Nadal Was Ready For Indian Wells

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 18th March 2014

Nadal Was Ready For Indian Wells

epa04119515 Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return against Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine at the BNP Paribas Open tennis in Indian Wells, California, USA, 10 March 2014. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

Rafael Nadal’s occasional coach believes that even his celebrated client can sometimes be blocked by insecurities, especially when playing away from his beloved clay, Francisco Roig, who substitutes on the road several times a year in order to give Nadal’s permanent coach uncle Toni a bit of a rest at home, said the world No. 1 can fall victim to poor form and psychological issues on occasion.

“Rafael was ready and had a very good preparation for this tournament,” former player Roig said after Nadal crashed out in the Indian Wells third round to Alexandr Dolgopolov after dealing with a back injury from a losing Australian Open final. “He was willing to do well, but maybe that’s what failed him. He trained well, but on the court he was way too anxious”.

Nadal had come to Indian Wells with three titles at the spot where he stepped up a recovery in 2013 form six months out with knee problems by taking the title, one of ten he earned last season.

Roig believes that while it was an unexpected loss, it should not color the Spaniard’s progress as Nadal plays on Miami hardcourts before returning to his spring clay playground in Europe.

Rafa didn’t play well. After Melbourne, the back got much better. Rafa was feeling much better approaching the tournament, he was feeling very confident.

“Right after the loss he was very disappointed, but he is already looking forward to Miami and playing a great tournament there. It will be the last test on hard courts before the US Open. Until then Rafa will be the man to beat on the European red clay where we plan to win at least 26-27 matches.” said the coach.

Topics: 10sballs, Alexandr Dolgopolov, Francisco Roig, Indian Wells, Rafael Nadal, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Toni Nadal

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10sBalls_com says:

March 18, 2014 at 9:12 am

Nadal Was Ready For Indian Wells – http://t.co/gGn5d1YP0c @RafaelNadal #IndianWells #loss #Tennis #Update