“Surface Has Been a Contributing Factor”: Andy Murray Details Why Rafael Nadal Has Never Won ATP Finals

The O2 Arena in London said its goodbye as Russia’s Daniil Medvedev won his first ATP Finals title. This, in return, has stirred up a lot of questions against Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who is yet to win one. Former World No. 1 Andy Murray explains the many things that are keeping the Spaniard from succeeding.

World No. 2 has always been the fiercest competitor; however, he has failed 10 times in the year-end championships. Out of the 10, he has made it to the final twice losing to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Andy said, “It’s definitely one he would like to have won.”

“Rafael Nadal would have won it if ATP Finals was played on clay”: Murray

It is unknown to none that the 13 time French Open champion plays best on clay courts. According to Murray, playing on the same court for over two decades has a lot to do with Rafa’s results.

Murray said, “It’s just not his best surface and it’s possible that if it was played on clay for the last 10-12 years, then maybe he would have won it six or seven times. So, as for sure that the surface has been a contributing factor.”

Criticized over his performance on other courts, Nadal has one Australian Open, two Wimbledon, and four US Open Slams. Having said that, Murray disclosed that low-balancing indoor surfaces are suitable for Federer and Djokovic.

“Rafael would have been really wanting to win this event”: Murray

Even though the Spanish great has not won at the season finale, he is always putting his best effort in front. Nadal lost to eventual winner Medvedev in a hard-fought three sets in the semifinals. The final score said 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in favor of the Russian.

“It all comes down to preference and game styles and matchups and there’s lots of reasons,” said Murray. He continued, “Rafa would have been highly motivated and really wanting to win this event. But, just a difficult surface for him against the top players.”

Murray also highlighted an interesting fact that the ATP Finals is never lifted by a 30+ age player. Do you think the 2021 year-end event in Turin will change that fact?

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