The return to the top tennis is difficult for Angelique Kerber and Rafael Nadal. Above all, the struggle with one’s own strength can be seen in Australia.
As Rafael Nadal Center Court When he left, he suddenly flashed a smile. It was probably at that very moment that the Spanish tennis superstar realized that he wanted the applause in the Pat Rafter Arena in Australia Brisbane one last time on his personal ATP Tour heard. And despite his sadness, he clearly enjoyed it.
The 37-year-old is finally on his farewell tour this year – and the defeat against local hero Jordan Thompson (7:5, 6:7; 3:6) meant he was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the tournament. A player Nadal defeated with relative ease in two previous encounters. Now was missing in many phases after his comeback the usual dominance, the well-known brute force of his game. Nadal should finally be over at the end of November – maybe even earlier?
Similar pain to last year
At least it is currently apparent that Nadal’s long, almost year-long break due to injury is taking its toll under such high stress. The game against the Australian lasted 3:19 hours at almost 30 degrees and high humidity. When the score was 1:4 in the third set, Nadal had to take a break for treatment. In his earlier, younger years, a situation that was almost unimaginable for him.
“The pain is in the same place as a year ago, but I feel like it’s more muscular due to the fatigue. Last season it was the tendon and the feeling was completely different because I noticed it a lot more.”said Nadal later. “After a year without competition, many things can happen to my body. I hope that only the muscle in that area is stressed.”
The Spaniard’s big goal is to be back in his “living room” in Paris Center Court in Roland Garrosand to play a good role at the Olympic tennis tournament in the same place next summer.
Kerber too difficulties
Experts have predicted that the stress of a match can hardly be simulated in training. “It is of course very difficult to get back to your old fitness level after such a long time. This torture to get back there is very hard.”said the head national coach of the German Tennis Federation (DTB), Michael Kohlmann, to the Sportschau immediately before the start of the Australian tournaments.
Of course, this athlete law also applies to Angelique Kerber. The 35-year-old also wants to return to the top of the world after the birth of her daughter Liana and a year and a half of baby break.
Unlike Nadal, Kerber has not yet been able to win any of her three singles so far United Cup decide for herself and is clearly still looking for her rhythm. Against the Greek Maria Sakkari, currently number eight in the world and Kerber’s last opponent, she was 0:6; 3:6 no chance – also because Kerber’s strength was visibly dwindling.
Kerber also suffers
The high speed and the weather conditions demand all of the former world number one’s reserves of strength. “Training is different than competition, I’m aware of that“said Kerber in advance of her comebacks. “I need matches.”
The unpleasant effects that the many preparatory games can have is particularly evident with Nadal. Both want to compete at the Australian Open from January 14th. Will that work?
“I didn’t come here to win tournaments. I came to play tennis again and do my best”said the Spaniard. “I hope to be able to train and play in Melbourne next week, but I’m not 100% sure.”