Roger rests — Rafa roars

The King of clay has his mojo back. Rafa Nadal’s playing again with confidence and passion.

While Roger Federer skips the clay season, and Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray remain in various phases of funk, Rafa seems determined to pursue La Decima, his tenth title at Roland Garros, along with winning ten at Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

After thrashing Nick Kyrgios, David Goffin and Djokovic, Nadal won his 5th title in Madrid by drawing Dominic Thiem out of position with drop-shots, whipping forehands to his backhand corner, and then sharp angle winners to Thiem’s open forehand side.  

Rafa exploded into the net on key points, closing points with acrobatic overheads and stretch volleys. He’s also serving with the form that won him titles on grass and hardcourt, making him a serious contender for Wimbledon and the US open, if he remains healthy.

Though Thiem, Goffin, Pablo Cuevas and others continue to impress on clay, Rafa seems unbeatable. Indeed, he hasn’t lost on clay yet in 2017.

(all images copyright Christopher Johnson Globalite Media all rights reserved)