21-time Major Rafael Nadal landed in Sydney ahead of the inaugural United Cup. Rafa will lead Spain alongside Paula Badosa, hoping to regain form and challenge for the title.
Nadal trained on Wednesday at the Ken Rosewall Arena before his duels against Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur. Rafa finished the season in the top 2 behind compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.
Thus, he became the oldest year-end top 2 player in the history of the ATP rankings, taking the record away from Roger Federer. Rafa won back-to-back Melbourne and Paris titles for the first time in his career and became the only player with 22 Major crowns.
Nadal missed the second half of 2021 with foot problems and has made a perfect comeback this season. The veteran has endured every obstacle at the Australian Open.
He went from 6-2, 7-6, 3-2, 40-0 to Daniil Medvedev in the final to lift Melbourne Park’s first trophy in 13 years. Rafa conquered Acapulco in February and reached the Indian Wells final for a perfect start to the season at 20-0.
However, the Spaniard broke a rib in the semifinals and lost the title match to Taylor Fritz. Nadal skipped Monte Carlo and Barcelona and lost ground. Rafa returned to the field in Madrid and Rome and did not play his best.
Rafael Nadal trained at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.
Also, his foot bothered him again, with dark clouds gathering over him before Roland Garros. Nadal needed injections before every game in Paris to ease the pain and compete at his desired level.
Rafa provided his magic on clay and beat Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud for his 14th Roland Garros title in 18 trips to Paris! Nadal wanted more at Wimbledon, looking for his first All England Club crown in 12 years.
The Spaniard reached the semifinal after an epic win over Taylor Fritz in five thrilling sets. However, the veteran revealed a seven millimeter abdominal tear which forced him to retire ahead of the Nick Kyrgios clash.
Rafa would play in just nine games by the end of the season, winning four and not battling for the year-end top spot in New York. Nadal lost in the fourth round of the US Open and suffered four straight losses for the first time since the end of 2009!
Eager to end his losing streak, Rafa Nadal ousted Casper Ruud in the last match of the season at the ATP Finals in Turin, hoping for a fresh start in 2023.
