Nadal Branded “Horrible to Practise With” as Kyrgios Issues “Horrendous” Verdict

While Rafael Nadal is celebrated as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, not everyone enjoys sharing a court with him. John Isner has humorously described Nadal as “a horrible practice partner,” and Nick Kyrgios has made some colorful remarks about the Spaniard’s on-court habits and their contentious relationship. This article explores these perspectives, delving into Nadal’s intense practice routines, his clashes with Kyrgios, and the underlying respect that exists despite their differences.

Nadal’s Grueling Practice Regime: A Test for Any Partner

Rafael Nadal’s dedication to tennis is well-known. He’s renowned for his relentless focus on fitness and practice, often training as hard as or harder than younger players. During the season, Nadal spends up to four hours a day practicing, engaging in various tennis-related exercises like short sprints, footwork drills, racket swings, and ball drills. He also incorporates strength training, core workouts, and extensive stretching into his routine.

A typical day for Nadal involves:

• Early Start: Waking up around 6 a.m. and having a nutritious breakfast.
• Morning Practice: Four hours of practice and strength training on the court.
• Warm-up: Using a vibrating platform to improve blood circulation, muscle strength, and range of motion.
• Gym Work: Additional endurance exercises like treadmill running or swimming.
• Core Strengthening: Plank exercises and medicine ball routines.

John Isner’s “horrible practice partner” comment, made on the Nothing Major Podcast, wasn’t necessarily a criticism but rather an acknowledgement of Nadal’s intensity. Isner recounted an experience in Beijing where Nadal requested a practice session shortly after the draw was released, projecting them as potential quarterfinal opponents. Isner suspected Nadal’s motive was to analyze his game, serve, and overall ball-striking ability. He jokingly said that Nadal “hits the ball so hard and he hits winners,” making him a difficult practice partner, but added, “it’s Rafa, so you don’t say anything, right? Let him go on.” Nadal indeed won their quarterfinal match and went on to win the title.

Kyrgios vs. Nadal: A Feud Marked by Animosity and Respect

Nick Kyrgios has never shied away from expressing his feelings about Rafael Nadal, often with controversial and colorful language.

• Early Animosity: Kyrgios confessed to always having “hated and despised” Nadal during his playing days. He explained that this stemmed from the idolization of Nadal at his tennis academies back home, where he felt pressured to emulate Nadal’s hard-working image. Kyrgios wanted to prove that one could be “chilled and have fun” and still beat someone like Nadal.
• On-Court Clashes: Their rivalry has been marked by several incidents, including Kyrgios’s underarm serve against Nadal at the Mexico Open in 2019 and his admission that he intentionally aimed a ball at Nadal’s chest during a Wimbledon match.
• Criticism of Nadal’s Habits: Kyrgios has openly criticized Nadal’s slow play between points, arguing that he doesn’t adhere to the rule of playing to the server’s speed.

Despite the animosity, Kyrgios has also acknowledged a level of respect for Nadal. He recognized Nadal as “one of the greatest of all time” and admitted that Nadal motivated him to play his best tennis.

Underlying Respect and Mutual Recognition

Despite their differences and clashes, there’s an underlying layer of respect between Kyrgios and Nadal.

• Kyrgios’s Retirement Message: Following Nadal’s announcement of his upcoming retirement, Kyrgios posted a message on X, acknowledging their differences but calling Nadal “one hell of a warrior.”
• Nadal’s Comments on Kyrgios: Even after their contentious match at the Mexico Open in 2019, Nadal acknowledged Kyrgios’s talent, saying he “has enormous talent, could be winning grand slams or fighting for the No. 1 ranking.” He did, however, add that Kyrgios “lacks respect for the public, the rival and towards himself.”
• Mutual Acknowledgement: Both players have, at times, recognized the entertainment value of their rivalry, acknowledging that their contrasting styles and personalities create a compelling narrative for the sport.

Nadal’s Meticulous Rituals and Focus

Nadal is known for his numerous on-court rituals, which he says help him maintain focus and control. These include:

• Water Bottle Placement: Precisely positioning his water bottles in a specific line.
• Baseline Routine: Walking along the baseline in a particular way.
• Serve Routine: Touching his shorts, shoulders, ears, and nose before every serve.

Nadal explains that these routines help him feel “100% focused” and “under self-control.” While some might view them as superstitions, Nadal insists they serve a clear purpose in helping him re-center and concentrate during matches.

Nadal’s Training and Diet

Rafael Nadal’s success is rooted in his dedication to training and nutrition. His fitness routine has evolved throughout his career to meet the demands of professional tennis.

• Early Years: Focused on extensive on-court practice, up to four hours daily.
• Later Years: Prioritized injury prevention and recovery, with emphasis on stretching.
• Off-Season: Included more weightlifting to build strength.
• Competitive Season: Focused on core stability and agility.

Nadal doesn’t follow a strict diet but generally eats healthily. He enjoys seafood, especially his mother’s homemade paella, and incorporates fresh fruits and greens into his daily meals. He avoids steaks before matches but consumes bananas during matches for energy.

Conclusion

Rafael Nadal’s intense dedication and meticulous habits have made him a legend in the world of tennis. While his demanding practice style might be “horrible” for some, and his on-court demeanor has clashed with players like Nick Kyrgios, there’s no denying his incredible work ethic and achievements. Despite the occasional animosity, a mutual respect exists between Nadal and his rivals, acknowledging the unique qualities each brings to the sport. Nadal’s legacy extends beyond his numerous titles, encompassing a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the tennis court.