The Mind of Rafa—Nathan’s Blog
By: Nathan M. Cuny
As we all know Rafael Nadal isn’t playing the BNP Paribas Masters 1000 tournament in Paris. His absence does not jeopardize his chances of regaining the No.1 position this season because let’s face it he has none. No one does. World No.1 Novak Djokovic has the spot locked in leading by nearly 4000 points. Finishing a season as No. 2 isn’t unheard for Rafa—we’ve seen him finish second to his old rival Roger Federer in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009. Though, it must be disappointing for Rafael Nadal knowing he will finish this season as No.2 to Djokovic who’s been right behind him since 2007.
By this point in the season nearly all of the top players endure through each tournament with some type of injury. Rafael Nadal’s reason for pulling out of Paris was to improve his physical condition for Barclays. Considering he only has three titles this season: Roland Garros, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona, Nadal’s decision to refrain from Paris could prove a wise one. If anything will boost Nadal’s confidence for the Davis Cup finals against Argentina and for the upcoming 2012 season, it’s playing strong and doing well in London.
The last few weeks Rafa’s been training in his hometown of Monaco. On his official Facebook page Nadal stated, “The two last weeks I have been working hard with Frederico and his coach Pedro Felner. Thank you very much to both, this two weeks have been great! :)” Keeping that same positive attitude from now to Barclays will increase Nadal’s opportunities to become champion of the ATP World Tour Finals.
Djokovic will not be nearly as rested as Nadal due to his participation at BNP Paribas Masters. With the eleven days left to Barclays, and Djokovic’s complaints of shoulder pain, Nadal’s chances are going up and up. However the players compete on a hard court in London’s O2 arena which could mean trouble for Nadal. His game is most inconsistent on hard courts. While the king of clay won’t face another possible disappointing match against Djokovic on clay, hard courts are Djokovic’s best surface.
As earlier stated a healthy dose of confidence combined with rest is the best remedy for Nadal. One would expect such a strong player who held the No.1 spot for two years to be a highly confident individual. In many of Nadal’s interviews he portrays himself as just the opposite. Much of Rafa’s self-doubt arises when his focus shifts to how other players are always in better shape or play better than him, especially after he loses.
Maybe thinking poorly of himself is how Nadal rose to the top but it’s not time for that anymore. Nadal has to mature and change his head game if he wants any chances at the Barclays crown. Knowing he’s good, and knowing he can do it, win or lose, will go a lot farther than his little pity parties after a lost match. Being critical is one thing and demeaning another. For Rafa confidence and self-belief will be key.
Topics: Barclays, Rafael Nadal
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