The Nadal Variation

You often talk about the Nadal Variation. What do you mean?

The Nadal Variation is a strategy where Nadal ran around his backhand to hit a powerful forehand cross-court shot.

This strategy allowed Nadal to:

1. Dictate Play with His Forehand: Nadal’s forehand was one of his most lethal weapons, particularly with the heavy topspin he generated. Running around his backhand let him use his dominant stroke to control the rally.

2. Exploit the Opponent’s Weaker Side: By hitting a wide cross-court forehand, Nadal pulled his opponent off the court, often targeting their backhand side, which is typically weaker for most players.

3. Create Space for the Next Shot: By pushing his opponent wide with the cross-court forehand, Nadal opened up the court, allowing him to either attack down the line on the next shot or hit an inside-out forehand to maintain control.

4. Psychological Pressure: This move was a classic Nadal tactic, imposing psychological pressure. Opponents knew that even when they target his backhand side, he could turn it into an offensive play with his forehand, making it difficult to find a safe target.