“Pain for Everyone Else” – Andy Roddick on Rafael Nadal’s French Open Dominance

Defeating Rafael Nadal at the French Open is the most difficult task in the sport. His dominance at the Parisian Slam is certainly one of the most supreme performances in any sport. Former World No.1 Andy Roddick explained the reason for Nadal’s dominance in Paris.

Novak Djokovic did the impossible when he defeated the Spaniard at the Roland Garros in 2015. It certainly felt like a change of guard. Next year, he pulled out of the event in the third round. However, in 2017, the King’s rein continued as he once again dominated the tournament, losing only 35 games in the event.

“It is causing work for the other player” – Andy Roddick

Roddick explained that the spin which Nadal produces on the ball makes the ball bounce more. This makes it difficult for his opponents as the ball widens the court for Nadal after the bounce.

The American explicated that he creates space on the court where you are seeing 50% of his shots crossing the sideline before crossing the baseline, it is causing work for the other player.

“It gets a little hard as the ball starts bouncing,” he said in an interview with Tennis Channel. “He kind of crosses the court, he is adding 2-3 feet of court on every side just by virtue of where the ball is bouncing. It makes pain for everyone else, it makes you feel like if you have to serve 85% of first serves to even be able to get through your own service game.”

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Roddick also recalled that in 2005 or 2006 season, when Nadal won his second Roland Garros title, his trainer was like ‘I have never seen anything like this. I have never seen someone so dominant on one surface before and this guy will win 8 Roland Garros titles.’

“I said to him let’s not be a victim of the moment, there’s a big difference between 2 and 8. And it turns out I was right, Rafa didn’t win 8 Roland Garros titles,” he concluded.

The 12-time champion has certainly cemented his place as the most dominant player in any sporting event with an unparalleled record. He has been ruling at the Parisian clay ever since 2005, recording 93 victories from 95 matched.