Australian Open: Rafael Nadal travels to Melbourne with confidence
Defending championRafael Nadal also dares to do great things at the Australian Open 2023.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Dec 24, 2022, 04:03 pm
Unforgotten are the pictures that reached the sports world from Melbourne at the end of January this year. Because Rafael Nadal , so spoiled by success, had rarely been seen so happy. But after the epic comeback victory against Daniil Medvedev in the final, all dams broke for the Mallorcan. No wonder, since a few weeks earlier he had been worried about the continuation of his career due to persistent foot problems.
Nadal now has the pain in his foot under control thanks to pulsed radiofrequency therapy, the ravages of time, but he still tends to it. This was evident not least in the second half of the past season. In an interview with the daily newspaper AS , the 22-time Grand Slam winner was confident about the upcoming Australian Open in Melbourne.
Nadal: 'I know I'm a little behind'
"I think I'll need a few days in Australia. I know I'm a little behind but I'm confident I can reach the level I need to be competitive in Australia," said the 36th -year-olds. The first Grand Slam event of the year starts on January 16th.
Before that, Nadal will contest the United Cup in Sydney. In the capital of the state of New South Wales, the world number two will face Cameron Norre and Nick Kyrgios. "The draw was unfavorable in that respect but I think the base is good so I hope this start of the season will be good for me," said the Spaniard.
Nadal is happy for Messi
Nadal also commented on the spectacular World Cup final between Argentina and France, which the gauchos won on penalties. The ardent Real Madrid supporter was particularly happy for the superstar of the Albiceleste: "Messi made me happy as a lover and nostalgic of the sport. That someone so big could still win the biggest title he still lacked, with all its importance for Argentina touched me. It was emotional."
So emotional that Nadal even shed a few tears during the final: "I didn't support Argentina at the World Cup, but when Messi scored the third goal in extra time in the final, tears came to my eyes. Seeing someone like that is great and has suffered so much to achieve it deserves it."