I’ll admit, I really don’t want to know what’s going on in Rafael Nadal’s mind right now. Is it just a jumble of bad memories and regret? Or is it an endless stream of fury and point scenarios? What does someone do when they are facing an opponent who has defeated him or her six straight times? SIX.
This time last year, Novak Djokovic was preparing himself for the final against Andy Murray. No one knew that his subsequent victory against Murray would be the launch pad for a furious assault on the number one ranking. Even though history will determine that Novak’s 2011 was one of the best performances in the Open Era, it wasn’t much fun to watch it happening. Especially, since my favorite player was on the receiving end of so many defeats. It looks as if Djokovic hasn’t lost any steam in 2012. Before his five set semi-final victory over Andy Murray, Novak had only lost one set in the tournament.
So how will the final play out? Some people like to listen to a song over and over and over again. Others get quickly tired of the same tune and want to change the dial. The thing is, does Rafa have the wherewithal to do just that? Judging from his last couple of matches, he can. After a scare with his knee and previous shoulder issues, he’s been serving and moving quite well. The real test is going to be between his ears. Can he push away those dark thoughts? Can he tap into those mental toughness reserves?
We’ll just have to see. All those previous defeats haven’t been easy on Nadal’s fans either. The sense of trepidation that this final could turn out to be like the others isn’t unwarranted. A victory for Nadal could very well hinge on hope and luck more than good groundstrokes and easy serves.
I’ll set my tent in the hope and luck camp.
