The Mallorcan brought an early end to his 2021 season after suffering a terrible flare-up of a chronic foot problem. He eventually had to undergo treatment for his condition, which kept him away from the sport for almost five months.
When things seemed on the mend, Nadal contracted COVID, casting further doubt on his participation at this year’s opening Slam. The 35-year-old admittedly is not in the best physical shape going into the Melbourne Major.
And Lindsay Davenport, on her part, feels that playing best-of-five matches on the fast hardcourt surfaces in Melbourne could be taxing for the Spaniard’s body. However, she claimed that she wants him to win Slam No. 21 in Melbourne as it would stand him in good stead for the rest of the season.
Davenport, however, added an air of caution by reminding viewers that Nadal could have missed the Australian Open due to his foot ailment and positive COVID test.
As such, she does not think the Mallorcan has a big chance of winning the title, given the faster surfaces and his lack of match practice in recent times.
Rafael Nadal moves into the second round of the 2022 Australian Open with a brilliant win over Marcos Giron
Rafael Nadal defeated Marcos Giron 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in his first-round match on Monday. The Spaniard was at his fluent best, striking a mammoth 34 winners to keep the American at arm’s length throughout the encounter. He did not lose his serve and conceded a mere 16 points on his delivery.
The 2009 champion will next face either Thanasi Kokkinakis or Yannick Hanfmann in the second round on Wednesday. At the time of writing, Hanfmann leads Kokkinakis by two sets to love.
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