Nadal admits he feels 'vulnerable' as Australian Open defence begins on back of six defeats

Sunday, 15 January 2023 at 09:00

Updated at Sunday, 15 January 2023 at 00:09

byTom Grant

Rafael Nadal has told reporters the fact he has lost of six of his last seven matches means it is inevitable he is feeling 'vulnerable.'

Speaking at the Australian Open Media Day on Saturday, just 12 months after he claimed a remarkable 21st Grand Slam title when coming from two-sets down to Daniil Medvedev, the Spaniard admits he faces a tough first round opponent in Britain's Jack Draper but described himself as "ready."

The top seed going into the event after Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal explained to reporters he has been feeling better with every passing week but that his fairy-tale triumph of a year ago is in the past and he is now focused on building momentum for the event.

Asked if he was feeling vulnerable at Melbourne Park, Nadal told journalists:

“Of course. Yeah, without a doubt. I have been losing more than usual, so that's part of the business. Just accept the situation. I think I am humble enough to accept that situation and just work with what I have today. I need to build again all this momentum. I need to build again this confidence with myself with victories. But it's true that I have been losing more than usual.”

— Rafa Nadal

The man from Mallorca was paired with Draper at last week's first round draw and many onlookers feel this could be the potential shock of the round.

But Nadal insisted he is growing in confidence and said he has put United Cup defeats to Cam Norrie and Alex de Minaur behind him.

“I’m going to keep working because in the end I think I am in an improvement moment that I have been better and better every single week. I feel faster in the legs. I feel playing better with more confidence. The past three weeks of preparation here have been very positive from my point of view. Then I’m going to go on court and I’m going to try my best. “I still hope that I can play a good Australian Open. But you don't know what can happen. The first round going to be an important one against a very tough opponent.

— Rafa Nadal

Nadal has been handed a tough draw for the first Grand slam of the year but the 36-year-old explained he's up to the challenge.

He finished:

I feel ready, honestly. The only thing that didn't happen in my side is victories. That's the real thing. But for the rest of the things that I am building to be ready for a tournament like this one, I feel quite ready.”

— Rafa Nadal