Rafael Nadal does not have to lose patience against Djokovic - Coach Roig
In an interview to El Espanol, Rafael Nadal's coach Francis Roig commented on the upcoming final between the 17-time Major winner and Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. "You have to beat Djokovic doing basically everything well, and even more in a Grand Slam final. Rafa needs to serve and return well, playing being patient and determinated", said Roig. "It's complicated to win rallies with Novak, because you have to run a lot. So he does not have to lose patience. You have to use variety, without heading into the rally.'
Speaking of Nadal's improvements on serve, Roig added: 'Djokovic is serving well too, but I believe that he is not at the game level that he had when he was almost unbeatable, a few years ago. For Rafa the serve can help a lot against Djokovic. During the entire tournament it was the key, but even more now that he will have on the other side of the net an opponent that it's difficult to beat from the baseline. If Rafa does not feel pressure on return, or if he feels that he holds serves without problems, he will be encouraged to stay forward from the baseline and this is the most important variety.'
Nadal and Djokovic will have a lot of time to recover after that final, as they are taking several weeks off. The Spaniard is committed to play the Mexican Open in Acapulco in late February, while Novak is not planning to compete until the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
ALSO READ: Djokovic would beat Roger Federer in Australian Open final - Evert
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2HweRkM
No comments