World no. 2 Rafael Nadal arrived in Sydney on Wednesday. A 22-time Major winner trained at Ken Rosewall Arena, seeking form ahead of his first match. Nadal will kick off the 2023 season against Cameron Norrie on December 31, leading Spain at the inaugural United Cup. Rafa has played only nine encounters after Wimbledon, struggling with an abdominal injury and losing four consecutive matches for the first time since 2009! The Spaniard is eager to make a solid start to the new season, feeling excited and motivated to find his A-game ahead of the Australian Open. Nadal was a player to beat in the first half of the season, winning four ATP titles and adding two Major trophies to his tally. Rafa struggled in the second part of 2021 and made a perfect start this January. He won 20 consecutive matches and conquered the first Australian Open crown since 2009.
Rafael Nadal is ready to kick off the 2023 season.Despite foot issues, Rafa lifted his 14th Roland Garros trophy in June and moved further away from Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Nadal reached the Wimbledon semi-final and experienced a seven-millimeter abdominal tear. He withdrew and never found the rhythm again for the rest of the year. Rafa missed a chance to conquer the ATP throne in New York following the fourth-round US Open loss to Frances Tiafoe. Nadal stayed away from the court for two months, returning at the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals and scoring only one victory. At 36, Rafa wants to make a fresh start in 2023 and compete for notable titles against the rivals from the top.
"The beginning of the season is always exciting. It's a new thing for us all, and we all have doubts about how it will go. I have many seasons behind me, but the beginnings are always different. I'm motivated to make a good start and gain confidence. The past few months have been tough for me, and I want to prepare well in Sydney before the tournament starts. I want to help my country, recover the positive feelings on the court and play competitive tennis. I'm ready to make that happen, and we will see. The main goal for me is to reach a competitive level. My first match is against Cameron Norrie, and I'm focused on that. We will try to win the tie and gain momentum ahead of the next clash versus Australia," Rafael Nadal said.
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