Here we are again. Here we go again!
Nadal playing a motivated and extremely sharp Andy Murray bows out of the Australian Open amid a 3rd set thrashing down love three. I’ve posted multiple times in the past that this is almost it for the Spaniard, however after his latest loss (give all credit to Murray who was killing Nadal), Nadal’s window of opportunity is closing at the pace I expected.

Again, Nadal’s game doesn’t allow for longevity, his game is too brash, physically demanding, and bone jarring. Save the French, I would be surprised if we see Rafa take any slam from here on in, unless something changes dramatically.

What could possibly change to allow Nadal’s window to hold steady or even open?
Who knows…Federer suddenly decides to retire (along with Del Potro, Cilic, Murray, Novak, and even Roddick!)? Maybe Nadal takes a break from Tennis APPROPRIATE to the severity of his injury. He’s never going to shake this, however he is clearly and officially damaged goods.

I feel for Rafa. Not only are his knees questionable, but he’s also watching some of the other young guys simply pass him by. Andy Murray was beating Nadal by dictating the points, and controlling everything from tempo, to patterns of play across the court. Physically well Nadal, probably still wasn’t going to win this one. Probably? No, cancel that…Nadal wasn’t going to win this one.

Let’s hope something, anything changes for Rafael Nadal, or else 2010 will fade quicker than James Blake’s thoughts of week #2.

MarkOskar

Original post by Mark Oskar