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 Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?