Rafael Nadal is changing the strings of his racket back to the older ones he was using early in his career in an attempt to turn around yet another season full of struggles.
Starting at Indian Wells, Nadal will be using his old strings, replacing the new racket strings he have been using since the offseason in hopes of getting back to his old form, reports Tennis World USA via Punto de Break.
"He is back to using the strings he has had since the start of his career that helped him find the top-spin that over the years hurt so many opponents," the report revealed.
"From Indian Wells, where he's next playing, which takes place this week, he will be using the older racket strings hoping that it's the right decision for him."
So far, the new strings that Nadal has reportedly been using since the offseason have not given the 14-time Grand Slam winner any good results.
The 29-year-old Mallorcan started the year on a slump with stunning defeats at the Australian Open, and tournaments in Argentina and Rio de Janeiro, where Nadal succumbed to lower ranked players.
His most recent loss at the Rio Open in Brazil against Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas has Nadal admitting that he has been lacking consistency in important matches.
Nadal's attempt to change strings suggests the world No. 5 is in dire need of adjusting to a faster game, which his coach and uncle Toni described as the reason for his nephew's winless tournament campaigns this year.
"I've clear in my mind the reasons why Nadal stopped to win like he did before. Tennis is faster," Toni told Spanish media outlet El Espanol.
Nadal, seeded fourth, received a first-round bye and opens his Indian Wells campaign against Gilles Muller and Victor Estrella Burgos. If he gets past Round of 32, the world No. 5 could set another epic clash with compatriot Fernando Verdasco, who could face Slovak Martin Klizan if he wins against an unknown qualifier.
It remains to be seen whether changing the strings would greatly contribute to Nadal's bid to get back in his old form. But it is almost certain that his much-awaited comeback would not happen at Indian Wells, with six of the top 10 ATP world rankings set to compete in California.