface as he is on clay by 2009. Besides, he is not going to relinquish his royal crown easily next year.

Answer 11

I never understand why they adjusted the speed of the surfaces.  I heard they made the French Open surface faster this year and had been making the grass slower at Wimby for a while.  I honestly think making the clay court faster or the grass court slower is ridiculous.  If they want to make everything medium speed, why not just pave over the grass and the clay and make all grand slams medium speed hard court??!!.  There are reasons for different surfaces and different speed in tennis.  Let the players adjust to the surface, not adjust the surface to the players.  That's my two cents :)