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Rafael Nadal began his “2023” season on Saturday, December 31, 2022. He did it with a failure. The Spaniard lost to Cameron Norrie, who earned his first win over him in five matches, giving Great Britain a 1-0 lead. Nadal won the first set on the third day of competition in Sydney, before folding despite some flashes of brilliance (3-6, 6-3, 6-4).
You only have to look at his volley after 2 hours and 38 minutes to see that Rafael Nadal still has great things in his legs and in his racket. But his ability to show consistency in a match, without declining, seems to be waning. On Saturday, the last day of 2022 and the first day of his 2023 season, his loss to Cameron Norrie confirmed that.
Winner of the first set, Nadal (36) lost in three sets in Sydney, in the first duel between Spain and Great Britain, on the third day of competition in the United Cup. Norrie (27) defeated the Australian Open champion (3-6, 6-3, 6-4) in 2:44. This is the first time he has defeated him on the main tour, on his fifth attempt.
ZVEREV, LOSING REBOUND
Nuria Parrizas-Diaz takes on Katie Swan, looking to put Spain back on top in Australia in this Group D opposition. Nadal’s next outing is scheduled for Sunday, in what could be a decisive doubles match. He and Paula Badosa will face Harriet Dart and Daniel Evans in a doubles match. On Monday, Alex de Minaur will face him in his second singles match this season.
Alexander Zverev, who played against Nadal in his last official match at the French Open, made his return on Saturday. The German, who has been out of action for nearly seven months due to a torn ankle ligament, lost to Jiri Lehecka (Czech Republic). He had only one ace and eight double faults and lost 6-4, 6-2 in 1 hour and 32 minutes. He will have the opportunity to pick up the pace on Monday against Taylor Fritz.
