Nadal: I wasn’t prepared physically for Australian Open final vs. Djokovic

In a recent interview in Spain, Rafael Nadal indicated that he was not physically prepared for last month’s Australian Open final against Novak Djokovic, which the world No. 2 lost 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

There was conflicting sentiment regarding Nadal’s chances heading into the title match. On one hand, the Spaniard had destroyed everything his path to get there–refusing to drop even a single set. On the other hand, it was the injury-plagued Nadal’s first tournament since the 2018 U.S. Open and the competition level from round one through the semis was unspectacular at best.

A massive step up in quality of opposition proved to be too much for Nadal, who fell to Djokovic in a mere two hours and four minutes.

“If I think about the future, it’s better to lose like this (in straight sets) because otherwise my body would not cope with it,” the 32-year-old said in his recent interview, comparing it to his five-hour and 54-minute setback against Djokovic in the 2012 Aussie final. “I came into the final this year without a B plan. I wasn’t prepared physically, and it did not come in the best moment.

“So I was not satisfied. But the achievement (of reaching the final) was something unexpected after difficult months. I won six matches playing as aggressive as ever. Djokovic was better and when it happens you have to congratulate him, shake his hand, and keep working.”

As the top two players in the world by far, Nadal and Djokovic will also be on opposite sides of the French Open draw–perhaps setting the stage for another head-to-head slam title match this spring. It is Nadal who is currently the favorite, with Djokovic not far behind as the second choice and you can make bets at Black Jack Casino. Nadal will play in Acapulco, Indian Wells, and the clay-court warmup events prior to his bid for a 12 triumph at Roland Garros.

“It’s not normal because it was not done before,” the King of Clay said regarding his 11 French Open titles. “But I feel (that I am) a normal person; I think that if I did it, someone [else] will come and will do (it). It would be nice.”

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