2016 Rio Summary: Men

The Olympics tennis run has come to an end, and we were lucky to see a lot of firsts.

The Scott: Gold

I didn’t want to tell the haters and Nadal fanatics I told ya so, but, I really did tell you so.

Murray was able to defend his Gold medal title and that too after defeating the very much supported underdog, Del Potro. The 4 hour final match was full of swinging forehand angles from Delpo, the cat and mouse game that Murray plays so well, and that aggressive spark, just when Murray needed it the most. It showed how well Murray was able to bring balance and control to his game. To beat Murray Del Potro would have had to move a little better, cover the net a little bitter, and we can’t forget that the courts this year at Rio were slower than the slowest clay court I have ever seen (may be an exaggeration) which would have neutralized the deadly effects of Del Potro’s power. In all honesty I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Murray winning the US Open this year.

Delpo: Silver

The second most feel good story of the tournament. For the last two years, Del Potro has been an on and off story because of chronic wrist injuries, and there were even times when it seemed like he would never be back on tour. I was especially impressed by the way he played with Rafa. Coming back one set down is never easy, especially when you’re known for having mediocre movement, something Nadal was ready to take advantage of.

Literally, there were several points in which Nadal served from the doubles position, making it quite obvious that he would go for the serve out wide, and then hit down the line on the opposite side. Even when the tactic became obvious, and Del Potro knew that Nadal was going to execute the same routine, there wasn’t really much he could do. In the first set the rallies were also long, which is never good for anyone playing Nadal. The second and third set it where Del Potro played the way you have to play with Nadal. Shorten the rallies, go for those shots, and at the first opportunity come to the net. The positive effects of the change of plan were obvious.

Kei Nishikori: Bronze

Was this unexpected? Kind of. I mean I thought that Nadal would end up with the bronze, but then again Kei is almost always under estimated. It is his height? Is it the calm he display on court? I will never know, but Kei is that invisible underdog. You don’t realize that he was a serious contender until you realize he’s in the quarters of a Grand Slam, and look back at all the matches he’s played.

Probably the most controversial part of the Kei vs. Nadal was the twelve minute bath room break that Kei ended up taking because he had to go to the Center Court bathroom since Nadal was already at the court No. 1 restroom, and many people say that’s the reason Kei won, and that he ‘took advantage’ of Nadal’s tiredness, and broke his rhythm and other similar things but  haven’t we seen Nadal play that game before? Injury time outs and bouncing the ball before serve for what seems like hours. And as for taking advantage of Nadal’s ‘tiredness’ well let’s just say that fatigue and injury never seemed to effect Rafa before right.