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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 1: Rafael Nadal (ESP) speaks with press on Media Day ahead of the 2021 Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center on August 1, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mike Lawrence/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 1: Rafael Nadal (ESP) speaks with press on Media Day ahead of the 2021 Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center on August 1, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mike Lawrence/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has been one of the most successful players of all time on the men’s Tour. Over the years, Rafa has fought a number of injuries but always found a way to come back and continue his incredible journey.
Lately, Rafael Nadal has been sidelined by a foot injury that kept him out of the last two Grand Slam events of the 2021 season. He also missed the Tokyo Olympics.
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Rafael Nadal will compete at the Australian Open 2022
A couple of weeks ago, Rafael decided to compete in Abu Dhabi, at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, giving him the ideal warm-up event, before heading towards Australia for the beginning of the new season.
However, things did not go according to plan, as he lost his encounter against Andy Murray and, upon returning to Spain, he tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, fans were skeptical if they would get the see the 20-time Grand Slam champion compete in the first Major event of the season.
Rafael Nadal is Australia-bound and on track to try to add to his 20 major titles at next month’s Australian Open #AusOpen https://t.co/9N4DufvGfz
— The Age Sport (@theagesport) December 30, 2021
Nonetheless, yesterday Nadal was seen on the practice courts engaging in some intense rallies. From the looks of it, the Spaniard looked in good shape and was striking the ball cleanly. He is scheduled to compete in the ATP 250 event in Melbourne prior to the Happy Slam and it has been confirmed, as per reports, that he’s headed to Australia.
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a shot during a match against Lloyd Harris of South Africa on Day 6 during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center on August 5, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
This comes as great news for the organizers of the tournament as the World No. 1 Novak Djokovic still seems doubtful about defending his crown after pulling out of the ATP Cup 2022.
Few prominent names are missing the Australian Open 2022
As the tennis world is gearing up for the Australian Open 2022, let us look at some of the top players’ scenarios. Superstars Roger Federer and Serena Williams have decided to skip the event in order to recover completely from their respective injuries.
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HALLE, GERMANY – JUNE 16: Roger Federer of Switzerland leaves the Center Court after losing his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada during day 5 of the Noventi Open at OWL-Arena on June 16, 2021 in Halle, Germany. (Photo by Thomas F. Starke/Getty Images)
On the other hand, Andy Murray has received a wildcard, Naomi Osaka has already arrived in Australia, and with Nadal’s optimistic outlook, fans are sure to witness a treat in the first Grand Slam of the season.
With less than three weeks to go for the event, it will be interesting to see how things shape up in the coming days. Nonetheless, we wish all players the best of luck.
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