‘I Played Better in Australia Than Here’ – Rafael Nadal Makes a Statement Heading Into the Second Week of the US Open

Rafael Nadal has been dealing with his foot injury since almost the start of his career. He suffers from Mueller-Weiss Syndrome, which causes deformities in the mid-foot region. Thus leading to unbearable pain. Last year Nadal had to cut his season short because of resurfacing injury issues. Though keeping true to his legendary status, he made a banger comeback and claimed the Australian Open, fighting against all the odds.

In the ongoing US Open, he is in a similar situation. However, the issue this time is different. When asked about a comparison between his state in the first and last Grand Slams of the season, the Spaniard had a few things to say.

Rafael Nadal explains the difference

Nadal, after securing a spot in the Round of 16, stumbled upon the question asking his thoughts on potentially ending the season in the same way he started. To which he said, “Well, different feelings, no? I think I played better in Australia than here going to the second week. But I have zero background in terms of victories and all this stuff.” The 36-year-old suffered an abdominal injury during the Wimbledon Championships and took around 50 days to recover and return to the circuit.

He continued, “Here I played a little bit worse than in Australia, without a doubt. But the story of the year and the results on the slams have been incredible, so that helps. I don’t know the balance, what’s better or worse. But all these victories help to be a little bit more confident.” 

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The 22-time Grand Slam champion is looking strong heading into the second week of the US Open. He made it to the second week by defeating players like the former world number nine Fabio Fognini at the expense of just one set. Therefore fans are strongly rooting for him to claim his third Grand Slam title of the season.

Nadal faces Frances Tiafoe next

Rafael Nadal himself accepted the fact the 24-year-old American Frances Tiafoe isn’t someone to be taken lightly. Currently ranked 26 in the world, Tiafoe will meet the former world number one for the third time on the hard courts of the US Open.

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After experiencing defeat in earlier clashes, the young blood will be eyeing a first-ever victory against the legend. While Nadal, who missed a chance to turn this year into a year of Calendar Grand Slams, will aim to win his fifth US Open title.

Who do you think will win the US Open this year? Could Nadal make it Grand Slam title number 23? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.