Nadal with his 10th Roland Garros title. Photo: Reuters.
– At the age of 16, Rafael Nadal gave an interview that he preferred hard courts and grass courts to clay courts, and wanted to compete with Carlos Moya.
– I haven’t watched that interview yet.
Nadal doesn’t think he will still compete at Federer’s age
– After the current successes, to the point where people call you the king of clay courts, sounds strange, right?
– I adapted very quickly on clay, but I also wanted to play well on grass because not many Spanish players were successful on this surface.
– That was Nadal’s dream when he was young.
– Actually, I don’t have any wishes.
– Nadal has regained a special position – number one in the world.
– It’s great to be at the top of ATP again at this age.
My schedule and goals are all about fitness and inspiration.
– Is the fact that Federer is still playing at the top at the age of 36 a source of encouragement for you?
– I don’t think about that, because each player has his own career.
Nadal is unlikely to compete at the age of 36. Photo: Reuters.
– Nadal seems to be getting closer to Federer’s achievements?
– If you’re talking about the Grand Slam, I don’t think so.
– In the farewell letter that Toni Nadal revealed in El Pais newspaper, he gave Nadal more feedback than compliments.
– We have always been very close.
– Have there ever been disagreements between you two?
– When I was young, my training sessions were very intense.
Toni stopped coaching Rafa Nadal since 2018. Photo: Reuters.
– Obviously Toni Nadal has a big influence on you?
– I couldn’t find someone better than Toni.
– What’s different about working with new coach Carlos Moya?
– Together with Toni and colleague Francisco Roig, I had a successful 2017 season.
– One of the aspects that Nadal clearly improved in 2017 was the second serve.
– My second ball this year is better than any previous year.
Nadal with new coach Carlos Moya.
– How do you remember match details or statistics clearly?
– After every match, I remember everything.
– Nadal will start the 2018 season in Brisbane in January. His schedule will not change, or whether he intends to skip any Masters 1000 tournaments.
– I have prepared, quite clearly, but the match schedule depends on the results.
– Why is competing in fewer tournaments not good?
– When we play less, we easily fall into a state of lack of confidence.