Rafael Nadal He admitted he was feeling insecure ahead of the first round clash with Britain jack draper In Australian Open.
The defending champion goes into the tournament with the worst run of his career, having lost six of his last seven matches at the US Open.
“Without a doubt. I’m losing more than usual, so it’s part of the business,” Nadal said when asked about his vulnerability.
“I think I’m humble enough to accept that situation and work with what I have today. I need to rebuild this momentum. I need to rebuild this confidence in myself with a win.” need to be made.”
It is a measure of the respect the 21-year-old Draper holds now that it was considered a nightmare for Nadal, who is ranked number one in the absence of his injured compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.
Young Londoners climbed more than 200 places in the rankings last year and reached in Melbourne After reaching the semi-finals of the Adelaide International.
Nadal said of his fellow left-hander: “It’s probably one of the toughest first rounds because of the seed. He’s young, strong, rising very quickly in the rankings, playing well. .
“It is a big challenge for me at the start of the tournament. I’m just here to give myself a chance. I know he is playing well. She has a lot of positive things going for her, and probably has a great career ahead. I hope to be ready to fight for that first round and let’s see what happens.
Nadal need only look back 12 months to see how quickly things can change, wondering whether a foot problem prompted the end of his career to win the most remarkable pf his 22 Grand Slam titles.
“The game moves fast,” he said. “What happened last year has already passed. But in sports, especially in a sport like tennis, people remember winning. People will remember that today I have 22 Grand Slams, it is not that I have lost 50 more.
“What happened last year will live forever in my heart and my memories. One of the most emotional wins of my tennis career, no doubt about it.
“The love of the people, the environment in which we lived here Rod Laver Arena That final, has been unforgettable for me.”
Nadal started the year with two losses in the ATP Cup against Draper’s compatriot Cameron Norrie and Australian Alex de Minaur.
But he is encouraged by his performances in practice, adding: “I feel I am in an improvement moment, that I am getting better and better every week.
“I feel quicker in the feet. I feel I am playing better with more confidence. The last three weeks of preparation here have been very positive from my point of view.
“I honestly feel ready. The only thing that hasn’t been my side is a win.