Really great break down as usual, Matt. What stood out for me was how well Rafa spread the ball, cutting the sideline far more often (just based on the eye test, haven't charted anything) than what I remember from last year, where Djokovic did well to play angles back to rafa. On this surface the margin is just too small for ND to reliably apply pressure without overcooking it. The high middle returns coupled with sharp angles when he could dictate are just pure class on clay.
I signed up yesterday and this was the first issue that I received. Loved it, great analysis!
Really great break down as usual, Matt. What stood out for me was how well Rafa spread the ball, cutting the sideline far more often (just based on the eye test, haven't charted anything) than what I remember from last year, where Djokovic did well to play angles back to rafa. On this surface the margin is just too small for ND to reliably apply pressure without overcooking it. The high middle returns coupled with sharp angles when he could dictate are just pure class on clay.
Incredible analysis, thank you. I also think Djokovic looked tired at the start of set 2 and the end of set 4.
Ultimate competitor, didn’t seem to get tired