Rafael Nadal has virtually shrugged his shoulders in awe of the sublime performance of French rookie Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who delivered a stunning virtuoso three-set hiding of the world number two in the Australian Open semis. However, Nadal believes the magic carpet ride will end in disappointment in Sunday’s final.The 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 shellacking would indicate Nadal was off his game. Statistics would prove otherwise. The Spaniard committed just 12 unforced errors, relatively low over three sets. However with Tsonga running around the Rod Laver Arena like a panther on heat, Nadal was only allowed to hit 13 winners.The Frenchman struck 49.
“We have to accept today. He played unbelievable,” Nadal said. “Playing very hard every time, serving unbelievable. In the backhand he didn’t miss not one. Forehand, every time he does the forehand was winner, so congratulate him. That’s it.”
Nadal spent the frustrating evening looking for any chink in the Frenchman’s armour. It would seem nothing could have stopped the 22-year-old runaway train, although Nadal will rue not collecting on any of the three break points he created.
“I try to play my best; I tried to play little bit slower; I tried to play a little bit faster; I tried to play more inside the court; behind the court. No chance. Not today.”
“I was playing fine, but, well, (what) you can say?”
Such was the magnitude of the win, Nadal was asked to compare Tsonga’s performance with anything he’d seen from Roger Federer.
“(Federer) can play at this level or little bit better, but better than tonight is really difficult. It’s tough say. Difficult to compare.”
While Nadal had nothing but admiration for his opponent, the Spaniard believes the golden run will end on Sunday. Tsonga not only hasn’t competed in any ATP final, the Frenchman has played a paltry 40 tour matches in his entire career.
“I think he gonna feel the pressure in first Grand Slam final,” Nadal said.
“It’s very different. It’s very different play final (and) win a very important title. For my opinion it’s totally different.
“Roger or Djokovic, if he play like today he have his chances against both, but I think he going to feel the pressure for the final, no?”
Nadal is also unconvinced that Tsonga can maintain his Australian Open standard on the hard grind of the tour.
“Is not (his) real level, I think. Sure, he can play like this, but not every week.”
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