Recently on other forums, I've seen people imply that Nadal is not actually left handed at all and only chose to play that way as a kind of calculated career move! I'm sceptical. Does anyone know the background (to Nadal or the rumour)?
I believe that is true, and that his coach/uncle encouraged him to learn to play lefthanded.
Here's one reference on the subject.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2006/....bull.wins.htmlThe excerpt of relevence is:
| QUOTE |
One of his weapons is being left-handed. “I have to adjust a lot to play against him,” says Federer. “I have to make split-second decisions since the balls are coming from a lefty.”
But did you know that he’s right-handed? He writes, eats, carries stuff using his right hand. Then why is he playing left? When he was younger, Toni, his uncle and coach, decided that his two-handed backhand would benefit from a strong right arm. Imagine that? A right-hander playing left? My gosh, he owns two forehands. |
And if you're still doubtful, watch him sign autographs. He uses his right hand.
Anyone who has the ability to choose which hand he wishes for a particular task is simply a genius in the making. Unfortunately, Rafa does not know this yet, but once he finds the full potential of his gift he is going to be difficult player to put away.