Emotional scenes at the net 🥹 A warm embrace at the net between Djokovic and Nadal as Novak defeats the Spaniard 6-2 7-6 🤝 #SixKingsSlam
Liam Broady analyzes Rafael Nadal's physical decline after Six Kings Slam: “You just can’t do that anymore”
ATPMonday, 21 October 2024 at 05:30
Liam Broady commented on Rafael Nadal's performance during his participation in the Six Kings Slam. The Brit mentioned that Nadal's loss of physical ability prevented him from displaying the strong returning game that has characterised his career and his ability to move around the court.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion played this week in his last event before retiring at the Davis Cup. Although it was an exhibition tournament, the matches against Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic attracted attention as part of Nadal's final appearances and his last duels against two historic players.
Broady Reflects on Spaniard's Struggles
In his final tournament, Nadal will team up with Alcaraz, while Djokovic will not be in Malaga after Serbia's early elimination in the qualifying round. It remains unknown whether the legendary Spaniard will play singles or doubles, although he did not appear to be at his best level during his time in Riyadh, suffering two heavy defeats.
The 30-year-old Brit, Broady, closely followed the exhibition tournament and shared his views on Nadal's performances. In the third-place match against Djokovic, he had a first set full of errors, winning only two games. In the second set, he recovered from a break down when Djokovic was leading 5-4 to stay in the match. Although he extended it to a tie-break, the Serbian was ultimately more consistent and took the win with scores of 6-2, 7-6.
“Over the years, we’ve seen Rafael Nadal being one of the best returners on tour,” commented Liam Broady after the last Djokovic-Nadal match with the Spaniard still being a professional. “It’s always been from two or three metres behind the baseline, especially on the second serve, just allowing himself that time to rip the forehand from anywhere on the court.”
Nadal won his last Grand Slam title at 2022 French Open
For the former world No. 93, Nadal's physical issues over the past two years have hindered him from moving with the ease he showed throughout his career: “But with the waning of his physicality, you just can’t do that anymore. If you go back there, you’re going to have to move in ways that he just physically can’t.”
Despite the loss, it was a special occasion for Nadal following the 'Last Dance' against Djokovic, the rivalry with the most match-ups in the Open Era and between the two top Grand Slam champions, after 60 official matches where Nole leads 31-29.
“Now to Rafa, I don’t know where to start. I’ll go back to the first match we played in 2005, I think it was,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said after the match. “Who would know we would be standing here 20 years later more than 60 times we faced each other. I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete. Incredible person. I’d like to congratulate all your team and family on the amazing career Rafa had.”
“Congratulations. An amazing, amazing career. It’s difficult. I could speak all night. I think Rafa should speak instead of me. It’s been an incredible honour, as I told you at the net,” the world No. 4 added. “Incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s an emotional moment.”
Nole ended his speech jokingly asking Nadal to praise his career a bit more: “Don’t leave tennis, man,” Djokovic said. “Stay a little more. Stay with us.”
In the same way, Nadal showed his class before his rival, with whom he has dominated the tour for the last few decades. “I want to say a few words for Novak and his team. Thank you. For everything. What you said today and all the moments we shared on court. It’s been an amazing rivalry. In a personal way, you helped me go beyond my limits for almost 15 years.
“Without that, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Congratulations on all the titles and amazing career to you and your team. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”
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