Rafa Returns to Melbourne. On New Year’s eve, Nadal posted a pic on social media that he is in Melbourne practising.
That Rafa returns is good news for the tennis world, but it’s of course hard to know how he is feeling physically after the less than ideal performance in Mubadal and dealing with Covid. But Rafa is a fighter and we can expect him to give his all in Melbourne.
He is starting his Australian campaign in a ATP 250 tournament called Melbourne Summer Set (poetic, right?). Andy Murray will also take part, but not as a seed.
The seeds are: Nadal, Opelka, Dimitrov, Harris, Bublik, Goffin, Paire and Nishikori. Feels almost old-school!
You can find the full draw of Melbourne Summer Set here. An interesting name besides the top seeds and Murray is Nick Kyrgios. He hasn’t played much tennis during Covid, but maybe things change now? He has been seen hitting the gym a lot on social media so his fans are likely hoping that he will enter the Australian swing with the right mindset and a good conditioning.
Adelaide 250 (part 1)
There is also a ATP 250 tournament in Adelaide the same week. Seeds are: Monfils, Khachanov, Cilic, Tiafoe, Fuscovics, Paul, Djere and Millman. The draw can be found here.
Are you watching the ATP Cup?
I find the format of the ATP Cup to be somewhat uninspiring, with several lopsided matches, at least in the group stages. I haven’t been watching much so far and prefer to put my attention towards the upcoming action in Adelaide and Melbourne. The latter stages of the ATP Cup might be good though, with some hardfought matches.
Are you watching?
