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Rafael Nadal captured the top two majors of 2022, further stretching Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the all-time rankings. Thanks to a series of infiltrations and the help of his doctor, the Spanish phenomenon managed to ease the pain in his foot and win his 14th Roland Garros.
Earlier this year, the former world number 1 won the Australian Open for the second time in his career. In doing so, the 36-year-old Iberian became the fourth man in history to have pocketed all the Grand Slams at least twice (along with Djokovic, Rod Laver and Roy Emerson).
It is not yet clear whether or not Rafa will participate in Wimbledon, the third major of the season, which begins on Monday 27 June on the lawns of Church Road. If clay is undoubtedly his favorite surface, Nadal also has a good record on grass (his balance is 71-20, with a win rate of 78%).
The Majorcan won twice in London, respectively in 2008 and 2010. To the Tennis Channel's microphones, Andy Roddick invited fans and professionals not to underestimate Rafa.
Roddick on Rafael Nadal
"Is Rafael Nadal, did that procedure help? Is he going to be able to play well on the grass? When he is there, he is very good on grass," Roddick said.
"We always forget that he has won Wimbledon twice, right? We don't give him enough credit just because he's so good on clay." While the terre battue is undoubtedly Nadal's best surface, where he has posted 474 wins and just 45 losses (91.3%), the King of Clay also has a good record on grass (71-20, with a win percentage of 78).
"He is planning to train on the sidelines of the Mallorca Open from Monday (June 13)," Toni Nadal was quoted as saying. "If he has a small chance, he will play at Wimbledon." Over the course of his career, Nadal has indulged in numerous media interactions.
These have been largely related to his tennis career as well as his other engagements. However, years ago, a young Nadal had one conversation with a male journalist from ABC news. Surprised by the compliment, a blushing Nadal initially denied it by saying, “I don’t think so.
I don’t know”. However, taking it as a chance to showcase his humor skills, the tennis legend gave it back to the journalist in the most hilarious way. Known for his out-of-the-box humor, Nadal asked the journalist, “You like me or what?” This left everyone in splits and the journalist was speechless.