Liam Broady has noticed something that is different about Rafael Nadal’s game at the end of his career.
The 38-year-old is known for his fearsome topspin forehand and great variety which caused his opponents plenty of problems.
The Spaniard’s impressive movement and court coverage allowed him to win some points that just seemed impossible.
These are qualities that will be sorely missed on the ATP Tour, with Nadal due to retire from tennis at the conclusion of the November’s Davis Cup finals.
What did Liam Broady notice about Rafael Nadal’s game at the Six Kings Slam?
Rafael Nadal brought his Six Sings Slam campaign to an end against his great rival Novak Djokovic in the third place playoff. This match became official after Nadal suffered defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals on Friday.
The former World number one gave his all against his great rival one more time and showed glimpses of the player who claimed 22 Grand Slam titles.
But Liam Broady, who was commentating on the match for Sky Sports, noticed something about Nadal’s return of serve that he is no longer able to do the same ability later in his career.
“Over the years we’ve seen Rafael Nadal being one of the best returners on tour,” the former World number 93 said.
“It’s always been from two or three metres behind the baseline, especially on the second serve, just allowing himself that time to rip the forehand from anywhere in the court.
“But with the waning of his physicality you just can’t do that anymore. If you go back there you’re going to have to move in ways that he just physically can’t.”
Did Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam?
Nadal lost the opening set against Djokovic by winning just two games as he made some uncharacteristic errors.
He was down 4-5 in the second set with Djokovic serving for the match, but Nadal reminded fans of his brilliance by breaking back and hold serve in the next game with some scintillating forehands to draw ahead 6-5.
The second set went to a tiebreak, which Djokovic claimed by seven points to five and sealed the win. Following the match, Djokovic shared some kind words about his great rival. “Now to Rafa, I don’t know where to start. I’ll go back to the first match we played in 2005 I think it was,” he said.
“Who would know we would be standing here 20 years later more than 60 times we faced each other. I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete. Incredible person. I’d like to congratulate all your team and family on the amazing career Rafa had.
“Congratulations. An amazing, amazing career. It’s difficult. I could speak all night. I think Rafa should speak instead of me. It’s been an incredible honour as I told you at the net.
“Incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s an emotional moment.” He ended his speech with a plea to his rival. “Don’t leave tennis, man,” Djokovic said. “Stay a little more. Stay with us.”
Nadal added: “I want to say a few words for Novak and his team. Thank you. For everything. What you said today and all the moments we shared on court. It’s been an amazing rivalry. In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits during almost 15 years.
“Without that, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”
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