In an interview released in recent days, Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro reflected on Rafael Nadal’s physical condition. The Spaniard comes from two consecutive defeats at the United Cup, and now he will have to defend his title at the Australian Open 2023 from the assaults of Novak Djokovic.
Doctor Cotorro said, reassuring Nadal’s fans: “Rafael is fine, his form is improving and he’s progressing gradually after the problems he had in the second half of 2022. Despite losing two matches at the United Cup, he didn’t play badly and I’m sure he will arrive at the Australian Open in peak condition.”
The Spanish champion, winner of 22 Grand Slams, analyzed his 2022. He told: “The first part of my season was incredible, exciting, because I was coming from five very complicated months and my foot wasn’t right yet.
Also before Abu Dhabi I’d had covid and needed to stay home ten days before I could start training again. It’s no coincidence that a couple of days after arriving in Australia I wasn’t even too sure I could play.
Then I started playing well, but I never imagined that I could even win the tournament.”
Rafael Nadal will have to defend his title at the 2023 Australian Open
Nadal has started 2023 in the worst possible way, having lost the first two matches of the season for the first time in his long career.
The former world number 1 was defeated by Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur at the United Cup, giving the feeling that he is a long way from optimal form. An alarm bell that cannot be underestimated about ten days before the start of the Australian Open, in which the Spaniard will be called to defend his title.
If we also include the end of last season in the discussion, one cannot help but notice how Rafa has lost six of the last seven matches played on the circuit. His only victory came against Casper Ruud in the group stage of the ATP Finals in Turin, moreover when the games were over.
The 2023 Australian Open will start on January 16 at Melbourne Park and the Majorcan has plenty of time to get back on his feet.
