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Rafael Nadal is inarguably the greatest claycourt player of all time, having amassed 13 French Open titles on the red dirt.
Speaking to the ATP Tennis Radio podcast, Hubert Hurkacz's coach Craig Boynton, said Nadal's ability to transition from defense to offense, as well as his topspin forehand and movement were the keys to his success on clay.
"You've got to be able to transition from defense to offense and and offense to defense is the short answer. When you watch Rafa, he played way behind the baseline, and then he will hit a ball and quickly establish the middle of the court with the forehand to get on the offense. Don't watch the ball, watch the court position of each player," the coach said.
Rafael Nadal has not participated in any claycourt tournaments this year due to a rib injury he picked up at Indian Wells.
"We will see how he is with his health and where he is" - Craig Boynton on how Rafael Nadal's health will impact the way he plays on clay this year
Craig Boynton also spoke about how Rafael Nadal's fitness will play a role in how the Spaniard approaches points during the clay season. The coach feels that if fully fit, Nadal will deploy his usual style of play and grind down opponents. But if he's physically compromised, the Spaniard might have to shorten points by being more aggressive.
"Basically we will see how he is with his health and where he is, but normally, if you look at the prototypical clay courter back him in his day, I mean, if it was there, he would take it. If it is not there, he would just hit the forehand heavy to get the ball to the strike zone and now his opponent has to move back, let the ball drop so he is giving up space and time and then if he drops it short, Rafa or good clay courters will then be happy to take that time and space and get their opponent on the defense or push him back and hit the drop shot."
Nadal is expected to return to action at the Madrid Masters. He will likely participate in the Italian Open as well before shifting his focus to Roland Garros.
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