Next month Rafael Nadal has a chance to overtake Roger Federer to become the most decorated male singles player in Grand Slam history but one person could spoil his dreams.
The world No.2 heads into the Melbourne major as one of the title favourites given his record-breaking career which includes a total of 86 ATP titles. However, renowned American coach Paul Annacone is doubtful that the Spaniard will be able to get the better of Novak Djokovic should the two meet in the tournament. In his view Nadal is ‘a little bit worse’ than his rival when it comes to playing on the hard court’s.
“I think very simply, Rafa is just a little bit worse on hardcourt than Novak in particular and Roger as well on a faster hardcourt,” Annacone told the Tennis Channel.
“But everyone else I’d put him ahead of. If he plays Novak at the end of the tournament, I’m not betting on him. But if he plays anyone else, I’ll bet on him.
“I think the biggest thing for Rafael Nadal is to get through the first week relatively comfortably.”
The two tennis stars have locked horns at the Australian Open twice before in the final with Djokovic coming out as the winner on both occasions. In 2012 the world No.1 prevailed in a five-set thriller. Seven years later he would win again but this time in straight sets by dropping just eight games. Overall, Djokovic leads Nadal 20-7 in their head-to-head when it comes to playing on a hard court.
The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam where Nadal hasn’t won multiple titles. His sole triumph occurred more than a decade ago back in 2009 but he has reached the final on four other occasions. Since making his Melbourne main draw debut in 2004, Nadal has won 65 out of 79 matches played.
“This is one of those questions right, that why hasn’t he won more there?,” Annacone continues.
“Four US Open, it’s hardcourt down in Australia as well.
“So when he starts the year in Australia, he’s coming off a long break, he gets a couple of matches, maybe the ATP Cup, here and there.’
“But by the time US Open comes around, he’s got a little bit of break after Wimbledon. He’s played three Majors already, so that works well for him.”
Annacone is a former top 20 player in both singles and doubles, who coached Federer between 2010-2013. Since then, he has had stints working alongside Sloane Stephens, Stan Wawrinka and Taylor Fritz.
The Australian Open is set to start on February 8th. Nadal will be the second seed in the men’s draw.
