Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 17, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his first round match against Marcos Giron of the U.S. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 17, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his first round match against Marcos Giron of the U.S. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
When Rafael Nadal first made his comeback last year at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships, the expectations weren’t high as it would take time for even a champion player to get back to winning terms.
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In a slow and steady manner, Nadal found his winning ways as he won the Melbourne Summer Set event ahead of the Australian Open and also registered a comfortable straight sets victory against Marcos Giron at Rod Laver Arena few hours ago.
During the post-match press conference, the Spaniard was asked about the GOAT debate featuring two of his biggest rivals -Djokovic and Federer alongside him.
Rafael Nadal reveals his disinterest in the GOAT debate
“I understand that ‘GOAT’ movie you are all creating, but I live my day by day, my concerns, that are different from being the GOAT. I’m happy with my career. I’m not desperate to be the one, to be the GOAT. If it happens, happens. My future doesn’t depend on that”, replied Nadal.
Nadal. "I understand that 'GOAT' movie you are all creating, but I live my day by day, my concerns, that are different from being the GOAT (…) I'm happy with my career. I'm not desperate to be te one, to be the GOAT. If it happens, happens. My future doesn't depend on that.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 17, 2022
As always, Nadal has maintained that playing the sport is his biggest motivation rather than the accolades that come with it. Even after facing multiple injuries, the former world no.1 is still going strong at the big stage and is giving a tough competition to next-gen stars like Medvedev and Tsitsipas.
With Novak Djokovic getting deported and Roger Federer out on rehab, this Australian Open gives the right path for Rafael Nadal to script history and win his 21st Grand Slam title.
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 17, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his first round match against Marcos Giron of the U.S. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Nadal’s tough path to win the 2022 Australian Open
But, the draw doesn’t seem to be in the Spaniard’s favor. After a comfortable victory against Giron, Nadal could face the in-form local hero Thanasi Kokkinakis. The Australian won his first tour-level title in Adelaide last week and is looking well set to have a memorable run in Melbourne.
If Nadal gets past Kokkinakis, he will most likely Karen Khachanov in the third-round, followed by a projected pre-quarters encounter with Aslan Karatsev. Even in the quarters, the Spaniard will most likely face Alexander Zverev.
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 17, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his first round match against Marcos Giron of the U.S. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
While the path doesn’t see easier for Nadal to sail through yet another major final, he will fancy his chances against this younger lot of opponents and use his experience to clinch his 21st major crown.
