Toni Nadal tells El Pais that his nephew Rafael is hitting the ball badly and lacked consistency throughout the entire 2011 season. Rafael Nadal won 67 matches this year, less than his total in 2010 (71) and 2008 (82). He won Roland Garros and another two titles, but went 0-6 against now No. 1 Novak Djokovic. His title output was his lowest since 2004.
"In preparation for the [ATP Finals], he had shoulder problems," said Toni Nadal, who coaches his nephew. "This translated into a little less velocity, and without that power, it’s difficult to compete on this surface. The indoor game is poom, poom—faster. Rafael is better when it’s slower. With the same surface, but no roof, there’s wind, other situations may make the game vary slightly. Here, for him, it’s complicated."