Rafael Nadal giving us awe-inspiring tennis shots is not a surprise to fans around the world anymore.

Over the last 16-odd years on the ATP Tour, Nadal has won numerous trophies including 19 Grand Slam titles. He is just one Slam away from equalling rival Roger Federer‘s record of 20.

And among the many memorable and enthralling matches he has played, Rafael Nadal has treated fans to some exceptional winners as well. Especially on the forehand side, since he is known to hit many of those.

But even Nadal himself might still find it hard to believe how he pulled off one such incredible shot on his favorite surface, clay.

Rafael Nadal hits exceptional no-look shot

The match was against Radek Stepanek in the quarter-final of the 2005 Rome Masters.

After losing the first set 5-7, Nadal was on the back foot but broke to take an early lead in the set.
Returning Stepanek’s serve midway through the set, Nadal was on the defensive throughout the rally.

He then kept a decent drop shot from Stepanek in play, before producing what is considered by many as his best shot ever.

Stepanek’s following shot had Nadal chasing the ball behind himself. He then hit a ridiculous no-look running passing shot at the net with sheer accuracy that clipped the line and had Stepanek scrambling to return, but to no avail.

The crowd was up on its feet and Nadal brought out his trademark fist pump in the air to celebrate.

Rafael Nadal rode on the momentum and comfortably won the match after that.

He went on to win the tournament. A few weeks after that he won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open.

Gearing up for a return to the ATP Tour

Nadal is currently training at his academy back home with coach Carlos Moya. He will certainly aim at getting his form back after a long break.

Rafa recently said he will return to the Tour at the Madrid Masters in September. It is unlikely that he will defend his US Open title as the event ends just a day prior to the start of Madrid Masters.

SOURCE: YouTube – SitzyRN