Rafael Nadal loses one-set lead and match to Norrie to start 2023 season

Rafael Nadal is starting the 2023 season in a position that he's never been before - as a father.

The Spaniard travelled to Australia, where he participates in the United Cup and will then move to Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of the season - the Australian Open. During one of the practices, his wife with his child were seen in the stands, and so it's obvious that Nadal's family travels together.

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In his first match of the new season, the 22-time Grand Slam champion faced Cameron Norrie, who is a really tricky opponent and can beat some of the best. in the match of two lefties, Nadal started with the first break and despite facing a break point in the next game, he won the first set 6-3.

But the Spaniard wasn't so successful in the second set. He had only one break point, which he couldn't use, while his opponent had 7 and used one of them to win the second set 6-3 and level the score after an hour and 38 minutes of play.

The deciding set was about effectivity. Both players had three break points and while the Brit could use his chance, Nadal couldn't do so and ultimately lost 6-3, 3-6, 4-6.

Since the United Cup is a team competition, Spain can still beat the United Kingdom as it was only the first match of this tie. In the next women's singles match, Nuria Parrizas-Diaz plays against Katie Swan.