Australian Open: Rafael Nadal admits improvement will come with more time on court
- Seb Sternik
- 19 January 2022
Rafael Nadal cruised past Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann to book his place in the third round of the Australian Open.
The Spaniard rarely looked troubled during his 6-2 6-3 6-4 victory in Melbourne and vowed to improve with more time on the court.
The 35-year-old recently returned from injury, but there's certainly no sign of ring rust as he is yet to drop a set at this year's Australian Open.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, he said: "Today the challenge was higher in terms of the opponent. He played great tennis out there, playing big shots, [it] wasn't an easy game at all. The first set was 6-2 but it was probably the most difficult one in general terms."
When questioned about his performance, Nadal added: "I'm more happy about the victory. It allows me to keep going. In two days, I'm going to have another chance against a very good opponent. But that's the main thing.
"I said here, before the tournament started, things aren't going to be perfect but everyday I'm going to spend on court, the chances to play better are higher. I think I'm doing things well. Things that I can improve, I have to improve if I want to keep going in the tournament.
"But winning today allows me to practise again tomorrow to be ready for another match. After two matches, this is the moment to make a step forward. I'm going to try, I'm excited about it. Excited about the fact that I'm going to be playing in the third round one more time here."
"I have never been a gym guy."
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2022
Relatable content 👇😂@RafaelNadal • #AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/46qjTX2ygk
The 20-time Grand Slam winner may be among favourites to go all the way but Nadal admitted he isn't feeling the pressure considering his recent injury worries.
He said: "After all the things that I'm going through, I don't have big pressure on my shoulders, honesty I don't feel it. The pressure is only to stay healthy and to enjoy the fact that I'm competing again and then give my best as I did during all my tennis career."
