Throughout a career spanning two decades with 1,074 matches on the ATP circuit, Rafael Nadal has faced dozens and dozens of different opponents from all walks of life and from all continents. Obviously, the clashes with his two biggest competitors, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, are those that remained in the Majorcan’s mind. As for Belgian fans, before this Thursday’s match between the Spaniard and Zizou Bergs, we obviously remember the great exploits of the former world number one but also his meetings against our compatriots. In his long career, the Bull of Manacor has challenged seven black-yellow-red players on the ATP circuit. Four managed to dominate the member of the Big 3, only one on clay…
The most prestigious for David Goffin
Nadal – Goffin (5-2): If he is currently struggling to find a place in the world top 100, we must not forget that David Goffin belonged to the elite of world tennis for many months. In seven confrontations against Rafael Nadal, the Liégeois won twice. His most resounding victory took place at the London Masters in 2017, sorry. During his first group match, the native of Sclessin won (7-6, 6-7, 6-4) after a very intense match against the man who was world number one at the time. He withdrew from the tournament after his defeat due to a knee injury. “I’m a little mixed, a little mixed because I’m obviously very happy to have won Rafa and on the other hand sad that he’s dropping behind and leaving the tournament. But it’s still a victory against Rafa.”, declared the Walloon after his success. David Goffin again dominated the Taurus of Manacor at the start of the 2020 season during the ATP Cup: 6-4, 7-6.
The most beautiful story for Steve Darcis
Nadal – Darcis (1-1): Steve Darcis also achieved the feat of beating Rafael Nadal and not just anywhere. The two men faced each other during the first round of Wimbledon in 2013, when the Liégeois played the match of his life, transcended on center court. He defeated the Spanish Bull in three sets (7-6, 7-6, 6-4). For the first time in his career, the Mallorcan left a Grand Slam in the first round. “No one expected my victory. Okay Nadal didn’t play his best tennis and I knew that a first match on grass is always difficult. But it’s a big victory for me”, declared the current captain of the Belgian Davis Cup team. A stubborn shoulder will prevent Shark from continuing his journey in London.
The least resounding for Xavier Malisse
Nadal – Malisse (2-1): After taking small lessons on clay in Monte-Carlo (6-0, 6-3) and Roland-Garros (6-2, 6-2, 6-4) in 2005, Xavier Malisse took his revenge on the Spaniard at the start of the 2007 season during the preparatory tournament for the Australian Open in Chennai, India. In the semi-final, X-Man dominated Rafael Nadal in two sets (6-4, 7-6) before winning against Koubek in the final. “I am very disappointed because I wanted to win this title, but my next title will come very soon”, declared the Spaniard. “Not winning here is not a big setback for the upcoming season. I’m working hard and hope to do better in Sydney next week and then at the Australian Open.”
The only one on clay for Olivier Rochus
Nadal – Olivier Rochus (4-1): History will remember that Olivier Rochus is the only Belgian player to have managed to dominate Rafael Nadal on clay. But we must also remember that the conditions were quite special since the Spaniard was only 15 years old and was 762nd in the world. Invited to the Mallorca tournament, Rafa dominated Ramon Delgado (ATP 81) in the first round before falling (6-2, 6-2) against Olivier Rochus.
“I remember this match very well”confided Olivier Rochus. “I was 21 years old. He was almost 16. I beat him. I keep excellent images of it. Success had been easy. He didn’t serve quickly at all. His shoulder hurt. I had been solid. The next day, I saw him at the club at 8 a.m. with a basket to hit like a donkey for two hours. He couldn’t serve because of his shoulder, but he hit forehands and backhands. I was super impressed by his mental strength. The guy was still 15 years old. He had beaten a guy on an ATP before losing in the 2nd round. He could have taken advantage of it. He preferred to go to training.”
No achievement for Christophe Rochus, Vliegen and Bemelmans
The last three Belgian players who challenged Rafael Nadal did not manage to surprise the Spanish champion, nor take a set from him. Christophe Rochus lost twice, Kristof Vliegen three times and Ruben Bemelmans twice. This Thursday, Zizou Bergs will have the opportunity to do as well as four of his predecessors.
This Belgian player could decide the future of Rafael Nadal.
