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I accidentally found this article a few years ago and I was amazed by McEnroe's prediction about Nadal. I remembered McEnroe used to predict that Federer will become Number 1 back when Fed was still in a top 20. I was surprised to hear that back then because I didn't see anything outstanding about Federer's game back then. I also believe that this prediction about Nadal will be true too just like his prediction on Federer a few years ago.
McEnroe tips Nadal for top spot
Nadal captures Rome title
John McEnroe has predicted that Spanish teenager Rafael Nadal will one day be world number one.
Nadal, 18, claimed a thrilling five-set victory over Guillermo Coria in the Rome Masters final on Sunday.
"If he matures mentally, picks up tips on serving and volleying and keeps that intensity, I can see him surpassing Roger Federer one day," said McEnroe.
"He's a leftie and I love watching him play, and one day he's going to be the best player in the world."
Nadal came from 3-0 down in the deciding set of the final, despite needing treatment on a bruised and blistered racquet hand, to win 6-4 3-6 6-3 4-6 7-6.
And he will be one of the favourites for this month's French Open.
A lot of things went Henman's way at last year's French Open
John McEnroe
But McEnroe admits that Nadal will face a tough challenge from Federer over the next couple of years.
"Nadal doesn't look 18. He reminds me of Boris Becker, in the sense that he seems so much more mature physically and he plays the game with great enthusiasm and intensity," he said.
"But I'm a huge fan of Federer and I think that if he continues his level of play in the next three or four years, we'll be talking about him in terms of the likes of Laver and Sampras."
McEnroe also believes that British number one Tim Henman will face a tall order if he is to reach the last four of the French Open once again this year.
All credit to Nadal - he seems to be showing all the credentials for someone who will occupy the top spot
From PB
Have your say on Five Live
"It will be very hard for him to duplicate that performance this year. A lot of things went his way last year - he's experienced and he took advantage of some situations.
"It would be incredible if he got to the semi-finals again. I think he should be credited for what he did and he fought hard and played a great couple of sets against Coria in the semi-finals.
"To do what he did two years in a row with hungrier players out there is much more difficult."
McEnroe tips Nadal for top spot
Nadal captures Rome title
John McEnroe has predicted that Spanish teenager Rafael Nadal will one day be world number one.
Nadal, 18, claimed a thrilling five-set victory over Guillermo Coria in the Rome Masters final on Sunday.
"If he matures mentally, picks up tips on serving and volleying and keeps that intensity, I can see him surpassing Roger Federer one day," said McEnroe.
"He's a leftie and I love watching him play, and one day he's going to be the best player in the world."
Nadal came from 3-0 down in the deciding set of the final, despite needing treatment on a bruised and blistered racquet hand, to win 6-4 3-6 6-3 4-6 7-6.
And he will be one of the favourites for this month's French Open.
A lot of things went Henman's way at last year's French Open
John McEnroe
But McEnroe admits that Nadal will face a tough challenge from Federer over the next couple of years.
"Nadal doesn't look 18. He reminds me of Boris Becker, in the sense that he seems so much more mature physically and he plays the game with great enthusiasm and intensity," he said.
"But I'm a huge fan of Federer and I think that if he continues his level of play in the next three or four years, we'll be talking about him in terms of the likes of Laver and Sampras."
McEnroe also believes that British number one Tim Henman will face a tall order if he is to reach the last four of the French Open once again this year.
All credit to Nadal - he seems to be showing all the credentials for someone who will occupy the top spot
From PB
Have your say on Five Live
"It will be very hard for him to duplicate that performance this year. A lot of things went his way last year - he's experienced and he took advantage of some situations.
"It would be incredible if he got to the semi-finals again. I think he should be credited for what he did and he fought hard and played a great couple of sets against Coria in the semi-finals.
"To do what he did two years in a row with hungrier players out there is much more difficult."
