Rafael Nadal feels in 'good shape' ahead of Australian Open 2023 defence despite injury concerns
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Published 10/01/2023 at 11:24 GMT
Rafael Nadal will be the defending champion at the 2023 Australian Open, where he will be looking to win a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title. Nadal, 36, has not been in the best form ahead of the tournament, but has said he is confident of being ready to go when the action starts on January 16 in Melbourne. Nadal has also spoken about how being a father has changed his approach.
Nadal excited about defending Australian Open title
Rafael Nadal says he is in “good shape” despite concerns over his fitness ahead of the defence of his Australian Open title.
Nadal, 36, has lost six of his last seven singles matches, the only victory a dead rubber against Casper Ruud at the Nitto ATP Finals.
He has not seemed completely healthy since last summer, when he withdrew from the Wimbledon semi-finals with an abdominal injury and then lost in the fourth round of the US Open.
In 2023, he is 0-2 after losing to Alex de Minaur and Cameron Norrie at the United Cup.
However, Nadal is raring to go in Melbourne as he looks to win a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title.
“It’s true that the last couple of tournaments I wasn’t able to play to my standards and here at the beginning of the season I lost two matches in Sydney, but honestly, I am not unhappy with the preparation,” Nadal said in Melbourne.
“I think I’m in good shape. You need to demonstrate that in matches… but I’m confident that if I am able to have this last week of positive practice, why not?”
Nadal is set to play world No. 11 Hubert Hurkacz in a practice match on Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, before Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios meet on the same court in a charity contest.
Nadal won the Australian Open a year ago after a thrilling comeback win over Daniil Medvedev in the final.
Nadal was two sets down but rallied to claim a memorable victory.
“Probably this one is one of the more unexpected ones. Very emotional,” he said about the match.
“The final comeback is one of the most important in my career.”
This will be Nadal’s first Australian Open as a father. His son, who was born in October 2022, is with him in Australia as he prepares for the first Grand Slam of the year.
“It‘s about adapting to this new part of my life in all ways,” he said.
“You need a little bit more organisation than before without a doubt. But it’s the first time that happens in my life.
“So I need some time to adjust all the things that are going to help me to stay the same as before, but I think I have all the things around me that help me to keep going without problems.”
The 2023 Australian Open starts on January 16.
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