Rafael Nadal didn’t seem likely to challenge for many Grand Slams in recent times but the Spaniard has won two already this year and will be hoping to add another one at Wimbledon.
Nadal is enjoying a fantastic 2022 season as the Spaniard has won both Grand Slams that have been played so far. It’s not something many fans saw coming, certainly not what happened in Australia, but he’s earned every piece of silverware he won this year.
The Australian Open run was iconic but also lucky as Novak Djokovic was deported from the country, and Daniil Medvedev lost a huge lead in the final of the tournament.
Nadal’s Roland Garros run, however, was very impressive as it included a win over Djokovic. When it comes to Wimbledon, he could certainly win it as well, albeit his chances are much lower than at the other two because grass has always been his worst surface.
Djokovic’s dominance on the surface in recent years doesn’t make it any easier, but Nadal has yet to lose on the surface this year. Former ATP player and noted analyst Mats Wilander spoke about Nadal’s chances at Wimbledon after seeing him play at the event.
The Spaniard's physical side is not a problem, according to Wilander, but the mental side is what he keeps wondering about.
"I think physically it's not a big problem. He can play or he can not play. Obviously, he says he's an injured player, but he's not injured at the moment. Mentally, I have no idea. Every match looks like every point he plays with 100% intensity. He's always trying to play every point the right way."
"He respects his opponents so much that he puts himself in the present moment. Most probably, better than anyone ever before. But of course Roger and Novak are right there with him."
"But there's something humble about his approach to the match and his opponent that just shows so much respect to the sport and his opponent."