OPINION: What is the Most Concerning Part of Rafael Nadal’s Game at Australian Open 2021?
Follow Us
He may have marched into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, but Rafael Nadal’s dipping first serve percentage could be a cause for concern going into the business end of the tournament.
On the face of it, the 20-time Grand Slam champion did not look to be in too much trouble as he made light work of feisty Italian Fabio Fognini to close out a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win.
However, a glaring statistic that stood out in his fourth-round victory was his overall first-serve percentage.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rafael Nadal had pulled out of ATP Cup with back spasms
At just 60%, the Spaniard’s percentage of first serves in the entire match was significantly lower from his career reading of 68%.
Nadal had earlier withdrawn from Spain’s ATP Cup campaign with back spasms, making himself an injury doubt for the Australian Open.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
While he made a good enough recovery since then to play the year’s first Major, his back could well be playing on his mind and restricting him from putting his whole body into his first serve.
While there is no word of clarity yet on whether Nadal’s back is in fine fettle or he is still feeling the pain that forced him to pull out of the men’s team event.
Rafael Nadal will play Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open QF
It doesn’t seem to have hurt him in the matches so far, but in high-pressure matches, at the tournament’s business-end his serve will be put through sterner tests.
The Spaniard seemed to be taking longer than usual to warm himself into the contest on Monday and though he won the opening set by a comfortable margin, his percentage of first serves was down alarmingly to 42%.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Though he improved on his first serve as the match wore on, the Spaniard still fell far short of his career reading on that score.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, his opponent in the quarter-finals, is not only a big server but also someone who likes to put pressure on his rival’s serve early in the contest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hence, Nadal’s unflattering first-serve percentage in the Fognini clash wouldn’t have escaped the Greek’s notice and will be a chink that he would look to exploit in the quarter-final showdown on Wednesday.
Rafael Nadal Passes Jimmy Connors in Another Incredible Record Led by Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic