Nadal not fazed by Gasquet loss
TENNIS: Rafael Nadal’s 2018 campaign has started with a blemish with the world No.1 upset 6-4 7-5 by Richard Gasquet at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne yesterday.
The Spanish superstar at times appeared frustrated with his timing, and was broken three times in the second set.
Despite fighting back, the top-ranked star lost the last two games to drop the match but insisted he was fit and would be ready for next week’s Australian Open.
“It was a good test for me and good practice,” Nadal said.
“I’m good and I am here, so that’s good news and my idea is just to keep practising the next couple of days to be ready for the beginning of the Australian Open.”
It was Nadal’s first match in almost three months but he said his preparation would be boosted by the two sets against Gasquet.
“It was a good test for me. That’s the most important thing,” he said.
Meanwhile Australian teenager Destanee Aiava is confident that her Open preparation is on track despite being overrun by former world No.9 Andrea Petkovic.
The 17-year-old fell 6-3 3-6 2-6, admitting she had lost her rhythm after breaking the German twice in the opening set.
But Aivia said she was pleased to win a set and had her focus narrowed on her second Australian Open campaign.
“She’s (Petkovic) got a lot of experience on me, and that kind of played a part in it as well,” Aiava said.
“It’s all preparation for Aus Open. I don’t think it really matters right now. The big one is Aus Open and my main focus is that.”
Petkovic, 30, liked what she saw from Aiava.
“I think she has a bright future if she continues like this,” the German said.