When Tennis' Most Unorthodox Player Challenged Nadal's Greatest Hard Court Streak

[@RogerThatTennis]

Nadal had won the last 22 matches in North America coming in to this match!

[@rachmadhidayat9996]

Low key disappointed to find out Rafa's greatest hard court streak was actually a cherry picked one: north America only which meant not really a HC streak.😅

[@SJ-di5zu]

@@rachmadhidayat9996I mean he won Indian Wells, Montreal, Cincinnati, and the US Open all in a row, only split up by the clay season. That’s 3 M1000 and a slam during the hardest era. He also won 20 matches in a row in 2022 which only ended because he had a rib injury during the IW final

[@rachmadhidayat9996]

​@SJ-di5zu No that was 2013 where his HC record was: won IW Withdrawn Miami Won Montreal Won Cinci Won USO Lost Beijing F Lost Sanghai SF Lost Paris SF Lost WTF F In 2014 he: Won Doha Lost AO F Lost IW R32 to Dolgo So his real HC winning streak at the time was 1 😅

[@rachmadhidayat9996]

@Laland_1196 Not in the title it isn't. Only in description.

[@naysayer1238]

@@SJ-di5zu You don't have to mention that. We all know he would have won 1,000 matches in a row except for his 500 injuries.

[@quentincrisp6933]

Dolgo has the most unusual groundstrokes but hits the ball so freakin early it's on you before you knew what hit you! He's also an exceptional athlete‼

[@RogerThatTennis]

Really good indeed!

[@TheseHoesAreLoyal]

He has some crazy talent with that funky style of play, it's very hard to play like him with that technique. Very underrated because people always talk about Kyrgios, Dustin Brown, etc.

[@nfltrrrqwsa7512]

As early as his grand slam exits

[@TheseHoesAreLoyal]

@@nfltrrrqwsa7512 Said by every so-called tennis fan who doesn't appreciate the sport itself or the variety of players because of his narrow-sightedness

[@mona5449]

I'd like to know what kind of string technology he used for his rackets. Those ground strokes are so smooth, kind of like watching a different version of Manarino

[@Sunspotss]

Loved watching Dolgopolov, first 'unorthodox' player I saw who made me excited to keep up with players outside the normal big stars. Hope he's well and makes it home safely

[@RogerThatTennis]

Hopefully!

[@larvancioramos9748]

Santoro, Brown, how old are you 21!?

[@alexk6007]

He is now in the army, a soldier.

[@adrianpaul3749]

@@larvancioramos9748if he was really 21, or maybe started watching tennis later in his life, what's your problem? unnecessary comment

[@КоттеджныйгородокСоловьиный]

You got it wrong,Stahovskiy is in army, not Dolgopolov

[@victorhumphrey131]

Incredible guts from Dolgopolov! Nadal does not beat himself and it takes massive guts to defeat him. That look of relief on his face too when he finally took the match!

[@RogerThatTennis]

You can feel the relief haha

[@lesliepropheter5040]

David Goffin also beat Nadal before anyone had ever heard of Goffin and when Nadal was in his prime.

[@ToomcioZioomcio]

@@lesliepropheter5040 Are you sure? Goffin's first victory against Nadal came at Nitto ATP Finals in 2017. Maybe you meant Borna Coric, Basel 2014? He actually lost a round later to Goffin.

[@notsohandytim5090]

One of the best thinkers in match play I've ever watched.

[@petermcgreevy6386]

@@RogerThatTennis yes he contained himself respectfully, no punching the air laying prostate on the court just an acknowledgment by facial expression of a hard fought match.

[@jacksunville]

Dolgopolov was such a cool guy as well as being a great tennis player. I was a student at saddlebrook and he was always so humble and friendly to everyone. He was cool to my father. Nothing major just small talk, daps and small gestures of like “what’s up!?” Really positive dude. That’s what I will remember him for.

[@inemanja]

He most definitely is not a good person.

[@kevinhamlin1561]

My tennis instructor growing suggested I do spring break at Saddlebrook (I come from Iowa)...holy crap was that intense. But the cool thing that happened to me when I was there (back in 2000, I'm old) Martina Hingis walked by me while I was getting some fruit at the fruit cart, smiled, waved, and said hello to me. Not to any of my hitting friends right next to me. I froze, stupidly, and was like well that just happened. I also almost got ran over by Roger Clemens on a golf cart, and threatened by Marcelos Rios as we kind of made fun of him, he has the blackest eyes I have ever seen. Hated and loved my time there, man it was intense. I was also the only public school kid there and there was only one private school kid, everyone else was boarding.

[@b_d]

Thanks for remembering the dog! I loved the way he hitted the ball on the rise of the toss on his serve, those super flat explosive bh's, and his crazy slice shots. It was always entertaining to watch him play with his funky play style :)

[@RogerThatTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

no such word as hitted. its hit, used in the past and present form.

[@JJ-hp6mb]

And what about those volleys? That's second to none.

[@bojack3827]

Dolgo was unbelievably talented.

[@RogerThatTennis]

He was man!

[@ulspeedy963]

I love how he took the time to conceal the score, but there’s a massive scoreboard displayed in the background 😂

[@RogerThatTennis]

😅

[@JJ-hp6mb]

That didn't spoil it but only made the video more exciting. I bet he did that deliberately.

[@johngriffin87]

The one time I went to Indian Wells, it was on that day, and I sat in the upper deck completely transfixed on that match. I was always a fan of Dolgopolov because of his insane shot making ability. I put him in the same category as Fognini...not particularly big guys, but super talented, fast, and big hitters for their size. Fognini was/is still much more of a head case, while Dolgopolov would sometimes play a little too loose. But both always so fun to watch. Hope & pray Dolgopolov stays safe in the war to defend Ukraine.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks for sharing John!

[@VagifMustafa]

he is quite good living in Dubai

[@hussTennis]

Dolgopolov was truly an enjoyable player to watch because he doesn't just stick to executing well-mastered tactical patterns, but he is also capable of showing initiative according to the game situations. And this ability is not so common!

[@RogerThatTennis]

Exactly man!

[@29blazehead]

I loved his quick and explosive shots. Sometimes you didnt really know what shot or angle he was doing until last second.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Exactly!

[@Leeniebean]

i used to love watching Dolgopolov. he was mesmerizing

[@RogerThatTennis]

He was really fun indeed!

[@farhatk6054]

I'm a simple man , I see a player who hits hard and early , I support him . Federer , Davydenko , Blake , Delpotro are all my favorites

[@RogerThatTennis]

Hahah gotta love it

[@nostradavor2581]

Gonzo?

[@eriks7459]

Don’t forget Dustin Brown 💪

[@thedman103]

Man I loved Dolgopolov. Absolute genius.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessirr

[@TriniBoy16]

Miss this guy. Right up there with the most entertaining and talented we've seen. So cool too.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Was really fun to watch him indeed!

[@anas6695780]

What a player Not too many in life can do this to the great Rafa...and those days probably the golden days of tennis

[@RogerThatTennis]

Miss those days for sure

[@virginiaknighten4687]

@@RogerThatTennis😢me too.

[@tonypowers123]

Unbelievable. What a talent. Pure. Complicated, beautiful to watch. I was live at that match. Probably 1 of 7-8 people, vs 15 000 that were rooting for Alex. Great moment in tennis!

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks for sharing!

[@WivoRN]

Great match bro! Miss this guy on the tour

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks Mo!

[@cantkeepitin]

I have the impression this video is 10% faster than normal professional tennis and 50% more energetic

[@RogerThatTennis]

Dolgo is a fast man haha

[@richardchang5085]

Dolgopolov is a warrior on the tennis court. He is also a warrior defending his homeland.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessir

[@НуЧего-л2о]

😂😂😂

[@hvene]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@giopaol]

😂

[@sonkatiendita7610]

He should have defended his country in 2014 from Victoria Nuland, the US and the EU.

[@JohnRome-xn7hx]

Dolgopolov was one of my favourite players. A thrilling player to watch. Power, anticipation, unpredictable shots and great touch.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessir, exactly

[@M4551kt]

Young Medvedev looked at Dolgopolov and thought: "I can fix his shots"

[@RogerThatTennis]

Hahahha

[@ABC-ABC1234]

@@RogerThatTennis What most people forget is that Daniil was very talented in math and physics, the two subjects usually used for measuring IQ in one way or another.

[@pkonyoutube]

Wow, I forgot how much I loved watching Dolgo. What a player! I knew nothing about him and was walking out of the grounds at IW at night to go home and heard excitement on court 6. First time I had seen him play, possibly this same year, and he was in an absolute dogfight with someone I can’t remember and came out on top in the 3rd set TB. Crowd was going wild for him and wouldn’t stop cheering and then he threw his shoes to the crowd! A brilliant wait to end the night and made me a lifetime fan.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Wow thanks for sharing! He definitely was an entertainer

[@gastondeveaux3783]

This guy is incredible ! An acrobat. So much fun to watch such a dynamic player.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Amazing style

[@marlendietrich8214]

I've never ever seen such a speedy footwork like Dolgo demonstrated in that match. The monster😮

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yeah, the guy moved like a hummingbird

[@leotka]

Alex speed on the court, serve, backhand were amazing... Glory to hero!

[@RogerThatTennis]

Guy was a beast

[@ARKAD98]

Unorthodox but very effective!

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessir

[@ConservativeSanFran]

I met him in person at hotel after this match. Really great person - dripping w something special for sure. Gotta find that photo w him from prior photo!!!

[@seanbinder8316]

I miss watching Dolgo play he just bounced around the court like a flea and made you earn every point. Best unorthodox ball striker ever.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Exactly, guy had bounce haha

[@leonardomartinez3174]

Aww man..loved watching him, that backhand sprayed bullets!

[@the40yearoldgamer41]

10:37 Dude looks like he's got the house on Nadal.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Hahaha fr

[@KoRnBaL19]

Luv and miss Dolgo! Such a unique style of play. The body English he'd put on some strokes was fun to watch as well.

[@RogerThatTennis]

For sure!

[@Mrsplanetmaster9]

I was at this match.. with my deceased husband who was a pro #92 on ATP circuit in late 70's-late 80's, and in walked Dolgo to the player's lounge:; such a nice guy and as different as his game.. great memories of the Love 💚 Game 🎾

[@RogerThatTennis]

@@Mrsplanetmaster9 hey! I’m sorry to hear about your husband. What was his name? Anyways, thanks for sharing!

[@cornutopia1389]

Dolgopolov's forehand looks like Richard Gasquet's one, and his backhands are amazing especially the short ones with angles. I had never seen his play before, thanks for posting.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@fantom777-x2h]

Credit to dolgo for not panicking after nadal won the challenge it's just a magnificent performance overall

[@RogerThatTennis]

That was cold blooded

[@danielcheng5690]

Was in the stadium for this match, great memories

[@RogerThatTennis]

Ufff must I’ve been nice

[@DrBroncanuus]

Alexandr Dolgopolov, was an extraordinary talent who had the fastest racket head speed ever in the history of our game

[@RogerThatTennis]

Definitely up there

[@arthurdenise7168]

Dolgo is one of the most exciting players. I miss him

[@RogerThatTennis]

For sure!

[@martinlopez-novillo2371]

This guy was my favorite tennis player back in late 2000's. If it wasn't for his medical condition he would have wiped the floor with the entire tour.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Was great to watch him :)

[@AnimeSnackTimeTV]

Yes I missed Dolgopolov also. ❤❤❤ I remember his unique fast so early hit groundstrokes..

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessirr

[@DA-bk9bf]

FUN FACT: Alexandr Dolgopolov and Xavier Malisse defeated Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka in the final, 6-4, 6-7(5-7), [10-7] to win the men's doubles tennis title at the 2011 Indian Wells Masters. (source: Wikipedia) That must have been some match ..

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MrDaoJones]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHqZp3p-fr1kick Insane point from that match.

[@AlexIsUber]

Dolgo backhand was a fuckjng rocket. Speed and ferocity

[@OfficialWorldChampion]

his backhand is patently more powerful than any big-name two-hander.

[@thomashumphrey7395]

Dolgopolov was one of those few and rare players like Roscoe Tanner, Kevin Curren, and myself who hit their serve while the toss is still going up. Most all players hit the toss at its apex or on the way down. He was a big hitter.

[@RogerThatTennis]

The dynamics of that is crazy

[@-danR]

He doesn't hit it on the way up. I've checked it frame-by-frame. It's an inch or two down the apex. That said, he and Tanner have/had the _optimal_ timing for service. "Orthodox" has nothing to do with the price of eggs in China. If people want to coach kids how to serve, show them Dolgopolov and Tanner videos. I learned tennis when RT was hot and I couldn't believe that slingshot-from-nowhere.

[@bryantse6775]

Dolgo’s backhand is so much quicker than his forehand 😂

[@RogerThatTennis]

Like a sling shot haha

[@sdstewart87]

I remember I used to love watching a Dolgopolov match because you never knew what was gonna happen 😂

[@RogerThatTennis]

Haha exactly

[@AnnaFavaron-g5s]

Great video!! I miss Dolgopolov.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Grazie Anna!

[@slowbot68]

apparently he's busy fighting russians now

[@omnoir]

I loved watching this guy back in the day.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Really fun to watch indeed!

[@newtechi]

He was very interesting. That strong flat bh taking the ball high and early was definitely a counter to nadal. Good serve for 180cm. And the ability to mix flat and spinny forehands.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yeah, definitely a different type of player

[@kdhd100]

Dolgopolov is a beast.... It takes one to defeat one.....

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessir

[@kieran1990able]

Meddy took dolgo unorthodox to whole new level by winning major 😂

[@RogerThatTennis]

Haha right

[@thejaymartino]

Havent thought about Dolgo for a while but that backhand is as crispy as ever. He reminds me of Paul but with the ball speed of Sinner, especially bh

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessirr!

[@w1lbert10]

this match was spectacular 👏👏

[@RogerThatTennis]

It was great indeed

[@pdoggo64]

What a great match!

[@RogerThatTennis]

It really was man

[@nfltrrrqwsa7512]

He’s also a very smiley guy, with infectious positivity on court. A guy well known for his effervescent personality, never looking miserable

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessirr

[@fantom777-x2h]

I'm thrilled with the happy ending for the underdog

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessirr, played great

[@francescodecio4334]

Let's not forget that Dolgopolov is currently on the frontline defending his country and the whole Europe. Thanks a lot for this video a nice tribute to a great man. EDIT to explain my statement about "whole europe"(can't post answer comments, don't know why) -> Yes he is fighting also for us europeans. Russia invaded Ukraine because they want to restore their empire, and because in 2014 Ukraine was about to sign association agreements with the EU that would have started the integration process. Also Ukraine is only the last country to have faced Russian aggression after Moldova, Cecenia and Georgia. You can ask people in Baltic states, Finland, Sweden, Poland if they fear they may be next if Ukraine falls and why. They know know Russia won't stop (as they didn't stop before) that's why Ukraine is defending also us europens. You don't even have to ask them if you don't want to, you can just check here what Russia constantly declares: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fajUeYNrgJ54qq8si=ymgpgBn6r2huJvax I suggest you to watch the entire channel.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks for mentioning Francesco. That was one of the reasons why I wanted to make this video.

[@francescodecio4334]

@RogerThatTennis thanks a lot, I have been wanting to do it myself but 1) I have very little reach. 2) I couldn't find the whole match online. Thanks a lot for the thought and the effort. Stakhovsky is also fighting, even if I don't have nows from him, as he doesn't post on Twitter a lot. If you can could you do also a highlight of his match with federer at wimbledon? Even if for us fed fans is a little bit painful ahah

[@HILAL19564]

O yeah what a great hero fighting for that comedian lmao

[@miked2543]

"The whole europe" ?..bunch of b.s.

[@HILAL19564]

@@miked2543 the whole of Europe.. Didn't even catch that bogus claim

[@ab_0201]

When you have a name like Dolgopolov you have to do things extraordinarily.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Hahaha exactly

[@razgriz1ne1ne48]

Dogopolov, unorthodox groundstrokes but very effective, perhaps the greatest maximizer of his serve (dude barely 6ft and can serve at same contact point,pace and spin as most 6'7 players)

[@RogerThatTennis]

Exactly!!

[@QED_]

I loved watching this guy.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Really fun guy

[@jah9253]

Yeah, him, Dustin Brown, and a few others, unorthodox but extremely entertaining players to watch.

[@matthewdragomir2261]

Great mental toughness missing that first serve and still finishing it off on the same point. This looked like a great match.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yep, I would’ve hit a double fault 😭

[@anas6695780]

Dolgo electric ⚡

[@RogerThatTennis]

For sure 😃

[@bluarcher5941]

simply astounding stuff...from both players. That's about as high-level tennis as you'll ever see, anywhere, and on any surface.

[@kingsley9352]

Man was he stinging those backhands or what my lord just lasers from the left side

[@RogerThatTennis]

Haha exactly man

[@antoinev9733]

Dolgo was a very interesting player :)

[@RogerThatTennis]

Very entertaining to watch his games

[@Svarbard]

0:37 "no spoiler" lol

[@RogerThatTennis]

I messed up lol

[@Svarbard]

@@RogerThatTennis even the best makes mistakes :P

[@user-fy1sx4vt4m]

Dolgopolov was one of the funnest players to watch. I wish he could have been near the top for longer.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Was really fun indeed!

[@h.g.1409]

Great edit

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thank you!

[@emmyelijah7395]

Dolgo had a firecracker of a backhand!

[@RogerThatTennis]

Amazing indeed!

[@willzsportscards]

I saw Dolgo a couple time up close at IW. Amazing performer.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Must’ve been nice!

[@nedot]

I've seen him play in Como and he was amazing.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Must have been!

[@ARKAD98]

Dolgo was a beast! Different breed

[@RogerThatTennis]

For sure man!

[@stevedragos2861]

Dolgo is a legend🎉

[@RogerThatTennis]

Amazing player!

[@DrEproz1236]

@@RogerThatTennis and great man who defends his motherland Ukraine against putler

[@byormantik]

hahaha, nice trick bro :D i love it!

[@RogerThatTennis]

Haha

[@HopeEsleim1101]

I will NEVER forget that service motion!!!

[@RogerThatTennis]

So good haha

[@dough_doge2]

0:39 u can see the score

[@keeganandersson4281]

Watching this match, I can see that a big reason that Dolgopolov never reached top 10 level is because his neutral ball forehand wasn’t big enough to create an advantage in points. In this match though, his flat, hard backhand into Nadal’s forehand, similar to the tactics Djokovic would use, worked wonders for him

[@RogerThatTennis]

You’re onto something man

[@zpeed7]

Great backhand and incredible serve for his size.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Both were great!

[@good2freelance1]

That was entertaining i loved it :)

[@RogerThatTennis]

Glad to hear :)

[@bulatmuslim1]

Классная игра!👍

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks man!

[@mvenkatesh11]

Incredible how quickly Dolgopalov manages to overwhelm the opponent a few balls in! Would need someone like a Verdasco with great angles to counter it by making it uneasy and steal time ...

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yeah man, he takes so much time off his opponent

[@Licantropo1974]

Exactly, you entered the technical team but you perfectly explained Gauff's shortcomings at this moment. She is still young and could try to improve something otherwise she will remain a halfway player

[@eaglewinnings8003]

I miss Dolgopolov. Injuries meant that he wasn’t supposed to have a long tennis career but he had a special game. In 2014 he had a big chance at beating Djokovic at Cincinnati. He couldn’t get it done and it felt like things fell apart after that.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Injuries suck man :/

[@chekamystery675]

I just Pray that Alex Dolgopolov stays Safe in the Ukrainian War against Russia . Saw an Amazing Interview with Him after He left Tennis to Support His Country 🥺🙏🙏

[@brianbarrett192]

@@chekamystery675 I hope he does more than stay safe. I hope he helps Ukraine WIN.

[@jonsoler3648]

​@@chekamystery675 Dolgopolov didn't retire from tennis to help his country in the war, he retired ages ago before the war even happened. Stop lying.

[@chekamystery675]

@@jonsoler3648 Thanks but I wasn't actually lying. I just wasn't informed enough until I did some more research and Yes, of course You are right. Stay Safe, wherever You are..

[@184motard]

🎉vive Dolgo

[@RogerThatTennis]

Si señor!

[@josemartincalderon4506]

Se le recuerda al hombre de Kiev , un gran jugador , momento ESTELAR .

[@RogerThatTennis]

Una bestia el man

[@Awesomegamerz2627]

He was my favorite at that era..

[@RogerThatTennis]

Great player!

[@kavinvanich]

insane bruhh

[@RogerThatTennis]

Glad you liked it my guy!

[@tarasb2946]

Apart from the tennis match itself, more than a decent editing I have to admit, and a pleasure to watch. +1 subscriber, wish your channel develops and grows.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks Taras, I really appreciate the comment!

[@dodsdans9581]

Damn, I miss Dolgopolov. It seems like he fell off the radar out of nowhere. But boy was he a joy to watch when he was hitting it like this. Hope him and the family have been keeping well ❤

[@RogerThatTennis]

♥️

[@momonso0821]

His backhand is insane!!!

[@RogerThatTennis]

It is man!

[@Creees]

As a diehard tennis fan. these were the last years of good diverse tennis. Everyone in 2024 has the exact same identical style. Its coaching and technologies fault but its also the scheduling of the tour. I would love to become ceo and manager of the atp

[@lgoler]

Saw Dolgo play Jesse Levine on Court 17 at the USOpen. Came back from two sets down in an epic battle. He had the majority of the crowd behind him at an American tournament! Very few players are as entertaining to watch. Fast twitch muscles is only part of the way to describe why he was so dangerous. Shame he battled a physical ailment that made it difficult for him in long contests.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks for sharing man!

[@samizannad1844]

A Real genius

[@RogerThatTennis]

For sure man

[@samuelfernandez397]

Dolgo made fun to watch tennis. I'd had pay to see him play

[@RogerThatTennis]

Glad you got a chance!

[@novola1972]

I was at that match and remember it quite vividly ))

[@RogerThatTennis]

That's great :)

[@MartinJohnZ]

Almost Santoro-like in his unusual approach to the game, though The Magician's style of tennis was even weirder. The type of player that will make Nadal wake up screaming in the middle of the night for many years to come, just like Dustin Brown.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Hahahaha

[@H0lyFr0ggy]

most explosive player

[@RogerThatTennis]

Moved so quickly

[@gustavobortoluzzi4314]

I miss the old IW fast courts. Nowadays it’s been almost as slow as some clay courts.

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yeah man :/

[@Sir_Leelord]

I remember Dog cranking serves in the 140s even given his smaller stature

[@RogerThatTennis]

Yessir crazy power

[@happyman4us]

Love it

[@RogerThatTennis]

Thanks man!