Australian Open: Rafael Nadal still has a back - new treatment method as a last resort?
Rafael Nadal is still struggling with back problems - and is now trying a new treatment method.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Feb 12, 2021, 02:00 pm
In terms of results, Rafael Nadal cannot complain at this year's Australian Open so far. At the start against Laslo Djere, the Spanish world number two prevailed just as confidently as in round two against Michael Mmoh. So far, the 20-time Grand Slam winner had to give up his serve first.
On closer inspection, this is surprising despite the challenges that have not been too great to date: In the match against Mmoh, Nadal served on average almost 13 km / h slower than at the ATP Finals last year, and the second attempt came against him Americans in the field at nine km / h less than in London.
#VIDEO#
The main reason for this is probably the back problems, because of which the 33-year-old was unable to play a match at the ATP Cup. He still has no control over the situation, said Nadal, who has now had to deal with this restriction for more than two weeks. "The development of the back problems is not satisfactory", stated the Mallorcan after his second round game.
Nadal believes in getting better
So it is time to try something new, explained Nadal: "We have now tried several treatments and tomorrow will be an important day because we will look for a solution with a few new ideas. If these don't work, I'll be at the limit because the challenge will be bigger in the third round. "
So far he has got away with the changed and somewhat weaker service, but that would no longer be enough against third-round opponent Cameron Norrie. "It would be important that I feel better," says Nadal, who is realistic despite the new treatment method: "We do not expect miracles, only that the treatment that we are going to try works. Because there are ways that the problem can be solved in this way. "
Here is the men's single tableau at the Australian Open
laver arena