1. He is physically fit, again
Rafael Nadal has been bothered by his knee problems for several years now. The most recent one is his withdrawal before the start of his semifinal match against Andy Murray at the Sony Ericsson Open.
However, throughout the course of the recently concluded French Open, there were no reported news about Rafael Nadal’s knee injury. More so, Nadal himself did not mention any issues about his body condition for that matter. He chased the ball well across the court and was moving from side to side with ease.
He is a rabbit again.
2. He is well-rested
Rafael Nadal captured his historic 7th French Open title by dropping only one set. That one set happened only in his final match against Novak Djokovic.
For him winning almost every match in straight sets means he exerted relatively lesser amount of effort, allowing his body to conserve more energy and recuperate faster.
After his win at Roland Garros, Nadal played at the Gerry Weber Open in Germany – his tuneup tournament for Wimbledon. He was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
However, the loss is better for Nadal.
He was able to play a couple of matches which allowed him feel his rhythm on grass while enjoying the awarded extra time to rest before the start of Wimbledon on June 25.
Nadal’s style of play is about power, speed and stamina. And he has them all because he is well-rested.
3. He has the momentum
Rafael Nadal won four of the last six tournaments he played in this year. Three of the four victories, he defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals.
4. He has restored back his confidence
Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal seven consecutive finals since 2011 until this year’s Australian Open. That loses put Djokovic in Nadal’s head and broke Nadal’s spirit.
Now, Nadal has defeated Djokovic three final matches in a row enroute to his seventh Roland Garros trophy.
This has certainly brought back the confidence once shattered and the belief in himself.
He has revived to life the old Rafael Nadal.
5. He is Rafael Nadal
There are four reasons why Rafael Nadal is the man to beat. Add to that, he is the Rafael Nadal.
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Sources : Wimbledon | Yahoo! | Roland Garros
Alvin is a tennis fan and is a big fan of Rafael Nadal.
