With Wimbledon just around the corner, the biggest tennis storylines of the summer are about to surface. We’re going to be hearing about Roger Federer’s run at a ninth Wimbledon title and Serena Williams’s quest to win her first Slam since childbirth; unexpected marathon matches will grab our attention and generate headlines; and there’s even some talk that Andy Murray could play doubles, having semi-retired from professional tennis just earlier this year.
But one more storyline that deserves attention as we head into Wimbledon – and which we sometimes take for granted – is that of Rafael Nadal’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Fresh off another French Open title and looking as good as he ever has, the world number two is showing no signs of slowing down.
Plans To Conquer Wimbledon
After winning his 12th Roland-Garros title and proving the French Open betting markets right for having pegged him as a clear favorite even in his mid-30s, Nadal now has his sights set on conquering Wimbledon once more. Indeed, despite the Spaniard’s history of occasionally faltering on grass courts (often due to vulnerable knees, which are strained more on grass-court play), he’ll likely be among the betting favorites in London as well.
This would make perfect sense when you consider Nadal’s recent play at the All England Club, despite the fact that it’s been years since he won there. When Nadal lost to Novak Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon semifinals, his performance was still impressive, and nearly up to the level he’d need to win the event. He’s also, seemingly, coming in healthier than he has the past few years, with his win at the French Open serving as just the latest testament to his career-long tendency to bounce back determinedly from injuries. Nadal is taking a break during the Wimbledon tune-up events, as he’s done at times in the past, which makes it clear that he’s got his sights set on the grand prize: a cup he hasn’t hoisted since 2010.
He’s Actually Better Than Ever
Not too many professional athletes – particularly in tennis – are better at 33 than 23, but Nadal just might be an exception.
Now within range of Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record (which the Swiss legend could still add to), Nadal has actually displayed improvement in his game, so far following in Federer’s footsteps in defiance of Father Time. His serve has become more of a weapon than it was earlier in his career, as evidenced by the 73% of first serves he hit in during the French Open final against Dominic Thiem. And his volley has also improved significantly, making him deadlier at net (he won 23 of 27 points at net in the French final) and helping him to maximize the benefit of his own ability to cover the court. Even Nadal’s backhand, frankly, seems more like a valuable backup tool than a second-tier option, as it can be even for some of the best players in the world. All of this plus the fact that he remains an absolute athletic force compared to most of his competition, and the statement that he’s gotten better is a fair one.
A discussion on Nadal’s ongoing dominance could go on for several pages. But the above stats and examples certainly convey that the Spaniard is still largely within his prime as a tennis player. He doesn’t always get attention for it, perhaps because Federer is older and has also displayed incredible consistency and resilience. But for Nadal to be doing what he’s doing at 33 is remarkable.
