‘Rafael Nadal tries to figure everything out’, says top coach
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Rafael Nadal survived a nearly three-hour battle against Nick Kyrgios in Indian Wells, prevailing at a distance thanks to a score of 7-6 (0) 5-7 6-4. The Spanish champion has extended his streak of games to 19 at the start of the season, which also earned him the conquest of his 21st Major.
The former world number 1 is hunting for his fourth seal in the Californian desert, where he hasn’t won since 2013. Waiting for him in the semifinals will be his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, who impressed everyone this week.
Juan Carlos Ferrero’s protégé hasn’t lost a set yet and will do anything to beat his idol. The two have already met in Madrid last year, with Rafa coming out victorious in two quick sets. The 35-year-old from Manacor confided that he felt a little pain in his foot, so much so that he will not take part in the Masters 1000 in Miami.
Speaking to the Tennis Channel, Paul Annacone – former coach of Roger Federer – praised Nadal’s extraordinary mentality.
Annacone praises Rafa Nadal
“Rafael Nadal’s mind is like a computer. He tries to figure everything out,” Annacone said.
“He is one of the best, if not the best, players to ever play that can see through motion on the tennis court to make good decisions. It’s tough to do.” The Spaniard also had an uncharacteristic 35 unforced errors against 30 winners.
This led Annacone to believe that Nadal was adjusting his playing style, being more aggressive as he went along. “It’s been so much fun to watch Rafa problem solve and find different ways to get through matches. He hasn’t played spectacularly here.
He’s serving bigger. He had 10 aces to seven double faults [against Nick Kyrgios], he is trying to get some more free points,” Annacone said. “Look at his winners to unforced errors ratio (30:35) – that is atypical for him but it has been a tournament where he has had so many styles to play against.”
During the post-match press conference after his quarterfinal win, an interviewer asked the…
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Source : tennisworldusa
