“He’s Nearly Toast”: Two-Time French Open Finalist Reasons Why Rafael Nadal Hasn’t Won ATP Finals

Tennis legends have weighed in on why Rafael Nadal hasn’t won the ATP Finals title in nine attempts.

Stalwarts Mats Wilander, Ivan Lendl, and two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja tried to answer the question that has baffled experts as well as the game’s followers.

Rafael Nadal not as effective on hard courts, says two-time French Open finalist

Nadal, who, by his own admission, is vulnerable on hard courts, has made the title round of the event on two occasions but fell at the final hurdle.

Reasoning why the ATP Finals has remained an unconquered territory for the 20-time Grand Slam winner, Corretja said, “I think his game is not as effective (on hard courts) as on other surfaces.”

He said by the time Nadal arrives for the season-ending tournament, he is nearly spent.

“When he gets to the Masters, usually, it’s not the case this year, he is nearly toast…

“…because we know that physically, he spends a lot of time in making a big effort.

“So, mentally, I think he is sort of like, empty,” Corretja said.

Spaniard might have found it tough to adjust to indoor surface in London

“And then at the end of the year, the court is not bouncing as high as you wish. And, at the same time, he (has) probably won Roland-Garros, maybe US Open, or in other years, Wimbledon (by the time he gets to the Finals).”

“So, I think it (winning the Tour Finals) doesn’t come as natural,” the Spaniard reasoned.

Read More: “Still Have to Face Dominic And Stefanos”: Rafael Nadal on Tough Competition at ATP Finals 2020

He also opined that since Spanish players are known to play mostly outdoor events throughout the year, Nadal might also have found it difficult to adjust to the indoor surfaces and conditions at the O2 Arena.

“For a Spanish guy, going indoors, he needs to adjust his game. I think that’s why, for Rafa, maybe it’s a little bit difficult to win the Masters (Finals),” Corretja said.

He hoped Nadal might end his trophy-less spell at the O2 this year as “he is fresher.”

The Spanish giant certainly held up the promise of a maiden title-run at the Finals this year, as he came through a tricky tie against Russian Andrey Rublev on Monday.