Tennis world no. 2 Rafael Nadal fields retirement questions in Sydney
One of the greatest tennis players of all time is back in Sydney, and he’s excited to be in Australia “one more time”, he says.
Confidential
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Rafael Nadal says he is still getting used to his schedule as a first time dad.
One of the greatest tennis players of all time is back in Sydney ahead of the Australian Open, playing in the inaugural United Cup for Team Spain.
Nadal, 36, flew in to Sydney on Tuesday night with partner Maria Perello and newborn son, Rafa, in tow.
“Well the first event I played like a father without the baby with me, I lost first round. The second event travelling with the baby, I was out in the group stage. In the end I won my last match but I keep improving,” Nadal said at Sydney Olympic Park, where the United Cup kicks off on Thursday.
“We have some help so no problem at all, just I need to organise a bit my life as everybody needs to do when you have a change in your life. I am excited to be in Australia one more time and hope to be ready to enjoy another month here in Australia.”
Nadal added that he was “sleeping well” with the newborn.
His comment about being in Australia “one more time” sparked further questions as to whether or not it will be his last trip before retirement.
“As a professional, you never know,” the 2022 Australian Open winner said.
“Hopefully not but when you are at the age of 36, you never know when will be your last one, it is obvious but you don’t like to talk about that. I am not in that mood now, just trying to focus to play at the highest level possible and to give myself the possibility to keeping competitive to fight for anything so that is my goal now.”
He added: “If that is the last time, let’s try to enjoy as much as possible and let’s try to create something special. I am happy doing what I am doing and hope to keep doing this.”
Nadal is the highest profile player in the United Cup.
Australia’s team was to be led by Nick Kyrgios, who shocked even his teammates by pulling out at the last minute due to an injury so he can rest ahead of the Australian Open.
Of Kyrgios, Nadal said: “He can win in any tournament that he is playing. He has all of the talent and the weapons to win against any player.”
Alex de Minaur steps into the number one spot for Team Australia, alongside Jason Kubler, John Peers, Ajla Tomljanovic, Zoe Hives, Maddison Inglis and Sam Stosur.
Players lining up to compete in the United Cup said it was a good thing Novak Djokovic had been allowed to compete in the Australian Open after last year’s debacle due to his anti-vaccination stance.
“I didn’t see him yet but I think it was a big issue last year of course,” Czech champion Petra Kvitova said. “We probably don’t know the inside of all of the things that was happening last year. It is great that he is back here playing. I think it is great for tennis that he is back in the big competitions. It is always great to have the best.”
Nadal added: “Novak is here, good for tennis, is good for probably the fans. The best players on court is always better.”
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