Mats Wilander: 'Rafael Nadal will learn from Federer-Tsitsipas match"
Speaking on Eurosport the seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander said that he believes Rafael Nadal will be the favorite to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open on Thursday. 'We are expecting hot temperatures, Nadal likes when it's hot because the ball bounces higher but the court is faster and Tsitsipas needs to get free points. I am slighty worried for Tsitsipas in this match, I do not know how much he has left and Rafa likes challenging younger players', said Wilander.
The former world No. 1 also added: 'I think Rafa watched the Tsitsipas-Federer match and there is a lot of things he can learn. Rafa knows he cannot play passive tennis because Tsitsipas is way too good to hit the ball hard and come forward to the net, which Rafa doesn't like. He will have to be aggressive and take time away from Tsitsipas. Because his movement is not that great even though he moves very well considering his height.'
Nadal defeated Tsitdipas in last year's Barcelona final 6-2 6-1, and in the Toronto final 6-2 7-6.
Patrick Mouratoglou, who works with Tsitsipas, said: his chances are reduced because he’s going to play one of the greatest player and a player who plays unbelievable since the beginning of the tournament. Probably that Rafa is the most impressive since the beginning so it’s going to be a tough match. But with that mindset he’s going to give himself a chance to win it.”
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2RLB7M7
No comments