When Tennis' Most Unorthodox Player Challenged Nadal's Greatest Hard Court Streak

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  • Опубліковано 10 бер 2024
  • Indian Wells 2014. Throwback to when Alexandr Dolgopolov challenged one of Rafael Nadal's greatest hard-court streaks. Rafa had a 22-win streak in North America coming into this match.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 380

  • @RogerThatTennis
    @RogerThatTennis  2 місяці тому +113

    Nadal had won the last 22 matches in North America coming in to this match!

    • @rachmadhidayat9996
      @rachmadhidayat9996 Місяць тому +1

      Low key disappointed to find out Rafa's greatest hard court streak was actually a cherry picked one: north America only which meant not really a HC streak.😅

    • @SJ-di5zu
      @SJ-di5zu Місяць тому +6

      @@rachmadhidayat9996I mean he won Indian Wells, Montreal, Cincinnati, and the US Open all in a row, only split up by the clay season. That’s 3 M1000 and a slam during the hardest era.
      He also won 20 matches in a row in 2022 which only ended because he had a rib injury during the IW final

    • @rachmadhidayat9996
      @rachmadhidayat9996 Місяць тому +5

      ​@SJ-di5zu No that was 2013 where his HC record was:
      won IW
      Withdrawn Miami
      Won Montreal
      Won Cinci
      Won USO
      Lost Beijing F
      Lost Sanghai SF
      Lost Paris SF
      Lost WTF F
      In 2014 he:
      Won Doha
      Lost AO F
      Lost IW R32 to Dolgo
      So his real HC winning streak at the time was 1 😅

    • @Laland_1196
      @Laland_1196 Місяць тому

      ​@@rachmadhidayat9996they are saying North American hardcourts ..not Asian swing and indoors

    • @rachmadhidayat9996
      @rachmadhidayat9996 Місяць тому

      @Laland_1196 Not in the title it isn't. Only in description.

  • @quentincrisp6933
    @quentincrisp6933 2 місяці тому +278

    Dolgo has the most unusual groundstrokes but hits the ball so freakin early it's on you before you knew what hit you! He's also an exceptional athlete‼

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  2 місяці тому +5

      Really good indeed!

    • @TheseHoesAreLoyal
      @TheseHoesAreLoyal 2 місяці тому +22

      He has some crazy talent with that funky style of play, it's very hard to play like him with that technique. Very underrated because people always talk about Kyrgios, Dustin Brown, etc.

    • @nfltrrrqwsa7512
      @nfltrrrqwsa7512 Місяць тому +2

      As early as his grand slam exits

    • @TheseHoesAreLoyal
      @TheseHoesAreLoyal Місяць тому +15

      @@nfltrrrqwsa7512 Said by every so-called tennis fan who doesn't appreciate the sport itself or the variety of players because of his narrow-sightedness

    • @mona5449
      @mona5449 Місяць тому +1

      I'd like to know what kind of string technology he used for his rackets. Those ground strokes are so smooth, kind of like watching a different version of Manarino

  • @Sunspotss
    @Sunspotss 2 місяці тому +155

    Loved watching Dolgopolov, first 'unorthodox' player I saw who made me excited to keep up with players outside the normal big stars. Hope he's well and makes it home safely

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  2 місяці тому

      Hopefully!

    • @larvancioramos9748
      @larvancioramos9748 Місяць тому +3

      Santoro, Brown, how old are you 21!?

    • @alexk6007
      @alexk6007 Місяць тому +6

      He is now in the army, a soldier.

    • @adrianpaul3749
      @adrianpaul3749 Місяць тому +1

      @@larvancioramos9748if he was really 21, or maybe started watching tennis later in his life, what's your problem? unnecessary comment

    • @user-it3ur5fw8v
      @user-it3ur5fw8v Місяць тому +2

      You got it wrong,Stahovskiy is in army, not Dolgopolov

  • @victorhumphrey131
    @victorhumphrey131 2 місяці тому +99

    Incredible guts from Dolgopolov! Nadal does not beat himself and it takes massive guts to defeat him. That look of relief on his face too when he finally took the match!

  • @ulspeedy963
    @ulspeedy963 Місяць тому +34

    I love how he took the time to conceal the score, but there’s a massive scoreboard displayed in the background 😂

  • @bojack3827
    @bojack3827 Місяць тому +36

    Dolgo was unbelievably talented.

  • @b_d
    @b_d 2 місяці тому +54

    Thanks for remembering the dog!
    I loved the way he hitted the ball on the rise of the toss on his serve, those super flat explosive bh's, and his crazy slice shots.
    It was always entertaining to watch him play with his funky play style :)

  • @TriniBoy16
    @TriniBoy16 5 днів тому +3

    Miss this guy. Right up there with the most entertaining and talented we've seen. So cool too.

  • @johngriffin87
    @johngriffin87 Місяць тому +23

    The one time I went to Indian Wells, it was on that day, and I sat in the upper deck completely transfixed on that match. I was always a fan of Dolgopolov because of his insane shot making ability. I put him in the same category as Fognini...not particularly big guys, but super talented, fast, and big hitters for their size. Fognini was/is still much more of a head case, while Dolgopolov would sometimes play a little too loose. But both always so fun to watch. Hope & pray Dolgopolov stays safe in the war to defend Ukraine.

  • @WivoRN
    @WivoRN 2 місяці тому +37

    Great match bro! Miss this guy on the tour

  • @29blazehead
    @29blazehead 2 місяці тому +17

    I loved his quick and explosive shots. Sometimes you didnt really know what shot or angle he was doing until last second.

  • @richardchang5085
    @richardchang5085 2 місяці тому +66

    Dolgopolov is a warrior on the tennis court. He is also a warrior defending his homeland.

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  2 місяці тому +4

      Yessir

    • @user-li3qu7bg6n
      @user-li3qu7bg6n Місяць тому +6

      😂😂😂

    • @hvene
      @hvene Місяць тому +6

      😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @giopaol
      @giopaol Місяць тому +4

      😂

    • @sonkatiendita7610
      @sonkatiendita7610 Місяць тому +9

      He should have defended his country in 2014 from Victoria Nuland, the US and the EU.

  • @M4551kt
    @M4551kt 2 місяці тому +12

    Young Medvedev looked at Dolgopolov and thought: "I can fix his shots"

  • @thedman103
    @thedman103 Місяць тому +18

    Man I loved Dolgopolov. Absolute genius.

  • @hussTennis
    @hussTennis Місяць тому +7

    Dolgopolov was truly an enjoyable player to watch because he doesn't just stick to executing well-mastered tactical patterns, but he is also capable of showing initiative according to the game situations. And this ability is not so common!

  • @ARKAD98
    @ARKAD98 2 місяці тому +26

    Unorthodox but very effective!

  • @marlendietrich8214
    @marlendietrich8214 Місяць тому +10

    I've never ever seen such a speedy footwork like Dolgo demonstrated in that match. The monster😮

  • @farhatk6054
    @farhatk6054 Місяць тому +30

    I'm a simple man , I see a player who hits hard and early , I support him . Federer , Davydenko , Blake , Delpotro are all my favorites

  • @DA-bk9bf
    @DA-bk9bf Місяць тому +7

    FUN FACT: Alexandr Dolgopolov and Xavier Malisse defeated Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka in the final, 6-4, 6-7(5-7), [10-7] to win the men's doubles tennis title at the 2011 Indian Wells Masters. (source: Wikipedia) That must have been some match ..

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  Місяць тому

      Thanks for sharing!

    • @MrDaoJones
      @MrDaoJones Місяць тому

      ua-cam.com/video/VI6vGHIX1Sg/v-deo.html Insane point from that match.

  • @KoRnBaL19
    @KoRnBaL19 Місяць тому +6

    Luv and miss Dolgo! Such a unique style of play. The body English he'd put on some strokes was fun to watch as well.

  • @pkonyoutube
    @pkonyoutube Місяць тому +1

    Wow, I forgot how much I loved watching Dolgo. What a player!
    I knew nothing about him and was walking out of the grounds at IW at night to go home and heard excitement on court 6. First time I had seen him play, possibly this same year, and he was in an absolute dogfight with someone I can’t remember and came out on top in the 3rd set TB. Crowd was going wild for him and wouldn’t stop cheering and then he threw his shoes to the crowd! A brilliant wait to end the night and made me a lifetime fan.

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  Місяць тому

      Wow thanks for sharing! He definitely was an entertainer

  • @tonypowers123
    @tonypowers123 Місяць тому +1

    Unbelievable. What a talent. Pure. Complicated, beautiful to watch.
    I was live at that match. Probably 1 of 7-8 people, vs 15 000 that were rooting for Alex. Great moment in tennis!

  • @JohnRome-xn7hx
    @JohnRome-xn7hx Місяць тому +2

    Dolgopolov was one of my favourite players. A thrilling player to watch. Power, anticipation, unpredictable shots and great touch.

  • @Leeniebean
    @Leeniebean 11 днів тому +2

    i used to love watching Dolgopolov. he was mesmerizing

  • @Licantropo1974
    @Licantropo1974 Місяць тому

    Exactly, you entered the technical team but you perfectly explained Gauff's shortcomings at this moment.
    She is still young and could try to improve something otherwise she will remain a halfway player

  • @tarasb2946
    @tarasb2946 Місяць тому

    Apart from the tennis match itself, more than a decent editing I have to admit, and a pleasure to watch.
    +1 subscriber, wish your channel develops and grows.

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks Taras, I really appreciate the comment!

  • @cornutopia1389
    @cornutopia1389 Місяць тому +1

    Dolgopolov's forehand looks like Richard Gasquet's one, and his backhands are amazing especially the short ones with angles. I had never seen his play before, thanks for posting.

  • @nfltrrrqwsa7512
    @nfltrrrqwsa7512 Місяць тому +6

    He’s also a very smiley guy, with infectious positivity on court. A guy well known for his effervescent personality, never looking miserable

  • @seanbinder8316
    @seanbinder8316 2 дні тому +1

    I miss watching Dolgo play he just bounced around the court like a flea and made you earn every point. Best unorthodox ball striker ever.

  • @thejaymartino
    @thejaymartino Місяць тому +1

    Havent thought about Dolgo for a while but that backhand is as crispy as ever. He reminds me of Paul but with the ball speed of Sinner, especially bh

  • @AnimeSnackTimeTV
    @AnimeSnackTimeTV Місяць тому +1

    Yes I missed Dolgopolov also. ❤❤❤ I remember his unique fast so early hit groundstrokes..

  • @user-do8rw4kw3c
    @user-do8rw4kw3c 2 місяці тому +28

    Great video!! I miss Dolgopolov.

  • @thomashumphrey7395
    @thomashumphrey7395 Місяць тому +1

    Dolgopolov was one of those few and rare players like Roscoe Tanner, Kevin Curren, and myself who hit their serve while the toss is still going up. Most all players hit the toss at its apex or on the way down. He was a big hitter.

  • @razgriz1ne1ne48
    @razgriz1ne1ne48 2 місяці тому +6

    Dogopolov, unorthodox groundstrokes but very effective, perhaps the greatest maximizer of his serve (dude barely 6ft and can serve at same contact point,pace and spin as most 6'7 players)

  • @sdstewart87
    @sdstewart87 Місяць тому +1

    I remember I used to love watching a Dolgopolov match because you never knew what was gonna happen 😂

  • @willzsportscards
    @willzsportscards Місяць тому +2

    I saw Dolgo a couple time up close at IW. Amazing performer.

  • @nedot
    @nedot Місяць тому +1

    Ho avuto la fortuna e il piacere di vederlo giocare dal vivo al Challenger di Como prima che esplodesse... Pochi mesi prima... Giocatore veramente impressionante. Tirava delle rasoiate incredibili...

  • @arthurdenise7168
    @arthurdenise7168 Місяць тому +3

    Dolgo is one of the most exciting players. I miss him

  • @h.g.1409
    @h.g.1409 Місяць тому +1

    Great edit

  • @omnoir
    @omnoir Місяць тому +1

    I loved watching this guy back in the day.

  • @kieran1990able
    @kieran1990able Місяць тому +1

    Meddy took dolgo unorthodox to whole new level by winning major 😂

  • @lgoler
    @lgoler Місяць тому +1

    Saw Dolgo play Jesse Levine on Court 17 at the USOpen. Came back from two sets down in an epic battle. He had the majority of the crowd behind him at an American tournament! Very few players are as entertaining to watch. Fast twitch muscles is only part of the way to describe why he was so dangerous. Shame he battled a physical ailment that made it difficult for him in long contests.

  • @mvenkatesh11
    @mvenkatesh11 Місяць тому +1

    Incredible how quickly Dolgopalov manages to overwhelm the opponent a few balls in! Would need someone like a Verdasco with great angles to counter it by making it uneasy and steal time ...

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  Місяць тому +1

      Yeah man, he takes so much time off his opponent

  • @anandbala1
    @anandbala1 Місяць тому +2

    When you have a name like Dolgopolov you have to do things extraordinarily.

  • @eaglewinnings8003
    @eaglewinnings8003 2 місяці тому +9

    I miss Dolgopolov. Injuries meant that he wasn’t supposed to have a long tennis career but he had a special game.
    In 2014 he had a big chance at beating Djokovic at Cincinnati. He couldn’t get it done and it felt like things fell apart after that.

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  2 місяці тому

      Injuries suck man :/

    • @chekamystery675
      @chekamystery675 2 місяці тому +3

      I just Pray that Alex Dolgopolov stays Safe in the Ukrainian War against Russia . Saw an Amazing Interview with Him after He left Tennis to Support His Country 🥺🙏🙏

    • @brianbarrett192
      @brianbarrett192 Місяць тому +2

      @@chekamystery675 I hope he does more than stay safe. I hope he helps Ukraine WIN.

    • @jonsoler3648
      @jonsoler3648 Місяць тому

      ​@@chekamystery675 Dolgopolov didn't retire from tennis to help his country in the war, he retired ages ago before the war even happened. Stop lying.

    • @chekamystery675
      @chekamystery675 Місяць тому

      @@jonsoler3648 Thanks but I wasn't actually lying. I just wasn't informed enough until I did some more research and Yes, of course You are right. Stay Safe, wherever You are..

  • @good2freelance1
    @good2freelance1 Місяць тому +2

    That was entertaining i loved it :)

  • @byormantik
    @byormantik Місяць тому +1

    hahaha, nice trick bro :D i love it!

  • @dodsdans9581
    @dodsdans9581 Місяць тому +1

    Damn, I miss Dolgopolov. It seems like he fell off the radar out of nowhere. But boy was he a joy to watch when he was hitting it like this. Hope him and the family have been keeping well ❤

  • @nedot
    @nedot Місяць тому +1

    I've seen him play in Como and he was amazing.

  • @HopeEsleim1101
    @HopeEsleim1101 2 місяці тому +1

    I will NEVER forget that service motion!!!

  • @bryantse6775
    @bryantse6775 Місяць тому +1

    Dolgo’s backhand is so much quicker than his forehand 😂

  • @kdhd100
    @kdhd100 2 місяці тому +5

    Dolgopolov is a beast.... It takes one to defeat one.....

  • @novola1972
    @novola1972 Місяць тому +1

    I was at that match and remember it quite vividly ))

  • @donkeybrothers01
    @donkeybrothers01 Місяць тому +1

    What a match incredible!!!

  • @gustavobortoluzzi4314
    @gustavobortoluzzi4314 Місяць тому +1

    I miss the old IW fast courts. Nowadays it’s been almost as slow as some clay courts.

  • @Sir_Leelord
    @Sir_Leelord Місяць тому +2

    I remember Dog cranking serves in the 140s even given his smaller stature

  • @msgvpercy
    @msgvpercy Місяць тому

    Loved watching him!

  • @H0lyFr0ggy
    @H0lyFr0ggy 2 місяці тому +7

    most explosive player

  • @hay_que_tomarse_el_tiempo
    @hay_que_tomarse_el_tiempo Місяць тому +1

    El “error no forzado”, en el penúltimo punto del partido, fue forzado por la decenas de reveses planos cruzados a dos manos 🙌🏿💥🎾

  • @Awesomegamerz2627
    @Awesomegamerz2627 Місяць тому +1

    He was my favorite at that era..

  • @RichardsWorld
    @RichardsWorld Місяць тому +1

    Then only thing I found unusual is his inside out forehand seems to have some slice to it.

  • @tennisfitapp
    @tennisfitapp Місяць тому +1

    When Dolgo was literally faster than the tennis ball.. what a match and what a drama!! 😅

  • @kevinhickey3515
    @kevinhickey3515 3 дні тому +1

    Bet Nadal never forgot that encounter. Dolgopolov was a genius........

  • @poormansrose7754
    @poormansrose7754 2 місяці тому +11

    His backhand is so interesting

  • @goalchamp1439
    @goalchamp1439 2 місяці тому +1

    Great match!

  • @momonso0821
    @momonso0821 Місяць тому +1

    His backhand is insane!!!

  • @samuelfernandez397
    @samuelfernandez397 2 місяці тому +2

    Dolgo made fun to watch tennis. I'd had pay to see him play

  • @devdarshan2847
    @devdarshan2847 Місяць тому +1

    What a match ..

  • @janVehlhaber
    @janVehlhaber Місяць тому

    No spoiler and the scoreboard couldnt be bigger on the lebt of the screen in the first seconds haha

  • @eddiediesel9035
    @eddiediesel9035 Місяць тому +1

    Dolgopolov was one of my favourite players. I always thought he had the potential to make it to No.1.

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  Місяць тому

      Great player, tough to be number one during the big 3 era though haha

  • @ChrisTennis
    @ChrisTennis 2 місяці тому +3

    Amazing play, how come I've never heard of him....

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  2 місяці тому

      He stopped playing a few years ago. Was a great player though!

  • @howlshedo
    @howlshedo Місяць тому +1

    He reminds me of niculescu. Likes to flatten backhand. Floats a lot of forehands. Then inject pace out of nowhere.

  • @ALLNAMESAREALLREADYT
    @ALLNAMESAREALLREADYT Місяць тому

    R.I.P Dolgopolov, he was a great player

  • @leonardodemilio6703
    @leonardodemilio6703 Місяць тому +1

    Dolgopolov was a joy to watch. Regardless his unusual style. So amazing

  • @rodrigobertoncinidias1943
    @rodrigobertoncinidias1943 Місяць тому +1

    Muitíssimo talentoso!

  • @MartinJohnZ
    @MartinJohnZ Місяць тому +1

    Almost Santoro-like in his unusual approach to the game, though The Magician's style of tennis was even weirder. The type of player that will make Nadal wake up screaming in the middle of the night for many years to come, just like Dustin Brown.

  • @dottorcarlone
    @dottorcarlone Місяць тому +1

    What a player

  • @andreaho
    @andreaho Місяць тому +2

    Not sure what happened to him but this man was a true talent in his generation.

  • @MAH-tu1xz
    @MAH-tu1xz Місяць тому +1

    He kept Djoker on the ropes in a match at the US open and even nearly beat him

  • @TheeLight111
    @TheeLight111 Місяць тому +3

    I pray that he’s protected by the Lord knowing he’s fighting for his country. He is such a great gentleman and outstanding athlete. God bless him and pray he gets home safe 😢❤

  • @netgodzilla1
    @netgodzilla1 Місяць тому +1

    Why his pic on thumbnail reminds me of Ostapenko 😂😂

  • @dinesh.mathematics
    @dinesh.mathematics Місяць тому +1

    nice
    👍

  • @Rumblingbelly
    @Rumblingbelly 2 місяці тому

    I miss watching Dolgopolov play but he has more important things now

  • @floweroflife0306
    @floweroflife0306 Місяць тому +1

    Nadal leads h2h with Dolgopolov with 7-2. More interesting are Rafa's matches with Dustin Brown (2-0 Brown h2h). Both on grass.

  • @TheDelcin
    @TheDelcin Місяць тому

    It is nadal who is unorthodox.
    Dolgopolov is an orthodox player meeting the ball early and attacking the net

  • @waynepao9865
    @waynepao9865 2 місяці тому +1

    Same backhand

  • @bulatmuslim1
    @bulatmuslim1 29 днів тому +1

    Классная игра!👍

  • @larryjablinski3570
    @larryjablinski3570 Місяць тому +1

    Dolgopolov had too much talent for what he went on to achieve

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  Місяць тому

      Def had a lot of talent, not a bad career though

  • @matteoscannella1317
    @matteoscannella1317 Місяць тому +1

    0:49 No Spoilers-> shows score in background 🤣

  • @marksson
    @marksson Місяць тому +1

    I miss Dolgo.. his game was so unpredictable

  • @Pneuma3339
    @Pneuma3339 Місяць тому +1

    My gosh! Dolgopolov is like a Rag Doll out there but he gets it done!

  • @mattysancho8988
    @mattysancho8988 Місяць тому +1

    I was at this match 🙌🏼

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  Місяць тому

      Must’ve been crazy!

    • @pkonyoutube
      @pkonyoutube Місяць тому

      Maybe I’m getting old, but this match just seemed to have so much more excitement than the many very good matches we’ve been getting lately.

  • @Islam4Europeans
    @Islam4Europeans Місяць тому

    It's weird I didn'tt see any of Dolgo's extreme backhand slices.

  • @yassinedinia7948
    @yassinedinia7948 Місяць тому +1

    I would put also Gulbis in that category. With Dolgo & Gulbis even the Big3 can’t read their games

  • @stevemichael9576
    @stevemichael9576 2 місяці тому +5

    The Dog was a tremendous player. Such a shame he had to retire early. This was a great performance.

  • @rogerpetersson3760
    @rogerpetersson3760 Місяць тому

    My impression at the time was that Dolgopolov ruined his carrier by really trying to draw every drop out of his incredible run of form. He played so many tournaments, and so many matches. Eventually he got injured and never came back to that kind of form again, but instead withered away. Correct me if I°m wrong.

  • @Svarbard
    @Svarbard Місяць тому

    0:37 "no spoiler" lol

    • @RogerThatTennis
      @RogerThatTennis  Місяць тому +1

      I messed up lol

    • @Svarbard
      @Svarbard Місяць тому

      @@RogerThatTennis even the best makes mistakes :P

  • @TennisForever87
    @TennisForever87 2 місяці тому +1

    ❤❤🎉🎉

  • @bitanmandal977
    @bitanmandal977 2 місяці тому +4

    And today Nordi beat Novak in Indian Wells 2024!

  • @Rory626
    @Rory626 Місяць тому +1

    Nadal seems to quite often struggle against unorthodox players