“I Am Leaning Coric”: Roger Federer’s former trainer argues that Rafael...

World number 2 Rafael Nadal wants to win his first title at the Rolex Paris Masters. Nadal will face compatriot Feliciano Lopez in his opening round. Meanwhile, the Roland Garros Champion is only one victory away from reaching the exclusive milestone of 1000 victories on the ATP Tour.

Recently during a

Let’s get to the bottom of it…Why hasn’t Rafa won Paris Masters (or the ATP Finals)?@paul_annacone, @BrettHaber, and @nickmonroe10s talk @RafaelNadal's indoor game and whether or not 2020 could be his year → https://t.co/tPoe44TDv0#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/BdwpBsaTIH

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 2, 2020

Federer’s former coach Paul Annacone claimed that if Nadal played Borna Coric in the third round, he would be the favorite. Annacone put forward an argument that Coric is equal in his rivalry against Nadal and defeated the Spaniard at an indoor event in Basel in 2014.

“I think Lopez is a dangerous game, but let’s not forget that Borna Coric is two and two with Rafa. And one of these victories is in Basel. So when Coric and Nadal play, I reject Coric. I call it boys now. “ Said Annacone.

The indoor conditions hurt Rafael Nadal

Given Nadal’s poor record at indoor events, he only reached the final in Paris Bercy once. Remarkably, the 20-fold Grand Slam title list arrives mostly exhausted at the tournaments at the end of the season, and the conditions in the hall do not favor Nadal’s top-spin-heavy game.

Hence, Annacone believes Nadal is relying on the ball to bounce high off the field, which does not work in indoor hard court conditions. The last time Nadal reached the Paris Masters final was in 2007 when he brutally lost to David Nalbandian 4-6, 0-6.

“It’s all about the speed on the forehand. In general, that forehand doesn’t bounce around indoors like a superball, and Rafa likes that. If he’s not able to do that, you can let him in and out a little and make him a little more uncomfortable. “ Claimed Annacone.

However, the absence of Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem further increases Nadal’s chances. If the Spaniard wins his first title in Paris Bercy, it will match Djokovic’s record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles.

In 2019 Nadal reached the semifinals at Paris Masters, but unfortunately had to retire due to an abdominal injury. But because of the shortened 2020 season, the 34-year-old should be fully fit this time.