Australian Open 2022: 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal accepted that he has been losing more matches than usual and needs to build momentum.

Australian Open: Nadal vulnerable ‘without a doubt’ after ‘more than usual’ defeats. Courtesy: AP

By India Today Web Desk: Spanish legend Rafael Nadal accepted that he is a tad vulnerable going into the 2023 edition of the Australian Open. The World No.2 lost two back-to-back matches this year at the United Cup after losing to Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur respectively.

Nadal, who is also the defending champion in the men’s singles at Melbourne Park, accepted the fact that he has lost a little more than normal in recent times.

“Of course. Yeah, without a doubt. I have been losing more than usual, so that’s part of the business. Just accept the situation. I think I am humble enough to accept that situation and just work with what I have today. I need to build again all this momentum. I need to build again this confidence with myself with victories. But it’s true that I have been losing more than usual,” Nadal said.

Nadal also lost to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 7-6, 7-5 in a practice match before the hard-court tournament gets underway on Monday, January 16.

“The real thing is I have been losing more than usual. Yeah, that’s the truth. I need to live with it and just fight for the victories. By the way, I didn’t play that bad the first two matches the year. I lost against two great opponents, but having very positive chances to win both matches.

However, having practiced hard, the veteran said that he is pretty good shape. “I already have been here for three weeks, practicing every day with those conditions, with the best players. That helps a lot in general terms,” he added.

Last year, Nadal won the Australian Open final after beating Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-setter. Nadal, also the winner of 22 Grand Slams, lost the first two sets before storming back into the match. It was also Nadal’s second Australian Open title.

The 36-year-old Nadal is now set to face USA’s Jack Draper in the first round of the championship on Monday, January 16.