Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty ImagesRafael Nadal’s legacy goes beyond his success on the court. He’s a global icon, recognised well outside the boundaries of tennis.Even with everything he’s accomplished in the sport, matching up with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic over two decades, he still comes across as one of the most down-to-earth figures in tennis.The Spaniard is happy to reflect on his career but also offers an interesting view on how the game has changed during his absence over the past two years.Recently, while speaking to students at his academy, he shared an interesting perspective on how some male players are adopting elements commonly seen in the women’s game.Rafael Nadal explains why male players are starting to play more like WTA playersPhoto credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty ImagesWhen asked by one of his students what the biggest difference is between the men’s and women’s games, Rafael Nadal responded: “It’s not an easy answer.”He went on to say: “From my point of view, male players are playing now a little bit the way that the female player plays.
Female players, normally they play aggressive; they go for every shot. I really believe that.“I mean, the male players normally have a better ability to move faster, but the female players normally, they are very clear about how they play. They go for the shots in the first ball.
I think they are very aggressive on the return. They try to make the points shorter, I think because they don’t have that ability to move that well.“Some of them go big since the beginning and I feel that ATP players and male players are now playing a little bit more that way.”Nadal highlighted how valuable it can be for top athletes to observe and learn from others across both tours: “So it’s always important to look around towards different tours and of course you can learn from each other.“No one is perfect. The male tour is not perfect.
The female tour is not perfect. Players have room to be better.“I think females can learn from male players about changing a little bit more of dynamic points and most of the girls play more equal – just a few girls use slice backhand changes dynamic points. It’s something when rival girl changes rhythm moves well going huge advantage.The 39-year-old mentioned specific examples like Aryna Sabalenka as well:“Of course it’s very difficult competing against someone like Sabalenka who goes big every shot serves like man but with variation movement you find ways tactics skills proper,” he said.Nadal has also spent time working alongside former WTA world number one Iga Swiatek, which highlights how his background in men’s tennis could offer valuable insights into her game as well now moving forward.Novak Djokovic has shifted his views on equal prize moneyNovak Djokovic sparked controversy in 2016 when he suggested that female players didn’t deserve equal pay with men.The backlash was swift, with Andy Murray and Serena Williams among those who publicly criticised his remarks.But in recent years, his tone has changed.
He’s spoken more positively about the women’s game and acknowledged its growth and success.“Well, it’s not what I think. It’s the fact. Women’s tennis has been by far the most successful, I guess, global women’s sport and also most paid, so it’s great to see that.
I’m happy for that, and I’m proud of that. I think it’s in a good place.”Djokovic has also grown closer to Aryna Sabalenka recently, offering advice not just to her but to rising stars like Iva Jovic as well.Read more:Roland Garros reacts with big response after Carlos Alcaraz confirms absence this yearJannik Sinner reacts to Carlos Alcaraz French Open withdrawalRoland-Garros Shock: Carlos Alcaraz Releases Statement on His Withdrawal