Australian Open: Rafael Nadal - In search of self-confidence
Rafael Nadal sees himself in a veritable earnings crisis. Nevertheless, the second in the world rankings exudes confidence in view of the upcoming Australian Open.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Jan 14, 2023, 05:07 pm
It simply takes more to upset Rafael Nadal in front of the assembled press. And so the second in the world rankings also spoke about the completely atypical series of defeats in which the Spaniard maneuvered himself across the seasons, with his usual composure: "I've lost more than usual, that's part of the business. I have to accept the situation," said Nadal, who feel vulnerable "without a doubt". At the same time, however, Nadal is humble enough to accept this fact and invest his energy in getting back on the road to victory.
In the end it's all about self-confidence - Nadal knows that too: "I have to build momentum and confidence with victories, but it's true that I lost more than usual," said Nadal, who did not win the United Cup for the Spanish team could contribute. "I have to fight for wins. I didn't play badly in the first two games of the year, I lost against two strong opponents, but I had a chance to win." In the newly created team event, the Mallorcan had to admit defeat against Alex de Minaur and Cameron Norrie in three sets.
Nadal with a tricky task
Well, from Monday, there is nothing more to wait for Nadal: Against the difficult opener Jack Draper, the Spaniard will need a quite respectable performance in round one. It is all the more important that the emotional state of the Manacor bull is good: "I've been here for three weeks and train every day under these conditions," said Nadal. "I don't know what will happen on Monday, but I have a feeling that I'm better now than I was three weeks ago." At the Australian Open, the 36-year-old has to defend his title from last year.
A significant victory, but not one that plays a role in the current situation: "Sport is fast-paced. What happened in 2022 remains in the past. What happened last year will stay in my heart and memory forever. It was one of the most emotional victories of my career," said the Spaniard. A lot has changed since then - also and especially in the Mallorcan's private life. Nadal has been a father for a few months, a circumstance that initially changed a lot for the Spaniard.
But now, the 36-year-old emphasized that it has no impact on his work on and off the pitch. "I can do my usual sessions and train as much as I can. I'm probably training more than ever before. In these three weeks I've trained more than in the last ten years," said Nadal, who - despite all modesty - calmly and subtly threw the gauntlet towards the competition: "I feel like I'm improving, I feel faster with my legs. I hope to play a good Australian Open but you never know what can happen. Honestly said I feel ready." Nadal has to do that too.