It was a peculiar day. Sunday, May 31, 2009: Rafael Nadal’s clay court winning streak came to a screeching halt. At 81 consecutive victories, it was the longest run in tour history. The person who conquered Rafa: Robin Soderling, an obscure Swede who, until that day, performed best on hard courts. Soderling’s career would never be the same. Neither would Nadal’s.
An eventual loss was inevitable, and although fans were disappointed, they were still encouraging. Their support turned to concern, however, when the news of Nadal’s tendonitis hit the street. Advised to play less often and differently, the tireless baseliner who, to spectator’s delight, pursued balls like a
Labrador Retriever, modified his style of play. Nonetheless, if Nadal is healthy, he’s still the man to beat, says Nick Bollettieri. “Nobody in the history of the game has dominated clay more than Nadal.
Michael Jordon dominated basketball, Lance Armstrong cycling, Tiger Woods golf and Rafael Nadal clay.”
Players who perform best on clay bring patience, topspin and an ability to slide well, and experts agree that no one does it better than Rafael Nadal.
As clay courts absorb shock and are the slowest surfaces, Master Pro Ken DeHart says players must possess patience when playing on clay. The fact that the ball’s felt attracts dirt and particles with every bounce adds weight to the ball, slowing the pace of play even further.
“A slow ball allows the opponent to get to more balls so it’s more difficult to put shots away,” says DeHart. “Players should be willing to move the ball around the court, wait longer for openings to hit an aggressive shot and they must be able to create wider and shorter angles.” DeHart says Rafa demonstrates a sense of calm as he works to build the point. Teaching pro Scott Mitchell explains that big hitters like Andy Roddick don’t perform as well on clay because they haven’t learned the art of patience. “The players who come out on top have great fitness and are patient long enough to earn the point,” says Mitchell.
Bollettieri says rallies may last four times longer on clay than on other surfaces, thus constructing a point is like playing chess – you can’t expect the game to move quickly. “The longer a match goes, it
will usually favor the player who is most physically fit. When Nadal’s knees are healthy, he’s an animal on clay and the toughest to beat,” according to Bollettieri.
"It's a shame. I mean, this tounament; such a beautiful tournament for me," said Nadal after the match. "But you also realize how difficult my achievements have been up until today, and a loss is something you need sometimes. You need a defeat to give value to your victories," said the Spaniard following the loss to Robin Soderling at the Roland Garros 2009.
Nadal hits a ball with extreme top spin by design. According to Babolat, Rafa’s racquet manufacturer, his stick was invented to produce spin. In addition, he holds one of the smallest grips on the men’s – or women’s – tour. At four and one-quarter inches, it allowshis wrist to move freely and increase racquet maneuverability, which helps create spin, as well.
Nadal’s spin-specific equipment accentuates his style of play. While most players finish their stroke with the racquet across their chest, Nadal uses a buggy-whip forehand where the racquet finishes
above his head on the same side of his hitting arm. “Rafael’s extreme low to high hitting motion is seldom seen on the tour. It creates massive spin,” says DeHart. “Nadal intentionally arcs the ball 5 to
10 feet above the net; that makes the ball bounce even higher.”
Returning a ball with heavy top spin is challenging on any surface, but on clay it is arguably the most difficult. “When Rafa’s ball bounces on clay it really kicks. Shots that bounce above shoulder height are tough for even the pros to handle,” says Mitchell. In addition, he explains that Nadal’s racquet head speed helps produce more spin. “Most players don't have the speed in the swing to create that kind of spin. Nadal’s western grip allows him to brush up on the back of the ball to help create the spin.”
According to Babolat
Nadal holds one of the smallest grips on the men’s – or women’s – tour. At four and one quarter inches, it allows his wrist to move freely and increase racquet maneuverability, which helps create spin, as well.
Movement on most court surfaces involves a player running to the ball and stopping to hit. Clay, however, often involves sliding into the ball before the stroke. DeHart says Rafa maintains balance
and composure on clay’s slippery surface. “His timing is perfect. Nadal makes the art of sliding and hitting a ball look easy. This takes years of practice and few players do it as well as Rafa,” says DeHart.
Most tennis players from Europe and South America learn the game first on clay. Nadal is no exception. “Having been raised onclay courts, Rafa developed smooth and natural techniques unique to the surface. His sliding ability helps him reach more balls than anyone,” says teaching pro Fernando Velasco.
Mitchell agrees with Velasco that Nadal is an excellent slider, but suggests that it is the Spaniard’s speed and his ability to produce great shots on the run that deserve equal credit. “He’s a great slider, but it’s a combination of skills that make him the best clay court player,” says Mitchell.
Conclusion
Up until that fateful day in Paris last year, only a fool would have questioned Rafael Nadal’s abilities to win on any court surface, let alone clay. Today, Bollettieri says Nadal is still the player to beat on
clay, but there are considerations: His health.
“Anytime Nadal plays on clay, you cannot discount him. He competes and fights for every point; he won’t give you anything. But he’s playing in a tough era with six to eight guys that can knock off
anyone,” says Bollettieri, noting Roger Federer’s confidence and good form. “But if Rafa is healthy, watch out.”
- Teresa ThompsonSource: http://www.tennisviewmag.com/boywonder.html
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