Rafael Nadal: Roger Federer skips clay court season because he knows he’ll lose
Rafael Nadal has said that fear of losing his aura of invincibility is behind Roger Federer’s decision to skip clay court season.
Federer took the decision after the Miami Open, recently claiming it was to preserve his energy for grass court season.
However, many in the game have insinuated that the real reason he skips clay season – including the French Open – is because he doesn’t feel he can beat Nadal, against whom he has a wretched record on the surface.
Now, Nadal has poured fuel onto that fire by saying Federer is scared of losing his “aura of unbeatable” whilst admitting he misses the clashed between the two on his favourite surface.
“With Federer I played a few times here [in Madrid]. In 2009, 2010 and 2011,” Nadal said.
“The matches against him are always difficult, but in Madrid a little more. They have been special meetings, and having been able to live them at home is something unique.”
“I understand that Federer must think that it is a major wear to play on the [clay] ground, that he has a fantastic winning dynamic and that in clay he can lose more games and lose that aura of unbeatable that he maintains on other surfaces.
“I think those two factors together lead him to make the decision.”
Latest
-
ATP TourWATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP TourAndrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP TourRoger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA TourGarbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.
-
ATP TourStefanos Tsitsipas sets up showdown with Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
-
NewsLawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray’s tips on how to make sure you stay injury-free when tennis resumes after lockdown
Andy Murray is back with some tips.
-
Tennis FunWATCH: Kei Nishikori reveals he wanted to be a penguin when he was young
Kei Nishikori with some quality content.
-
ATP Tour‘He will play top-level tennis again because he is that good’ – Andy Murray on Roger Federer’s return
Andy Murray on Roger Federer’s return.
-
Tennis Top 10Top 10 oldest WTA singles champions: Billie Jean King top, but Venus and/or Serena Williams could pip her
A look at your oldest WTA singles title winners.