Rafael Nadal started the new season with two defeats in two matches, but his strategy before the 2023 Australian Open is sealed. The world number two closes the United Cup, the new team competition, with two knockouts: first against Cameron Norrie, then against Alex De Minaur.
The Spaniard arrived in Australia after difficult months, especially from his physical point of view. When asked about his conditions, the answer of the number two in the world was clear.
He said: “No, physically I’m not sick. As I said, I need to be a little faster, a little more dynamic on the pitch, to read the game better. This gives you security, the hours on the court, play match. In terms of physical problems, I can’t complain, I’m happy about that. This helps a lot to move forward. The situation is this, I have to improve. I hope it happens soon, because I don’t feel like I’m that far away.”
Rafael Nadal has a clear strategy for the Australian Open 2023
With the defeat against Alex De Minaur, Rafael Nadal says goodbye to the United Cup. The Spaniard will no longer play the competition, as Spain have lost any chance of winning the group and progressing to the next phase.
Considering that he won’t play another tournament before the Australian Open, the goal is to reach Melbourne quickly, to train in view of the first Grand Slam event of the season.
Nadal himself explained: “I don’t know. I think I’ll go fast to Melbourne. We play again tomorrow. Of course I don’t want to play, but I can’t leave, so I’ll probably leave on Wednesday. I don’t know. I’ll visit the city a bit here on Wednesday morning and then departure in the afternoon. Maybe. I’m not sure of the schedule yet.”
In Melbourne, where the 22-time Grand Slam champion will have to defend the title won last year against Daniil Medvedev in the final, he will be the number two seed, behind his countryman Carlos Alcaraz.
His program is therefore clear. Getting closer to the Slam Down Under, which starts in a few days. Find physical and mental condition right on the Melbourne hard-courts, for at least 10 days before the first Grand Slam of the season. Rafa will train to face above all the two threats to his title to defend: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
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