ATP > Francis Roig, former coach of Nadal: “While people tended to only remember his power, his mental strength and his physique, Rafael was fantastic in the short game”

Asked by The Team on the occasion of the retirement of Rafael Nadal, whom he accompanied between 2005 and 2022, Francis Roig made several very interesting statements on the career of the Spanish legend.

After explaining why Rafa was not an example to follow from a technical point of view, and returning to the evolution of his game at the time of his debut on the professional circuit, the Spanish coach spoke of the “ hand” of the Majorcan.

“At the beginning, he had a complicated grip so he didn't touch the ball well. Over time, he became one of the best volleyball players in the world. Not just by changing your grip, but by learning how to move around the net. More generally, while people tended to only remember his power, his mental strength and his physique, Rafael was fantastic in the short game (volleys, drop shots, cut balls, etc.). This could be seen in the pivotal moments of certain matches. He never got rid of the ball. »

Published on Sunday November 24, 2024 at 09:52