Rafael Nadal: “It’s normal that I make mistakes.”
AFP
After five months off the track and one week away from the Australian Open (January 17-30), the Spaniard qualified this Saturday for the final of the ATP 250 tournament in Melbourne, where he will face a newcomer to this tournament. stadium, the American Maxime Cressy (112th).
Stopped since his semi-final lost at Roland Garros last June – with the exception of two matches played in early August in Washington – because of his recalcitrant left foot, then contaminated by Covid-19 at the end of December during ‘an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi, Nadal, now world No. 6, is reassured “step by step”.
He defeated the Finnish Emil Ruusuvuori (95th) 6-4, 7-5 in nearly two hours on Saturday, two days after his first vintage victory in 2022 against the Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis (104th) 6-2, 7-5. Between the two, his other opponent, the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor (65th), forfeited.
“It’s a big comeback for me after six months without competition. There are of course things I need to do better. After a long absence, you’re still a little worried about what might happen, but my body is holding on. for now, “appreciates the Spaniard with 20 Grand Slam trophies – like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. “I’ve been through all of this before, I know how to do it and I know you have to be patient.”
“A little bit slower”
Against Emil Ruusuvuori, Rafael Nadal was able to make the difference at the end of the round, even if he let the Finn break in the second while he was used to win the match at 5 to 3.
“It’s normal that I make mistakes, it’s normal that I am sometimes a little slower than usual,” adds the 35-year-old Mallorcan.
“When you’re a tennis player you know you’re not going to play until you’re 50, but I make the most of it as much as possible while I can,” smiles Rafael Nadal.
In the other semi-final, Cressy, from qualifying and adept at stealing service, surprised the Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov (28th) 7-5, 7-6 (11/9) and invited himself to the final for the first time. of his career, at 24.
On the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Rafael Nadal will aim for an 89th title this Sunday.
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