Rafael Nadal: Whoever says he is never nervous on court is lying

20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has admitted that he feels nervous in certain moments but noted that he is giving his best effort not to ever show that on the court and give his opponent some type of edge.

Nadal, ranked at No. 2 in the world, is one of the most accomplished players in tennis history and an outstanding mental strength is one of the main reasons why he has become such a great player. 

"They’re talking a lot about mentality but normally, if you win, it’s because of this (he moves his hand like a racquet). You have to handle the little yellow ball well before any mental aspects...", Nadal said during his appearance on El Hormiguero, as revealed by Tennis Majors.

"After that, it’s true that when the situation is complicated, success might come, I guess – no, I know – for people ready to fight, ready to handle the pressure, ready not to lose your abilities under those circumstances.

"Of course I am nervous. I try not to show it but for sure I’m nervous. Everybody is nervous. Or they are lying."

But Nadal has yet to win a Nitto ATP Finals title 

Nadal, who equaled Roger Federer on the all-time Grand Slam record list with 20 Majors after winning the French Open, was aiming to end his season on a high note and clinch his maiden Nitto ATP Finals title at the age of 34.

Unfortunately for Nadal, that didn't happen as the Spaniard blew a big lead in the semifinal against eventual champion Daniil Medvedev. 

Nadal was up by a set and serving for the match against Medvedev but even that wasn't enough as the Russian staged a huge comeback to reach the final at The O2 Arena.

Andy Murray, who won his lone Nitto ATP Finals title in 2016, tried to explain why Nadal has never won the ATP Finals.

"It’s just not his best surface and it’s possible that if it was played on clay for the last 10-12 years, then maybe he would have won it six or seven times. So, as for sure that the surface has been a contributing factor," Murray said.

"It all comes down to preference and game styles and matchups and there’s lots of reasons. Rafa would have been highly motivated and really wanting to win this event. But, just a difficult surface for him against the top players."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/39Ko6dz