ATP World Tour Finals: Nadal Less Than Impressive Against Fish

Rafael Nadal edged past a fighting Mardy Fish in his opening match at Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in three sets. It was a less than impressive performance. Those who were hoping for a rejuvenated Nadal after days of rest found their hopes belied. With families of both the players in the box, the fight was more of a battle. Nadal overcame Fish 6-2 3-6 7-6.

It was Fish who came out rusty in the first set. His serves were not befitting his recent serving capabilities. If he put in 57% of first serves in, he could take solace in that his rival put in just 48%. That Nadal won even after not finding his first serve more often than not, is a reflection of the game Fish played. All the usual weaker points were on view in Nadal’s game. The short balls, the impoverished back hand shots, less than penetrating serves etcetera. His defence however was good and the occasional miraculous shots lifted his morale from time to time. Fish committed a number of errors and when the set ended, all the signs were there of an impending straight sets win.

The things turned in the second set. Fish started on a pro-active strategy. He would attack at the first opportunity. He improved his serves and attacked the net. His soft touch at the net was delicate enough to prevail over a charging Nadal. On his part, Nadal continued the same game and suffered. His vacant forehand corner gave numerous opportunities to Fish. More and more players are learning the wisdom in attacking the forehand side of Nadal. There were no indications that Nadal camp has been successful in plugging the gaps in that corner. Fish won the set 6-3 to push the match into the final set.

Nadal earned break in the very first game of Fish to go up 2-0 and the signs were there that the second set could have been a practice set for Nadal. That was not to be. Fish won three consecutive games attacking Nadal and baring his defences. In crucial moments, Nadal was not able to find his first serve. Fish was attacking the second serve with vigour, determined that attack is the best defence against Nadal. He was able to save match points in the tenth game to push the match into the tie breaker. When Nadal won the first four points, the tie break was virtually over. Fighting as well as he did, Fish could not reverse the momentum in the tie breaker and lost 3-7.

All the three players in Nadal half are attacking players. He will have to be more attacking himself to ward off the opponents from the net.