Rafa Nadal laughingly explains the warning he received for going to the bathroom, in just four seconds!

Rafael Nadal It seems he did not miss most of the 2023 season. Manacorí returned to the courts in great shape and proof of this was the exhibition he put together against Jason Kubler in the round of 16 of the Brisbane ATP (6-1,6-2). The match had no story because of the Spaniard’s level and the only moment where he had ‘problems’ was between the two sets, when he received a warning for returning to the track too late.

After sweeping the first set, Nadal left to go to the bathroom to change and was scolded by the chair umpire for what he thought was slowness. After the match, Rafa laughingly explained what happened: “I think it was a strange thing because I know I have five minutes. Honestly, Brisbane is very humid and I had to change completely and this takes a moment. Also, on the walkie they were telling me saying ‘three minutes, two, one, 30s…’ and I left when I should. I don’t know if the boy who was with me has a difference of seconds with respect to the track. They told me it was only four seconds too late. I don’t think it’s my fault. But it doesn’t matter, I know I’m slow and this must improve in 2024,” he joked.

Great sensation

Apart from this minor inconvenience, Nadal’s match against Kubler was another sign that the Spaniard is returning to play fully recovered. He didn’t give up a single break in the whole match and it was a great feeling. However, for Rafa the good news is to continue playing for a few more minutes and pick up the pace.

“I think I started the game in the best way, with a lot of determination. I was aggressive and very solid from the back of the court. I saw videos where Kubler was very strong there. For me, having the chance to enter the quarterfinals means a lot. Successes and spending more minutes on the track are good news, they help a lot. Happy about it and I feel competitive after being away for so long,” he expressed at the end of the match.