Rafael Nadal was taking no chances and trained with six different players ahead of his clash against Hugo Dellien
Rafael Nadal is vying for his 20th Grand Slam and second Australian Open title and got off to a perfect start.
The Spaniard easily defeated Bolivian rival Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-3 and 6-0. Nadal had reached the final in the previous edition and is the World No. 1 at the moment.
The 33-year-old wasn’t going to take any chances ahead of this clash and Spanish outlet Marca (h/t Tennis Worldes) claims that he trained with six other players before this match.
Nadal trained with Spanish teammate Jaume Munar, who has also trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
The other five players that Nadal trained with feature a great mix of styles. Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka were the two big names from the list and the others included Andrew Harris, David Vega and Jannik Sinner.
Nadal needs to be at his best in the Australian Open and would want to exorcise some of his demons from last years’ final.
Revenge on the mind for Nadal?
The 33-year-old doesn’t seem keen on stopping after a great 2019. However, the Australian Open final will remain on his mind for a while.
Rival Novak Djokovic defeated him in straight sets and Nadal would be looking to go one better this time.
Nadal has won the Australian Open just once and would want to double that tally.
The Spaniard started this season with four wins and two losses in the 2020 ATP Cup, and one of those came at the hands of Djokovic.
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It is to be seen how Nadal faces in the second round of the Australian Open, but he is one of the favourites for the title.
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