"He's going to get slower" - Wilander doubtful of Nadal's physical abilities
ATP
Seven-time grand slam winner Mats Wilander has questioned whether Rafael Nadal has the physical capacity to keep up with the pace of the professional game.
After crashing out of the 2023 Australian Open in the second round in January, Nadal has not played since. The 36-year-old has also pulled out of the upcoming Indian Wells tournament due to an ongoing hip injury and he is not going to compete at the Miami Open in late March.
Following Nadal's early exit in Melbourne and due to his continuous injury problems, Wilander explained in an interview with Eurosport that the 22-time grand slam champion might struggle to maintain the necessary speed due to his age.
“I think the last thing that would ever go away from Rafael Nadal's game is his actual game. I think hitting the ball, he's getting better, he's getting more creative. But in terms of the physical part of moving, I think, yes, he's going to get slower because he's not able to train as much all the time and he's getting older."- Wilander said to Eurosport
In addition, Wilander explained that Nadal's ability to practice regularly could take its toll when the Spanish player comes to compete at the top competitions.
"He's going to obviously become slower and slower because of age, but also if you can't practise all the time, you do lose some speed."
However, despite the question marks over Nadal's physical limitations due to his age, Wilander also explained that you cannot rule out a player who defies the odds consistently.
"But at the same time, Rafa Nadal keeps coming up with new solutions. Mentally, he's most probably as strong as ever. Tactically, he's more clever now, maybe because he's forced to be more clever."
