Why even when Rafa already has three RG titles, those legends in Borg and Willander backed Fed to win?

Question

You probably have read the article Nadal left the greats red-faced at RG. What do you likely induce from these events? Even we who are not legends predicted neutrally that Nadal, based on his dominant performance, will win. Prediction of legends unreliable?

Answer 1

well nadal is young and so his 1st title is being told as a beginner's luck.but  he proved it wrong by winning 3 more. most of my friends thought that this year will be federer's.and so do the great legends.just because they got it wrong doesn't mean they are unreliable.they always know something more than all of us

Answer 2

Good question. I don't know why. Perhaps deep down inside, Borg doesn't want anyone to break his records. Perhaps he thinks Federer deserves a French Open. But no one really expected Federer to win it this year - his worst since becoming #1 and Nadal's best.

I read elsewhere that Federer's best chance to win the French Open was in 2005 and 2006. Back then Nadal's game (although good on clay) was not fully developed, especially his serve. But Federer played carelessly, made unforce errors, played with no real strategy, and lost. Those were his chances. I'm going on record right now as saying Federer will NEVER win the French Open.

Answer 3

People tend to cheer on, in these kind of situations more so, the "underdog". Borg perhaps didnt want to see his personal achievement, "tied", and feels Federer is the best to play the game. Or even until he wins The French will then declare Roger as the best. People were cheering on Sampras for years to do well at the French, but no comparison as to Federer as far as ability on clay. McEnroe and Carillo praise Nadal more so than any other legend or commentator, and at least they ackowledge him for his success. He isnt just a clay court player either, having reached Wimbledon Finals twice. Was there so much talk when Borg was playing as to why he only won so many French Opens and Wimbledons, but not on hard court? Nadal is just 22 and has shown he can play on all surfaces, though yet reaching a Slam Final on hard court. Yet. Most players would trade in their careers, past and present for his. Sadly, not until he gets another major on a different surface( excluding Masters series events) will he finally, totally, stop being ridiculed and get the respect he deserves.

Answer 4

I think they're just try to be nice to Federer, and giving him motivations, eventhough it sounded a little bit unreliable and weird. May be they were afraid of the facts that there will be someoneas young as Nadal will be so great on clay, and will break so many records that some of them made in the past.