Boris Baker believes that Rafael Nadal’s loss in the Australian Open quarterfinals to Stefanos Tsitsipas could have an additional impact on the streak before the French Open. The Spaniard was knocked out in the quarter-finals after winning his first two sets against the 22-year-old, who struggled on the verge of elimination, to stun Nadal.
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Tsitsipas is part of the next generation of sports, fighting to topple the Big Three and it was a milestone in his career, despite his semi-final loss to Daniel Medvedev.
But on the other hand, the breakdown suggests that Nadal’s powers may have waned in Grand Slam tournaments, with Roland Garros, where he remains an unrivaled Mud King.
Baker is now keen to see how quickly Nadal can recover from the setback, hinting that the 34-year-old may struggle to recover from the disappointing loss.
“Rafael Nadal’s five-set loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas will remain painful for a while and could be a factor at Roland Garros,” Baker wrote to the Daily Mail.
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Nadal had a chronic back problem, but he broke through the pain barrier at Down Under, despite fears the injury could ruin his title dream.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Baker believes the games are finally catching up to Nadal, who has put his body under enormous pressure throughout his illustrious career.
“There were definitely weaknesses in Nadal when you think about the future of Paris,” Baker added, again raising doubts ahead of the French Open in May.
“For the first time I remember Rafael Nadal looking really tired in this fifth set, he was physically hit and the others witnessed it.
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“The Spaniard’s style is so physical that it will have a negative effect. I’m really surprised he’s been playing at such an incredibly high level for so long. ”
“If it would be foolish to bet on him for Paris when that little step slows down, he won’t be the same player.”
The referee could offer an opportunity to Djokovic, who intends to close the gap between Roger Federer and Nadal at Roland Garros, while he intends to take revenge on the latter after his last defeat last year.
Djokovic is now in two main groups of Federer and Nadal (both in 20) and has pledged to stay away from many ATP Tour events, in order to prioritize major tournaments.
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Serbia coach Goran Ivanisevic believes Nadal could win just one title and support his leg to win the Grand Slam race.
“Rafa, of course, will win one [more Grand Slam]“I don’t want two, but I give him one,” Ivanesevic said.
Before adding: “I’m waiting for Roger’s return. It will be even more exciting to see what happens at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
“[It] Just awesome. The race is here. I said a couple [of] Years ago [that] Rafa et Novak [are both] He will overtake Roger. I still think so. I still think so. “
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