Rafael Nadal Confident, but Concerns About Nick Kyrgios at Australian Open: Director

While the chances of participation Rafael NadalThe organizers are worried that things are going well at the Australian Open Nick Kyrgios.

by Nikolaus Fink

last edited: November 23, 2023, 8:03 p.m

In 2020, Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios faced each other in Melbourne

According to tournament director Craig Tiley, the chances that Rafael Nadal will serve at the Australian Open next year remain good. “He wants to play, that’s obviously his plan. It all depends on how he feels,” Tiley told reporters on Thursday. Nadal missed almost all of 2023 due to a hip injury.

In the coming season, Nadal wants to, as he recently confirmed at an event hosted by his doctor, Dr. Ángel Ruiz Cotorro, return to the tour. “Rafa is training,” said Tiley, “I’m following him closely – probably every day – because he’s a big attraction for us.”

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Tiley said he hopes to hear positive signals from Nadal himself in the coming weeks regarding his participation in Melbourne. “I’m sure Rafa will be here because he won’t want to miss the opportunity to repeat what he did a few years ago.” Nadal won the Australian Open in 2022 for the second time after 2009.

Nick Kyrgios is less confident

When it comes to Nick Kyrgios, who has struggled with knee and wrist problems in the current calendar year, Tiley was more reserved. “We have spoken to Nick and he will of course do his best to play in January,” said the 61-year-old.

A local hero appearing in Melbourne would be “great,” added Tiley. “But we have to take it as it comes. He has to take care of his health.” Kyrgios recently said he was only at “60 or 70 percent” physical fitness.

2023-11-24 07:00:00
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