Oui Rafa Oui, vingt et un en effet
Yes Rafa yes, 21 indeed.
Tennis never ceases to startle or surprise, but in this case we knew a Nadal/Medvedev final would be a brutal affair. Medvedev’s resolute defence and persistent accuracy would perhaps prove a a step too far for a resurgent Nadal, who defied the odds by reaching this final given speculation that his time on the court may be drawing to an end. So we began in the first set where I feared Nadal would struggle to pick up cheap points on his serve as he’d done in previous rounds. Barring a very select few Nadal would be favoured as the length of rallies increased, however on this occasion this would not be advisable, and so it proved over the first two sets.
The fear was actualised- Medvedev won 5 straight games in a row to win the first set. An impenetrable force, rarely gifting free points, rarely allowing a rally to be won with less than 10 shots. His movement was dogged, the pressure irresistible.
Untimely double faults from Nadal was not easing the pressure, but perhaps a chink in the armour. Rafa began to use the slice more frequently, perhaps this would vary the speed of the points and provide more opportunities for attack. The contrasting lengths of the first 2 games of the second set summarised the match up to that stage. Rafa took 6 or so minutes to hold, yet Medvedev required only 2.
Medvedev had astutely achieved controlled aggression, encouraging countless forced errors whilst committing so few himself. Medvedev was not hitting Rafa off the court- he was simply forcing him to miss. Exhausted I was even watching this intense battle. How could Rafa shorten the points the commentators asked? Perhaps through approaching the net more, or playing drop shots.
0-30 on the Medvedev serve- finally his resistance was weakening. 2 unforced errors providing a ray of light back into the match. Then at 15-30 the rally of the tournament. 40 shots of ridiculous varied quality finished by a Rafa slice, and the break was secured. Now to holding the serve. Done with aplomb, holding serve to love. However 0-30 down at 4-2, Nadal’s familiar challenge arose and the pattern of the first set took precedent again. Medvedev’s backhand down the line was proving highly effective. But it was clear to see Nadal’s strategy had shifted.
5-3 up and serving for the set, Nadal made 2 out of character unforced errors, leading to 2 break points for the Russian, however Rafa cancelled them both with volleys at the net. 3rd break point, again Nadal had the answer, with a sublimely executed drop shot. A 4th break point saved with a first serve. However Medvedev would not relent, and broke back to 5-4. Back and forth they went, up until 6-5 in the tiebreaker where Medvedev made the passing shot of the match, and he was 2 sets up. An 84 minute set Rafa had to win, but one Medvedev refused to lose.
At this point, I lost focus of the game, resigned to the seemingly obvious outcome. As a Rafa fan it was tough to see him outgunned and outmaneuvered. The big 3 era was coming to an end. Djoko now Nadal both lost to the next gen when chasing their elusive 21st grand slam win.
Attant. Rafa with the third. I should have know that Rafa does not relent. The high level stats point to 82% first serves for Nadal, notably higher than the previous 2 sets. Game on. A break in the 4th game for Nadal, a sarcastic thumbs up to the crowd as Medvedev walks to his medical trainer for assistance. The tide is surely turning. Maybe not actually, the bull just keeps coming back. Hahaha Nadal said no. 3 more break points the next service game: one saved, two saved, three saved, four saved, five saved, six saved, seven’s the charm!!!!!
5th set. I must admit I missed around 30 minutes of action as I made my way to church. But we resume at 3-2 with Rafa looking to consolidate a break of serve. This is remarkable. 4 hours 43 minutes on the clock yet the 35 year old looked as powerful as ever. 4-3 30 all after a Medvedev scramble, and my data failed me. Anyway, I saw Rafa won the game. Maybe this is a sign I should focus on getting to church, how I have been failed by O2. Lord thank you- back in time for Rafa serving for the tournament. Vamos, 15-0. Bravo, 30-0. 30-15, then 30 all. Break point Medvedev (he just doesn’t go away!). Game, 5 games all. Oh goodness, break point saved, deuce. I enter church now, I’ll be back.
In a time of excellence, I come to a holy place. A gathering of saints.
So Nadal won, the notification appearing as worship drew to an end. I was glad when they said onto me, let us go into the house of the Lord. But what a time it was to journey day under the backdrop of a thrilling battle.
Yes Rafa yes, 21 indeed.