In the shadow of the soap opera Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal quickly regained his bearings.
Winner of the Melbourne preparation tournament after dominating the American Maxime Cressy (112th, from qualifying).
Operated on his left foot in September, he was then hampered in his preparation by the Covid.
The 89th title of his career (the first since Rome, last May) allows him to extend a series, with at least one trophy for the... 19th consecutive year: "
Knowing where I come from, it's very special.
After everything I've been through, the months of doubts about being able to come back, and there still are, and after some very difficult times.
It's only a start, but it's a positive start.
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To discover
Australian Open: men's schedule and results
Australian Open: ladies schedule and results
Nadal, seeded No. 6, could (if the Serb is on the starting line) meet Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Before that, he will face the American Marcos Giron (66th in the world) in the 1st round, before a possible 2nd round against the Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis (145th in the world).
In Melbourne, Rafael Nadal shared unforgettable moments from the tournament. Not often in the best role. In 2008, in the semi-finals, the Spaniard watched a tornado named Tsonga pass by. In 2009, he lifted the cup. In 2012, he shared the poster for the longest Grand Slam final in history (after 5:53, he lost 7-5 in the 5th set against Djokovic). In 2014, injured, he couldn't defend his chances in the final against Wawrinka and in 2017 he couldn't derail the fairy tale of a ghost named Federer.
At 35, Rafael Nadal wants to continue to combine in the present. "
As long as Rafael Nadal plays tennis and has the opportunity to do so, he will never be an underdog for me, but always one of the favorites in the tournament
," said, in
Eurosport
Germany 's Das Gelbe Vom Ball podcast
quoted by Tennis head, assured Boris Becker. And to continue:
I think in the back of his mind he just wants to win (Roland-Garros) again.
But he has to play tournaments first, preferably a Grand Slam.
He has no pressure, no one expects anything from him.
His preparation was bad because of the Covid, but I don't know anyone in the main draw who would like to play against Nadal in the first or second round.
He's one of the superstars.
He can also get (a 21st Grand Slam title).
I think that's another reason why he plays in Melbourne.
These big stars who have won so much, they wouldn't play if they didn't think they had a chance...
"