Doubt? What doubt?

Sometimes shaken by a great Almagro, Rafael Nadal nonetheless beat his compatriot in straight sets. That the Spaniard in the last four. Yet some of you still have doubts, especially in view of possible reunion with Söderling. Really? Not so fast ...

Kecha: I do not know how to interpret this feeling in the game Rafa. It seems less dominant at RG this year. I think it's just psychological. Masters in 1000, it was impressive. Here it has already been defeated and I think he still has this fear still in him, despite his success on TB.
L.V. : Your message reflects the opinion of many of internet users who feel more fragile than Nadal are two or three years. It is true that he has been more devastating. However, after this victory over Almagro, I think a lot of reservations (rightly) so far must be scanned. It escalated to all levels Wednesday. He conceded far fewer break points than in previous rounds, where the threat was low however. The four-time winner of the tournament was still ruled in three sets a very dangerous player, who released a very, very big game. Beat this then Almagro in straight sets was not really accessible to everyone. Its merit? Having raised their game the day it was necessary. It's a good sign for him. Furthermore, I do not know if Nadal nourishes apprehension because of his defeat last year. Perhaps, however, that the victory has released a little Söderling everyone. The victory was the Swede's jurisprudence. The others say "why not me?"

Tichou1510: we must ensure nothing is Nadal? Because even if it passes here, it may be complicated with Robin febrile keeping this game, he may apply to Federer!!
L.V. : It is only two matches and the title, against Almagro, he showed his ability to respond when necessary. Will this be enough if there are dueling against Söderling? A few days ago, I argued that only the Swedes seemed able to prevent a Nadal-Federer final. I think it is also the only Nadal can stop now. Melzer is still below. As for Berdych, he may have against him his total inexperience at this level if final. But fans of Rafa still have good reasons to be optimistic.

Outside: It seems that Nadal in desperate strategist, do everything to bring the frustration of Almagro in its highest degree. You're almost there, but no.
L.V. : Good point. I do not think Nadal mania so cruel and if he could stick his 6-2, 6-2 rather than 7-6, 7-6 in the first two sets, it would not private. But you're right, the frustration must be enormous Nicolas Almagro after this match. It was very close, and yet so far from the feat ...

EB112: Verdasco said Almagro had a ball speed than that of Nadal? What do you think?
L.V. : Verdasco is familiar with his two compatriots. It can therefore be trusted. But the ball speed is not everything. More on clay than on other surfaces. Other criteria are taken into account. What makes Nadal so difficult to master in the land exchange is its ability to vary the effects and the way he played with the geography of the court. His lift is devastating, because he uses terribly opponent. Much more than a hit played flat which certainly go faster, but much less bother in the end. Do not confuse speed and weight of the ball. This reminds me of the debate on the best server in the world in the 90s. Ivanisevic, Krajicek and Rusedski were to send the machines ace. Nobody used faster than they. But Sampras was by far the most difficult to revive the long term, because of its superior ability to vary the angles and effects.

Mamtwo: I am outraged by the behavior of the public at Roland Garros. That audience applauded almost no points winners Rafa. To believe that person France love Rafa.
L.V. Cher Mamtwo, there is much to say (and we will return by the end of tournament in the Blog Ace) on public behavior, but overall it was about right now. The Central was fairly divided, but I have not felt any anti-vibration Nadal. Nothing to do with the game against Söderling last year.

Mapam: Almagro is still unbearable!
L.V. : Really?

Crocoenfolie: Fortunately for Almagro Nadal has too much respect for him ...
L.V. : Frankly, I do not agree. In this game, we can not say Almagro has fed the least complex. I found it determined, aggressive, and completely in his match. He proposed a real battle. Unfortunately for him, he negotiated much less important points. Look at the end of the second set. At 4-4 and then 5-5, it puts Nadal in danger on his service. It has a break point. But Nadal has remarkably tight game, even coming to the net on break point. Almagro himself, won his service games much easier. But in the tiebreak, the Mallorcan has taken over the top, just like in the first inning. I do not think we should see an excessive respect, but rather a lack of experience with this type of game most senior Grand Slam.

Stephane B. : He must still acknowledge the performance and Almagro. In the game, especially in the attitude, it was flawless. He fought to the end so we might have thought he would drop.
L.V. : Totally agree. He fought inch by inch. He took a big blow to the noggin by losing the first tiebreaker. Same after the second. And he left to battle every time. Nadal's victory is logical, but I think this defeat Almagro must show that he is not very far from the very, very high level.