‘Rafael Nadal was amazing even at that age’, says top coach
Hardly anyone would have imagined such a start to the season by Rafael Nadal. The Spanish champion has posted three trophies (including the Australian Open) and has won the first 20 games played this year. His triumph at Melbourne Park was one of the most incredible of his entire career, also considering the long stop due to a foot injury.
The former world number 1 reassembled Daniil Medvedev in the final two sets, managing to crack the certainties of his opponent just as the Russian glimpsed the banner of the finish line. His exceptional ‘streak’ was interrupted against Taylor Fritz in the Indian Wells final, also thanks to a fractured rib.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion will have to stand still for a few weeks and will miss the Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo for the first time in his career. Rafa’s goal is to show up 100% at Roland Garros, where he will go hunting for his 14th seal.
Novak Djokovic will also be in Paris, as France has abolished the vaccination pass a couple of weeks ago. In the latest episode of the ‘The Functional Tennis’ podcast, well-known coach Carlos Rodriguez once again commented on Nadal’s ‘Down Under’ feat.
Nadal turned pro at the age of 15
“Rafael Nadal was amazing [even at that age]. What Rafa did months ago in Australia is amazing,” Rodriguez said. “It is something that nobody expected — the level of tennis, the commitment, the fight and the spirit.
How can you do that? Roger [too], in many ways.” Unfortunately, it has been quite a while since fans got a taste of the fabled Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry. The two have not played in the same tournament since 2021 at Roland Garros.
Rafael Nadal is one of the best problem-solvers on the tour. He deals with success and failures equally with a balanced mind, focusing on the present. Opening up about maintaining balance in life he said., “In the end balance is important.
One chooses what they think is going to work best for them or what they are not ready to…
Source : tennisworldusa
