Rafael Nadal Optimistic After Downing Duckworth To Get First Win Of 2019 At Australian Open - UBITENNIS

Rafael Nadal Optimistic After Downing Duckworth To Get First Win Of 2019 At Australian Open

The second seed reflected on his recent misfortunes following his opening win at Melbourne Park.

By Adam Addicott
3 Min Read
Australian Open -

Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal has begun his Australian Open campaign with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5, win over James Duckworth in the first round.

Nadal, who last won the Melbourne title back in 2008, was playing in his first ATP match since September. The Spaniard has been sidelined from action due to issues with both his knee and abdomen. Then in November he underwent minor surgery on his ankle before being ruled out of the Brisbane International earlier this month with a leg issue.

Despite his recent woes, Nadal battled his way past the heavy-hitting Duckworth. Hitting 38 winners and breaking his opponent six times during the match. It was however by no means a straightforward task. Duckworth applied pressure onto Nadal throughout as he came to the net no fewer than 71 occasions.

“It is always not easy to comeback to competition after a lot of months. Especially playing against a player that played super aggressive in each shot.” Nadal said following his win.
“He went onto the court with the determination of not hitting too many balls from the baseline and it was difficult to find a rhythm.”
“I’m very happy to be through. It is also difficult to start after an injury.”

Nadal encountered a blip towards the end of the match. After breaking midway through the third set on route to a 5-3 lead, a poor service game allowed the Australian to claw his way back to level 5-5. Nevertheless, Nadal soon thwarted the threat. As Duckworth serve to stay in the match, a double fault handed Nadal two match points. He converted his first with the help of a winning backhand passing shot.

Seeded second in the draw, Nadal has insisted that his body is in a ‘good form.’ The 32-year-old has had a turbulent time when it comes to hard-court tournaments in recent months. Prior to the Australian Open, he had either withdrawn or retired from 12 out of 13 tournaments he has entered into on the surface. The only exception was the Rogers Cup, which he won last summer.

“It was a sad decision that I had to take to not play in Brisbane. I was there and ready to play, but I had a small injury issue with my leg. So the doctor didn’t allow me to go on court even if I wanted to. This happens when you’re coming back.” He reflected.
“I’m just trying to be better and better every day. This is what I’m doing. I think I had a really good week of practice before this tournament.”

Nadal will play Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff or Matthew Ebden in round two.

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