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Rafael Nadal: Will He Dominate the Clay Court Season Once More?
Published: April 12, 2011
The World No. 1, who has not won a title since Tokyo last October, will begin his quest to defend his titles in Monte Carlo, Rome, Madrid, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
The good news for the Spaniard is he could have afford to have an average start of the season for his standard.
Nadal was a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open in 2010 as well as 2011, then he was a finalist in Indian Wells and Miami last month. He lost in the semifinals of the first two Masters 1000 of the season last year.
Therefore, Nadal has gained more ATP points this year than he did last year coming to the clay court season, which will help him in the future.
The bad news for the Spaniard is he was beaten twice in succession by this year's "Terminator," Novak Djokovic.
Mentally, Rafa is a monster. He believes in himself and always fights from the first to the last point.
If his opponent gives him one small chance, you can count on Rafa to take it.
Other players are fascinated by him and fear him in equal measure; against Djokovic, this balance of power is reversed on hard court.
The Serbian has such momentum that he feels invincible: When he was down 5-4 then 6-5 in the decisive set of Miami and had to serve to remain in the match, he did not choke and was able to push Rafa to the limits.
Nadal fought until the final-set tie-break, which could have turned his way, and this is to be applauded.
Of course the main question is: Will Djokovic's domination on hard court continue on clay?
There are little reasons not to see him as dominant against most of the players.
Keep in mind the current World No. 2 had an average clay court season last year, which means he will have even less pressure in the up-coming weeks.
"Nole" was a quarter-finalist in Belgrade, Rome and Paris last year, while Nadal was the winner of all thre...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis
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