For those who still had a little doubt, this one is no longer really allowed: Rafael Nadal, absent for the entire second part of the 2021 season due to a foot injury, did not return to the circuit to make up the numbers. At 35, he still has enough underfoot (and in the racket) to afford an expeditious victory against Marcos Giron (6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in 1h49), this Monday, in the 1st round of the Australian Open.
Rediscovered quality of movement, still devastating power, efficient service (no break point conceded) and of course a few slaps from forehands of which he has the secret… Nadal was even very good on this Rod Laver Arena where he won the Melbourne Summer Set (ATP 250) two weeks ago for his official return to competition, five months after playing his last tournament in Washington before putting on the blinker to take the time to heal a painful reminiscence of his chronic foot injury (Muller-Weiss syndrome).
“I feel better and better”
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For his first Grand Slam tournament since Roland-Garros 2021, the Spaniard, at 35, showed in any case that he had lost none of his ambition or his determination. Qualities that will be very useful to him before a possible second round against the formidable Thanasi Kokkinakis. Anyway, while a legend, Novak Djokovic, had to leave Australia, another is well and truly back…
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