Rafael Nadal (ESP) Player Profile

Name: Raphael Nadal
Country: Spain
Birthplace: Manacor, Mallorca
Residence: Manacor, Mallorca
Plays: Left Handed (Double Handed Backhand)
Highest Singles Ranking: 2 (25-Jul-05)
Highest Doubles Ranking: 26 (8-Aug-05)
Scouting: Everyone knows who Raphael Nadal is. He is the current 4 times champion of the French Open, but not only is he dominant on his favourite surface clay, but his game is improving every year on all of the other surfaces. This is currently being shown when he has already reached the Wimbledon final twice.

What most people dont know is that Rafa used to play double handed on both sides so normally most players try to attack his backhand, but this is a lot more consistent that his forehand. Rafa likes to play at a consistent depth on the baseline so movement within your ground shots is vital. Plus you would really need to serve well because his return of serve is so important to his game. When playing Nadal the only chance you have is to keep points very short, try to hit one big shot in each rally and of course you must capitalise on it. Mixing up length of shots is important and also trying to bring him to net whenever possible. Rafa is one of the greatest clay court players I have seen in a long time, but his game on other surfaces can break be broken down, but definitely not easily.