Reuters

Miami, Mar 27: World number one Rafael Nadal is even better than most people appreciate having become a more complete player, according to his American rival Andy Roddick.

Roddick, ranked sixth, believes Spaniard Nadal's reputation as a powerful baseline player camouflages his improved skills around the court.

"He has developed a chip that gets him out of trouble a lot that no one ever really talks about. They talk about the running and heaviness, but he volleys well.

"He's able to play returns, as evidenced by Wimbledon last year," said Roddick, who like left-hander Nadal is preparing for a second round start in this week's Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

"They talk about how he stands back, but he's able to mix it up. I don't really think he gets credit for how complete of a tennis player he is.

"I think he kind of gets pigeon holed into what people remember from five years ago," added the 26-year-old.

"The thing about Rafa's game, and the type of ball he hits coming from the left side is that, maybe more so than other players, he's able to kind of say, 'This is what I do. You're going to have to deal with it.'

"But that being said, the guy knows what he's doing on a tennis court. He knows his way around," Roddick said.

Nadal currently holds three of the four grand slam titles and his win at Indian Wells last week gave him his 13th Masters victory.

The Spaniard beat Andy Murray in the final, ending the Briton's good run of form in match-ups between the pair.

Murray said the key to taking on Nadal was not trying to beat him with every shot.

"He's so consistent and really fast. You know, he has obviously one of the heaviest forehands the game has ever seen.

"It's easy to think, you have to play unbelievably all the time. That's not always the case.

"You have to pick the right shots to go for the lines and play aggressive against him, and then you've got a chance.

"It is obviously very difficult, because when you get more tired in the tight situations, you know he's not going to give the points to you.

"That's where you have to be very strong mentally to win against him, especially in the big match tight situations," Murray said.