Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is one of the most decorated players of all time. The Spaniard has a massive arsenal of shots that have helped him in crunch moments. Not much known for his service game, he certainly is famous for his defensive game and massive strength that sees him constantly running.
His footwork is one of the best in the sport with a rocket-like forehand. With his heavy topspin groundstrokes, speed, and unmatched athleticism, he has managed to win laurels despite nursing a chronic foot injury. Amid all this, his backhand is often underappreciated for some reason.
Nadal often relies on his forehand for winners and puts himself in a position to hit that shot. This results in the Spaniard often ignoring his ferocious backhands. He generally uses it in rallies mixing it with some big spin. This is often seen on clay courts where he tries to tire out the opponent before hitting the winner.
Commenting on this aspect, former World No. 1 Andre Agassi gave his two cents. The American played just twice with the Spaniard as he retired in 2006 with Rafa just starting. Both the matches were won by Nadal. These included the 2005 Canadian Masters finals. The King of Clay won the match in three sets.
Their last meeting took place in the third round of the 2006 Wimbledon with Nadal winning in straight-sets. It also marked the final appearance of Agassi at the Championships. Having seen Nadal’s rise on the Tour, Agassi felt the Spaniard held back his backhand from shining on the Tour.
One thing I would have loved to seen with Rafa over the years is if he gave himself the green light to let his backhand fly. I truly believe we’d be talking about one of the greatest backhands that ever played the game. But instead he can so do much with his forehand, he can do so much with controlling the point with percentage. Said Agassi speaking with Tennis Majors.
He’s constantly making the decision: why do something if you don’t have…I think it might help him a lot of he at least releases the beats on the backhand side because when he amps it up there’s not a ball he cannot hit with it. It’s an impressive wing. Let it go for a few games. That’s what he does in the warm up. Added the American.
Rafael Nadal’s opponent for Tour comeback confirmed
After a spectacular exhibition show at the Netflix Slam in Las Vegas, the 22-time Grand Slam singles title winner returns to the Tour. He made his season debut in Brisbane but lost in the quarter-finals.
Having picked up an injury again, he has remained absent since then. But he will be back in action at the upcoming 2024 Indian Wells Masters. Ranked 652 in the ATP singles rankings currently, the Spaniard has made the main-draw based on his protected ranking of 6.
He will start his campaign against Canadian veteran Milos Raonic. In the second round, he will take on seventh-seeded Holger Rune. With a tough path lying ahead for him, it will certainly challenge the best out of him in what many fear to be the final hardcourt tournament before his retirement.
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