How Rafael Nadal Can Win Wimbledon 2018

Rafael Nadal has been a force to be reckoned with as Wimbledon 2018 approaches. After winning his eleventh title in Monte Carlo, eleventh title in Barcelona, eighth title in Rome, and a record-breaking eleventh French Open, there is no reason why Rafael Nadal can’t transform those performances into the lush green grass courts in London.

Regardless of the titles, it’s also about the manner in which he has won his matches. Despite not having ample match practice on grass courts leading up to the Grand Slam, Nadal will hope to continue the way he has been playing. 

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why Rafael Nadal can clinch his third Wimbledon title. 

#1. If Nadal gets relatively easier initial rounds

The draw for Wimbledon 2018 is out, and with Rafael Nadal seeded as the second ranked player, it’s likely that he will have “easier” initial rounds. Given the fact that Roger Federer is seeded at #1, Nadal can only face Federer in the final. With Novak Djokovic ranked outside the top 10, Nadal may very well not get to face him until the later half of the second week. Hence, the path for Nadal to go deep into the tournament and win Wimbledon 2018 is a smooth one.

#2. Federer’s Halle Open final loss to Coric

Roger Federer was on a dream run on grass counts, and even found a way to win 21 matches in a row before losing to 21-year old Croatian Borna Coric at the Halle Open. Regardless of it being a fluke or not, that loss may sit in the back of Federer’s mind, and could cause another defeat to occur. 

#3. Djokovic’s loss to Cilic in the Queens Tennis Final

The twelve-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t been at his best as of late, but Novak Djokovic did show some positive signs in a valiant effort against Marco Cecchinato at Roland Garros. Despite losing that match, most believe Djokovic is back in his best form, and that was proven by reaching the final at the Fever-Tree Championships. With injuries occurring as of late, Djokovic’s chances of making a deep run in this tournament are slim at best. 

#4. Murray’s return to tennis after a long injury lay-off

Andy Murray is another player who could have halted Nadal in his pursuit for an 18th Grand Slam title, but having come back from an injury that kept him out for almost a year makes it seem like an unlikely narrative. With not much match practice, Murray seems a tad rusty and given the form Nadal is in, Murray certainly doesn’t stand a chance against the Spaniard if they meet in the tournament run.

#5. Nadal’s blistering form as of late

Rafael Nadal has been in tremendous form the past few months, and has lost only one match. During this sensational clay season campaign, Nadal broke John McEnroe‘s record of 49 straight sets won on a single surface when he won his 50th straight set during a match against Diego Schwartzman at the Madrid Open. At Roland Garros, Nadal dropped just one set en-route to a record-breaking eleventh French Open title. With the form that he is in, it’s difficult to predict anyone else as the favorite to win Wimbledon 2018.