“Rafa grew up in a very favorable environment, but Roger…,” Top tennis Coach reveals the need to be ‘mentally strong’ is not necessary

Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam events, whereas Federer retired after winning 20.

“Rafa grew up in a very favorable environment, but Roger…,” Top tennis Coach reveals the need to be ‘mentally strong’ is not necessary

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer after the 2013 Rome Masters finals (Image via IMAGO)

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are widely regarded as two of the greatest tennis players of all time. Their remarkable careers are decorated with numerous Grand Slam titles and Olympic medals, spanning over two decades. However, when comparing their mental fortitude, former coach of Gael Monfils, Pier Gauthier, opines that Nadal holds an edge over Federer.

Federer and Nadal were known for winning two events more than any other player. Nadal won the French Open a record 14 times while Federer won the Wimbledon eight times. In fact, the Swiss star reached the final of 18 of the 19 Grand Slam events from 2005 to 2010, winning 12. He was the first men’s player to reach 20 major singles career titles.

But Nadal kept on winning until he surpassed him in 2022 (the same year Federer retired) taking his Grand Slam tally to 22, just two below Novak Djokovic. Nadal won 93 tour-level titles with 63 of them on clay surfaces. The Spanish star will turn 38 in June but still continues to lay his mark on the court. Though this season will be his final, his determination to compete at the highest level remains astonishing.

FS Video

That’s what led Pier Gauthier to believe he was mentally strong and fit for the game better than Federer. The veteran coach added that Nadal’s family were known athletes and they instilled in him the athletic mind.

In reality, you don't necessarily need a mental trainer to be strong in this area. I often take the example of Rafa and [Roger] Federer, because people sometimes think that the mind is innate, that it comes from birth. I don't believe in this theory. Rafa grew up in a very supportive environment with Toni and his other uncle who played football in Barcelona. So the mind works. But Federer is a counter‐example. He almost stopped playing because he couldn't contain himself and have a consistent attitude.
Pier Gauthier said via welovetennis
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer (via Imago)

Meanwhile, Federer has focused on his family and his business ventures since retiring from the sport. On the other hand, Nadal is aiming to finish his final tour at the best level possible despite setbacks with his body due to his age.

Rafael Nadal intensifies training ahead of the Roland Garros after arriving early

Rafael Nadal has been training at the Court Philippe-Chatrier since arriving in Paris for the Roland Garros a week before the Major kick-off. The Spanish star has a record of 112 wins in 115 games at the coveted clay Grand Slam.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

It will be his first Grand Slam event since his second-round match at the Australian Open in January 2023 and 700 + days since he won the 2022 Roland Garros. Before arriving, he had a three-session practice with Tallon Griekspoor.

Also, he trained with American Sebastian Korda, winning the two sets before the practice session was over. He looks to be growing in confidence after exiting the second round of the Italian Open.

In case you missed it: