UPDATE: Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Brisbane International on Wednesday due to a left thigh strain.
Rafael Nadal officially gets his 2019 season underway when he takes on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round of the Brisbane International on Thursday.
Date: January 3, 2019
Match time: The schedule of play hasn’t been released for Thursday yet. It will be available here later today.
The duo have met each other 12 times, with Rafa taking a considerable lead over the Frenchman at 8-4. The 239th ranked Frenchman player won in their only Australian meeting in the 2008 Melbourne semifinals, and also won their last encounter at 2015 Shanghai.
| Year | Event | Surface | RND | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Shanghai China | Outdoor Hard | SF | Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | 64 06 75 |
| 2013 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Monte Carlo Monaco | Outdoor Clay | SF | Rafael Nadal | 63 763 |
| 2012 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami FL, U.S.A. | Outdoor Hard | QF | Rafael Nadal | 62 57 64 |
| 2011 | ATP Finals Great Britain | Indoor Hard | RR | Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | 762 46 63 |
| 2011 | ESP vs. FRA WG SF Spain | Outdoor Clay | RR | Rafael Nadal | 60 62 64 |
| 2011 | London / Queen’s Club Great Britain | Outdoor Grass | QF | Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | 673 64 61 |
| 2010 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami FL, U.S.A. | Outdoor Hard | QF | Rafael Nadal | 63 62 |
| 2009 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Paris France | Indoor Hard | QF | Rafael Nadal | 75 75 |
| 2009 | Rotterdam Netherlands | Indoor Hard | QF | Rafael Nadal | 64 675 64 |
| 2008 | ATP Masters Series Indian Wells CA, U.S.A. | Outdoor Hard | R16 | Rafael Nadal | 674 763 75 |
| 2008 | Australian Open Australia | Outdoor Hard | SF | Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | 62 63 62 |
| 2007 | US Open NY, U.S.A. | Outdoor Hard | R32 | Rafael Nadal | 763 62 61 |
He’s a very good player. It’s very challenging for me, of course. He’s coming back from injury also, so we are kind of in the same situation. And of course, I wish I could have results like him, especially at Roland Garros.
Jo-Wilfried Tosnga
Rafa is playing in Brisbane for only the second time. He lost to Canadian Milos Raonic in the 2017 quarter-finals. Only one of Rafa’s 80 championships have come in Australia. He edged Roger Federer in five sets to capture the Australian Open title 10 years ago.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Source: ATP Tour
I’m upset about the new season already, and it’s only January 2nd! Rafa’s pulled out of Brisbane, Andy’s clearly struggling, and del Potro’s pulled out of the Aussie Open. Hopefully things can only get better …
Rafa has pulled out of Brisbane according to the Sydney Herald and the BBC.
Given that he became defensive when asked previously if he “guarantees” he will play Brisbane, I am not surprised.
I wish Rafa a complete recovery.
Unfortunately he will NOT play !
He has withdrawn due to thigh straining as an MRI scan indicated.
NOt a good start to be honest !
Hopefully he will be ready for the AO 2019.
Good luck and Vamos Rafa <3