Gulf in class

[VillaJ100]

for all the talk of the quality in the mens game, it seems that the big 4 are playing on a different level this year! Federer and djokovic is the only one to have dropped a set, yet systematically breaks wawrinka who is playing probably better than ever. murray beats the world number 11 for the loss of 5 games, djokvic takes down berdych with not much trouble, nadal breezes past cilic. These are not just stiffs and are properly good tennis players, so whats up? is it a mental thing, like intimidation of playing them? are they actually just miles ahead of the pack, or is it more they are all in form and when they are they only really lose to each other?

[jayl0ve]

I'd say it's a combination of extreme intimidation/fear and a higher level of skill.

[fedfan]

Even when the top 4 are not playing well they have enough in the locker to pull matches out, I think in most part because they are the best movers on tour. If Soderling and Berdych are missing their big shots they don't really have anything to fall back on, they are just not as complete.

I also think a lot of players struggle to manage themselves mentally and physically over 2 weeks of 5 set tennis, they just have two many ups and downs which eventually catch up for them.

I suppose having two of the Greatest ever in your era must be a pretty bitter pill to swallow, you might get past one of them but you probably won't beat them both.

[Coolhand Texas]

That's so true. It's like you are so happy that you beat fed to get to the final then you realize you play nadal. Then it's like f**k!!!!

[VillaJ100]

That's so true. It's like you are so happy that you beat fed to get to the final then you realize you play nadal. Then it's like f**k!!!!

I think only del potro has ever done it in a slam, and only a handful in a masters series. and come on, del potro could have lost that USO final, being 2 sets to 1 down against federer.

[JJ_DUBZ_87]

For Nadal and Fed, the intimidation's definitely a factor, moreso when they both are in the draw and playing well. It has to get to you in one way or another. Murray and Djoko I think the work they put in is starting to pay off. They're rolling through these other guys which is a great sign, and I'm hoping that their belief and confidence can help take them through to win a slam with Fed and Nadal in the draw. It'll be nice to see the big 4's rivalry throughout the year and now's the time to come out swinging.

Now, if Fed and Nadal absolutely thrash them...it'll be another boring year for the top 10 (Fed and Nadal dominating) but exciting for the history books lol

[fedfan]

I feel like Djokovic or Murray have to win this or else it is going to be another year of Fed-Nadal dominance, Murray especially if he gets to the final because to lose another would be devastating to him. Nadal is going to dominate on clay again which in is becoming boring and predictable.

DelPotro is already looking at a very long way back, he has lost more than a year on everyone and everybody has improved. Soderling, Berdych, Cilic, Verdasco, Tsonga & Nalbandian have talent but havent delivered and as for Roddick, Ferrer, Monfils, Youzhny et al are really just making up the numbers.

[VillaJ100]

i agree. Federer i think only has until the end of the 2013 season at most at the very top, even he can't hold off father time forever and he will be 32 then. he could even be retired. Its just who will take up the mantle to take it to nadal consistently afterwards, although saying that nadal will then be 27 and have a bit more wear on those joints.

[JJ_DUBZ_87]

wouldn't be surprised if Nadal's knees flare up again if not this year than next year, especially with a full schedule. However, he seems to be playing a little more conservative... (pictures nadal on the full run...) eh maybe not

[VillaJ100]

wouldn't be surprised if Nadal's knees flare up again if not this year than next year, especially with a full schedule. However, he seems to be playing a little more conservative... (pictures nadal on the full run...) eh maybe not

think you might have cursed him right there!