Rafael Nadal insists that tennis authorities must alter the game’s regulations to prevent powerful servers from dominating matches due to their height advantage moving forward. This Spanish legend, one of the most renowned athletes in tennis history, claimed 22 Grand Slam championships prior to his retirement last year.
Nadal was not renowned as one of the leading servers in the game but built his career on unwavering intensity and exceptional physical durability. These attributes enabled him to claim all four Grand Slam titles, with his peak success occurring at the French Open. French Open , where he claimed 14 titles. However, he has admitted that present-day players might find it challenging to keep up with a taller competitor equipped with a powerful serve and exceptional agility on the court in the future.
At an event organised in partnership with Spanish sports daily As during Eurosport, Nadal stated: “Over its entire history, tennis hasn’t altered any rules.”
Individuals are growing taller and moving more efficiently—the serve plays a crucial role.
If that capability remains unchecked, eventually someone taller than two meters with great agility will show up, and you won’t stand a chance of keeping up with them or getting an advantage.
Even though the comment was concerning, the 38-year-old maintained that this situation isn't upon us just yet. He highlighted Novak Djokovic’s ongoing achievements at 37 years old as evidence that the transition is still pending.
Nadal stated: "At this time, that particular day has not come yet. Djokovic" got to the finale two days ago At the Miami Open, I was participating about a year and a half ago.
This makes me believe that the shift hasn’t been entirely sudden since we still retain an opportunity for victory.
During his remarkable career, Nadal participated in 30 Grand Slam finals. Besides his outstanding achievements at the French Open, he secured four victories at the US Open, two at Wimbledon, and another pair at the Australian Open. Towards the end of his time on the tennis court, injuries plagued him; his final major tournament appearance was at Roland Garros in 2024 shortly before he retired.
Reflecting on his career, he commented: "I've never been driven by arrogance. Numbers have never mattered to me. It brings me contentment to finish knowing I gave my all."
The sense of not giving my all after a tournament left me devastated. I typically come back with a clear conscience.