World No.6 Rafael Nadal will face qualifier Ricardas Berankis in the round of 16 of the ATP Melbourne Summer Set 2022.
Nadal vs Berankis: Match Details
- Tournament: ATP Melbourne Summer Set 2022
- Match: Rafael Nadal vs Ricardas Berankis
- Round: Round of 16
- Date: 6 January 2022
- Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne
- Surface: Hardcourt
- Prize Money: $521,000
Nadal vs Berankis: Match Preview
Former World No.1 Rafael Nadal had a poor 2021 by his extremely high standards. His season was marred with injuries, which led him to cut short his season as the Spaniard ended his season back in August. After making a comeback at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship but failing to win a single match at the tournament, the 34 year old tested positive for Covid-19 post the tournament, throwing his Australian Open participation in serious doubt. However, with the Spaniard recovering and confirming his presence at the year’s opening Grand Slam, Nadal would hope to shake off his rustiness by winning the Melbourne Summer Set as a preparation for his Australian Open campaign.
Meanwhile, Bulgarian Ricardas Berankis defeated American Marcos Giron 7-5 6-4 in his first Tour match since August. Berankis broke Giron three times to take a tight opening set before sealing a comfortable victory. The world number 104, who reached the US Open and French Open 3rd rounds in 2021, will look to cause a shock upset as he takes on Nadal in the next round.
Nadal vs Berankis: Head to Head
Nadal and Berankis have never faced each other, with their meeting at the Melbourne Summer Set being their first time playing against each other.
Nadal vs Berankis: Match Prediction
Despite his good win in his previous match, Berankis would be the undoubted underdog in the clash against the Spanish legend. Nadal would be the overwhelming favourite to get through to the next round of the tournament.
Match Prediction- Rafael Nadal to win in straight sets.
Nadal vs Berankis: Broadcast and Live stream details
USA- Tennis Channel
Australia– beIN
UK and Ireland- Amazon Prime
The Middle East and North Africa- beIN Sports
Central America- ESPN
Caribbean Islands- Sportsmax
South America and Oceania- ESPN International
Canada- TSN and DAZN
Sub-Saharan Africa- SuperSport
