The “come-back” operation continues without incident for Rafael Nadal. Opposed to Jason Kubler, 102nd player in the world, the Majorcan continued well two days after his big recovery. Thursday, he did not make any details against the Australian to win in style in two sets (6-1, 6-2) and 1h23 in the 2nd round in Brisbane. Since the start of the week, he has still not conceded a single round or a single break. On Friday, he will challenge another Aussie in the quarter-finals in the person of Jordan Thompson, 43rd in the ATP rankings.
Was he going to confirm? This was the big question that occupied the minds of tennis enthusiasts after the successful return to competition of Rafael Nadal against Dominic Thiem. The Majorcan himself, moreover, wanted to be cautious although satisfied with his first performance. And the least we can say is that he rode on this start of positive momentum on Thursday, leaving no chance to his opponent of the day who did not, it is true, have the weapons to really win. disturb.
A thunderous start and promising intensity
This means that its current 672nd place in the world does not reflect its level since the resumption. Moreover, for the anecdote, after his two victories, Nadal has already virtually returned to the Top 500. But his quality of tennis is even more promising. To be convinced of this, you just had to watch his thunderous start to the match. Aggressive from the start, he quickly led 5-0 (double break), multiplying his attacks both forehand and backhand, his early ball grip not giving Kubler time to breathe.
When Nadal takes a warning… with a smile
Add to that the Australian’s legitimate apprehension before challenging a legend of the game and a sore right forearm and all the ingredients for a one-sided game were there. Always very effective behind his first ball (80% of points won) and clean at the net (9 points won on 12 climbs), Nadal also admired his speed of movement, in particular to shift to the forehand side, as well as his explosiveness . In power, he totally dominated Kubler even if he had to put aside four break points (three at 5-1 and another at 6-1, 3-1), showing (very) slight flaws on the defensive level.
If there is of course still room for improvement, Nadal’s intensity and consistency for a resumption tournament that is so uncertain at first glance therefore continue to be reassuring. With the accumulation of matches and victories, the Mallorcan could well reach important milestones more quickly than expected. His next challenge is a Top 50 player, and given what he’s shown already, he should be able to handle it.
Nadal, satisfied: “I played very well, with great determination”