Rafael Nadal accepts he is vulnerable ahead of Australian Open
22-time Grand Slam champion gives an update about his preparations as he starts his title defence campaign in Melbourne.
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Rafael Nadal (Image: Reuters)
Tennis star Rafael Nadal did not have as blistering a start to the 2023 season as he would have expected. The 22-time Grand Slam champion went through some hiccups in the United Cup mixed-gender event, which dented his credentials compared to the other top names. But the Spanish star has been candid in assessing his form and is ready to bounce back.
Like the other tennis greats, Nadal too has had some difficult patches, but they have not lasted for long. As the 2023 Australian Open is just a couple of nights away, the 35-year-old is looking to regain the momentum required for a successful title defense. He talked about his preparations in the pre-tournament press conference.
“Without a doubt, no? I’ve been losing more than usual, so that’s part of the business. Just accept the situation,” said the 2022 Australian Open champion. “I think I’m humble enough to accept that situation and work with what I have today. I need to build again this momentum,” he further added.
Nadal path to the crown at Melbourne Park will be tougher this year because of the return of his long-time Serbian rival Novak Djokovic. The nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic gave a thrust to his prospects by clinching the Adelaide International title and thus sounding an alarm for Nadal. Both the stars are preparing themselves for another chapter of their storied rivalry.
Rafael Nadal gives an update about his preparations
The 36-year-old Rafael Nadal will definitely start as the favorite for the season’s first Grand Slam. Despite some setbacks, Nadal is the kind of player who can never be taken lightly. His unmatched indefatigable spirit is what keeps him apart from Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
This spirit was clearly visible in last year’s Australian Open final against Daniil Medvedev when Rafael Nadal came from two sets behind to win the epic battle that will be remembered for ages as one of the biggest comebacks in the history of the tournament. Confirming the candidacy of Nadal, Boris Becker too believes that he would never ‘bet against’ Nadal.
Warming up for the tournament Nadal himself gave an update about his preparations. “I feel faster in the legs. I feel I am playing better, with more confidence. I am improving week by week. I just need to win a couple of matches”, he remarked.
Whether the 2023 edition brings the last year’s rebound of Nadal or a repeat of 2012 when Djokovic outmaneuvered him in an epic battle lasting for almost six hours, fans can not wait for the tournament to unfold.
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