Published 01/14/2023, 12:20 PM EST
Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal is going to start his title defense at the Australian Open soon. To prepare for the tournament, the 36-year-old also participated in the United cup. However, he had a disappointing run in the tournament. While the Spaniard has had a dip in form as he returned after injury, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was also not very happy with the quality of balls used. Notably, the same balls will be used in the Australian Open as well. Here’s what Nadal said about it.
Rafael Nadal is not happy with the new Dunlop balls
Dunlop’s new official Australian Open balls featured in the United Cup as well. After playing a few matches with the ball, Nadal expressed his disappointment over the quality of the ball. According to Fox Sports Australia reports, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was particularly unhappy with the lack of spin in the new balls. Here’s what he said.
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“The ball is worse quality, without a doubt.” The Spaniard further added, “I think it’s a ball that [doesn’t] get the same spin as usual. After a couple of hits, the ball [loses] the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin.”
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Nadal has struggled for form in his matches after the Wimbledon injury. Now that the Spaniard has complained about the quality of balls, it will be interesting to see how other players react to it.
Nadal gets a tough draw in Australian Open
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After winning the tournament last year, Nadal enters the Australian Open as the top seed. However, the draw he has got is actually a tough one. To start with, the 36-year-old will have to play his best tennis as he is going to face British tennis star Jack Draper in the opening match. Further, he will possibly meet Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round.
Nadal fans were particularly not happy with the draw. A few also accused the Australian Open of providing an unfair advantage to Novak Djokovic. Notably, the Serb is returning to his favorite Major tournament after missing out last year.
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Given Nadal’s current form and Djokovic’s record in the Australian Open, fans are considering the Serb as a favorite this year. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments.