It has been 2 decades for anybody to beat Rafa in this tournament, it would be a great accomplishment in tennis. Of course, the current Rafa version is 70% or less than his former self. Congrats to Lehecka for winning against 1 of the 3 greatest players of all time!
Rafa, you did your best today. You have thrilled us with your talent for many, many years and you will go down in the history books as a LEGEND. With love, ❤❤❤
Seems to me that Nadal was struggling some physically, probably not fully in playing shape. He also seemed to lack some of his usual power on the forehand side, although he still had plenty of spin! I have to give Lehecka credit for having to deal with almost everyone in the stands being against him! I think Nadal gave it everything he had, but it wasn't enough. Is he going to come back fully? I can't rule it out, but it will not be an easy road to do that.... I don't think it can happen in time for RG this year, anyway...
Rafa would have to change is whole topspin style of playing to consistently hang with these top guys or else he will be on the defensive against every guy from quarterfinals up.
Nadal is not fully recovered, of course the younlings have more power and stamina. But there is still so some much to learn from the Master young Jedis. He will decide when to quit, not these punks. His presence on the court is a blessing. We love you Rafa.
Love Rafa but I wished folks did give Serena this same grace! It was only “she’s done “ comments and nothing as half as nice like what I’m seeing for Rafa when defeated
Nadal could not defend against the constant barrage of aces and blasts down the sideline, legs just not fast enough. Jiri is a great server, but beyond that, hes a great planner of WHERE and WHEN to hit drop shots, and set up a point. the legs fail first as we age, the arms hit fine, but the legs fail first, so it was easy for him to know HOW to beat nadal. also it was evident that nadal no longer has the eyes/brain to move fast enough out of the way of the several body shots that jiri aimed directly at him, and nadal was surprised and struggled to get out of the direct aim, and get footing to hit a decent return. the end of an era, adios.
Jiri is a great server and I doubt if even Sinner could handle his serve. Everything else is the vanity of an ex champion who's trying to deal with the fact that his career is over.
your first comment i agree with, those were bullets!. but your second comment I dont see much basis for. for all the years ive watched him, i dont see vanity as his preface. his love of the game, and his love of everything well organized, he does demonstrate, but every top champion usually does the same, thats HOW they get to b champions. @@loutrokabines
It has been 2 decades for anybody to beat Rafa in this tournament, it would be a great accomplishment in tennis. Of course, the current Rafa version is 70% or less than his former self.
Congrats to Lehecka for winning against 1 of the 3 greatest players of all time!
What are you even talking about? Alcaraz beat him the last time he played here in 2022.
Rafa, you did your best today. You have thrilled us with your talent for many, many years and you will go down in the history books as a LEGEND. With love, ❤❤❤
Good win for Jiri. 👍
Lehecka's forehand was a little bit like Federer 2006.
Father Time has come for Nadal, but he is not alone-the bell tolls for all the greats and his greatness can never be dimmed even by losses at the end.
Glad to see the reign of rafa..it does not look like he can recover his form to win RG
He keep energy for rg
The best days of RAFA are behind this legend.
It's all good Rafael! We respect you
Sad to see Nadal is no longer the same player. Eventually age and injuries takes a toll even in the best players.
The ending of Nadal is coming very soon.
Smart. Dont waste ur stamina with meds. Hes gonna make u run like hell. Rest. Barce 2 round. Mad 4th round. Will c more. Play safe king.
Either Sinner or Alcaraz for the Title
Rafa roger novak legend
Seems to me that Nadal was struggling some physically, probably not fully in playing shape. He also seemed to lack some of his usual power on the forehand side, although he still had plenty of spin! I have to give Lehecka credit for having to deal with almost everyone in the stands being against him!
I think Nadal gave it everything he had, but it wasn't enough. Is he going to come back fully? I can't rule it out, but it will not be an easy road to do that.... I don't think it can happen in time for RG this year, anyway...
Rafa would have to change is whole topspin style of playing to consistently hang with these top guys or else he will be on the defensive against every guy from quarterfinals up.
irritating to seet his guy in the yellow shirt at the end of the video every time after the tennis highlght,
Nadal is not fully recovered, of course the younlings have more power and stamina. But there is still so some much to learn from the Master young Jedis. He will decide when to quit, not these punks. His presence on the court is a blessing. We love you Rafa.
Jiri had to beat Nadal and an obnoxious crowd.
bye bye toro,olé
Nadal is getting older.. He cannot play like the same before.
Eterno número 1. Viva Rafaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!
Love Rafa but I wished folks did give Serena this same grace! It was only “she’s done “ comments and nothing as half as nice like what I’m seeing for Rafa when defeated
Jiri did every single thing better than Nadal, who looked 846 years old on every shot. It's time.
Federer at this age did much better than Nadal .. Federer is the real legend.
Es obvio que ya no hay pasión por el tenis...con varios millones acumulados yo también estaría listo para retirarme y "enfrentar nuevos desafíos."
Nadal could not defend against the constant barrage of aces and blasts down the sideline, legs just not fast enough. Jiri is a great server, but beyond that, hes a great planner of WHERE and WHEN to hit drop shots, and set up a point. the legs fail first as we age, the arms hit fine, but the legs fail first, so it was easy for him to know HOW to beat nadal. also it was evident that nadal no longer has the eyes/brain to move fast enough out of the way of the several body shots that jiri aimed directly at him, and nadal was surprised and struggled to get out of the direct aim, and get footing to hit a decent return. the end of an era, adios.
You took the words out of my mouth! Farewell king of clay. It’s like watching a lion get dethroned from his pride. Very sad to watch.
agreed. @@JanaiB72
there is some talk of him playing doubles with alcaraz, going forward, beyond this event....@@JanaiB72
Jiri is a great server and I doubt if even Sinner could handle his serve. Everything else is the vanity of an ex champion who's trying to deal with the fact that his career is over.
your first comment i agree with, those were bullets!. but your second comment I dont see much basis for. for all the years ive watched him, i dont see vanity as his preface. his love of the game, and his love of everything well organized, he does demonstrate, but every top champion usually does the same, thats HOW they get to b champions. @@loutrokabines
Nadal is old
😅