'If his life depends on one point, Rafael Nadal’s...', says ATP star

The controversy continues in Melbourne. Despite the attempt by Tournament Director Tiley to throw water on the fire, flanked by institutional colleagues and the players themselves, such as Nole Djokovic, discontent still hangs dangerously in the Australian sky, suggesting even darker clouds towards the horizon. A horizon that in this case is temporal, because there are fewer and fewer days left before the start of the first slam of the season. The one that will take place from 8 February and that many had predicted as the rebirth slam therefore risks becoming the most complex and bewildered tournament of the entire post-resumption circuit in August. This is because for the first time it is the players who suffer and complain about their condition, rather than being the most protected and most privileged figures. Many protest voices, many controversies mounted by tennis players forced to quarantine without the possibility of training. One of the most recent was that of the Argentine tennis player, Guido Pella, a man who has never been afraid to express his opinion, not even when some of his statements could have damaged his position and credibility towards his colleagues. Yet, when there are tensions or there is a need for clear and sincere answers, or when there is a need to express one's feelings with determination and pride, Pella has always shown that he does not hesitate to come forward. And so it was also on the occasion of the controversy regarding the different treatment reserved to tennis players in Adelaide compared to those in Melbourne: “We are in two completely different worlds. I've seen photos, Novak Djokovic's balcony is bigger than my room. But what I find most disturbing is the silence of Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal, the number two and three in the world. At least Djokovic showed good intentions, willingness to shock them, they didn't"- thundered the Argentine. Over the years, Rafael Nadal earned tremendous success, competing at the highest level. The ability to regroup himself and claw back into the match is what stands out for the Spaniard. He is considered, one of the greatest competitors the sports has ever witnessed. 

Gilles Simon on Rafael Nadal

Recently, highlighting this aspect of his was French tennis player, Gilles Simon. He echoed the Spaniard ability and said, “Rafael Nadal starts from what works when things aren’t working well. I’m going to put a lot of intensity in my forehand range on the backhand side of the other. And I’m going to be around a lot by putting energy into it.” The 20-time Grand Slam winner has the ability to tire his opponents by engaging in long rallies from the baseline and once he gets his opponent outside the court, he moves in to finish the point with a final volley. Elaborating further on it, Gilles said, “And from there, I’m gonna …. I’m validating that first, that it’s my thing. If his life depends on one point, he’s going to play this. That’s what’s so special about him, and then you see the construction. Then he’ll play longer, and sometimes he comes forward, etc. Let’s just approach it this way, it would be easier.” 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3pkz8ez