DavaiMarat
Professional
Beyond his brutish strokes this man has taken advantage of everything that the modern tour allows. Technology, rules and mental gamesmenship have been used to maximum effect. This may seem like a insult but quite the opposite, he should be applauded for it. While other toil because of stubbornness or pride he does anything he can to win and guess what? He does.
Let's go through the list....
Technology:
He's taken full advantage of what new poly strings can do. In fact his strokes are based around them. Extreme spin on both wings allow for a huge margin for error what bringing the ball high out of the opponents strike zone. Roddick, Moya and Nadal single-handedly brought wide body racquets into the mens tour providing extra power with less effort.
Nadal: A+
Rules:
Nadal has always bent the rules to his advantage. Long breaks between points allow him to recover more from his physical style of play. Bathroom breaks and medical timeouts at the worst possible time for his opponents. Momentum breaking stuff. Truly brilliant.
Nadal: A+
Media:
Always underplaying his chances even when he's clearly the favorite. Always playing the underdog. Takes pressure off himself by clearly making himself a long shot.
Nadal: A+
Breaks:
Understanding he was burnt out by Wimbledon 2012 and his confidence shaken by continual losses to Djokovic he goes on a extended medical leave of absence. I don't really think his knees were an issue. All players play with some discomfort. Nope, he needed to get his edge back. Now he comes back this year before the French fully recharged. The rest of the field is clearly not 100%. He mows them down like cattle including a demotivated tired Djokovic. Nadal knows the season is too long and just decided enough is enough. I need time to play 100%. Why don't more pros do this? Why? Because the ATP would cry bloody murder.
This is a brilliant strategy: Nadal A+
Mental Toughness:
Do I really have to say anything? His is the pinnacle of mental toughness. And from the 2013 US OPEN final he knows how to get into other players heads as well. Take a page out of Hewitt's book, yes sir, thank you very much. I'm going fist pump you till you pull your hair out. Oh, a net cord winner? I'm going to fist pump you when I turn around (and make sure you see it).
Nadal: A+++
So yes, Nadal is now undoubtedly the smartest guy on tour. Love him, hate him, you have to respect his do anything to win attitude. Something the the rest of the field should take note of.
Let's go through the list....
Technology:
He's taken full advantage of what new poly strings can do. In fact his strokes are based around them. Extreme spin on both wings allow for a huge margin for error what bringing the ball high out of the opponents strike zone. Roddick, Moya and Nadal single-handedly brought wide body racquets into the mens tour providing extra power with less effort.
Nadal: A+
Rules:
Nadal has always bent the rules to his advantage. Long breaks between points allow him to recover more from his physical style of play. Bathroom breaks and medical timeouts at the worst possible time for his opponents. Momentum breaking stuff. Truly brilliant.
Nadal: A+
Media:
Always underplaying his chances even when he's clearly the favorite. Always playing the underdog. Takes pressure off himself by clearly making himself a long shot.
Nadal: A+
Breaks:
Understanding he was burnt out by Wimbledon 2012 and his confidence shaken by continual losses to Djokovic he goes on a extended medical leave of absence. I don't really think his knees were an issue. All players play with some discomfort. Nope, he needed to get his edge back. Now he comes back this year before the French fully recharged. The rest of the field is clearly not 100%. He mows them down like cattle including a demotivated tired Djokovic. Nadal knows the season is too long and just decided enough is enough. I need time to play 100%. Why don't more pros do this? Why? Because the ATP would cry bloody murder.
This is a brilliant strategy: Nadal A+
Mental Toughness:
Do I really have to say anything? His is the pinnacle of mental toughness. And from the 2013 US OPEN final he knows how to get into other players heads as well. Take a page out of Hewitt's book, yes sir, thank you very much. I'm going fist pump you till you pull your hair out. Oh, a net cord winner? I'm going to fist pump you when I turn around (and make sure you see it).
Nadal: A+++
So yes, Nadal is now undoubtedly the smartest guy on tour. Love him, hate him, you have to respect his do anything to win attitude. Something the the rest of the field should take note of.
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