Rafael Nadal's 'biggest enemy' named – and it’s not a player

Eurosport expert Mats Wilander believes Rafael Nadal is more mentally strong and tactically adept than at any point in his career – but said his movement on court would likely prove “his biggest enemy”. Nadal, who has not competed since losing in the Australian Open second round in January, has been tormented by injury in 2023 and pulled out of Indian Wells and the Miami Open with a hip complaint last month. Ad Wilander has no doubt that he has the game to compete with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz for tennis’ biggest prizes, but said the 36-year-old may be hampered by his speed around the court.

TennisDjokovic 'always going to be favourite', can 'overcome almost anything' – Evert exclusive6 HOURS AGO “The game is moving in a direction that is becoming faster and faster all the time,” seven-time major champion Wilander told Eurosport’s Arnold Montgault. “And I think you see with Rafa Nadal that he's been changing his game as much as he can, but you still have to be able to get to the ball in time to make all these changes, to hit the slice backhand, to come to the net a little bit more. “He's going to obviously become slower and slower because of age, but also if you can't practise all the time, you do lose some speed.

“I think the last thing that would ever go away from Rafael Nadal's game is his actual game. I think hitting the ball, he's getting better, he's getting more creative. “But in terms of the physical part of moving, I think, yes, he's going to get slower because he's not able to train as much all the time and he's getting older.