Rafael Nadal has had a tremendous 2019. After a miserable first few months, the Spaniard fought back strongly. The king of clay began his victorious journey with his annual Roland Garros title. He then proceeded to win the US Open and also led the Spanish team to victory in the Davis Cup.

A large part of Rafa’s success this year can be attributed to his improved serve game. Nadal has made some strategic changes in his game to cope up with his advancing age. Drastically improving his first and second serve are a part of this strategy.

“I Have Never Felt More Confident” – Rafael Nadal

Only four players in the top 100 have won more service games this year than Rafael Nadal. These are John Isner, Milos Raonic, Reilly Opelka and Roger Federer.

Rafael Nadal admits that he’s never felt stronger in this area. “There has been a very significant evolution in my serve this season. I believe that each time I served this year, I actually felt more confident than at other times in my career. Nothing is ever completely sure, but I also have the feeling that it is pretty well in place now. In any case, I continue to work for it to be that way.”

Rafael Nadal confessed that at this point, serving well has become more of a necessity than a choice. “I fully accept this modification because I am aware that at this point of my career, serving well, resting more, will be essential to allow me to continue while remaining very positive.”

Read More- Rafael Nadal Hints At Retirement Before 2024

What Has Been Rafael Nadal’s Serve Record in 2019?

Rafa’s second serve has been the biggest improvement in his game. He has been able to claim 90 percent of the service games for the first time since 2010. Additionally, Nadal has faced only 231 break chances in 59 encounters outside the Davis Cup(He was the best server there too).

This is the sign of a marked change in Nadal’s approach. In the last couple of years, the Spaniard has been trying to shorten his rallies to decrease the amount of strain on his body. A strong first and second serve allows Rafa to seek more free points and puts him in a position where he can start the rally on his own terms.

Rafael Nadal has confessed that he seeks to play for a few more years including at the Paris Olympics 2024. These modifications will allow him to keep his body fit for the challenge.