World Number Five Rafael Nadal is a winner again. The Spanish Superstar beat David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3 in Sao Paolo, Brazil to claim his 1st title since his return from a seven month injury lay-off. It was a win written in the stars. The script was slightly disrupted when Horacio Zeballos upstaged the Majorcan in Chile to win his maiden title. Nadal however won his 51st title of a glory laden career in style after coming from 3-0 down to win the 2nd set and the match. He thrust his arms in the air and fist pumped to show how much the title meant to him. It was his 8th singles match since his return to action. The victory in Sao Paolo was the 37th Clay Court title of his immeasurably successful career.
Agreed, the level of competition in both tournaments was low by Rafa's standards. This was a good start nonetheless. Reaching 3 finals in two weeks is a fine beginning for Nadal. With star studded Tournaments like Indian Wells and Miami coming in thick and fast, his level of preparedness must be in peak conditions to compete well with the elite of Tennis. Rafa hasn't reached that level yet. Playing 3 setters v lower ranked players especially on clay is not Nadal-like. Even Roger Federer struggles to take a set off a fully fit Rafa on clay. His shot-making, running, fighting ability, forehand, backhand, etc haven't exactly been present in the 8 matches he has played. Uncle Toni and the rest of the team have a lot of work to do in order to put Rafa in top shape.
The Majorcan powerhouse might skip one of the two American hard court tournaments to prepare well for the Clay Court swing. He has said in the past that he will have to re-plan his Calendar for this season and others ahead-Which means he will play less hard court Competitions to protect his knee. Hard Courts ask too much of his knees. Tennis fans all over the World are hopeful that he recaptures his best form to regain his place in the ATP Rankings.
Ohireime P Eboreime
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