Rafael Nadal's average level is not the same as before" - Zizou Bergs recounts

Zizou Bergs, who competed against Rafael Nadal in 2024, recently shared his experience of facing the legend. The Belgian tennis player elaborated on his mental preparations before the match while also breaking down Nadal’s form.

Bergs had the privilege of sharing the court with Rafael Nadal in the opening round of this year’s Italian Open — his first meeting with the Spaniard. The 25-year-old had a promising start, taking the first set 6-4.

He was, however, unable to stand up to the 10-time champion’s challenge thereafter and crashed out with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat.During a recent exclusive with CLAY, Zizou Bergs said that, although Nadal came out on top, he felt the Spaniard was slower on the claycourts this season.

“His average level is not the same as before. He’s also a little bit less fast,” Bergs opined.
However, despite not facing the 22-time Grand Slam champion in his prime, the Belgian revealed that he “really had to work on” believing in himself before the match.

“First of all, you have the mental part, where you have to play an amazing champion. He’s been there since you grew up with tennis, you always saw him on TV.

So, being competitive against him and truly believing you can win is a task in itself — something I really had to work on. Luckily, I succeeded,” Bergs said.