Like many I made an effort to be in front of a screen for this match, and while less than an all-time classic it certainly did far more than simply "not disappoint". As an addition to your stats on '1st points unreturned' and '1st serve points won' allow me to add this: Korda's 1st serve *percentage* was 55%, 62%, and 45% in sets 1, 2, and 3; we know which set he took, and "take" is the operative verb. Then, in the two games when he served for the match his 1st serve percentage was a dismal 30%. Everyone's shoulders are up closer to their neck when receiving 1st serves, which is why players are willing to give up territory by staying back; at least they have a better chance of getting the return in play ("not help him win"). Not only did Nadal's moving in for the second serve return help him be more aggressive vis a vis the geometry of the court, and the rush a tighter return position puts on the server, but it also ramps up the pressure when the server looks over and has their opponent filling more of their vision. Korda tied one hand behind his back by letting (?) his first serve percentage drop. Nadal was brilliant in exploiting it.
As always, a great write-up and thanks for all the hard point data.
I watched this match yesterday and was looking forward to your analysis of it today because I had no clue on earth how Nadal pulled this one off. I still can't believe he actually won, but this has been wonderful and eye-opening to read, as usual. Many thanks!
Like many I made an effort to be in front of a screen for this match, and while less than an all-time classic it certainly did far more than simply "not disappoint". As an addition to your stats on '1st points unreturned' and '1st serve points won' allow me to add this: Korda's 1st serve *percentage* was 55%, 62%, and 45% in sets 1, 2, and 3; we know which set he took, and "take" is the operative verb. Then, in the two games when he served for the match his 1st serve percentage was a dismal 30%. Everyone's shoulders are up closer to their neck when receiving 1st serves, which is why players are willing to give up territory by staying back; at least they have a better chance of getting the return in play ("not help him win"). Not only did Nadal's moving in for the second serve return help him be more aggressive vis a vis the geometry of the court, and the rush a tighter return position puts on the server, but it also ramps up the pressure when the server looks over and has their opponent filling more of their vision. Korda tied one hand behind his back by letting (?) his first serve percentage drop. Nadal was brilliant in exploiting it.
As always, a great write-up and thanks for all the hard point data.
Fascinating.
I watched this match yesterday and was looking forward to your analysis of it today because I had no clue on earth how Nadal pulled this one off. I still can't believe he actually won, but this has been wonderful and eye-opening to read, as usual. Many thanks!