Rafael Nadal’s clever injury tactic similar to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – Rusedski

That is according to tennis pundit Greg Rusedski, who thinks that is one skill that the big three have over the rest of the tour.

Nadal made his comeback from a knee injury at the Monte Carlo Masters this week.

The Spaniard revealed he is still feeling pain but is willing to play through the issue on his preferred surface.

And the world No 2, like Federer and Nadal, rarely show any discomfort on court unless the injury is serious.

Rusedski thinks that is a clever tactic which gives them an additional psychological advantage.

“You have got to be mentally strong,” Rusedski told Amazon Prime.

“Rafa talks about ‘How many times am I actually healthy when I’m playing?’

“But the very top guys know how to manage it and you wouldn’t know if they had any injuries, that’s why they’re the greatest in the game.

“Federer had a back problem and nobody ever talked about it.

“Rafa has got his knees which he is always dealing with.

“Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Djokovic had an elbow problem for two years while he held all four majors – that’s what the best guys do.”

Nadal faces Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-final this afternoon.

The Italian has had his own injury concerns during this week, requiring the physio on several occasions.

“With Fognini you know something’s wrong mentally or something’s hurting,” Rusedski added.

“That’s probably with his ability why he isn’t in the top 10 or top five.

“Talent wise he should be in that department.”

source: express.co.uk