Rafael Nadal Says He Changed Racquets So He Could Get Even More Spin On The Ball!

Before his three set win today over John Isner, Rafael Nadal talked Wednesday about his recent switch to a new Babolat prototype racquet, the PLAY Aeropro Drive.

“We were thinking about before the season start,” Nadal said of the change. But was not enough time to prepare the racquet for before the season start. So now the racquets are ready. I practiced with them in Mallorca since I came back from Miami.

“Is a little bit of change. I really didn’t change the racquet since very, very long time ago, since I don’t remember when. But is a change to try to have little bit more spin. The holes between the strings are a little bit bigger than the other racquet. We decided to change the racquet to try to increase little bit the spin again. Is true that with this new racquet, probably I have less control. Not today. In theory I have less control. In theory I have more power and more spin.

“But what I am trying to find with the new racquet always is a change. Always risks when you change things. But I like the racquet. I will continue playing with that racquet.”

So far so good for Nadal and his new frame. He blew out Lucas Pouille in the second round and today returned to the quarterfinals after edging Isner in three sets.

Next for Nadal is either David Ferrer or Gilles Simon.