Nadal’s prospects ahead of the Hard Court season

Published 07/21/2015, 6:34 AM EDT

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It’s time to shift the tennis action to the North American hard courts. The last major of the year is just over a month away. With the top three men of the world holding comfortably to their spots, there’s just one guy who is fighting hard to revive his unplayable self. The only member from the ‘Big Four’ of world tennis missing is Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic has continued his domination this year, while Federer is getting mighty close to end his slams drought and Andy Murray still holds significant ground when it comes to the title contenders. It’s Nadal who has lost his footing and has slipped to the tenth spot in world rankings. The ‘Spanish Matador’ has been battling issues of form and fitness. So what’s in store for this great tennis legend in the remaining 2015 season? We explore his chances.

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After another disappointing outing at SW19, Nadal will look to regain his place amongst the top players of the game. If we look at his record at the US Open, it’s nothing to be worried about. Failing to contest in 2012 and then a wrist injury that didn’t allow him to defend his title in 2014 at the cements of New York, Nadal has made the finals in his last three appearances. Winning it in 2010 and 2013 and ending up short to Novak Djokovic in 2011. He looks fitter than he was last year and is really well rested before he heads out to hunt for masters.

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But the thing that worries every tennis fan of his around the world is his confidence. Once known to clinch a win from the darkest of abyss, Nadal admits that he has been low on confidence when it comes to the critical points and at times feels vulnerable.

“ I have been able to control my emotions, during, let’s say 90 percent, 95 percent of the matches in my career- something that today is tougher, to be under self-control.” expressed the 14-time Grand Slam champion earlier this year.

via Reuters

This low confidence saw him struggling throughout the European clay season – where he failed to win a single title and eventually went down in straight sets at his second home at ROLAND GARROS. He’s on the verge of having his first slam less year since 2005- when he captured the first of his 14.

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But after his shocking 2013 Wimbledon exit, Nadal went on to claim the trophies at Montreal, Cincinnati and US Open. For him to accomplish anything close to that is tough, but definitely not out of bounds. Rafa should feel good heading into the hard court season, especially when he’s under hardly any pressure and has no points to defend. Canada has been a good place for him and he can regain his confidence after putting on a good show there. He should be more capable of chasing down balls around the court, unlike at Wimbledon.

Though, Rafa’s chances and prospects at the coming events depend heavily on the draws. Seeded low at USO, Nadal could very well meet one of the top three in the early stages. And though he might still get a win over Roger, he is most likely to struggle against Murray and Djokovic.

But having said all this, if he feels good about his game and is fit enough before heading into the match, Nadal can go all the way to rule New York.

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It’s a difficult prospect- with Djokovic hitting top gear – but the King of Clay can even topple the best on the cements of America. One thing is for sure, Nadal will only climb up the rankings from now on. He may be down, but is far from being done.

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Written by:

Sameer Bharti

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Watches tennis, cricket and football. Mostly tennis.
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