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1/4/12 2:24 PM | Johan Lindahl
Rafael Nadal has set himself a huge task this week in Doha as he opened the ATP season trying to adjust to a heavier racquet in hopes of repairing a mighty game which has gone somewhat off the boil in recent months.
The No. 2 barely had time to recover from helping Spain to the Davis Cup a month ago, when he had to consider testing new racquets at home in Mallorca. The break-in period for a professional trying any kind of change to a racquet is ideally a month.
"In theory we're supposed to practise two weeks with the racquet, three weeks, one month almost," said the Spaniard, who added: "In the end we finally practised one week. I'm here now and it's probably not enough. But I'm going with it."
Nadal said he made the switch to a slightly heavier Babolat to try and gain some of the power he feels has gone missing from his game. "The beginning will not be easy for me. My preparation is not the perfect one. I felt I was also losing a bit of control on the ball. I now don't feel the forehand as well as before.
"I think this (change) can help me for me in the future. After Davis Cup final I had all the racquets prepared at home. It's the right time to change at the end of the year, when else would you have the time?
"I have to make an investment in my game, thinking the change will be better in the future. But it's a risk for the beginning of the season. But if you don't take risks, you never improve - though I'm expecting more unforced errors as a result."
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if he can get his serve firing well and gain cheap points from them, it will be worth the investment.
Alien , 1/4/12 9:28 PM
His game has already improved...from what I have seen so far, especially today, Rafa is doing very well with his new racquet...just keep up a good work, my favorite Spaniard...
Vamos Rafa Dearest!!!
natashao , 1/4/12 9:59 PM
whether its psychological or not, he DOES seem to have more confidence. I'll be interested to see what happens as the season progresses.
cherylmurray , 1/5/12 12:14 AM
All I have to go on now is highlights from Rafa's first two matches. From what I saw, Rafa seemed to be more aggressive moving into the court. I don't know anything about this guy he played, but Rafa's shots seemed to have some sting on them.
I am happy that Rafa is willing to make a change. I believe he is right in saying that risks are necessary in order to improve. His movement was very good, too.
So now I will finally be able to record Rafa's next match. It's at 4:30 am my time. I will be happy to see a complete match!
Good luck, Rafa!
Nativenewyorker , 1/5/12 4:29 AM
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So far so good with the new racquet.
Vamos Rafa
nadline , 1/4/12 5:39 PM