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The pair have contested eight grand slam finals but as the 2017 grand slam season begins on Jan. 16, the two heavyweights of the Tour may face off in the third round of the Australian Open.
That’s because after six months beset by injury woes for both, Nadal will be seeded ninth based on the rankings of the men’s ATP World Tour while Federer dropped one spot on Monday to No. 17 after Grigor Dimitrov won Brisbane and rose two places to No. 15.
“Carlos won’t teach Rafa to serve and volley,” Annacone said. “What he can say, based on his vast experience, is ‘Here’s why I think it would work for you.’ Those are experiential values Rafa can buy into. You have to figure out how to sell it. Great players are so great. You better be pretty darn sure you’re selling something that works.
“I give Rafa and Uncle Toni a lot of credit for adding Carlos. To hear it differently from Carlos Moya, or someone else, is hugely beneficial.”
- Rafa fit and ready to fire in Melbourne | Australian Open
Nadal will be looking to be the first man since Rod Laver to win all four Grand Slams twice and if he plays the way that he did in his first two matches in Brisbane he could prove a handful for anyone he faces.
- Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on same path back to fitness | The Australian
“The good thing is that Roger is back on tour after probably his first important injury,’’ Nadal said after playing the Fast4 exhibition in Sydney. “That’s tough but he looks great. He’s played some good matches there in Perth so I’m very happy for him.’’
- Rafael Nadal’s PlayStation obsession revealed | news.com.au
Channel Seven commentator and renowned tennis coach Roger Rasheed has revealed the Spanish superstar is also obsessed with the PlayStation game FIFA.
“You know Rafa is a mad PlayStation fan and he takes it all around the world,” Rasheed revealed. “There was a time in Barcelona I was on the same floor as him and he was playing a game on PlayStation. When he won and scored a goal, the door opened and he ran up and down the corridor. “I was thinking, who is that?”
PHOTOS: Rafa’s first practice at the Australian Open – January 10, 2017
Let’s hope not!
This would be amazing. I love these matches.
Dear Rafa all of the best…. enjoy your matches and we pray that there will be no injuries…love you
Rafa all the best foor the Australian open in Melbourne.
i saw you on Monday night at the Fast 4 in Sydney and you looked so professional.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXaustralia
best to u rafa , although we love milos,u were our first love. good luck