Rafael Nadal on track despite back problems

After the 6: 3, 6: 4, 6: 1 over Laslo Djere, number 56 in the world, Rafael Nadal was just “happy”. Despite back problems, he got off to a “good start” at the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal has been struggling with back problems for more than two weeks. That’s why he did not play a singles or doubles at the ATP Cup last week when the preparatory tournaments were running. Rust did not settle in Nadal’s game. If the back was really still squeezing, at least Nadal didn’t show that. «It was especially important to get through today, to survive this first lap. I managed that well. It is an advantage for the next few days that I only had to play three sets. “

Despite the problem-free victory: Nadal did not want to give the all-clear because of the back, which is still restricting his movements at the moment. «I had to adjust the sequence of movements when serving (against Laslo Djere). But victory gives me time. So far, the preparation has not been ideal for me. But my attitude remains positive. With every day that I stay in the tournament, the chance that my back problems will go away increases. “

And then he could still fight for the Grand Slam title, because of which he flew to Australia. If Nadal triumphs in Melbourne, he would have overtaken Roger Federer with 21 Grand Slam titles after catching up with him at the French Open with title number 20 in the fall.

Nadal has Grand Slam record in view

The fact that Nadal has to grapple with problems in Australia is nothing new for the 34-year-old Mallorcan. His own body often stopped him, especially on the facility in Melbourne Park. Nadal triumphed 13 times in Roland-Garros, four times at the US Open, twice in Wimbledon, but only once in Australia. He had to give up twice in Melbourne during the tournament, twice he played handicapped to the end, including seven years ago when he lost to Stan Wawrinka in the final. Nadal is still mourning this final because “I think I would have had a good chance of winning the title back then”.

Then Nadal would be ahead of Roger Federer (20 major titles). Nadal will get the best opportunity to get Grand Slam title number 21 at the French Open at the end of May / beginning of June. The record is the goal – even if Nadal doesn’t want to put it that way. “My goal? I primarily want to stay healthy this year, ”says the Spaniard. He also knows that if he can take full advantage of his strength, the chances are good that he will achieve the goals he does not want to talk about.