Rafael Nadal needs THIS ahead of Australian Open, reveals fellow professional
RAFAEL NADAL needs time on court to reach his peak at the Australian Open next week, according to Richard Gasquet.
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Gasquet took on Nadal in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne today, emerging a surprise 6-4, 7-5 winner.
The world No 1 was clearly struggling with rhythm on his forehand, with the blustering conditions not helping his cause.
But Gasquet believes that ring-rust has as much a part to play for Nadal, who has not had a competitive match since losing to David Goffin at the ATP World Tour Finals back in November.
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“Of course, it’s always nice to play [Nadal] and to play well,” Gasquet said.
“He needs matches and needs to play but I’m feeling great and played well so it’s always nice to play matches like that.
“It’s great for the tournament that Rafa can come here.”
Nadal’s participation in the Kooyong Classic and indeed next week’s Australian Open had been under an injury cloud.
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The Spaniard pulled out of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi last month before withdrawing from the Brisbane International, his traditional ATP season curtain-raiser.
However, he reassured worried fans after the defeat that his right knee was not a problem when Roger Federer comes to defend his title on January 15.
“I am good, if I am here, and if I wasn’t feeling good I would not be here, so that’s good news,” Nadal said.
“So, I just need to keep practicing hard the next couple of days to be ready for the Australian Open.”
He added: “I had a long year last year, so I had to start my preparation later than usual, but I’ve arrived with plenty of time and it’s a good day to start again the feelings of playing a match.
“It’s not an official match but still a test for me and good practice, that’s the most important thing, that’s the most important thing for the whole season.”
