In addition to achieving every award imaginable, Rafael Nadal has shown a longevity that very few would have imagined. Suffice it to say that the Spaniard won two Slams in 2022, the Australian Open and Roland Garros, extending his lead over Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the historic Slam rankings.
The former world number 1 found more difficulties in the second half of last season, also due to the usual physical problems. Even 2023 did not start in the best way for the Spaniard, defeated by Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minor in the inaugural edition of the United Cup.
The 22-time Slam champion said he feels confident, but it’s certainly not the best way to show up at the Australian Open (where he will have to defend his title). Rafa will still have many points until this summer, since he also won in Acapulco and Roland Garros in 2022 (not forgetting the final that he reached in Indian Wells).
Facing Nadal on clay in Paris is considered the most difficult challenge in the world of tennis. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Maximilian Marterer recalled his match against “The King of Clay” at Roland Garros 2018.
“The match against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2018 was without a doubt the most important match of my career” – began Marterer with great sincerity. “I remember that day he was very nervous, to have a chance against Rafa in Paris, you have to play at a stellar level for five straight sets.
We are talking about a tennis player who won 14 Roland Garros, so there are not many players who have managed to beat him. Although I lost, it was one of the most exciting days of my entire life. I think I played a very good match, so much so that I managed to reach a tie-break in the third set,” commented the German.
The feeling is that Rafa will do everything possible to launch one last shot in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. The 36-year-old left-hander lost his first two matches of the season at the United Cup but said he was physically fit, a 22-time Grand Slam champion who will start as the top seed at the Australian Open, where He already was.
Training to refine details.
Nadal will be the top seed in the Australian Open
Rafael Nadal believes he is in good shape heading into the 2023 Australian Open. “It’s true that the last couple of tournaments I couldn’t play to my standards and here at the beginning of the season I lost two matches in Sydney, but honestly, I’m not unhappy with the preparation,” Nadal said.
“I think I’m in good shape. You need to prove that in matches… but I’m sure if I can have the last week of positive practice, why not?” he added.
