Toni Nadal names the players who can beat Rafael Nadal on clay but omits Roger Federer
Toni Nadal has named five players he believes can beat Rafael Nadal on clay, but Roger Federer wasn’t among them.
Rafael Nadal has been in brilliant form on his favoured surface this season, winning both the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open without dropping a set.
In total, he has won his last 46 games on clay, but former coach Toni believes there are players his nephew needs to be extra wary of.
After naming Dominic Thiem as Nadal’s main clay rival, Toni added: “David Goffin, Juan Martin del Potro and Nick Kyrgios, but he has elbow issues. Same thing for Novak Djokovic.”
Federer’s omission from the list is likely more to do with his decision to skip clay court season this year than anything else.
“I don’t know if Rafa misses Roger for clashes on clay,” added Toni. “But it’s clear: Rafa would definitely be the favourite on clay.
“Federer wants to save his energy for the grass-court season, which worked well last year and made him stay injury-free.”
Latest
-
Tennis NewsExclusive – Meet the brothers who grew up alongside Stefanos Tsitsipas and are now teaching the Mouratoglou way
Two of Stefanos Tsitsipas’ former adversaries in the junior ranks have given us the inside story on his rise.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray set for huge rankings collapse after Indian Wells exit
Former world No.1 Andy Murray has been…
-
Tennis NewsMoment of history for Ons Jabeur as she seals last four spot in Indian Wells
Ons Jabeur sealed her place in the BNP Paribas Open’s final four with a straight-sets victory over Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit.
-
Tennis NewsGrigor Dimitrov gives his verdict as he secures another big win in Indian Wells
Dimitrov’s revival continues as he battled past Hubert Hurkacz in a deciding set tie-break.
-
NewsCameron Norrie reaches first ATP Masters semi-final as Indian Wells win sees him become new British No 1
Cameron Norrie saw off Diego Schwartzman in the last eight.
-
WTA Tour‘I look forward to returning to the Tour in the next couple of weeks,’ says Emma Raducanu after withdrawing from WTA event
Emma Raducanu won’t be heading to Russia next week.
-
Billie Jean King Cup‘I have made the decision to not play the BJK Cup Finals,’ says Leylah Fernandez
Leylah Fernandez won’t represent Canada at the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
-
Tennis NewsExclusive – New ITF World Tennis Number set to revolutionise the game around the globe
Britain’s LTA has played a leading role in the development of the new ITF World Tennis Number.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal following a very ‘specific plan’ following foot injury as he provides fitness update
“You have to be a little cautious, look a little in the medium term.”
-
Tennis VideosWATCH: Tennis’ rooftop stars spend time at Rafa Nadal Academy as Roger Federer keeps his promise
Roger Federer keeps his promise as youngsters spend time at Rafa Nadal Academy.