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Rafael Nadal arrives at the 2023 Australian Open with many doubts. The Spanish phenomenon has lost six of his last seven matches on tour, including the two played in the new year. The former world number 1 was defeated by Cameron Norrie and Alex De Minaur in the first edition of the United Cup, failing to lead his Spanish team as expected.
The 36-year-old from Manacor will have to defend many points in the coming months, after having won the Australian Open and Roland Garros last year. The second half of the season had been much more complicated for the Iberian, who had to deal with an abdominal injury suffered at Wimbledon.
The 22-time Slam champion has already arrived in Melbourne and is training hard to get to his best form. Let's remember that Rafa will be the number 1 seed in the AO, given the loss of his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz (victim of a leg injury).
In an interview with the "Sydney Morning Herald", Paul McNamee expressed some doubts about Nadal's fitness. "Some say that the abdominal tear is affecting his ball delivery, in fact Rafael Nadal has not served well in the first two games of the season" -analyzed McNamee.
"What worries me the most is that he himself admitted that he lacks some speed. Speed has always been an essential component of Nadal's game, so it is not a minor detail. My fear is that he has lost a step. It will be very difficult for Rafa to win the Australian Open again, because he is 36 years old and Novak Djokovic will also be in this edition.
Being the defending champion and starting as the No. 1 seed, he is definitely one of the favourites. However, I suggest Australian fans enjoy it while they can," he added.
Rafa is the reigning champion in Melbourne
Rafael Nadal won the 2022 Australian Open in sensational fashion, coming from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in an epic final.
“Probably this one is one of the more unexpected ones. Very emotional. The final comeback is one of the most important in my career,” he said. “You need a little bit more organization 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,” he stated.