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Can Rafael Nadal sweep the clay season?

By Keshav Gopalan

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 02: Rafael Nadal of Spain slides across the clay to play a backhand during his men's singles third round match against Eduardo Schwank of Argentina during day seven of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 2, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 02: Rafael Nadal of Spain slides across the clay to play a backhand during his men's singles third round match against Eduardo Schwank of Argentina during day seven of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 2, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Yes. End article!

On a more serious note, Nadal has looked good in the two Davis Cup ties against Philipp Kohlschreiber and Alexander Zverev. Does this mean he’s in excellent form? Not quite. Not up to the incredibly high standards that we have, at least.

However, this doesn’t mean that he will not do well in the clay season. Despite not being at a 100%, Nadal steamrolled a competitive field of a German former top 20 veteran and a world number four who is very well adapted to clay.

Next: "Nadal isn't at a 100%", says Moya

However…

Factors to consider

Tons of points to defend

Nadal won two masters tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid, an ATP 500 in Barcelona. He reached the quarter-finals in Rome and won the French Open, which means he’s defending 4680 points heading into the clay season.

Dominic Thiem?

The only player to defeat Nadal on Clay in 2017 was Dominic Thiem. While he lost later to Nadal in the courts of Philippe Chatrier, his performance was admirable. He is very capable on clay and it is very much his best surface. However, he is coming back to the tour after a hairline fracture of the ankle.

ACAPULCO, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 27: Rafael Nadal of Spain gestures during a press conference to announce his retirement from the Telcel Mexican Open 2018 at Mextenis Stadium on February 27, 2018, in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
ACAPULCO, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 27: Rafael Nadal of Spain gestures during a press conference to announce his retirement from the Telcel Mexican Open 2018 at Mextenis Stadium on February 27, 2018, in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

His health?

Rafa had to withdraw from Australia mid-match and Acapulco mid-practice. While he does look match fit now, it must be mentioned that Rafa got through several warm-up exhibition matches in Australia and four in the open itself for his injury woes to catch up with him again. It is certainly not blasphemous to say that this might happen again.

The others?

Despite the very poor form, Novak Djokovic can never be ruled out. Its understandable (for a very good reason) that this may be a controversial opinion, but this does hold true. Remember the destruction of Thiem last year in Rome? His performance against Gael Monfils this year was a good measure of endurance (despite the running out of gas statement in Miami). It has to be said that there are moments when the crosscourt forehands are deeper and the manic energy is present instead of the horrible court positioning and the terrible balance. Whether this will happen or not is a big question mark, but this is certainly possible.

Goffin, despite having as many numbers of colours in the “what colour is the tennis ball debate” for eyes, should be well enough to play well for the Clay season. He did play well against Rafa in their match in Madrid last year. He’s looked to be in good form since, except for the hiccup in Amsterdam and Miami. Maybe the momentum will be on his side this time around.

The newer rung with the likes of Kyle Edmund and Hyeon Chung can put up some resistance as well. Edmund is in the final of Marrakesh this week as he takes on a clay veteran in the form of Pablo Andujar. This might be an indicator of the clay swing to come, and if Edmund could stop Nadal.

What do you think? Will Nadal be stopped? Is it terrible that we’re talking about impressive performances against Nadal in terms of competitively played 7-6 sets that went to Nadal anyway? Let us know in the comments below!

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