World No 2 Rafael Nadal admits he has been “losing more than usual” but noted he is humbly accepting the situation and trying to find ways to turn the situation around.
Nadal, a record 22-time Grand Slam champion, is 0-2 in 2023 after losing to Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur at the United Cup.
At the age of 36, Nadal for the first time in his career started the season by losing back-to-back matches.
“Yeah, without a doubt. I have been losing more than usual, so that’s part of the business. Just accept the situation. I think I am humble enough to accept that situation and just work with what I have today,” Nadal said, per Tennis Majors.
Nadal hoping to find some momentum at Melbourne Park
Nadal didn’t really receive a favorable Australian Open first-round draw as he is kicking off his campaign at Melbourne Park by playing Jack Draper.
Draper, who reached the Adelaide 2 semifinal this week, is one of the most talented young players and he also did well leading up to the Australian Open.
“I need to build again all this momentum. I need to build again this confidence with myself with victories. But it’s true that I have been losing more than usual. Of course, we can talk about things that happen last year, all the situations that I had faced. But the real thing is I have been losing more than usual. I need to live with it and just fight for the victories. By the way, I didn’t play that bad the first two matches the year. I lost against two great opponents, but having very positive chances to win both matches,” Nadal added.
Last year, Nadal proved once again that he simply cannot be underestimated.
Now, Nadal is clearly not in his best form but he will certainly do his best to defend his Australian Open title.
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