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[TheMadHatter]

It's all down to the movement though.

Murray -> struggles with movement somewhat -> not comfortable -> struggles to find rhythm, not completely confident
Nadal -> moves with ease -> completely comfortable -> finds rhythm, supremely confident

The opposite could be said of grass, if you switch Nadal with Djokovic and reverse the roles.

[boogers]

I still don't understand how Andy isn't one of the top clay court players.

He can't slide. End of story.

[wimbledonwestie]

^ I have to agree.  Andy just looks awkward on clay.  He may be fit, but his body and persona are not given over to sliding.   Surprising, given it was what he trained on in Spain (I think?) Sometimes I feel if he could just loosen up a wee bit... but then, he wouldn't be Andy.  Ho hum...

If sliding on clay could wreck his knee/ankles - and thus possibly the rest of his career I think I'd rather he maximised the skill he has on clay and does the best he can to fulfil his ambitions - without sliding - to enable him to enjoy year round success for many years to come.

[wimbledonwestie]

Yep.  I guess we only have to look at Rafa's knees now to appreciate this.

Have to confess I quite like to look at all of Rafa, not just his knees lol (tho not in that mega muscle pic on one of the other threads, reminds me of the plastic wrestling figures kis were bringing in to school a few years ago)

[Elly]

Have to confess I quite like to look at all of Rafa, not just his knees lol (tho not in that mega muscle pic on one of the other threads, reminds me of the plastic wrestling figures kis were bringing in to school a few years ago)

Hehe!  He is defs 'easy on the eye', and a sweetheart whether he wins or loses.  I think tennis has been the sadder without him.    Fed and Djok are a bit arsey compared to Rambo Rafa! 

[Elly]

He seems very respectful of other players, the history of the game and remembers his roots. Remember the year he pulled out of Wimbledon and went in person to do so and apologise. Always comes across as more humble than Smugfed and the Djoker. Though quite like Nole (just not when he plays Andy!) Certainly wont see Andy or Rafa wearing monogrammed blazers etc!

Yup - Rafa is one of the greatest, but still maintains a certain humility and a lot of respect for his opponents.  I can't do with Djok's celebrations of his wins - now that may be just sour grapes as an Andy fan - but I think they are OTT and show a lack of respect.  As for RF's jackets?  I think the man needs to take his head out of his own backside. Self congratulation is never very attractive. 

[Aileen]

If sliding on clay could wreck his knee/ankles - and thus possibly the rest of his career I think I'd rather he maximised the skill he has on clay and does the best he can to fulfil his ambitions - without sliding - to enable him to enjoy year round success for many years to come.

I agree.  Meanwhile Andy has announced that he won't be playing any tournament before IW because he wants to focus on the clay court season and RG in particular.  So will he be practising on clay in Miami? - because if he doesn't then I don't see the point in this because going into a Masters 'cold' doesn't seem the brightest idea around, especially after a five week break from competition, and also he could pick up a lot of ranking points there given that he has none to defend after last year's embarrassing early exit.