The draw was not really kind to the reigning Australian Open champion, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal, 36 years old and world number three. He will have a poisoned debut against young British Jack Draper, he can immediately consider a rematch with the American Frances Tiafoe and the russian Daniel Medvedev it will come too soon. Only good news, that the Serbian Novak Djokovic It will not be contested in the semifinals in any case, as the record winner of nine titles in Melbourne will go to the other side of the draw and will not be a concern until the final.
Nadal depends on himself. Although he needs all the help possible at this point as he is coming off the worst streak of results in the professional ATP field. They have lost six of their last seven games, including a pair this season in the United Cup against the Britons Cameron Norrie and the Australian alex deminaur.
It will not have an easy premiere at Rod Laver Arena, the center court of a 2023 Australian Open that will take place from January 16 to 29. From the beginning an inexperienced but explosive player, dangerous when he is fresh. He chased down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final US Open. English Jack Draper He is occupying the 40th position at 21 years old, in a good climb, perhaps not precisely because the injuries did not help him. His last campaign ended in New York itself with a muscle problem in one leg. He is a left-hander, a puncher and a rookie in Australia, where he will serve in just his third Grand Slam main draw.
In the second round, another of the next youngsters may appear, the American Brandon Nakashima, 21 years old and number 47 in the world. She must pass the preliminary screening before her compatriot Mackenzie McDonald.
Nadal will have a hypothetical third round against the Japanese Yoshihito Nishiokaan electric left-hander but that will be a break on the manacorí route to some very difficult major crossroads.
In the round of 16, a possible reunion with his executioner at the US Open, the American Frances Tiafoe24 years old and world number 17.
Australia 2022 final rivalry repeat
This will be the start of a repeat of the legendary 2022 final for Rafa Nadal’s comeback against the Russian. Daniel Medvedevwhich he will face in the quarterfinals.
If he makes it to the semifinals, the Greek could be on the other side of the net Stefanos Tsitsipasthird seeded, although the Canadian can also aim for the position Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The fireworks are against the record champion of the tournament, Novak Djokovic.
A minefield for Nadal in his quest for a 23rd Grand Slam, with ‘Nole’ on tour chasing a tie at 22.
Source: La Verdad
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