AUSTRALIAN OPEN
[6] Rafael Nadal is looking to make history, again. However, so too is his opponent. [2] Daniil Medvedev wants to win his second major title back-to-back and be the first man to do this. They are familiar combatants, and both know that it will be a battle. Nadal leads their head-to-head 3:1, but Medvedev won their most recent encounter.
Is Nadal Mentally And Physically Ready?
It will be a tough test for Nadal, both physically and psychologically. I am not sure he has enough left in the tank. Worse, I am also not sure his current form will threaten the Russian. When the Spaniard is tight, his shots become loopy and drop short in the court. His ground strokes lacked depth and pace in his semifinal match against the Italian. Playing without any sting to his shots will make it easy for Medvedev to “tee-off” on those balls. In order for Nadal to win major title number twenty-one, he has to play fearless tennis.
Nadal Must Play Without Fear
Forget what’s at stake and play to win. Don’t play fearing you will lose because that mindset will prevent you from playing freely. Play believing you will win and attack the ball with conviction. That is what Medvedev does so easily. He has mastered the art of focusing on the victory, without getting distracted by the results. He has learned to let go of any attachment to the outcome, which frees him to play at his highest level. Look at how he attacks every ball? He believes that every time he swings his racquet that he will win the point. Contrast that with the look in Nadal’s eyes at times, the hesitancy, the doubt that creeps into his mind because he is afraid of losing.
Embed from Getty ImagesA Pleasant Surprise For Rafael Nadal
The Spaniard won his only Australian Open title in 2009. He had chances to win it four other times. These chances do not come around as easily or as frequently the older one gets. This is an opportunity that he really needs to capitalize on. Considering there were doubts he would even play, getting to the final is a pleasant surprise. Will he be victorious?
ALL IMMAGES COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
