2019 US Open Final:
Daniil goes 2 sets down (not once looks disheartened); wins sets 3 & 4 to take Rafa into a decider (eventually loses, but shows the heart of a champion).
2021 AUS Open Final:
Daniil goes 2 sets down, starts to whinge & looks defeated.
Why the disparity?
Thomas Tuchel pre-match interview (Juve vs Chelsea): โWe have a good squad, but NOT a DEEP squad in terms of numbersโ.
THE AUDACITY!
#JUVCHE@btsportfootball
How does the top of the โtennis food chainโ look now?
Rafa has tied Roger & secured a whopping 13th RG title: a record number at a single event.
Although Rafa is in pole position now - 5 yrs younger than Roger & 3 slams ahead of Novak - the race to become the GOAT continues...
F - Novak Djokovic
Rafa bullied Novak off the court, whilst also discombobulating him with moments of touch & finesse.
Rafa hugged the baseline, โred-linedโ his game with venomous groundstrokes & proved superior in the net exchanges, displaying terrific craft & sleight of hand.
F - Novak Djokovic
Nadal showed EXACTLY why he is the 'King of Clay'...
Rafa made a formidable start, immediately putting Djokovic on the back foot. The Serb was overwhelmed, and, as a consequence, produced a rather subdued display.
FINAL
The rewards of this GS Final were more amplified than ever...
Rafa: Equal Roger's Major total (20)
Record number of RGs' (13)
Pull away from Djok in GS race
Djok: 1st man in Open Era to win 2 of each GS
Close gap on Rafa & Roger's GS tallies
SF - Diego Schwartzman
From the get-go, it was clear that Diego's energy levels were depleted (mammoth match w/ Thiem). Once again, Rafa took a step forward in terms of his level. This match allowed him to gauge his ability to 'slug it out'/overcome a physical battle