Nadal reveals he is using a heavier racquet this (2012) season.

[Clarky21]

Originally Posted by MichaelNadal

I hope this is actually true and not a rumor.

I think it's true. Nadal said he added weight to it and it's taking him some time to get used to it. He should have done this a long time ago,imo.

[Clay lover]

Nadal still has quite a long stroke though. He may be able to add some pace to his shots but against an aggressive hitter like Ferrer yesterday he seemed uncomfortable with his shot recovery.

[cork_screw]

If weight was an issue, he would just have it customized with lead. The balance would be adjusted. I don't think he would switch to a racquet just for weight reasons. I don't think he's switching, maybe there's an error in the interpretation.

[gregor.b]

Originally Posted by sixone90

I notice his backhands are flatter and penetrate through the court more

Yeah. And he hit some massive serves, some touching 180 km/h.

[Born to play]

Originally Posted by jackson vile

Helped Novak, helps defense and return of service IMO. Really we don't even know how much weight was added and where. Easier power also depending on where it is placed.

It was added to the top so he can generate more power and depth.

[Born to play]

Originally Posted by gregor.b

Yeah. And he hit some massive serves, some touching 180 km/h.

Yes he does and he hase enough pace. He just has added power and depth to his spin. Should be used to it before AO.

[gsharma]

Originally Posted by Born to play

It was added to the top so he can generate more power and depth.

I hope he counter-balanced the weight by adding some to the handle or else the added weight will change his mechanics.

[dr325i]

Originally Posted by Lsmkenpo

It is the same racquet he has always used, players don't switch racquets they just paint them to look like a new model. The commentator doesn't know what he is talking about. There is no new model of Nadal's racquet being released till 2013.

If its heavier it is from the addition of lead tape, which he has always used.

???
Did anyone mention a "new model"???
Or a diferent paint scheme?

[nikdom]

Originally Posted by Marcus

^^ lol

I'm sure this will help his shoulder injury !

What injury?

He's playing fine.

[nadalwon2012]

Originally Posted by cork_screw

If weight was an issue, he would just have it customized with lead. The balance would be adjusted. I don't think he would switch to a racquet just for weight reasons. I don't think he's switching, maybe there's an error in the interpretation.

Nobody said he switched racquet models. Just that he is using a heavier racquet (as in he's had it altered).

[HEADfamilydynasty]

Since this is true i wonder how it will affect his game. Personally i hope he gets some form back (and im a fed fan) because i don't particularly enjoy one-man-army type tennis where one person dominates for years on end. Also i hope this fixes his depth issues as many of his shots land on or by the service line.

[Bartelby]

there's still no evidence!

[TennisMaverick]

Originally Posted by Marcus

^^ lol

I'm sure this will help his shoulder injury !

Actually, if your technique is solid and your fitness is good, heavier frames aid with joint issues.

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by Lsmkenpo

It is the same racquet he has always used, players don't switch racquets they just paint them to look like a new model. The commentator doesn't know what he is talking about. There is no new model of Nadal's racquet being released till 2013.

If its heavier it is from the addition of lead tape, which he has always used.

Nadal has added even more lead weight than usual. and babolat made slightly heavier frame just for Nadal. which is easy to do.

[Sentinel]

In 2013 the Nadal will use a racket manufactured exclusively using lead tape, to help him serve and volley exclusively.


The current racquet helps him transition to the 2013 one.

[beast of mallorca]

Originally Posted by Sentinel

In 2013 the Nadal will use a racket manufactured exclusively using lead tape, to help him serve and volley exclusively.


The current racquet helps him transition to the 2013 one.

So, is this the transitional racquet that will help him overcome being the transitional Champion or the transition will never materialize.

[gsharma]

Originally Posted by TennisMaverick

Actually, if your technique is solid and your fitness is good, heavier frames aid with joint issues.

Heavier and head-light. Head-heavy racquets means wrist/arm/forearm issues.

[TennisMaverick]

Originally Posted by gsharma

Heavier and head-light. Head-heavy racquets means wrist/arm/forearm issues.

NOT if your technique is solid and your fitness is good. It's not going to be an issue for any 6.0-7.0 player.

[gsharma]

Originally Posted by TennisMaverick

NOT if your technique is solid and your fitness is good. It's not going to be an issue for any 6.0-7.0 player.

High swingweight is going to become an issue sooner rather than later. Ask Soderling - his racquet had a notoriously high swingweight and he had to go lower when he developed wrist issues.

Moreover, head-heavy racquet means more trouble generating racquet head speed, which could be an issue for a guy like Nadal.

Ofcourse, it's all relative. Going from a 12oz to 12.5 oz racquet is nothing for pros as opposed to going to 13.5 oz stick.

[nadalwon2012]

Well, Nadal certainly hit his shots deep in the Federer match. So looks like Nadal won this thread.