Wimbledon: ‘Worst surface’ – Lower-ranked players see grass as chance to beat GOAT Rafael Nadal, says Mats Wilander

Mats Wilander says that lower-ranked players see grass as an opportunity to get a result against “greatest of all time” Rafael Nadal, but he has also paid tribute to the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s longevity. Nadal secured his place in round three of Wimbledon following a 6-4 6-4 4-6 6-3 win over Ricardas Berankis — meaning the No. 2 seed remains on course for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam singles title.

The win was Nadal’s 307th win at a Grand Slam tournament; that puts him fourth on the all-time list behind Roger Federer (369), Serena Williams (365) and Novak Djokovic (329). Ad/> And after the match, Mats Wilander and Barbara Schett paid tribute to the Spaniard’s longevity. Wimbledon‘I don't fear that day’ — Nadal reveals retirement thoughts at Wimbledon4 HOURS AGO “It just speaks to the consistency of even Rafa Nadal,” said Wilander.

“There have been years when he hasn't been able to play Wimbledon but he keeps coming back. The consistency of Roger and Rafa and Novak and Grand Slam tournaments is just unbelievable. Nadal said that the break in play in the fourth set benefitted him, but Wilander praised Nadal’s ability to get the job done on his worst surface, grass.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner Wilander added that lower-ranked players see grass as a great equaliser against Nadal. “He's 36 years old; he has that tape on his abdominal muscle; he has the foot issue,” Wilander began. “I think it's good… to take a break [for the rain delay, but] to be able to come out and play this well and to win matches on probably his worst surface in many ways, even though he has won more Wimbledons than Australian Opens.