‘They Don’t Have to Be at Their Best’ – Tommy Robredo Reveals That It’s Impossible to Defeat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Tommy Robredo, the Spanish tennis ace, turned pro in the year 1998. He achieved his career highest ranking of World No.5  by winning the Hamburg Masters where he was seeded 8th. Further, he is a seven-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist and three-time semifinalist in US Open men’s doubles.

Also, Robredo has an excellent record in team events. He has won 5 team events, three Davis Cup and two Hopman Cup. However, after having a 24 years long career, Robredo has decided to say goodbye to tennis. While speaking to the press post his last match at Barcelona Open 2022, the Spaniard spoke about playing against some big names of this generation.

Tommy Robredo Shares His Thoughts

The Spaniard spoke about his experience of playing against high-caliber players such as Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. He said, “It has always been difficult to play with these guys. They are the best of the best and you don’t play with them that often. They have a level. So to play them, beat them, you will have to be at your best and they don’t have to be at their best.”

“If Djokovic plays his best, it’s better if you got to beat him. If Rafa plays his best, it’s better if you get to beat him. But if there is one day they are not good and you can start the match making a break, you can put them in trouble. So I was trying this. I was trying to play them as many times as possible. And you know, tactically and mentally trying to be strong to put them in a situation that they could have doubt.” He added.

Read more: ‘It Was Special to Finish Here’ – Fans React as Former World Number 5 Tommy Robredo Calls an End to His Illustrious Career at Barcelona Open

Tommy has had 22 wins against the top 10 players and two wins against world no.1s. He defeated Australian former world no.1, Lleyton Hewitt, in 2003 at Roland Garros, and current world no.1 Novak Djokovic in the 2014 Cincinnati Masters.

Robredo’s Playing Style

Robredo is a baseline player and shares a table with exceptional baseliners such as the king of clay and fellow Spanish player Rafael Nadal. Further, he has been praised for banking both offensive and defensive styles of playing and his groundstrokes on both wings.

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However, his weakness is being over defensiveness. Sometimes when he already has control over the rallies, he gears down and lets the opponent have a decent amount of time to bounce back. Thus nullifying the effect of his powerful groundstrokes.