That is according to Sky Sports pundit Peter Fleming.
Nadal is scheduled to play his first match of the ATP World Tour Finals this evening against David Goffin after days of uncertainty over his fitness.
The French and US Open champion pulled out of the Paris Masters earlier this month due to a knee injury but appears to have recovered sufficiently to play tonight.
But Fleming reckons the court at the 02 Arena could have an adverse effect on Nadal and thinks Goffin’s game may be boosted.
He told Sky Sports: “We have to go into the game assuming he is fit and well and why else would he be there.

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“I’m not sure if this surface totally favours him because it is a lower bouncing court and just a little bit quick.
“And that maybe takes some of his assets away.
“I think this court would suit Goffin as well because he is such an attacking groundstroker, [the court] might give his game a little more zip.”
Sky Sports’ Mark Petchey believes Nadal will still have enough to beat Goffin and get through to the semi-finals.
“If Rafa is fit enough to play then he and Dimitrov would be my picks to get out of that group – just because Goffin looks jaded,” said Petchey.