The 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is currently playing no.14 seed Denis Shapovalov from Canada in an exciting quarter-final match-up. The Spaniard is already two sets up against the Canadian and looking like a clear favorite to win this bout.
However, one interesting thing that happened in the second set was really surprising. Rafael Nadal did something that he never does and it’s all because of the heat in Melbourne.
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Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 25, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his quarter final match against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Rafael Nadal changes his routine
During the second set, when Rafael Nadal was 4-3 up, he suddenly changed his routine because of the sweat. The temperature is currently around 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) in Melbourne and understandably, Rafa was sweating heavily during the match. The sweat from his forehead was dripping on the court when he was serving.
At the same time, his clothes have also become visibly wet. Because of his wet shorts, the Spaniard could not put the balls in his pocket, which he usually does for the second serve. Instead, he had to take the balls from the ball kids after missing the first serve.
#Nadal's pants are drenched with sweat. He is now resorting to taking the ball for 2nd serves from the ball kids #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/dt9YaMb2IX
— SportsTalk (@rajeshworld) January 25, 2022
This change of routine almost never happens during a Rafa match. We all know how particular Rafa is about his routine, but this time around, the Spaniard had to change his routine because of the scorching heat of Melbourne.
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However, for the third set, Rafa changed his shorts and, as usual, the routine was back again.
Rafa and his routines
Rafael Nadal has won 20 Grand Slam titles, and people often talk about his famous routines before every match. Some of those well-documented routines are:
- He wears both socks at the exact same height.
- Places his water bottles in perfect positions.
- He jumps around during a coin toss and then runs towards the baseline for warm-ups.
- In his entire career, he never steps on the line and always puts his right foot forward before his left.
- He puts his hair behind his ears and touches his shorts before every serve.
- In the end, he always bites his trophy after winning.
There are many more small routines, and the Spaniard likes to follow them. It’s clearly worked for him, as he’s won 20 Grand Slams with these routines.
Can Rafa win his 21st title in Australia? Let us know in the comments.
