There is no denying that Rafael Nadal is an absolute delight to watch on clay courts, where he has reigned supreme over the past many seasons. The Spaniard’s stellar clay court performances have always managed to pique the interest of many in the tennis community, including Rick Macci. Ahead of his opening-round match at the Madrid Open, the legendary American tennis coach hailed the 22-time singles Grand Slam champion for his on-court prowess and work ethic.

Back in 2005, the ‘King of the Clay’ marked his first triumph at the Madrid Open, where he overcame Ivan Ljubičić in a five-set thrilling championship game. Reminiscing about the same, Rick Macci couldn’t hold himself back from lauding Nadal ahead of his opener. He tweeted, “April 25th 2005 19 years ago a lefty with a beyond brutal heavy wicked topspin forehand and a work ethic like no other broke into the top TEN and RED CLAY BECAME HIS BEST FRIEND. @RafaelNadal”

After his first triumphant run in 2005, the Spanish player went on to win four more titles at his home tournament in Madrid. This season, Nadal will now look to add another ATP Masters 1000 title to his trophy haul, as he will be starting his campaign on the red clay courts at the Caja Mágica in Manzanares Park, San Fermín. In his opening round match, the Spaniard will square off against the American tennis prodigy, Darwin Blanch.

Ahead of his opener, Macci is already singing the praises of Nadal, who is a formidable competitor on clay. However, this is not the first time that the American coach has hailed the former number 1 player for his stellar prowess.

“Nadal and Clay are like Bread and Butter”- Rick Macci on Rafael Nadal’s clay court supremacy

During his competitive journey, the Spaniard has outclassed some of the big guns in order to amass 63 singles ATP titles on the clay courts. Reflecting on his triumphs, Rick Macci recently compared Nadal’s clay court supremacy to ‘Bread and Butter’.’ He tweeted, “Nadal and Clay are like Bread and Butter. Take a Knife or Racquet Spread or Slide and at the end it tastes great. @RafaelNadal”

Macci also talked about the Spanish player’s dominance at the French Open, where he has clinched a record 14 singles titles. He tweeted,  “Rafa was so dominate at the FRENCH OPEN they considered renaming it the French CLOSED. @RafaelNadal” What do you think of the legendary American coach hailing Rafael Nadal for his clay court supremacy? Let us know in the comments section.

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