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The 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, will begin the 2023 season within the first United Cup. Nadal and Paula Badosa must lead Spain within the new group occasion that brings collectively 18 international locations in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.
The United Cup begins on December 29 and can supply six teams with three groups. The group winners and the very best runner-up will head to Sydney for the ultimate part of the occasion between January 6-8. Every nation will add three or 4 gamers from the ATP and WTA circuit, with 500 ATP and WTA factors at stake for essentially the most profitable opponents.
Nadal claimed the title for Spain on the 2019 Davis Cup and returned to compete for his nation a number of weeks later on the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia. Spain confronted Japan, Uruguay and Georgia within the group stage and overcame all three obstacles to advance to the quarterfinals.
Nadal had 4 wins in six singles matches and scored 250 factors. Within the opening match, Rafa defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 7-5, struggling a bit within the second set earlier than sealing the deal with out enjoying a decider. Nadal performed higher in opposition to Pablo Cuevas and knocked down the Uruguayan 6-2, 6-1 after a superb show of serve and return.
The world No. 1 beat Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6, 6-4 to shut the group stage with three wins and ship his nation by means of to the spherical of 16. Rafa’s first defeat within the ATP Cup got here in opposition to David Goffin, who performed at a excessive stage and beat him 6-4, 7-6.
Regardless of this, Spain superior to the semi-final and confronted Australia. Nadal outclassed the younger Alex De Minaur in entrance of his Australian crowd and helped Spain attain the title conflict in opposition to Serbia. Nadal misplaced to Djokovic 6-2 7-6 in a single hour and 55 minutes, and was unable to seal the deal for Spain earlier than the doubles last.
Nadal opens up on Federer
Seeing an especially emotional Federer, Rafael Nadal could not maintain again his tears after the match as the 2 cried whereas sitting subsequent to one another. “It was a fantastic day, emotional, but in addition unhappy,” Rafael Nadal stated.
“A legend of world sport had retired. He was an journey companion. We shared a few years on the circuit, many vital moments for him and for me, that we competed collectively. I am completely satisfied as a result of Roger had an unforgettable night time in London on his farewell, with the love of so many individuals from all around the world.
He deserves it for being a fantastic instance and an icon. Personally, to be part of his final skilled second, it was a tough day, however with many feelings,” he added.
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