Rafael Nadal’s forehand is not merely a stroke. Rather, it’s a statement. Especially on clay courts, where he holds a 63-8 record in the finals of tournaments. And to emphasize it even more, Paul McNamee delves deep into why Nadal’s forehand skills, which he calls a “weapon,” make him unbeatable on clay courts.

After overcoming a series of back-to-back injuries, the “King of Clay” is back in good form at the Madrid Open. The 37-year-old has already won two matches in the tournament and is due to play Pedro Cachin in his next round. After witnessing him revive himself at the Madrid Open, where he has previously won 12 matches, Paul McNamee provided an analysis of why the legend’s points are “assured on clay than other surfaces.”.

“Because his forehand is such a weapon on clay that you live in such fear. Once you get to forehand, he’s going to take control of the point that you have to go for something very quickly in the point to try and end it. Because he’s going to strangle you with his forehand because he’s so dominant.”

With heavy topspin and a balance between power and precision, his forehand skills often make his opponent run for points. And with these powerful strokes, his dominance on the clay court, especially at the French Open, speaks volumes. Apart from having 14 titles, he also has a match record of 97.4% win rates in the tournament.

Referring to this, McNamee added, “So in the end, Nadal wins because he’s got the best shot in the history of the game, which is his forehand. There is no better shot in the history of tennis. That’s why he’s won 14 Roland Garros.” Apart from Paul McNamee, there is one other person who explained Rafael Nadal’s “unique” forehand skills.

Mouratglou comments on Rafael Nadal’s “best forehand” skills

The former coach of Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratglou, once ranked top athletes according to their forehand skills. Three guesses as to who took the top spot. Mouratoglou explained his ranking, “Rafa Nadal’s forehand is unique in tennis history.”

The veteran coach continued, “When playing cross with his forehand, the quality of his top spin, and the zones he finds, always fully open the court for his down the line forehand.” He concluded by adding Nadal has the “best forehand” of all time.

The Spaniard’s dominance on the clay court is indeed a source of fear for many. Recently, Daniil Medvedev also reminded the tennis community that after Nadal’s comeback at the Madrid Open, all the players, including himself, felt “afraid” of his prowess on court. As the tournament proceeds, it will be interesting to see Nadal regain his position on the clay court after his long hiatus.