Rafael Nadal is playing his 17th Australian Open this year. The Spaniard had previously lifted the title way back in 2009, which remains his only Australian Open title. This year though, the 35-year-old is one of the hot favorites to go all the way.

Further, he looks in fine form coming into the year’s first Grand Slam. He lifted the Melbourne Summer Set title a week before the commencement of the ‘Happy Slam’. After winning his second round encounter today, the Spaniard was all smiles at the Rod Laver Arena and joked with Jim Courier about his retirement.

Rafael Nadal gives a hilarious reply to Jim Courier

After winning his second-round encounter, Nadal was interviewed on the Rod Laver Arena by the American former World No. 1, Jim Courier.

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Courier asked, “What will you do when you retire in 10 years?” In a hilarious reply, Nadal said, “I hope to look like you. You look great.” The Rod Laver Arena burst into laughter, and the stadium was full of applause for the Spaniard.

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Before this exchange, Courier had asked Nadal the secret to his fitness, suggesting that he must surely do some extra work on his biceps. In reply, Nadal said, “I play golf,” and sent the crowd laughing.

The 13-time French Open champion was looking in fine touch as he brushed aside the challenge of Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets. Throughout the match, Nadal managed to hold his serve and did not get broken once.

Moreover, Nadal won an astonishing 76% of his points on the first serve as against his opponent’s 61%. Nadal sealed the match 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 against the German qualifier.

The Spaniard’s chances at the Australian Open 2022

With Novak Djokovic out of the Happy Skan even before his first match, Nadal is the only one from the ‘big three’ in the fray for this year’s title. However, he will face some stern challenges from next-gen stars in the form of Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.

Do you think Nadal can claim a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title and enter the history books in Australia? Let us know in the comments.

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