Rafael Nadal is the current Australian Open champion and will debut on Monday against British tennis player Draper. The Mallorcan tennis player has started the season in the worst way, two consecutive defeats and a very unusual performance for one of the great champions of all time.
Unfortunately, age advances and the tennis player is very aware of it. The owner of twenty-two Grand Slam tournaments spoke at a press conference a few hours before the start of the tournament: the goal is always to defend the title, but there is awareness that something has changed compared to the past.
Rafa made the following statements at the conference: «I feel vulnerable, that’s for sure. I’m losing more than usual and unfortunately it’s part of the sport. I’m humble enough to accept it and work with what I need to rebuild that confidence in myself based on victories, defeats are evident.
I didn’t play badly in the first two challenges of the year, I lost against great rivals, but I also had chances to win. I’ve been here for three weeks, I train every day with the best and that helps me. As for my sensations, I have a good feeling, definitely better than three weeks ago.» Next, the tennis player spoke about the expectations placed on him in the tournament.
These are his words: «I’m quite happy, I’m training. And I feel good. Now I need a couple of wins, I hope it happens here, otherwise I’ll try again later, if I lose on Monday.» It will not be the end of the world, of course it will be difficult, but I will accept the result.
I hope to have a good Australian Open, but you never know what can happen. Honestly, I feel ready to play. Draper? Honestly, I think it’s one of the worst draws to remove seeding.»
Rafael Nadal feels confident
Rafael Nadal believes he is back in his old routine as he continues his time on tour with his family by his side.
«That changed my preparation a lot last year, for sure. A lot of changes at the beginning,» Nadal said at a pre-tournament news conference at the Australian Open. While Nadal would have loved to enter the Australian Open with a few wins, the two-time champion in Melbourne is feeling confident.
«The only thing that didn’t happen on my side is the victories. That’s the real thing,» Nadal explained. «But for the rest of the things that I’m building to be ready for a tournament like this, I feel pretty ready.»
