In 2024, the tennis world got a rare glimpse of Rafael Nadal, a living legend whose appearances on the court have been few and far between this year. Despite his limited schedule, Nadal’s name still commands respect, and one player who had the opportunity to face the 22-time Grand Slam champion shared a brutally honest reflection on the experience. Zizou Bergs, a Belgian player who has fought his way back into the ATP Top 100, faced Nadal at the iconic Foro Italico in Rome during the Italian Open—and his assessment of Nadal was as revealing as it was respectful.
Bergs, who has had his own battles with injuries, particularly a wrist problem that derailed his momentum for a long time, has made a strong comeback this season. Winning multiple matches on the ATP Tour, he’s clawed his way back into the Top 100, showing the grit and perseverance that many players need to survive the ruthless world of professional tennis. It was this determination that saw him navigate the qualifying rounds in Rome, setting up a showdown with the man often dubbed the ‘King of Clay.’
Facing Nadal, even in 2024, was a monumental experience for Bergs, and he didn’t shy away from giving his candid take on what it felt like. “It was a cool experience,” Bergs admitted, though he quickly noted that this wasn’t the unstoppable Nadal of old. “His average level is not the same as before. He is also a little slower.” These words may come as a shock to fans used to seeing Nadal glide across the clay with unparalleled speed and agility, but the young Belgian’s assessment is hard to argue with. Nadal, who has been battling injuries and time itself, isn’t quite the same fierce competitor who once owned Roland Garros year after year.
Bergs managed to take the opening set against Nadal in Rome, playing some inspired tennis, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to seal the win. The Spaniard, despite not being at his peak, still has the tools and mental fortitude to claw his way back in matches. Bergs reflected on this, saying, “He can also play very hard. These are two aspects of the rally that are relatively difficult to compete with.” While Nadal’s speed may have diminished, his ability to generate power and control rallies remains one of his biggest assets, as Bergs discovered firsthand.
For the Belgian, there were flashes of the old Nadal, moments when the Spaniard’s brilliance shone through. “He had some flashes, obviously, during the match where he really showed that he is one of the best in history,” Bergs remarked, acknowledging that even at a diminished level, Nadal’s game still contains elements of greatness that most players can only dream of achieving. “With his forehand, the ball curves, but not with a great angle,” Bergs added, dissecting Nadal’s famous weapon. Even if Nadal wasn’t as sharp as he once was, his forehand remains a tricky shot to handle, still possessing the heavy topspin that has confounded so many opponents over the years.
However, the most telling observation from Bergs was his realization that Nadal’s physical decline is becoming more apparent. On clay, where speed and endurance are crucial, a slightly slower Nadal is not the same threat he once was, even on his favorite surface. “Speed is crucial on a clay court, and even his hitting isn’t as good as it once was,” Bergs explained. This observation highlights the stark reality that age and injuries have caught up with Nadal, a reality that no amount of competitive fire can fully overcome.
Nadal’s future in the sport remains uncertain. Though his competitiveness has waned, he hasn’t completely stepped away from the game, and fans are still holding onto hope that he can summon some of the magic that has defined his legendary career. As Bergs pointed out, there are moments when Nadal seems capable of turning back the clock, showing glimpses of the player who has dominated the sport for nearly two decades. But those moments are becoming rarer, and it’s unclear how much longer Nadal can continue at the highest level.
Nadal is expected to play at an exhibition in Riyadh soon, which will offer a clearer picture of where he stands in terms of his physical condition and his level of play. Facing some of the current top players on the ATP Tour, Nadal will have another chance to test himself against the best in the world. For his fans, it will be an opportunity to see if there is still more to come from the Spaniard or if the twilight of his career has truly arrived.
Zizou Bergs’ experience of playing Nadal in 2024 is a reminder that, while Nadal may no longer be the dominant force he once was, his legacy remains untouchable. Facing one of the sport’s greatest champions, even in his twilight years, is still a daunting task. As Bergs noted, there are moments when Nadal’s brilliance shines through, reminding the world why he’s considered one of the best in tennis history. But the harsh reality is that even legends like Nadal aren’t immune to the passage of time. For now, the tennis world waits to see how long he can continue to grace the courts, and whether he can summon one final chapter in his storied career.
