World No.2 Rafael Nadal is like a brand new F1 car every season, according to one former French tennis star.
Henri Leconte has paid tribute to the Spaniard for his record-breaking record at Roland Garros, which is scheduled to be played later than usual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nadal has won the grand slam a record 12 times so far in his career. Becoming the first person in history to have won the same major 12 or more times. Overall, his record at the tournament currently stands at 93 wins to two losses. Those defeats were against Robin Soderling in 2009 and Novak Djokovic in 2015. He also didn’t win the 2016 title but pulled out midway through due to injury.
Leconte, who is the last home player to contest a men’s French Open final back in 1988, has praised Nadal’s ability to change and adapt his game over the years. The Frenchman featured in 15 French Open main draws throughout his career but only managed to win back-to-back matches in five of those. He did however peak at a ranking high of fifth in the world and win nine ATP titles.
“When you think about it, 12 Roland Garros in 15 years, you don’t think it would be possible. If someone told you that, you’d say, ‘You’re crazy.’ Leconte said during a recent interview with Stats Perform.
“What’s astonishing to me is how he evolved physically, how he changed his game, how he improved.
“I like to compare him to an F1 racing team which is producing a new car every year, he is coming every year with a new way of playing and adapting.
“He works on his serve, on his right hand, his left hand, and he’s always changing some things.”
The 56-yer-old also attributed Nadal’s success down to his mental toughness on the court. Making comparisons between him and Sergiy Bruguera. One of Leconte’s rivals during his career who he failed to beat in all five of their meetings.
“He’s been able to improve every year which allowed him to win Roland Garros, this is amazing. And mentally, he’s out of this world.” He commented on Nadal.
“To play at his level at Roland Garros, under these circumstances, physically and mentally, I couldn’t even play one set like that.
“During my time, [Sergi] Bruguera was a bit like him, and when I had to play him on clay, with my style, I knew it was over, I was about to run everywhere and get destroyed.
“Rafa is extraordinary. This is what’s impressive and people don’t realise how much he works.”
This year’s French Open is currently scheduled to get underway on September 20th. There are ongoing discussions about whether to hold the event behind closed doors due to the pandemic. Something that has never been done in the history of the tournament.