Hardcourt surface is a contributing factor in Rafa’s struggles at ATP Finals: Andy Murray
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The Nitto ATP Finals 2020 came to a close as Russia’s Daniil Medvedev lifted the trophy after a thrilling final against Dominic Thiem. This was the last year that London’s O2 Arena hosted the tournament, ending the 12-year stint at the venue.
Medvedev’s success on the indoor-court has stirred up a lot of questions regarding one of the best players who has never lifted the trophy at the season-ending tournament, Rafael Nadal. Former World No.1, Andy Murray gives his take on ‘why the Spaniard has failed to win’ the title till now.
A clay surface would have benefitted Nadal: Murray
It is a fact that the 13th times French Open champion prefers playing on clay than on hardcourt. The Spaniard is named the ‘King of Clay’ for his exploits on the surface.
According to Murray, the long stay of the Finals at the hardcourts of O2 Arena, had a lot to do with Nadal’s struggles at the tournament.
“It’s just not his best surface and it’s possible that if it was played on clay for the last 10-12 years, then maybe he would have won it six or seven times. So, as for sure that the surface has been a contributing factor,” Murray said.
Murray also goes on to say that the indoor surfaces favors Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who has defeated the Spaniard in his only two finals at the competition, more than Nadal.
Despite his troubles on the hardcourts, Nadal performed above expectation at this year’s tournament, only exiting after the eventual champion Medvedev defeated him in the semifinals.
Murray goes on to acknowledge that there are a lot of factors that have contributed to Nadal’s shortcoming at this tournament.
“It all comes down to preference and game styles and matchups and there’s lots of reasons,” said Murray.
He continued, “Rafa would have been highly motivated and really wanting to win this event. But, just a difficult surface for him against the top players.”
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