Former Belgian tennis professional Steve Darcis has shed new light on the unconventional pre-match tactic used by Rafael Nadal, which he experienced just before pulling off one of Wimbledon's greatest ever shocks.
The Unsettling Warm-Up
Speaking to the Express, Darcis, now 41, recalled how the 22-time Grand Slam champion would dominate the warm-up session before a match. Nadal's approach involved hitting the ball with immense power and speed, often sending shots metres long, with little regard for precision during those initial rallies.
"It was frustrating in the beginning, because against Rafa in the warm-up, you don't play much tennis," Darcis explained. "He's hitting with so much power. Even if he's smashing the ball two metres out, it doesn't matter to him."
The Belgian believes the tactic was designed to help Nadal settle his own nerves, rather than a deliberate act of gamesmanship. "I have a feeling he's doing this to take pressure off himself, so he feels good with his arm," Darcis said. "As an opponent you have not much practice, so it's really tough. But I don't think he's doing it on purpose."
A Historic Wimbledon Upset
When the draw for the 2013 Wimbledon Championships paired world No. 135 Darcis with the legendary Spaniard in the first round, few gave the Belgian a chance. Darcis himself admitted he thought his tournament would be brief, expecting a swift exit.
However, he devised a bold strategy, deciding to avoid long rallies against one of the sport's greatest physical competitors. "I wanted to risk a little bit more, to go for it, because if you want to play the rally against Rafa you know you have no chance," Darcis revealed.
The aggressive plan worked to perfection. Darcis edged two tense tie-breaks and sealed a 7-6(4), 7-6(8), 6-4 victory. The result marked the first time Nadal had ever been eliminated in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament. It remains one of the most remarkable giant-killing acts in Wimbledon history.
A Bitter-Sweet Victory and Lasting Legacy
The triumph, however, was swiftly overshadowed by a severe injury. During the match, Darcis suffered a torn ligament in his shoulder. He played through the pain with the help of adrenaline, but the extent of the damage became clear moments after the final handshake.
"I couldn't lift my shoulder," Darcis said. "After the match I knew it was really bad, I couldn't move my arm." The injury forced him to withdraw from Wimbledon just days later, and he subsequently spent a full year away from the tour following surgery.
"It was one of the best wins of my life, but it started one of the worst years," he reflected. While the victory over Nadal defines his career for many fans, Darcis expressed a desire to be remembered for more. He cited his two ATP titles, lengthy top-100 career, and Davis Cup performances as key parts of his legacy.
Despite the complex aftermath, Darcis's stunning victory on Court One in 2013 is permanently etched into Wimbledon folklore, a testament to a perfect game plan executed against one of tennis's all-time greats.
