5 Talking Points: Nadal vs Djokovic

It was a record-breaking 45th edition of arguably the greatest rivalry in tennis. It was Novak Djokovic Vs Rafael Nadal in China Open finals.

Many predicted a one-sided match, keeping in mind the impeccable form the Serbian has been in. But, we all are familiar with the unsurrendering spirit of Rafael Nadal.

Nadal played some great tennis in the first set. However, the World Number 1 was just too good for him, winning the first set and the match, 6-2 6-2.

Novak is now 29-0 in China Open, winning the title for the sixth time in his career. Djokovic is the king of Beijing!

Here are the five things that played a key role in determining the outcome of the match:

1. Winners

Novak Djokovic fired 23 winners compared to Nadal’s 7 in the match. Nadal, whose game is built on consistency,  committed 15 unforced errors which cost him the match.

Novak’s ability to mix up deep shots with short-length ones and angled shots won him a lot of points. Nadal’s footwork was not as vigorous as it used to be, and hence, this tactic worked out well for the Serbian.

2. Early Breaks of Serve

Djokovic had a perfect start to the match, breaking the Spaniard’s serve in the first game. Novak faced two break points in the next game but saved them to consolidate the break. He would then go on to break Nadal’s service again to lead 5-2. He served out the set comfortably.

In the second set, Nole again played quality tennis to break Nadal in the third game of the set, taking a 2-1 lead. Immense pressure built on Nadal as he went a set and a break down. Djokovic broke his opponent’s service again in the fifth game to take a commanding 4-1 lead in the set.

Novak did not give Nadal any momentum on, breaking early in both the sets.

3. Novak’s Serve in Deuce Court

One tactic that Serbian employed to a great extent was his service in the deuce court. He won plenty of points with a wide serve to Rafa’s backhand, sliding away from him. And then followed the serve up with a ‘net approach’ or an ‘approach forehand’ shot to win the point. Novak used this strategy at crucial points in the match which ascertained his victory in the end.

4. Second Serve Points Won Percentage

Rafa did not perform up to the mark in this department. He won a meager 33% points on his second serve in the first set and 37% in the second.

With arguably the best returner in the game on the other side of the net, Rafa could not cope up with the deep and attacking returns coming his way. This department of his game let him down.

5. First Serve Percentage

With Rafa’s second serve points win percentage being low, he was keen on getting his first serve in. He did manage to get a fair number( 71%) of first serves in, but could win only 56% of those. The pressure kept on building eventually leading to his service being broken.

On the other hand, Novak Djokovic had an impressive 82% first serves in and won 70% of the points on his first serve.