Nadal is a Do-It-Yourselfer and Will Not Use a Sports Psychologist

Written by: Staff on 15th December 2011

Nadal is a Do-It-Yourselfer and Will Not Use a Sports Psychologist |

Rafael Nadal will work out his own recent motivational problems and won’t be seeking any help from a sports psychologist. That’s the word from the Spaniard, who confessed his inner thoughts to media outlet dpa.

“I’ve never used one and I‘m not planning to use one,” the No. 2 told the German agency’s Spanish service. “I obviously respect the work of psychologists, but not for playing tennis.”

Nadal, who saved at least part of his season by helping Spain to a fifth Davis Cup with a win over Argentina this month, has been lying low since his 2011 campaign ended little more than a week and a half ago. Spanish media have shown him visiting with children in a charity effort on behalf of his foundation.

The 10-time major champion had a down year by his world-class standards, winning just three titles – all on clay and the last one the French Open half a year ago.

But that doesn’t mean that he won’t be back in the No. 1 chase when he starts his season with a big payday December 29 at the Abu Dhabi exhibition, which also includes fellow elites Roger Federer and event debutant Novak Djokovic.

“I’m looking forward to rising above the past few months, which were not positive,” said Nadal. “I’ve lacked a bit more passion for the game, intensity in my strokes, strength in my legs and mental strength.

“But the most important thing that is missing is mental strength, which makes all the rest possible.” Nadal is trying to put aside his losses in seven of ten finals played in 2011 – six of those to Djokovic.

Topics: Rafael Nadal