5 weird habits Rafael Nadal holds onto 10 years later

For many years, Rafael Nadal habits always intrigued his audience when playing because this is a ‘tradition’ he follows religiously.

However, you may not notice it immediately but he is a man who sticks to his guts all through.

The Spaniard recently won his 21^st Grand Slam at the Australian Open 2022.  It  was such a huge comeback for him after four months of nursing a foot injury.

However, he took Daniil Medvedev head-on at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne five hours and 24 minutes later. The Russian couldn’t return a net volley on the first of the Spaniard’s three match points.

With his 21^st surprise victory, he fell back to his tradition because he believes this is what gave him so much luck on the court.

So, what is this that he holds so dearly that he does it all the time?

Rafael Nadal Australian Open. Photo/Marca

SOCKS ADJUSTMENT

Nadal adjusts his socks before every point to ensure that they are all at the exact same level as the last. This is a big part of the superstitions he believes in.

Nadal usually spends more than 30 seconds tugging his socks up and down during the pregame sit-down. He also does it between points on occasion.

And he has done it for over a decade now which is why it deserves to be branded a ‘Rafael Nadal habits’. In case you find it unbelievable, check him out during matches and see how he does it.

Despite the fact that it is one of the least recognized characteristics, it is nonetheless a humorous habit to have on a tennis court.

KEEPS OFF THE LINES

Nadal has had decades of playing competitive tennis and it is odd that he never steps on the line.

Before or after a point, Nadal will never step on the lines. Nadal gently steps over them after perambulating around them for an entire point.

Interestingly, his right foot always goes over before his left foot, for whatever reason. It is a huge one for Rafael Nadal habits.

No one understands this better than him because he is the only one who does this effortlessly and in the same fashion ever.

From one of tennis’ most superstitious players, comes one of the sport’s most cherished rituals.

SPRINTING AND JUMPING BEFORE A MATCH

In the time spent waiting for the coin toss, Nadal is constantly running from one side of the court to the other, never pausing. He’s constantly checking to see if his legs are moving.

Immediately following the coin toss to establish who serves first, the Spaniard sprints from one half of the court to the other.

While he does all this, his opponent walks quietly back to their baseline position.

A logical explanation one would think of is that he does all this to get his muscles going. But it is still strange to watch him sprinting when his opponents are moving slowly.

Nadal claims that this process is really vital to his game, and it is definitely out of the ordinary. He doesn’t explain why it is crucial for him nevertheless.

ARRANGING WATER BOTTLES

Rafael Nadal water bottles. Photo/VICE

In order to keep his water bottles organized. Rafael Nadal habits on this one shows he must do it meticulously every time.

At every change, the Spaniard makes certain that the brand names of both products are visible from the side of the court he is about to play on.

In addition, Nadal always brings two bottles to the match. One is slightly warmer than the other, and he takes sips from both of them during the duration of the match.

In many ways, the 21-time Grand Slam champion is a creature of habit, and his bottle placement is one of the most distinguishing characteristics.

For whatever reason, Nadal just takes one water bottle with him during this match, but you see how neatly he places it in his bag.

TROPHY LOVE BITE

Isn’t the trophy love bite a bit too much for Rafael Nadal habits? Well, Nadal prefers to give his trophies a “love bite” instead of the traditional kiss.

The Olympic athletes who bite their medals may have influenced him, but with a prize as significant as a Grand Slam trophy, it was uncommon until Nadal came into the spotlight.

Perhaps, the joy of bagging such a trophy comes with all this excitement that informed his behaviour.