Whom do you consider "better from the baseline"? Nadal or Agassi? ?

Question

Both played predominantly from the baseline. Both had single handed forehand and double handed backhand. Both considered the best amongst the peers from the Baseline. Nadal has an advantage in Movement on the court while Agassi had the Awareness advantage. (I wouldn't look to much into their head-to-head match-up, as Agassi was already into his final years.) Agassi used to hit the ball on the rise and flatter while Nadal tends to use his top-spinning forehand as the premium weapon. Whom would you rate the most from the back of the court?

Answer 1

Nedal. Agassi had the advantage of coming straight out of Bolleteri's with the new equipment that has since changed the game. He grew up on that equipment, while guys like Edberg, Mac, and Becker had to learn how to use it. I not going to fault Agassi for anything, as a career grand slam is a rare feat, however, just ground strokes, Nedal for sure. I think Agassi's two biggest strengths were the mental advantage he developed over the years (remember, this was a guy who used to eat Snickers bars before matches until he dedicated himself to the game around the age of 25) and his return of service.  

Answer 2

Nadal

Answer 3

Agassi.

If he played in Rafa's era he would be too good!

The way that Agassi takes the ball early would conteract Nadal's top-spin forehand, and Nadal's boring defensive game would not be able to cope - it would not be enough to just push the ball back into play with Agassi!

Noone can say Rafa is better. If he betters Agassi's success it would still be difficult to call Nadal better at the baseline as the different eras make a huge difference.

I believe though that Agassi was a more talented tennis player than Nadal, and i think Agassi's baseline strokes would be too much for Nadal's big, slow, defensive spinners to cope with!

Answer 4

Agassi = 8 Grand Slam championships, Davis Cup Championship, Olympic Gold Medal

Nadal = 5 Grand Slams, Olympic Gold Medal

Give Rafa a 1980s racket and it changes everything. Give him a 1970s racket and he'd never get a ball in the court.

Lets see how his career looks at age 35 and we'll have an informed answer. For now, the prize goes to Agassi for amassing more success.