Rafael Nadal is a perfectionist, and he likes to be 100% sure about his conditions.
The Spanish Legend is recovering from an injury to his right knee, and he is ready to compete at the Australian Open after he withdrew from a series of events.
On Friday, Rafa decided to play a “serious” exhibition against Dominic Thiem as his last test before the first slam of the year. The world no.1 was wearing the official outfit, and he asked for the presence of an umpire, lines judges, ball boys, Hawk-Eye and they were even using the proper score-board to simulate the “real conditions”. Eventually, Nadal won 6-7 (4) 6-2 10-8.
The goal was to simulate a real match. NADAL
Soon after the match, Rafa commented
“It’s been a practice more similar to an actual match, which was the goal. The fact of having the umpire, line-persons, ball-boys or the coaches off-court has made conditions more similar to those we have when we’re competing.
I’ve been training well, with good players. Today it was an important test against one of the best, and I’ve passed it, but I’ve passed it because I’ve been at a high level, playing at a pace similar to that of competition.
It’s been another good test after the day off on Thursday. I’m happy to have kept the good feelings. The beginning of the tournament is coming, and I feel that I’m more and more ready.”
Nadal will start his Australian Open campaign against Victor Estrella.
