ATP: Rafael Nadal needs matches - but not too many
Despite his defeat in the Australian Open 2019 final against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal was satisfied with the first major of the year. The next appearances of the 17-time Grand Slam champion have already been determined.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Jan 31, 2019, 08:14 am
Fortunately, the Spanish team is already qualified for the final tournament of the Davis Cup 2019 due to the new ITF regulations. The Spaniards would not have to be afraid of the best players, they made it to the semi-finals of the competition, which was traditionally held at the time, last year. But Rafael Nadal, of course, also includes this top cast. And whether he would have really started for his national team a few days after a grueling Grand Slam tournament remains to be doubted.
Especially since Nadal in Melbourne has finally played a major on hard court again: In 2018 he had to throw in the towel injured in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and later in the final round at the US Open, as winners came Marin Cilic and Juan Martin del Potro without greater effort one lap further. In addition, Nadal has a lot ahead of him privately, after all, he should soon give his long-time girlfriend Francisca Perella the yes-word .
Defenses on the defensive
In any case, Nadal's quick defeat against Novak Djokovic on Sunday ticked off quickly - and he thought about the coming weeks before leaving Melbourne. "I need matches, but I'm not going to go crazy there," said Nadal. "Now is the time when I take a short rest at home, work on physical things and push ahead with those things that worked well."
That would have been his offensive game in the first place. On the defensive, Rafael Nadal identified weaknesses. Also due to the long break after the US Open and the unplanned short preparation with only one fight match in Abu Dhabi and the cancellation in Brisbane due to minor complaints on the thigh.
Nadal plans to return to Acapulco
Nadal's next appearances will take place on hard court again, the Spaniard confirmed before leaving Australia. Neither the clay court tour in South America is therefore an option nor one of the tournaments in Europe. "I have Acapulco, I have Indian Wells, these are my next steps." Not a word about Miami - one of the few tournaments that Rafael Nadal's list of successes is still missing.