AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2022 – Rafael Nadal qualified for the 2nd round by beating Marcos Giron in three sets

A rediscovered quality of movement, a power still devastating, an efficient serve (two small break points conceded) and of course a few slaps of forehands of which he has the secret… Nadal was even very good on this Rod Laver Arena where he won the 89th title of his career two weeks ago, namely the Melbourne Summer Set (ATP 250) for his official return to competition, five months after playing his last tournament in Washington before putting on the blinking to take the time to heal a painful reminiscence of his chronic foot injury (Muller-Weiss syndrome).

“It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for me over the past few months, I’ve had a lot of doubts, worked a lot to come back and I’m very happy to be back here in Australia, released the former world No. 1 on the court, not completely satisfied with his performance. It’s always difficult to come back from injury. I didn’t have the best feeling on the court, I still make mistakes. But I feel better and better, despite everything.”

For his first Grand Slam tournament since Roland-Garros 2021, the Spaniard, at 35, showed in any case that he had lost none of his ambition or his determination. Qualities that will be very useful to him before a possible second round against the formidable Thanasi Kokkinakis. Anyway, while a legend, Novak Djokovic, had to leave Australia, another is well and truly back…