What a glorious Sunday this was for tennis fans.The final of Wimbledon 2008 is already being talked about in reverential tones. Phrases like " the greatest tennis match of all-time" are being tossed around with the frequency of rain delays at Wimbledon.
It's obvious to anyone who has watched tennis closely the past 3 years, that Rafael Nadal has improved his game to an extent that is almost never seen on the pro tour. Players may work on some parts of their game and show improvement but Nadal has turbo-charged his game.
His backhand which was a liability everywhere but on clay 3 years ago is now a lethal weapon.
He can hit heavy topspin to neutralize his opponents, he can drive flat balls with rocket speed, and he can hit both a vicious slice or a floating slice to change the pace of the point.
Not to mention that he has added speed and variety to his serve and gained considerable expertise in volleying.
Who could have imagined that Nadal would serve and volley down love 15 in the biggest game of his life?
All credit has to go to Nadal and his coaches.
Now, notice that Nadal is not a product of a high-level tennis academy with a pedigreed coach who has directed other players to the pinnacle of the game.
So, Uncle Toni as he's known must know a hell of a lot about tennis. It's also been said that Carlos Moya, the fellow Majorcan, has been a major influence on the younger Rafa.
Nadal started with a warrior's heart, a sprinter's speed, and a boxer's knockout topspin forehand. But, now he is becoming a complete player.
I can't wait to see him play at the next 2 hard court slams.
Don't be surprised if you see him holding up a trophy either in New York or Melbourne or both.
Until next time,
Glenn Sheiner M.D. - author of Insider Tennis Strategies Great Tennis Tips AND coaching Lessons guaranteed to make you a smarter tennis player and take your tennis to the next level. Also, check out the world's top tennis humor screensaver
Tennis Cartoon Screensaver. You can download a trial version for FREE.
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1 comment:
I'm sure Rafa Nadal has passed every drug test with flying colors but if there ever was a tennis player on steriods it's got to be Nadal. No other tennis player has the upper body development that Nadal has and his face has that puffy enlarged look that steroid users get. His uncommon strength and stamina also attest to some type of performance enhancement drugs.
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