'Ridiculous' forehand key to Spaniard's dominance

Published on Thursday 3 July 2008 23:11

RAFAEL Nadal's forehand has for some time been the most terrifying shot on clay. Now it is just about the most fearsome shot on grass as well.

How potent a weapon it is was shown in the No2 seed's straight-sets win over Andy Murray on Wednesday.

Time after time, taking minimal backswing, Nadal unleashed his forehand against the Scot, who simply had no time left to react to it. "His forehand was ridiculous," Murray said. "It's amazing how fast he's hitting the ball and how much control he has over it."

The Spaniard's power and his ability to create massive spin with his wrist are what enable him to play this punchy forehand shot. He is not interested in taking his time; he wants to overpower his opponents as soon as possible.

The king of clay's adaptation to grass brings to mind Andre Agassi's decision in 1992 to take Wimbledon seriously and seek advice from the former champion John McEnroe on how to adapt from hardcourts. "Reduce your backswing on every shot," McEnroe told him.

On the strength of those six words, Agassi went on to win the title.