Borg Never Would Have Imagined This…
When Borg first revolutionized the game of tennis with his outstanding athleticism and topspin shots, he never could have dreamed there would be two players, near re-incarnates of himself, dueling for historic dominance on a court where he was once king. On one side, the world #1, Serbian Novak Djokovic who’s prowess for defense and movement is unmatched in today’s game – Yet there is something graceful to his flexible movement, something Borg-like that is naturally smooth. On the other, a literal powerhouse of energy and strength, who unleashes more topspin into every shot than anyone. Where Borg was once looked at as having unconventional strokes, what he created was his edge, and what propelled him to being one of the greatest of all time. Such is the case with Rafael Nadal, who has used his abilities to make a claim to Borg’s claycourt throne.
In this epic 2012 French Open Men’s final, many records and historic marks would be up for grabs. Most notably, it would be Djokovic’s chance to be the only man since Rod Laver to say he has won 4 Slams in a row. It wouldn’t be a calender slam, but at this point, consistency like that is downright scary in today’s game. Rafa Nadal was also gunning for his own unique place in history, a win against Djokovic would be his 7th title on the Paris clay, pushing him past Borg’s legendary number of 6.
Let’s see how Nadal was able to turn the tides on Djokovic in the 4th set. After heavy/cold conditions the first 3 sets with Nadal up 2-1, they resumed play on Monday and the pivotal momentum shift came from a let-chord shot off Nadal’s racket that set up an easy passing shot winner against Djokovic. Because of the pressure/nerves present in a match like this, the backhand crosscourt passing shot wasn’t the easiest of shots but nevertheless, Nadal made it and broke serve to begin the match. Now, both players even in the 4th set, it looked like only a matter of time as Djokovic’s body-language was a tell-tale sign of his exasperation on court. Nadal looked like a man possessed, never before has he been so dialed in and so focused. There were almost no unforced errors coming off his racket while still maintaining his aggressive shot-making. He had Djokovic on a string, putting that Borg-like movement to the test. Djokovic to his credit was able to hang with Nadal on the baseline having to run corner to corner, but eventually Nadal was able to unleash another gunslinging forehand into the court that left Djokovic guessing and muttering to himself about the winner. Visibly winded, Djokovic couldn’t put a ball in the court the next couple of points. Again it was only a matter of time as another pivotal point game at 6-5 as Djokovic served at 30-all. Nadal’s forehand winner on this point proves the match was taken away from Djokovic and there was nothing he could do. An unfortunate double fault sealed Djokovic’s fate but at that point, Nadal had been inching ahead in the mental battle the entire set.
A truly remarkable outcome for Nadal who is now the standalone 7-time French Open champion and “King of Clay”. It was also sweet revenge for Rafa who had lost the last 3 Slam finals to Djokovic. The Nadal camp does the most incredible job keeping Rafa in the moment and not thinking about his prior losses. Rafa plays these matches as if they’re his last, and puts so much into it you’d think he might burst at some point. It’s incredible. Borg might not think it’s too incredible right now, but he can appreciate the legacy he laid before us and how others have mimicked his game to reach their potentials as well.
Topics: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros
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