Rafael Nadal Reached Right Mentality For Clay

Written by: Staff on 22nd April 2013

Rafael Nadal Reached Right Mentality For Clay

epa03671681 Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after losing a point against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the final match at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 21 April 2013. EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO |

No player perhaps with the possible exception of the great Swede Bjorn Borg had a better understanding as to how to play on clay than seven-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal does. While Nadal was unable to win his ninth straight title in Monte Carlo when Novak Djokovic upset him on Sunday, he still does own 36 titles on clay.

The Spaniard approaches the surface differently than he does on grass or hard courts, where he has also had a lot of success, winning Wimbledon, as well as the Australian and US Opens.

“First thing, you have to find control of the ball, the way you hit the ball,” he said. “You need to play a ball higher than when you play on the rest of the surfaces. For my first I need to find the confidence on hitting every ball without thinking too much, know that the ball is going to go inside with the right rhythm. Find the ball that you are not having winners, but the opponent cannot attack you, no? That’s the first step. When that happens and you are able to play with a good intensity with this ball, but not easy ball for the opponent, then you can start to go inside and win the points with the winners.”

Considered one of the greatest defensive players ever, Nadal realizes that speed and balance is also important. Poor footing and the inability to be able to successfully slide into shots plague players who are trying to become competent on clay.

“You need to change directions,” he said. “For sure, the first thing to make that happen is the movements. You need to move well. If your movements are not good, you cannot hit with confidence. You cannot hit with 100% security. And you need to feel powerful on your legs to play the ball long.”

Nadal also said that even if he is having a bad day, he can find a way back on clay. While point construction is paramount on the surface as is an ability to consistently focus as it’s hard to end points early, open-minded players are usually successful

“I think it’s a surface that gives you chances, gives you different chances,” he said. “You can play aggressive and you can have good success playing aggressive. You can play defensive and you can have good success playing defensive. You can play defending and counterattacking. You have lots of options to do. You can have good success with every one if you make it well. I think is a surface that you have time to think and you have time to prepare. “

©Daily Tennis News Wire

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