‘Old Friend’: Rafael Nadal Teams Up With a Familiar Foe to Light Up Rod Laver Arena Practice Session

It’s time for the Australian Open 2022 and the players have settled themselves in Melbourne and other regions in the Australian continent. Players such as Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were seen at the Rod Laver Arena.

Both players were engaging in some great rallies and even played a practice match amongst themselves. Over the years, they have been part of some intense matches on all the different surfaces, thrilling fans from all over the globe. 

Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have a history in Australia

Murray and Nadal played their first match against each other at the Australian Open, way back in 2007. It was the Spaniard who won the match in five intense sets. After that, they played against each other again in the Australian Open in 2010. Andy won the match in this one.

Read more: ‘Kind of Like Serena Williams’: Martina Navratilova Cautions Naomi Osaka Ahead of Return

On practicing together today, Rafa posted a picture on social media which had the caption, “Great practice today with an “old” friend.”

Interestingly, Murray and Nadal are scheduled to compete in the ATP Melbourne 250 event, which begins tomorrow. The draws are out and they are on opposite sides of the draw. If all goes well, they will face each other in the finals of the competition. 

Last year, Nadal came to Australia and came as far as the quarterfinal of the first Grand Slam event of the season. On the other hand, Murray was unable to make it as he was dealing with health complications. 

Nonetheless, both players are in Melbourne and it will be interesting to see how these players perform in the coming few weeks. We wish both of them the best of luck. Rafa would be bidding to win his second Australian Open title. On the contrary, Andy will be looking to win his first title. However, he has been a five-time finalist. We wish them all the success. 

Watch this story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club