Toni Nadal explains the problems of modern tennis and uses Mpetshi Perricard as an example

Arthur Millot

le 20/03/2025 à 14h15

1 min to read

Mpetshi Perricard Nadal

Iconic coach of Rafael Nadal, Toni Nadal was the Majorcan's coach from his beginnings until 2018.

In an interview with the newspaper Le Monde, the 64-year-old man shared his analysis of the current circuit. He discusses aspects of the game he would like to change:

"In tennis, the height of the net is fixed, while the average height of players on the circuit has gone from 1.75 m in my time to 1.90 m today.

They are also more powerful. I therefore suggest reducing the size of the rackets. Because the very nature of the game has changed."

The former coach of 'Rafa' uses the French player Mpetshi Perricard as an example. He highlights the difficulty players face against very strong servers:

"Can you imagine a football match that starts with a penalty? That would be a bit absurd.

However, that’s a bit like what happens in tennis. Servers are becoming increasingly dominant, and games are becoming harder for returners.

For example, if we analyze a player like Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who serves his second serves at 220 km/h, there’s no other possible tactic than to weather the storm."