Rafael Nadal Criticizes ‘Poor Quality of Australian Open Balls
Rafael Nadal Criticizes ‘poor Quality Of Australian Open Balls
Rafael Nadal has expressed dissatisfaction with the tennis balls that will be utilized in the 2023 Australian Open, claiming that they are “poor quality” than usual and “more difficult” to strike with the appropriate spin.
The Open, which begins on Monday, will utilize Dunlop balls, and Nadal may need to change his strategy when he starts his championship defense against British player Jack Draper.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner is known for using topspin effectively, but it appears that the new balls may force the Spaniard to change his strategy if he wants to succeed in Melbourne.
“They say (it) is the same, but the ball is worse quality, without a doubt,” Nadal said, “I think it’s a ball that doesn’t get the same spin as usual. After a couple of hits, the ball loses the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin.”
“I think it is easier to play when you play flatter on the shots. But I need to live with it. I think I have practiced enough with the ball to be ready for it.”
Stan Wawrinka, who defeated Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final, also commented on the balls and agreed on the same.
“The balls are a bit different this year, it is true,” Wawrinka said, “I have already tested them (from December) and there is indeed a big difference after you have used them for a few games than when they are new. They lose a lot of pop and… it is completely different.”
John Millman, Australian Open wildcard, in a social media post from December, described who he thought the balls would help the most.
“Not the easiest to control initially even in the humid conditions where I am in Brisbane. NK (Nick Kyrgios), (Hubert) Hurkacz, Fritz all very dangerous this AO (Australian Open).”
Having lost five of his last six matches, the unfavorable ball only makes Nadal’s problems worse. The defending champion acknowledged that he was vulnerable going into the hard court major. Despite this, he appeared upbeat as he prepared for his first-round opponent.
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