Stefanos Tsitsipas BLAMES Rafael Nadal’s indisciplined routine for his career-ending injuries comparing it to Novak Djokovic’s timely changes

The Greek tennis player believes the Serb's regimen and diet make him a force on the tour so late into his career.

Stefanos Tsitsipas BLAMES Rafael Nadal’s indisciplined routine for his career-ending injuries comparing it to Novak Djokovic’s timely changes

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (Credits: The Economic Times)

In a recent interview with SDNA, Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas expressed deep admiration for Serbian legend Novak Djokovic. He highlighted the Serb’s disciplined regimen, dietary practices, and his elusive “secret recipe” for winning Major tournaments.

Tsitsipas, while commending the exemplary discipline of the Serbian legend, also shed light on the potential impact of Rafael Nadal‘s less structured routine, which some speculate may have contributed to career-threatening injuries.

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Tsitsipas mentioned that despite being a top–5 player and a top natural contender for any Grand Slam, it does not seem far-fetched to say that Djokovic has the Wimbledon title essentially “in his pocket” this year.

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He said, “Somehow, he has (the trophy in his pocket)! He comes off as stubborn to me. And I want like anything to be able to win against him and show that I’m capable of doing something too, but he’s found the secret recipe of how he can be there in every slam, go deep without any problem against any opponent. Works like clockwork!”

Tsitsipas further commented on Nadal’s training approach. He noted the absence of a stringent regimen in the Spanish player’s routine. “I don’t want to say anything bad about Nadal, but he has different routines that have cost him his career with injuries and I know why these things happen. Novak has avoided it, his diet is the most incredible in tennis, his recovery is the most advanced I have seen, so I also take some elements and add them to my own tennis,” the Greek tennis player added.

Also read: Venus Williams does not have a “wild” chance anymore at Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal has had a slew of injuries over his long career

Rafael Nadal (Image via ESPN)
Rafael Nadal (Image via ESPN)

Notably, Rafael Nadal ended his 2023 season prematurely due to a hip injury. He has said on record that the 2024 season will be his last on tour. Nadal is no stranger to injuries and has retired/opted out of many tournaments lately owing to one condition or the other. Tsitsipas believes his diet and regimen were key contributors to those injuries.

Nadal’s sustained a hip injury during a third-round loss at the Australian Open in January of this year. It is the latest in a long string of injuries that have troubled the Spaniard on and off for almost a decade. After missing the 2023 French Open, he has officially pulled out prematurely of the 2023 season. He is expected to need at least five more months to recover.

Injuries have cost dear to the Spaniard in the past, the most notable being the 2014 Australian Open final between Nadal and Stan Wawrinka. Nadal underwent cramps halfway through the match and it was evident that he could not stay competitive, giving Stan his maiden Grand Slam triumph.

With Nadal set to miss the entire season. It remains to be seen where and in what form will the legendary tennis player make a comeback.

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