Rafa Nadal Says He Needs A Change Of Tactics

Rafael Nadal believes he needs to change his tactics if he is to beat Novak Djokovic this season.

The Spaniard has lost against him in five finals this season, the most recent coming this weekend at Wimbledon.

Nadal not only lost the title to Djokovic but also the number one ranking but the Spaniard believes that he need to be more aggressive and believe in his own game.

Speaking to Sky Sports he said: "When I was 100% to play, I lost against him five times. The rest of the year I won almost every match. So I'm doing things very well, but probably not against him. That's what I have to change.

"Probably the mental part is a little bit dangerous for me, because when I was at 5-4 (in the first set), I played a bad game from 30-0. When I was 4-3 down in the fourth set, I played another bad game with my serve.

"To win these kind of matches, I have to play well (at those moments). These kind of points can change the match.

"When I had the break point in the first game of the fourth set, I didn't play that point well.

"That was a big moment for me. Because I came back with the 6-1, if I start the fourth with a break it can change everything.

"To change things I probably have to be a little bit less nervous, play more aggressive, and all the time be confident with myself. That's what I'm going to try next time. If not, I'm going to be here explaining the sixth."

However it has not been too bad a season for Rafa as he picked up a Masters title in Monte Carlo as well as a record equalling sixth French Open crown at Roland Garros.

He goes into the U.S. Open as the defending champion, winning the title for the firs time last year, but the pressure will be off as all eyes will be on the new world number one.

Spain are in Davis Cup action at the weekend by Nadal has opted out of playing the rubber in a bid to rest and be at his best at Flushing Meadows.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw