Rafael Nadal’s preparation for the Australian Open has suffered another blow after he was beaten by Australia’s Alex de Minaur at the United Cup on Monday.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion battled on the court for over two-and-a-half hours before losing 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, to the world No.24 for the first time in his career. In what was a roller-coaster encounter, Nadal was at one stage just one game away from victory. In the decider, he failed to convert four break point opportunities in the second game before trading breaks with the Australian.
“I couldn’t be happier that I managed to get my first win over Rafa on this court (Ken Rosewall Arena). There is no secret that is my favourite court in the entire world,” said de Minaur.
“I knew it was going to be a battle. Rafa is a hell of a competitor and what he’s been able to do for this sport is truly astounding. I’m just honoured and it’s a dream come true to be able to beat him on the court. I’m very happy with that.”
De Minaur, who had previously suffered three consecutive losses to Nadal, closed the match out by winning 10 points in a row. Overall, he hit a total of 32 winners against 31 unforced errors which was a better ratio that his opponent’s tally of 29 and 40.
“I can’t wait for the Aussie summer, it’s the best time of the year. Hopefully, I can do Australia proud and play some good tennis over the coming weeks.” He said.
Nadal has now suffered back-to-back losses after losing in three sets to Cameron Norrie earlier in the tournament. The Spaniard is hoping to find his form in time for the Australian Open where he is the defending champion. Outside of the French Open, he is yet to win a major event two years in a row.
Zverev still looking for form
Earlier in the day, Alexander Zverev’s return to competitive tennis following injury continues to be a testing encounter for him. Zverev missed six months of the Tour in 2022 after suffering a serious ankle injury at the French Open when he pulled multiple ligaments. Taking on Taylor Fritz, the German fell 6-1, 6-4, in just 64 minutes. It is the second time in three days Zverev has suffered a straight sets defeat after also losing to Czech world No.81 Jiri Lehecka on Saturday.
“I think my tennis is far away from the level I want it to be. I think it’s also normal not playing for seven months. There are things that are different than I’m used to. I think I was getting tired a lot quicker than I’m used to. But that comes obviously with not playing,” the former world No.2 said after his loss to Lehecka.
“(Am I ) concerned? Probably not. Physically I’m not at the level that I have to be. This is not even a question. I’m getting tired I think a lot quicker than I always did. I’m not as fast as I probably was.”
After the first day of their tie, Germany is down 2-0 against America. Besides Fritz, Madison Keys eased her way past Julie Niemeier 6-2, 6-3. Keys’ win has secured her country’s place in the knockout stages where they will play Great Britain on Wednesday.
In other ties, Greece is currently tied at 1-1 with Belgium. World No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas eased his way past David Goffin 6-3, 6-3 to get his country on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Alison Van Uytvanck battled past Despina Papamichail 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 in two hours and 30 minutes.
Finally, Italy leads Norway 2-0 after wins from Lorenzo Musetti and Martina Trevisan.
