Rafael Nadal shares practice court with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the Australian Open

World no. 2 Rafael Nadal ought to be high-quality for the upcoming Australian Open that begins on Monday. In contrast to 2020, Nadal could not lead his nation on the ATP Cup, skipping all three ties in opposition to Australia, Greece and Italy (potential clashes in opposition to Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini) as a consequence of a minor again harm.

Rafa did not wish to danger something forward of the season’s first Main, staying away from the official matches and embracing follow periods to form his sport. Nadal spent the opening two weeks of the Aussie swing in Adelaide, coaching alongside and with Jannik Sinner in the course of the quarantine and enjoying a aggressive match in opposition to Dominic Thiem at A Day on the Drive on January 29.

The Spaniard beat the Austrian 7-5, 6-4 after a strong show, hoping for extra on the ATP Cup and searching for the title he misplaced a yr in the past following a defeat to Novak Djokovic. Nonetheless, Rafa skilled a bit of setback with that minor again concern, prolonging his official debut and dealing laborious to prepare for the Australian Open.

On Saturday, Nadal shared the follow court docket with the younger compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, probably the most outstanding Spanish prospect in the mean time. Nonetheless 17, Carlos certified for the Australian Open in January and would be the youngest participant within the draw subsequent week.

Following the season restart final August, Carlos was the participant to beat on the Challenger Tour, profitable 20 out of 24 matches by the tip of the yr and celebrating trophies in Trieste, Barcelona and Alicante.

Rafael Nadal skilled in Melbourne with Carlos Alcaraz.

The tremendous proficient participant who works with Juan Carlos Ferrero wrote historical past on the ATP 250 Nice Ocean Highway Open in Melbourne, beating the highest seed David Goffin 6-3, 6-3 to enter the third spherical.

Thus, Carlos grew to become the youngest participant since Richard Gasquet in Buenos Aires 2004 with the top-15 victory underneath his belt. A youngster had an opportunity to be taught rather a lot from his skilled compatriot, who will attempt to write the file books and declare the twenty first Main trophy and go away Roger Federer on 20.

Nadal could not go all the way in which in Melbourne after 2009, shedding 4 finals to Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer between 2012-2019.