Top seed Rafael Nadal and American qualifer Maxime Cressy will go head-to-head for the first time in their careers when they square off in the Melbourne final on Sunday.
Date: January 9, 2022
Match time: Not before 7 PM AEDT local time / 3 AM EST – New York, Montreal / 8 AM GMT – United Kingdom / 9 AM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy. To convert to your local time, use this website.
Big-serving Cressy, ranked 112th in the world, has beaten Australian Rinky Hijikata, second seed Reilly Opelka, Jaume Munar and Grigor Dimitrov to reach the final. He had never even been to an ATP semifinal before this week. He will also be going for his first Top 10 win against our champ.
Cressy on playing Rafa:
I think I have the game to beat him, so I’m confident.
Rafa on facing Cressy:
He is serving very well and playing very aggressive and this type of surface helps those characteristics. In fast conditions he’s very, very dangerous, so well done for him for being in the final after coming from the quallies is great. I hope tomorrow I will be able to play at a high level and create my chances.”
This is Rafa’s 126th career final and first since winning the Italian Open in May last year. It’s also his first final on hardcourts since winning the Mexican Open in February 2020.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Rafael you are an unbelievable fighter so happy watching you it’s so boring without you on the courts of course wishing you a great season! Let’s hold all the trophies this coming year! With the help of God and all your faithful fans
Rafa , you are odds on favorite for good reason . I expect nothing less than a combing victory against this up and coming worthy opponent . Vamos Rafa ! First serve percentage at 70% or better and this should be straight sets 🏆
PLEASE help me! I’m here on a 90 day visa from UK staying with my children and grandchildren … I am desperate to watch his final today, but don’t know where to start looking??
So good to see you back Rafa and wish you the best of luck in the final. Vamos x
So good to see you back and good luck for the final!
I lost my tennis interest without you but will follow you step step back into the top where you belong !
My son and I were almost proud to come down with Corona the same time as you …..
We wish you strength, power, energy and good health 🥰
Vamos Rafa !
Sent from my iPhone
Rafa good luck this is yours vamosssssss you can do it again 2022 is your the best player you can do it 👍🎾💪❤️🥰👏👍🎾💪❤️🥰👏👍👍👍👍
Rafa, this is your Masters. Play your own game and not to suit him. You will be victorious . Vamos my Champion
Rafael to win ÀTP and Aussie open 2022
Love the contrast between the boastful challenger and the factual guy in his umpteenth ATP final! Vamos Rafa forever!
Good luck and Vamos Rafa.
One way vamps stru
Use all of your sailing wisdom and years of experience in this final, Rafa. One bounce at a time. Believe! !Vamos all the way.
Yes indeed believe you can do it. Vamos.
Vamos Rafa! This guy will be a tough test. I know you can do it!
So happy to see him back on Court…Keep improving Champ One step ahead in your race To be where you belong
Vamos Rafa
Back where you belong-all the best in the final-a pleasure to watch while Melbourne spins out of control💪👏👍🤛🍀🎾❤️
Come on Rafa fans, send some love and support. We have been waiting for him to return to the court and here it is.
Wishing Rafa a win, a continued healing and more success down the line!!!
Vamos indeed Rafa