“I don’t think it’s an important topic at all,” Rafael Nadal remains unbothered by Iga Swiatek and Paula Badosa’s complaints over the balls for women at the 2022 US Open

World No. 3 and the 2nd seed at the upcoming 2022 US Open, Rafael Nadal will be eyeing his 3rd major of the season in the Flushing Meadows. Nadal, 22-time major winner will also look to match Serena Williams‘ Open Era record of winning 23 Grand Slam titles while also taking home his 5th US Open title and join Roger Federer, Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras at the top in a 4-way tie for the most US Open men’s singles titles.

Rafa has a good draw and could well become the champion if he plays his cards right over the next fortnight. With arch-rival Novak Djokovic out of the Grand Slam and defending champion Daniil Medvedev handed a comparatively tough draw, Nadal will certainly look to go the distance in New York and lift the title on 11th September when the finals are scheduled for men’s singles.

Also Read: “I hope to be 100% by the end of the year!” Daniil Medvedev believes his absence from Wimbledon has boosted his chances of winning the US Open 2022

“I have no idea,”: Rafael Nadal on the ball-weight controversy

While the tournament is yet to begin, controversies have already started with women’s World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and World No. 4 Paula Badosa raising the issue of the weight of the ball at the Grand Slam. At the US Open, the ball used by women’s is lighter than the ball used by men’s and the sudden change for ladies becomes slightly difficult to adjust and the two Tour leaders have requested that the balls be of the same weight.

Asked about the issue in the press conference, Rafa had a rather blunt reply as he said, “I don’t know, I have no idea. I have never tried to play with their balls, I always train with the ones we use in matches. But I don’t think it’s an important topic at all,” as reported by Express UK.

Nadal‘s answer will surely raise some eyebrows as the issue is certainly of importance and requires discussion as only the WTA player have to adjust to the change of weight of the ball certainly affecting the momentum of the entire season. Swiatek and Badosa’s efforts have been ignored by the WTA so far and it is safe to say that there will be no change to the balls at least for this year. However, with the issue getting better attention, the women might get lucky next year, but that’s something only time will tell.

Also Read: “Equivalent to Michael Jordan, Tom Brady!” John McEnroe believes that Serena Williams has the same impact in tennis as Steph Curry has in the NBA

Also Read: Roger Federer tops the list of the most paid tennis players, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic not in Top-3

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