Does anyone else notice Rafa moves much differently on hardcourt than he has done previously in the past?

Question

He is taking little steps, his movement has changed! Whereas on clay and grass he is running all over the place lol In the past on hardcourt he`d run about a lot of the time, do you think changing his movement will benefit his game ? (ofcourse it will on his knees)!

Answer 1

For sure he's moving much, much better.  Last year he made it clear that he wants to win the US Open, wants to excell on hardcourt.  My hat's off to him, his relentless practice to improve aspects of his game that need it or need to be tweaked and his "hunger" to win is what is pushing him out to the front of the pack.  I'm so happy that he is finally clicking not only on clay, not only on grass, but now hard court!  Wow!! Great Job Rafa!!!!

Answer 2

Yawn zzzzzzzzzzz

Answer 3

Yeah its better. Hes standing closer to the baseline. Hes attacking more. Its scary - hes getting really really good. Hes going for his shots more, hes hitting more winner,s his serve... god thats improved. You'd even struggle to say it was weakness now, only a good returner could turn it into one. Nadals also got this horrible invincibility thing going on- nobody believes they can beat him. Not even Roger, I almost feel like Novaks gonna have the belief if anyone.

Nadal is clearly the best player in the world at the mo, I just hope Roger steps it up.

Answer 4

I noticed!!! And wow-Did that match really only last 45minutes?!!!-Il est tres dangeroux!!!haha

lol. Yes it will benefit his knees like you say. Moreover it will make him even more balanced on his forehand side. We see Federer does that little step thing and has been very successful with it. His movement is right up there with Rafas despite those bulging biceps!!!

It is good to see Rafa trying new things out in his quest to conquer the hard courts.

PS-Also it is a safety thing. Sliding on clay and grass is one thing but on the hard stuff it can be so dangerous if you misplace your foot or something. Look what it did to Kim Clijsters!!

Answer 5

That match was easy for Nadal and next he has another easy cruise. He's got an easy draw.

He can't move as well on hardcourt as on clay because its a faster surface. That's why he did well when they used slower balls at Wimby. Like it or not, thems the facts.

Answer 6

nadal is learning.. that all that rough movement on hardcourt has worn him down.. he has changed because he wants to have longevity in the game.... this is very good that he has changed..

less damage on his knees and tendons...

its also good that he is becoming more offensive.. to reduce running..