Nadal's Forehand

Rafael Nadal's forehand has been measured around 3,200 RPM on average and can peak much higher, often cited near 5,000 RPM. The secret is in the swing: a thick western grip and a violent low-to-high path that whips up the back of the ball like a lasso, brushing far more than it pushes.

On clay, the slow surface lets the ball grip and kick even higher off the bounce, turning each forehand into a steeply rising problem. By pushing topspin past what rivals could handle, Nadal weaponized spin at a level that changed the game.