Rafael Nadal’s quest to win back-to-back Australian Opens is off to a shaky start after a shock defeat to an opponent who, in their four previous matches, had never taken a set off him.
In his final game of 2022 – just over two weeks out from the start of the grand slam at Melbourne Park – the Spaniard dropped the last two sets to fall to Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena.
It was Nadal’s first outing at the United Cup, attracting a large crowd on New Year’s Eve. His fans left disappointed, with the Spaniard going down 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
“He’s a top player. Putting it in context, if Wimbledon gave normal points he would be in a very high position in the rankings,” Nadal said of his opponent.
“He didn’t impress me much because I know he’s very good. Knowing that, he did a lot of things well. Very solid, no mistakes, serving well and no mistakes. Well done for him. It was not a disaster at all. I can do things better and I need to do it.
“I need to be faster physically and a little bit more solid. There is a way to improve, but I have time before the Australian Open starts in two weeks.”
Spain’s Rafael Nadal went down in his first match at the United Cup.Credit:AP
The most successful male tennis player of all time wasn’t quite at his clinical best, coming up against an in-form Norrie, who two nights earlier beat Australia’s Alex de Minaur in straight sets.
Midway through the third set, the crowd applauded a gesture of sportsmanship from Nadal, who indicated to the umpire he had not hit the ball with his racquet when trying to return a Norrie forearm.
The honesty provided Norrie with a break point but the Brit didn’t make the most of the opportunity as Nadal held serve. But on Nadal’s next service game, Norrie landed a knockout punch to claim the break and go on to win the match.
Although tennis fans in Australia are wondering if this will be the last time they get to watch Nadal in action, the Spaniard seemed annoyed by the constant speculation about his future.
“Every time I come to a press conference, I seem like I have to retire,” Nadal said.
“You are very, very interested in my retirement. For the moment, it is not the case. When this day arrives, I’m going to let you know. But don’t keep going with the retirement because I’m here to keep playing tennis.”
Nadal’s next match at the tournament will be on Monday against de Minaur, who will be desperate to keep alive Australia’s slim hopes of progressing to the four-team finals series next week.
“He’s a great player,” Nadal said of de Minaur. “He’s playing super fast, playing with very high intensity and taking the ball very early. He’s improved his serve. It will be another very tough match and I will have to play very well to have any chance.”
Norrie’s win put Great Britain up 1-0 in their tie against Spain. If Great Britain win the tie, Australia’s hopes of progressing to the finals will end.
Watch the United Cup live and free on the 9Network – Channel 9 and 9Gem. Every match will be available live on 9Now.
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