by Ricard Cabot
Diario de Mallorca
January 29, 2025

Versi�n Espa�ol

Santana, Gimeno, Orantes and Arilla predict the imminent entry of the Majorcan in the top ten.

RICARD CABOT. PALMA.

Santana, Arilla, Gimeno and Orantes, the ones responsible for making tennis into one of the most popular sports, concur in that few players at the age of 17 play at the same level as the player from Manacor. His weaker points, yes, he has them, especially the serve and the volley, will improve when he will play against the best on the circuit.

* How do you feel about the election of Nadal for the Davis Cup?

Santana - I saw him play the Masters Series in Madrid and, although it was not his day, I liked his game and his eagerness, like he showed against Hewitt last week. He is a great player and a worthy substitute for Carlos (Moy�). I was also surprised by his win over Novak in New Zealand, for the Czech played a good match.

Gimeno - I think it is the right choice. They are the four players that will have to play this tie. Nadal and Robredo make up a good doubles pair and Ferrero and Moy� are without question in the singles. Nadal is able to play singles, and if they need him, there might not be an alternative but to let him play.

Orantes - He deserves the call. He is having a brillant start of the season. He is predestined to be a very important player in Spanish tennis. It's all a question of maturity, and not being fazed by those highest in the rankings. He is improving by giant steps.

Arilla - I consider it an opportune moment to admit players like Nadal, who has demonstrated he is ready to play a Davis Cup tie. It's a good decision by the Spanish team captains.

* What strong and weak points do you find in the player?

Santana - He is rather intelligent on the court. What I like in Nadal is his way of planning the matches and the different ways he plays, depending on the opponent on the other side. He has at his diposal a variety of strokes, although he needs to improve many facets of his game, like the volley and the serve. But at his age you can't ask for more.

Gimeno - The only thing he lacks is experience in the ATP and matches in the professional circuit. The eagerness he shows on court is for me his best asset. He has to improve some of the strokes, especially his serve, but it's a question of time. One mustn't forget he is still only 17.

Orantes - The volley and the serve are the things he needs to improve, and he knows it. Already he plays against the real pro's and they will exploit these weak points to the max. He is aggrassive from the baseline, but he lacks finishing off the points at the net. Mentally he is very strong. He knows himself. There are those that have talent, but no head. He is not empty-headed, and he has the right people around him.

Arilla - He really needs to improve his volley and his serve, something he'll learn while playing matches. If he succeeds, he'll be in with the best in a short time.

* Do you see him in the top ten?

Santana - I think we shouldn't be putting goals for him. If he has a bad year he shouldn't be criticized. If nothing untoward happens, like injuries, he has a fantastic future, that's for sure.

Gimeno - It's just a question of time. Sooner or later I see him with the best players of the world, and within the year, or two at the most, in the top five. His progress is splendid and everyhting indicates we'll see him go up very soon.

Orantes - To put goals is complicated, and in sports, even more so. It's certain that he will be in the top ten sooner or later. He has the inconvenience of having to cope with more and more pressure. Now he doesn't get bad critics when he loses, but as time goes by he will have to deal with them. Anyway, he is no fluke.

Arilla - We'll have to wait and not shout too loudly just yet. It's not easy to take in all that has been happening to him, and at the moment it looks like he is succeeding. If nothing bad happens and he knows how to deal with the pressure of the important matches and tournaments, I see him in the top ten in two years, in spite of the competition that exists in the professional circuit.

* What differences do you see between Moy� and Nadal?

Santana - For starters, Nadal is left-handed and Moy� is not. Rafa plays tennis with more improvisation, but there is still much to learn. Moy� has great technical capabilities, with very good strokes, like his forehand and also his serve, but he is inconsistent in his game.

Gimeno - Being left-handed is an advantage for Nadal, cause it is uncomfortable for right-handed players. Nadal is more aggressive on court than Moy�, although the latter still has a greater variety of technical strokes that have kept him almost always in the top ten.

Orantes - They are different players. Moy� has more variety in his game, but he is not as consistent. Nadal is stronger mentally and he is more consistent. He is very mature on court.

Arilla - Tennis-wise, Moy� is a more complete player, and if he is focused, he has all the talent of the world. Nadal is mentally stronger. I don't know what will happen in a year, but if he improves his volley and his serve he will be a great player.