Rafael Nadal Lags Behind Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in Embarrassing Grand Slam Stat

The Australian Open 2021 has begun and Rafael Nadal got off to a great start at the Grand Slam. Facing Laslo Dere in the first round of the tournament, Nadal didn’t face any difficulty and completely thrashed the Serbian player. The final scoreline of the match was 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.

Although Rafael Nadal was losing the second set 0-4 at one point, he showed some fighting spirit after that. The Spaniard won six back-to-back games and was thus able to conquer that set.

However, a recent stat doesn’t reveal some great information about Rafa. Since 2008, Nadal has failed to reach the second week of a Grand Slam on six occasions. That largely means that since 2008, the World No.2 player has failed to reach the quarters of a Slam six times. This is the most times amongst the ‘Big Three’.

Roger Federer has failed to reach the second week of Slam only two times since 2008. World No.1 Novak Djokovic is second among the Big Three, who couldn’t reach the quarters of a major four times since 2008.

Rafa is playing some great tennis at the moment and will surely not want that number to rise. For that, he has to find a way to perform better on the hard and grass surfaces.

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Can Rafael Nadal win his 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open 2021?

Rafa has won the Australian Open title just once in his career in 2009. Since then, the Spaniard has played four finals at the Grand Slam but has failed to win the title on all occasions.

With his current form, Rafa definitely is a strong contender for the title this year. He is gaining his momentum back and is surely improving his backhand at the moment.

What’s really necessary for Rafa is to improve his serve, especially in the present conditions. He often likes to put a lot of topspin, but that will not be much effective as the courts are faster in Australia this time.

In his first match at the Grand Slam, he delivered a total of five aces, which is surely some great news. The 20-time Grand Slam winner will have to play like this consistently in order to lift the title this year.

Rafael Nadal will next face American player Michael Mmoh in the second round of the Australian Open 2021. Fans certainly have huge expectations from him and want him to get past Roger Federer in the Grand Slam tally in Melbourne this year.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal Reveals the Major Change in His Game to Cope With Back Injury at Australian Open 2021