"Rafa often does something new or unexpected" - Mischa Zverev
ATP
Former ATP player Mischa Zverev has come out to praise veteran Rafael Nadal, saying how he is still innovating the game.
Having played Nadal three times, losing all three in straight sets, Mischa Zverev knows all too well how hard it is to come up against the 'King of Clay' and the threat he poses at every turn.
Having also seen his younger brother Alexander have mixed successes against the Spaniard, Mischa would have had a lot of time to reflect on exactly why the man from Manacor has been, and continues to be, so dominant.
Speaking to Tennis Magazin recently, the older of the two Zverev brothers had the chance to pinpoint what it is he thinks is one of the reasons behind his success, and he thinks that the legendary Spaniard is a tennis innovator.
"The players, especially Medvedev, are preparing for long rallies. After serve and return, you play the point practically like a penalty. This is the tactic of building the point from behind."
"Rafa is constantly analysing the game, and he knows when it's wise to create moments of surprise. He often does something new or unexpected when he's behind."
Zverev continued to explain how strong the Spaniard was during those pressurized situations and how his ability to keep a cool head has contributed to getting him to where he is today.
"After a very long game, advantage - deuce - advantage - deuce, he suddenly throws in a serve and volley. He does it when you don't expect it, in a stressful situation. Or he uses his stop, especially with the forehand. If Rafa was playing serve-and-volley all the time, it wouldn't work."
Nadal is not playing this week at the Canadian Open in Montreal, deciding to rest and recover due to some injury niggles.
