Rafael Nadal is vulnerable and unlikely to win a Grand Slam again believes Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci 

Rafael Nadal is expected to return with the Brisbane International.

Rafael Nadal is vulnerable and unlikely to win a Grand Slam again believes Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci 

Rafael Nadal, Rick Macci (Images via Sky Sports, YouTube)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is gearing up for a comeback next season. The 37-year-old who has not played since the 2023 Australian Open is expected to return to the tour with the Brisbane International. While his fans expect a 2022-like comeback for the Spaniard wherein he won the Australian Open as well as the French Open, Rick Macci has doubts about it. 

The renowned tennis coach who has worked with the likes of Serena Williams believes it will be a tough task for the 22-time Grand Slam winner to start dominating the tour straightaway. Macci feels that Nadal will not be able to win a Grand Slam title considering he is not the same player he was a few years back. 

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The former coach believes that Nadal’s aging has affected his mobility which makes him vulnerable on the court and his opponents are well aware of it. He also claimed that there is not much difference between the top players and those just below that level.

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As far as Rafa coming back, as you get older, you lose a little mobility and people aren't afraid when they know you're vulnerable. There's not that much difference between the guys at the top and then the next tier, and when they know they have a chance, that's a whole different thing, even on clay.
Rick Macci said to Tennis Infinity.

Rafael Nadal is no more unbeatable claims Rick Macci

Talking further about Rafael Nadal’s dip in form, Rick Macci claimed that the ‘King of Clay’ is no longer an unbeatable force. The 68-year-old said that while Nadal was far from being touched, especially on clay, it is no longer the case and hence a title win on return is not guaranteed for the Spanish ace.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via NBC News)

However, Macci did not completely rule Nadal out saying everything will depend upon his health.

Before against Rafa, he's 112-3 on clay [at Roland Garros], the match was over before it even started. You knew you weren't gonna beat the guy more than likely. So that being said, I wish Rafa all the best, but he's not at the exact same level he was before so I don't think he's a contender to win a Slam.I think he can be competitive and I think he's a rough out for anybody on clay, but it depends on his health.
Rick Macci claimed.

It will be interesting to see whether Rafael Nadal proves Rick Macci wrong or if the Spaniard’s Grand Slam titles tally stays limited to 22. The 37-year-old has previously made a memorable comeback (in 2022) and will be hoping to repeat the same this time around. Nadal has started practicing and might travel to Kuwait before landing in Australia for the Brisbane International.

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