Novak Djokovic is likely to be the centre of consideration at Melbourne Park however Rafael Nadal is adamant he is able to defend his Australian Open title in fashion.
The build-up to subsequent week’s Open has largely circulated round nine-time champion Djokovic’s return to his favoured slam after his deportation saga final yr, together with world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal.
Reigning champion and prime seed Nadal is having fun with a extra understated last week earlier than kicking off his title defence, when he’ll chase his first grand slam since turning into a father.
Nadal shrugged off United Cup defeats to Alex De Minaur and Cameron Norrie and his restricted finish to final season, after foot, rib and stomach points restricted him to simply 4 occasions in 2022 after Wimbledon in July.
“Well, it’s true that the last couple of months I was not able to play much tennis and at the beginning of the season I lost two matches in Sydney, but honestly I am not unhappy with the preparation,” the world No.2 mentioned in Melbourne on Tuesday.
“I need to win matches for sure. But the preparation is going quite well, practising a lot and I think I am in good shape.
“Then it is advisable exhibit that within the matches, within the official tournaments.
“But I’m confident that if I am able to have this last week of positive practices, why not?”
Nadal, a 22-time grand slam champion, is eyeing the chance to get better a two-slam buffer on Djokovic by claiming a 3rd Melbourne Park title.
Roger Federer, Djokovic and Nadal had been all tied on 20 grand slam titles forward of final yr’s Australian Open.
Nadal went two clear by profitable at Melbourne Park in Djokovic’s absence, then at Roland Garros, earlier than Djokovic claimed his twenty first at Wimbledon, whereas Federer retired.
The 36-year-old mirrored fondly on final yr’s last conquer Daniil Medvedev.
“Probably this one is one of the more unexpected ones. Very emotional,” he mentioned.
“The final comeback is one of the most important in my career.”
Nadal has adjusted his routines since son Rafael Jr was born in October however mentioned he hadn’t felt disrupted.
“It’s about adapting to this new part of my life in all ways,” he mentioned.
“You need a little bit more of organisation than before without a doubt.
“But it is the primary time that occurs 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 to keep going without problems.”
