The 2017 ATP season is set to be devoured by all tennis enthusiasts and experts alike. Unlike 2016, the commencement of this season promises some exciting match-ups, leading to a potentially different direction altogether.
The returns of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer probably are the most riveting aspects of this season. While the latter made his comeback with an impressive performance in the Hopman Cup, the Spaniard chose to go with the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, played late in 2016.
This time, like the last three seasons, the 14-time Grand Slam champion looks ready for a sturdy challenge. However, unlike the last three seasons, this year might just prove to be his year.
Listed below are five reasons why Rafael Nadal could display an unforgettable performance this year.
A perfect head start
If there is one thing that matters the most in sport, it's momentum. In its absence, even the strongest of players and the biggest of teams are susceptible to failure.
Nadal has managed to accumulate momentum at the start of the season and that can have a gargantuan impact on the entire tour that follows.
At the end of 2016, he won the Mubadala Tennis Championship for the 2nd consecutive time and the 4th overall. It might have been an exhibition tournament, but the 30-year-old displayed miraculous skills to defeat three top 15 players to lift the trophy.
In his opening match, he beat Tomáš Berdych in straight sets, one of which was a bagel. He then got better of the world no. 3, Milos Raonic, in the semi finals that compromised of three tight sets. In the final, he defeated David Goffin in straight sets to script a marvelous comeback to the tour.
This victory deserves lauding as the Belgian was in great touch throughout the tournament and had beaten the world no. 1 whilst reaching the final.
The Spaniard's 2017 began with his participation in the Brisbane International. His dominance was clearly showing when he went on to win his opening match 6-3 6-3 to end a two match losing streak against Dolgopolov. He followed that up with a ruthless win against Mischa Zverev to set up another clash with Milos Raonic. This time however, the Canadian got better of him in spite of losing the opening set.
Rafa dug deep though. The two tournaments he has participated until now indicate nothing but the rise of an unforgiving bull we are so familiar with. Leading up to the Australian Open, the results he managed to clinch will only increase his confidence and help him enter the tournament with an unbridled incentive.
The Carlos Moyá influence
For the first time since he held a tennis racquet, Rafael Nadal has decided to alter his coaching staff. Carlos Moyá will take a place in developing the Spaniard's game, along with his uncle Toni Nadal.
It seems to be an exciting prospect whichever way you look at it.
Not only will Nadal prosper under the veteran's different influence, but he will also likely try something entirely different this season. While Toni Nadal's pedagogy has led him to the ultimate glory, a change of perspective is essential to every sportsman.
Moyá played a pivotal role in Raonic's success last year; it was his guidance that ensured 2016 was the best season of the Canadian's career. It would be interesting to see how he works with Nadal's relatively weaker serve, considering a powerful serve was the biggest weapon in Raonic's arsenal.
Throughout his career, Nadal’s own insecurities have pulled him down more than his opponents have. If his new coach can find a way to bring him out of them, Nadal will be more than a force to be reckoned with in the season!
The Murray-Djokovic tussle
At the beginning of 2016, no one was at the level of Novak Djokovic. At the end of 2016, no one was at the level of Andy Murray.
In 2017 however, both need to answer a few questions.
While Andy Murray is the World No. 1 and is probably in the deepest purple patch of his career, he still needs to prove that he has it in him to carry his dominance for a long season. He needs more victories against the top 5 players to establish himself as the best player on tour by a long margin.
Novak Djokovic has woes of his own. While he might have managed to win at Doha, numerous doubts surround his game; and the split with coach Boris Becker – with whom he added six Grand Slam titles to his tally, is sure to take a toll. He was insurmountable till the middle of 2016 but lost his way after that. He needs to reclaim his lost spot and prove that he has a lot left in his tank.
With the top two players fighting against the ghosts of uncertainty and Roger Federer still finding his feet, Nadal has a substantive chance to make the most of this season. His self belief will be higher than it was last season and considering he won an Olympic gold even then, a lot more can be expected of him this time around!
The clay swing
You can never count out the king when the battles are on his turf!
No matter how down and out Nadal is, he will always be one of the contenders to shine in the clay season. He has a mind-boggling 365-34 win-loss record on clay and is unarguably the best player on the surface. 49 out of his 69 titles are on clay and he is almost a demigod on the surface. Last season, he won the Barcelona Open for the 9th time, thereby creating an open era record.
In 2017, he would be aiming to go for more with the use of the incredible topspin and bounce that he creates on clay. Who knows, he might even bite the Roland Garros trophy for a 10th time this season!
The enduring fighter
2005 – Foot injury.
2007 – Knee injury.
2009 – Tendonitis.
2014 – Right wrist injury.
2016 – Left wrist injury.
These are a few of the countless injuries that have befallen Rafael Nadal through the length his career. He has survived through them and he has conquered them all.
“Sport, for me, is all about passion. If you don't try your best, then sport loses its significance, loses its real values,” said the 30-year-old after winning at Mubadala last month.
It is his passion and his undying spirit that set Nadal apart from the rest. He does not give in to pressure and he does not give up against power.
That is why, no matter how many times he is backed up against the wall, you can always bet on him to rise like a phoenix from the ashes. Nadal and Del Potro are the symbols of resurgence in ATP tennis, and can never be counted out.
The Spaniard in particular, has a never-give-up attitude and fights till the very end of every setback – be it in a testing match or against a testing injury.
The ongoing season will bring exciting opportunities for Rafael Nadal, and it will be intriguing to see if and when he capitalizes on them.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
