Rafael Nadal reveals the big aspect of his game that helped him return to world No1 spot
RAFAEL NADAL admits he’s had to adapt his game with age - but says his love for tennis and competitive edge helped him return to world No1.
Rafael Nadal admits he's made changes to his game over the years
Nadal, 31, is back ranked as the best player in the world following a three-year gap without a Grand Slam.
He ended his rut in Paris this year and followed the French Open up with another victory at Flushing Meadows to win the US Open.
He took his Grand Slam titles to 16 and overtook Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the best player in the game again.
He’s had to deal with injuries and changes in his body over the years, and the 31-year-old admits things are different now but he’s delighted he still has his competitive edge.
“Of course I’m not playing 100% the same,” Nadal said.
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The best news for me is after a lot of years I am still competitive, I still enjoy tennis
“Of course the essence of my game is probably the same, but during the years and during your career, of course you lose things.
“On your way you lose things that you have when you are younger, so you need to act on other things to keep being competitive.
“The best news for me is after a lot of years I am still competitive, I still enjoy tennis.
“I think I am able to adapt my game to the new times. That’s the important thing for me, and I feel lucky for that.
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“But at the same time, I feel that I worked all my life with the right attitude and passion for and love for this sport to try to make that happen.”
Nadal faces Fabio Fognini today in the third round of the Shanghai Masters after beating Jared Donaldson in round two yesterday.
He was too strong for his opponent but today could be a more awkward match up.
Fognini has beaten Nadal on three occasions in their 12 match ups, but the Spaniard has come out on top the last four in a row.