Rafael Nadal stuns Mats Wilander: ‘I wouldn’t have expected it in a million years’

There is one factor that sets Rafael Nadal apart from Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

At least that’s how Mats Wilander sees it. “Rafa is more 16 than 36 years old in terms of his emotions on the pitch. That sets him apart from the other Big 3,” believes the Swede, who won seven Grand Slam titles during his career.

This characteristic is a great advantage for Nadal.

“I would have to stretch my imagination a lot to find a sportsman who enjoys being more afraid of a result or the uncertainty of what might happen at the end of a match. But Rafa is so in love with that solving problems, that he’s willing to feel pain and fear – to find out what’s waiting for him around the next corner,” says Wilander. “And if Mike Tyson was around the next corner to hit you so hard that you might never get up again, then Nadal would be willing to take that risk too.”

Nadal has the best start to the season of his career

In fact, it was still unclear last December how and whether the Mallorcan’s career would continue. A complicated foot injury put the veteran out of action for months, and the tennis star contracted the corona virus during the comeback at an invitation tournament in Abu Dhabi. Hard times for the former number one in the world.

But Nadal fought and came back on the tour in January – and how: After triumphing at the preparatory tournament in Melbourne, the Spaniard won the title at the Australian Open and followed up with another success at the ATP event in Acapulco. It’s the best start to the season Nadal has ever had. Despite all doubts, despite all difficulties.

Eurosport expert Boris Becker already had an idea. “Anyone who labels Nadal an outsider understands nothing about tennis,” Germany’s tennis legend clarified before the Australian Open after Nadal had been given little credit in the public debate.

Nadal grateful: “It’s a gift of life”

“It’s a gift of life to be able to play tennis again,” Nadal said in Australia. And the fourth in the world rankings wants to continue enjoying this gift. Especially since his “season” only really begins in April when the clay court series starts. The “ageless clay court king”, as Wilander ennobles the veteran, wants to take back the crown from Roland-Garros from the end of May and win the French Open for the 14th (!) Time.

By the way, the final of Roland-Garros takes place two days after Nadal’s 36th birthday – but what does age matter in this case…