‘Can’t Play Less Than I Did in Last 2 Years’: Rafael Nadal Hopeful of Quick Recovery After Gruesome Fortnight at Australian Open 2022

Rafael Nadal is on cloud-nine as he clinched victory from the jaws of defeat against Daniil Medvedev in the second longest Australian Open final at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. The Spaniard looked down and out after the first two sets but made Medvedev work hard to win them.

The tail end of the third set was where Nadal found his rhythm and gradually reduced the rally length and brought the whole match under his control.

Rafael Nadal talks about his future schedule after Australian Open victory

By defeating the Russian, Nadal won his 21st major title and surpassed Djokovic and Federer. Talking after a gruesome final, the Spaniard discussed his schedule and what’s ahead for him this year on the ATP tour.

“If I dose myself more, I’m no longer a tennis player. You can’t play less than I’ve done in the last two years. The schedule depends on the results and physical condition, and from there we’ll make decisions.”

Nadal, who is smart enough to let his body rest before jumping on a tennis court again, intends to play the Indian Wells event but remained unsure of his participation at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco.

Watch this story: From Locker Room Fight to Deportation: Biggest Australian Open 2022 Controversies

Nadal might skip Acapulco and rest his body to play Indian Wells 2022

Nadal is a three-time champion in Mexico and the tournament revealed that they couldn’t afford to have the Spaniard last year as they reduced the appearance fees. But, Nadal’s name was present in the entry list of Acapulco this year.

“Something has been achieved very special here and I would like to be in Indian Wells, then we will decide if we go to Acapulco based on how the body evolves,” said the Spaniard.

It remains to be seen whether Rafa gets back in shape to play the Mexican tournament or takes a lengthy break and makes a comeback in Indian Wells, a tournament he has won thrice.

At the moment, the Spaniard is basking in the success after a compelling fortnight in Melbourne that saw him defeat the likes of Denis Shapovalov, Matteo Berrettini, and Daniil Medvedev to win his 2nd Australian Open title.

Also read: ‘F**k, One More Time’: Rafael Nadal on His Rollercoaster Final Set at Australian Open 2022