Rafael Nadal has raised concerns about the direction tennis is heading, calling for changes to the rules to prevent big servers with height advantages from dominating the sport in the future.
Speaking at a Eurosport event hosted in collaboration with Spanish sports daily Diario AS, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said:
“Tennis hasn’t changed its rules throughout its history. But players are getting taller and moving better. The serve is becoming too decisive. If that power isn’t limited, a player over two meters tall with good mobility could dominate, and others won’t be able to compete or get a break.”
Nadal, known more for his tenacity and physical endurance than his serve, made the comments while reflecting on how the sport may evolve. Despite his concerns, he clarified that this potential imbalance hasn’t happened yet.
“That moment hasn’t arrived. Djokovic just reached a final [at the Miami Open], and I was still competing a year and a half ago. That tells me the change hasn’t been abrupt — top players can still succeed.”
Nadal also reflected on his own career, which saw him win 14 French Open titles, four US Opens, two Wimbledons, and two Australian Opens before retiring in 2024. He emphasized his pride in always giving his all on the court:
“I never cared about numbers. I’m satisfied knowing I gave everything. I never came home from a tournament feeling like I left something on the table.”
While the tennis legend is no longer competing, his insights continue to shape conversations about the future of the sport
