Former world's no.1 Rafael Nadal needs to reinvent his playing style in the same fashion as Roger Federer did when he reached the age of 30, according to tennis writer Musab Abid of Sportskeeda.com.
It has been a disappointing finish in Nadal's 2016 ATP campaign after a solid hard court campaign at Indian Wells and a victory at Monte Carlo Masters. For the first time since June of 2003, the ATP World Ranking doesn't have the name of Nadal or Federer in the top-4.
According to Abid, Nadal is in deep hole right now, but that doesn't mean his career is over. He believes the Spaniard needs to restructure his bludgeoning playing style and find another weapon in his arsenal other than his trademark forehand shot, which has caused him more troubles as of late.
Federer was in the same situation as Nadal in 2013, having won just one title (Gerry Webber Open) that whole year. However, the Maestro's decision to incorporate serve-and-volley technique to his style paid off the following year, allowing him to claw back to the elite ranks.
Another thing Nadal could learn from Federer is better scheduling. Very much aware that he had better chance of winning tournaments on grass and hardcourt, Federer put more emphasis on grass and hardcourt tournament while skipping clay-court tourneys as much as possible.
Nadal needs to do the same by loading up his 2017 season with clay-court tournaments to keep him prepared for another shot at Roland Garros title.
More ATP News:
-Roger Federer will be playing Andy Murray in a charity event in Zurich's Hallenstadion next April. Their match is billed 'Match for Africa 3' and proceeds of the event will go to Federer's foundation.
"I am extremely happy that Andy - one of the best tennis players in the world - immediately agreed to come to Zurich to help raise money for my foundation," Federer told reporters via Sporting Life. "However, I'm even happier that I'll finally get to play in front of my fans again next spring."