Rafael Nadal is well-known in the tennis community for his extraordinary athleticism and robust physique. Jim Courier, a former tennis player, thinks that Nadal’s muscular overkill might have worked against him in the long run. This is because of his unique style of play on-court that had a negative effect on his longevity, especially when compared to legends like Roger Federer and Nadal Djokovic.

Jim Courier sheds light on this aspect of the story by highlighting the strain that Nadal has put on his muscles. Siding with Nadal’s weak points in his play, let’s dive deep into what Courier said during “The Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast.”.

Jim Courier on Rafael Nadal’s longevity in tennis

There have been several other instances where Nadal’s career-staking style of play and negligence in adapting a more protective attitude towards his physique have compelled him to suffer in his career. This, when compared to his rivals, Djokovic and Federer, has left him in a disadvantageous position. Discussing Rafael Nadal’s physical strength, Jim Courier said, “He’s the only one who’s played with this much muscle on his joints that has made it this far.”

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He further explained that athletes who strain their bodies to that extent rarely have as long of a career. Nadal suffered a hip injury at the Major Down Under and took a long hiatus from tennis after performing at the Australian Open in January last year. This was because of his prolonged healing time after the injury. Several other injuries during his career have their roots in his aggressive style of play and his muscular overkill during those times.

However, Courier acknowledged his admiration for Nadal’s tenacity and durability in the game, despite these concerns. Courier called Rafael Nadal an exception who, despite his physically demanding style of play, has excelled and defied preconceptions. “Like, you know, guys that put that much stress on their bodies typically don’t last. And he’s been an outlier in so many ways. And it’s been just a marvel and a blessing to have a chance to watch him.” Jim Courier further emphasized.

Read more: Rafael Nadal’s ‘Insecurity’ Element Highlighted When Compared to Long-Term Rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal also revealed his insight on the matter last year and had a clear display of remorse about his carelessness regarding his health.

Nadal’s “bad decisions” during his career

Last year, during a Spanish television interview, Rafael Nadal opened up about his perspective on the decisions that he took early in his career regarding his health. His regret reflected on his conversation while talking about the changes that he would have liked to bring to his career if he had a chance to start over.

“I made some bad decisions when it came to protecting my physique, especially when I was younger. I made mistakes thinking I was doing what was best for me,” Rafael Nadal stated during the interview.

Fans and former athletes like Jim Courier admire and respect Nadal for his ability to endure in the face of injuries and disappointments. We are lucky to see Rafael Nadal’s incredible career and his everlasting impact on the game, although the duration of it is now up to the Spaniard!

Also read: French Open 2024: Rafael Nadal’s Last Dance Leads To Breathtaking 700,000 Demand