We have an interesting point form Rafa that says that ATP should be more focussed on players’ health.
Nadal is now completing his comeback to try to grab his first title after a long hiatus. He came back in Vina del Mar to be upset both in the single and doubles finals and he will try again in Sao Paulo.
From Rafa
“The ATP worries too little about the players,” said Nadal, “It should care more for them.”
“For future generations it would be good to see a less aggressive tennis life,” he said. “Not only because of what happens during your career, but also because of what happens after your career, about how is your body when your tennis career is over.”
Being a recreational player
“After ending the career it would be nice to be able to play football with friends, or tennis,” he said. “But with this surface I don’t think it’s going to be possible.”
About hard courts
“This is not a subject for the players, it’s a matter for doctors,” he said.
“The ATP has to start thinking about ways to lengthen the players’ careers. I can’t imagine football players playing on cement, I can’t imagine any other sport involving aggressive movements such as tennis being played on such aggressive surfaces such as ours. We are the only sport in the world making this mistake and it won’t change.”
Interesting thoughts… to tell the truth it would be really nice to see Rafa playing for another 10 years… softer courts may help… what about tournaments on synthetic grass (but careful to the ankles!)