AP
by Steven Wine
April 4, 2024
KEY BISCAYNE, Florida (AP) - Rafael Nadal wants to improve his serve and his English.
The Mallorcan's speech is halting in his second language, which is why he accepted the runner-up trophy at the Nasdaq-100 Open in Spanish. And his serve is only average, one reason he failed to hold a big lead in the final against top-ranked Roger Federer.
But Nadal has plenty of time to get better. He doesn't turn 19 until June 3, the date of the semifinals at the French Open.
There's a good chance he'll play that day. His success over the past four months has stamped Nadal as a contender in Paris - and other Grand Slam cities.
He helped Spain beat the United States at the Davis Cup final in December, won consecutive clay-court titles in Brazil and Acapulco in February, and gave Federer a scare Sunday. Nadal has climbed to 17th in this week's ATP Tour rankings from 51st at the start of the year.
"We'll see of course very much from him in the future," said Federer, twice two points from defeat before he rallied from a two-set deficit to win the Key Biscayne final.
The 3 1/2-hour match provided Nadal with plenty of time to display his athleticism. He rivals the fastest players on the tour and is muscular too, with bulging biceps reminiscent of fellow Spaniard Carlos Moya.
Former teen prodigy Andre Agassi is among those impressed by Nadal's physique.
"You see the evolution of athletes getting bigger, stronger, more powerful, faster and explosive and hitting the ball harder," Agassi said. "Me at 18, looking at Nadal at 18, from the neck down you would think one person was 26 and the other was 12."
Nadal's strength helps him impart tremendous topspin, forcing opponents to meet the ball chest high. He's the highest-ranked left-hander and one of only three in the top 40, allowing him to hit shots at angles other players seldom see.
"Because he's a lefty, it changes so many things," Federer said. "His forehand is huge. Even on the run he can hit it with the spins. He can hit winners off every forehand. ...
"He hits his backhand very close to his body but still gets it back well and hard when he's under pressure. And he's a good defensive player as well. He moves totally different from most players. He's an outstanding athlete."
Then there's the serve, which has a kick but rarely tops 175 kph (110 mph). Nadal's upper-body strength makes it likely he'll soon be serving harder.
"If I can improve my serve and get points off my serve, that's one of the things I need to improve," he said.
A big serve is less vital on clay, Nadal's favorite surface. He returns to it this week, facing 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero in the first round at Valencia.
"Good draw," Nadal said with a laugh.
That match will mark the start of Nadal's preparation for his first French Open. He missed last year's tournament because of a sprained ankle, but he might be the favorite this year, unless it's Federer.
The victory at Key Biscayne gave Federer five titles this year. He has won 18 consecutive finals since 2003, and 22 consecutive matches in 2005. But over the past three years, his record at Roland Garros - the only major he has yet to win - is just 2-3.
"I know I have the game, and I know I can hang tough now for five sets without a problem, where in the past maybe that wasn't the case," Federer said. "So I'm looking forward to the challenge."
He showed staying power Sunday by coming back from a two-set deficit for only the third time in his career. The comeback left him jubilant, and he described it as a big moment in his lustrous career.
A disappointed Nadal spoke Spanish to explain his emotions.
"Anytime I play well and play a match like this, I have fun," he said through a translator. "But as soon as I lose the last point, the fun stops."
Rising to leave the postmatch news conference, Nadal switched languages to share one last thought.
"I'm going to work on my English," he said, "for next year."
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