Rafael Nadal needs to make TWO improvements to beat Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
RAFAEL NADAL needs to make improvements to two areas of his game if he is to beat Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, according to 1976 French Open winner Adriano Panatta.
Rafael Nadal returns to clay ahead of Monte Carlo Masters
Nadal is currently gearing up for his preferred clay season after recovering from a knee injury.
The Spaniard is the favourite to win a record-extending 12th French Open title - but Federer is also competing at the event for the first time in four years.
However, clay is not the main worry for Nadal.
Hard and grass courts are where he has had less success over the years.
Panattta reckons the world No 2 could improve his serving and backhand at the net to have the edge over his rivals.
"If he improves his service and improves his skills with the backhand and on the net it may be unbeatable but, thank God, Nadal also has some falls like all human beings,” the Italian said on his YouTube channel.
"His left is incredible, he moves very well, you think you have won the point one, two, three, four times and instead the ball returns to your side.
“Rafa has a normal serve, he can shoot at 200 km/h but normally he reaches 180.”
Novak Djokovic: 'Great' to be part of era with Nadal and Federer
Panatta is not only being critical on his personal YouTube channel.
He also claims to have told Nadal when they met at the French Open.
“Once I met him at Roland Garros and asked him 'Why do you not make a stronger first serve and get a direct serve?’” he added.
“His second serve is also strong, no problem!
“He often injures himself but he has great mental strength and I always say that Federer plays tennis while Nadal disputes a battle.”
Nadal returns to action at the Monte Carlo Masters on April 15, alongside world No 1 Djokovic.
Federer is not back in action until the Madrid Open in May.