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Rafael Nadal stressed that the time he spends on the court is just what he needs to get back into the routine. “Well, six hours on the track almost. I need hours on the track. I need battles like this. I haven’t played many official matches in the last six months, almost seven.
Yes, days like these two help. Of course with victories the process is faster, but I need to keep fighting, that’s all. At times I have played at a very good level of tennis. Playing very well on the backhand, changing direction with the right», Rafael Nadal explained in the post-match press conference after losing to Alex De Miñaur.
World number two, Rafael Nadal, travels to Melbourne this Wednesday to continue working towards the first Grand Slam of the season, where he is the reigning champion. The native of Manacor played his first two games of the year, adding two defeats for the first time in his career at the beginning of the year.
However, the Asturian takes a positive note from what he has been able to experience up to now, adding competitive pace.
McNamee opens up about Rafa Nadal
Former doubles World No. 1 Paul McNamee has expressed doubts about World No. 2 Rafael Nadal’s chances at the Asia-Pacific Grand Slam.
«This time, Djokovic, the nine-time champion and deserved favorite, is here, and Nadal isn’t even the highest-ranked Spaniard! That mantle belongs to world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz, young, strong and hyper-fast, someone the crowds will Australians need.» to see,» he wrote in his column for The Age.
«The X factor is Nadal’s body. There is speculation that his abdominal injury is affecting his ball delivery, but for me the most worrying thing is his recent admission: ‘I need to be a little faster physically.’
Court coverage has always been an important asset for Nadal but, and to say this is cruel, I’m afraid he has lost a yard,» he said. Mats Wilander believes that Novak Djokovic cannot afford to fall behind the Grand Slam title of all-time leader Rafael Nadal (22) after the 2023 Australian Open.
«The revenge he probably wants will be to win in Melbourne. The race is on. If he wins it. It’s 22-22 (Grand Slams tally with Nadal). He has to get to 22 before the French Open comes in May.» . because Rafa could grab another. You can’t lose in Melbourne and be 21, and Rafa is 23,» Wilander said.
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