Fitness coach explains why Rafael Nadal struggles to finish hardcourt tournaments

Rafael Nadal struggles to finish tournaments strongly on hardcourts because his knees are no longer up to it, suggests one of the game’s most prominent fitness coaches.
Pierre Paganini, who works with Roger Federer, is currently preparing the Swiss master for his return to clay, but has made some interesting observations regarding Nadal.
“Every surface has its pitfalls.” Paganini told Blick.
“On clay, quadriceps and abductors are specifically required, the lower back area on grass and the foot, knee and hip joints on hard surface.
RELATED: Dominic Thiem warns not to write off Rafael Nadal despite recent vulnerability on clay
“That’s tennis. Each body has other vulnerabilities and strengths.
“Rafael Nadal feels better protected on clay, his knees hurt more on hardcourts.
“Certain injuries cannot be avoided, but I think that we can prevent a lot with individually tailored training.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
EXCLUSIVE: Judy Murray reveals coaching secrets at her Algarve tennis camp
-
-
EXCLUSIVE – Laura Robson: I want to earn a place back on the Fed Cup team
-
Six things we learned from the Monte-Carlo Masters: Featuring Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and more
-
EXCLUSIVE – Clare Balding: Fed Cup success can inspire a boom in the women’s game
-
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev is not caught up with being Russian No 1
Andrey Rublev doesn’t need to be the top Russian.
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer welcomes world No 1 Iga Swiatek and Ben Shelton to the On team
Roger Federer is thrilled to welcome two generational talents to On apparel.
-
WTA Tour
Monica Seles sees herself in Naomi Osaka
Monica Seles is hopeful that Naomi Osaka will return to tennis after the birth of her first child.
-
News
Martina Navratilova opens up on cancer battle in emotional interview
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has opened up on her cancer battle.
-
ATP Tour
Miami Open draw: Andy Murray on collision course with Carlos Alcaraz
Andy Murray is lined up with a Round of 32 meeting against world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
-
Tennis News
Naomi Osaka sets out to become a mental health champion
Naomi Osaka is out to hit a winner for mental health.
-
Tennis News
What titles has Daniil Medvedev won?
Daniil Medvedev is a feared opponent on hard courts all over the world.
-
ATP Tour
What does John McEnroe think of Carlos Alcaraz?
Carlos Alcaraz has received the John McEnroe seal of approval.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev offers mock thanks to Indian Wells court after ‘toxic relationship’
Daniil Medvedev was in good spirits after losing the Indian Wells final.
-
Tennis News
Elena Rybakina finally gets one back in rivarly with Aryna Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina avenged her Australian Open defeat with a championship match triumph at Indian Wells.