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Liam Broady says Rafael Nadal is the ultimate proof that a player can learn how to play on the grass and then achieve success on the surface. On Thursday, world No 142 Broady stunned fourth-ranked Casper Ruud 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-0 in the Wimbledon second round.
Ruud, who is a two-time French Open finalist and one-time US Open finalist, is one of the best players in the game but his career results on the grass have been pretty average. After shocking Ruud, Broady said the Norwegian looked like someone who just didn't believe that he could play well on the grass.
When Nadal was starting his career, he was struggling heavily on the grass and some doubted if he would ever learn how to play on the surface. Today, Nadal is a five-time Wimbledon finalist and a two-time champion at The Championships.
Broady: Nadal proved learning how to play on the grass is possible
"I think Casper, I don't think he believes that he can be as good as he can be on other surfaces on the grass. I don't see a reason why he couldn't be as good as he is.
He's too good of a player not to transition onto another surface. It's just whether he's willing to believe in himself and find a way to adapt his game to another surface. I said it a few days ago, Rafa, everybody was saying Rafa would never be able to make the transition.
He ended up with two Wimbledons. I don't see why somebody who has been in the finals of French. Has he made the finals of the US Open [as well]. It's up to Casper whether he wants to move his game onto the grass as well," Broady said.
Meanwhile, Broady clinched the biggest win of his career. Going into the match, Broady certainly felt well about his chances against Ruud since it's not a secret that the Norwegian is not really a strong force on the grass.