Rafael Nadal was a player to beat in the first half of 2022. The veteran recovered from an injury and claimed two Major titles to pass Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Still, Nadal’s progress was halted by an abdominal injury at Wimbledon, forcing him to withdraw before the semi-final and ending his run at Majors. Nadal has played only 11 matches after Wimbledon, losing seven and embracing his worst streak since 2009! Rafa is eager to improve his level at the Australian Open, hoping for a title defense and his 23rd Major crown. Cameron Norrie defeated Nadal for the first time at the start of the new season at the United Cup. The Briton believes we will see high-quality tennis from Rafa at Melbourne Park, especially after a couple of losses. For Norrie, Nadal is always a dangerous rival, looking forward to watching him against Jack Draper in the opening round on Monday.
The Spaniard wrapped up the 2022 season with a 4-5 run, struggling to recover from an injury and serve at his best. Things did not improve in the new season’s opening week, with Rafa losing both encounters at the United Cup. Nadal won the opening set against Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur and still lost after battling for over two hours and 40 minutes in each duel. Rafa fell to Norrie 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, scoring only one break and dropping serve twice to find himself on the losing side. Norrie created 11 break opportunities and seized two in sets two and three to emerge at the top and beat Nadal for the first time after four losses. Alex de Minaur was a set and a break down against Rafa before prevailing 3-6, 6-1, 7-5. They traded breaks in the middle of the opener, and Nadal stepped in to rattle off four straight games and win it 6-3.
Rafael Nadal will try to bounce back at the Australian Open.
Rafa grabbed an early lead in the second set but could not keep it. Alex stepped in and clinched six consecutive games to clinch the set 6-1 and gain a massive boost ahead of the decider. Rafa made a better start, serving well and earning break opportunities in game two. De Minaur denied four and avoided an early setback in one of the pivotal moments. Alex grabbed a break at 15 in game five before Rafa cracked a forehand crosscourt winner in the next one to return to the positive side. The Spaniard held at love in the ninth game for 5-4 and left his opponent serving to stay in the match. Alex brought the tenth game for 5-5 and more drama. Nadal played a terrible service game when it mattered the most and got broken at love to push the rival 6-5 ahead. De Minaur served for the victory in game 12 and fired a service winner for a hold at love and a career-best win in his hometown.
“I had to play unreal to beat Rafa. I played almost perfect tennis in the decider. My whole game came together, and it was just enough to beat him. Rafa has recently lost a couple of matches, which makes him even more dangerous. He is fresh and feels good on the court. It will not be a surprise if Rafa can embrace a mad run and produce an unreal level. The way he competes is amazing, and Jack will have to work hard to stand a chance,” Cameron Norrie said.
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