Todd Woodbridge is not underestimating Rafael Nadal ahead of the 2023 Australian Open as he expects the Spaniard to “be eager” to defend his title at Melbourne Park. Earlier this year, Nadal created a stunning comeback to beat Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final.
Nadal, who is now a record 22-time Grand Slam champion, lifted his second Australian Open title after beating Medvedev. Now with Novak Djokovic returning, many have the Serb as the No 1 Australian Open title favorite. “At the Laver Cup when Roger retired, you could almost see it in Rafa’s eyes that he may be the next.
But if he is fit, he too will be eager to defend his title and extend his all-time record of 22 grand slam singles titles,” Woodbridge said, per The Telegraph India.
Woodbridge not counting out Nadal ahead of the Australian Open
Djokovic and Nadal aren’t the only legitimate contenders for the Australian Open title as Woodbridge noted that the youngsters such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will also be aiming to make some noise.
Alcaraz, who lifted his first Grand Slam title at the US Open, is now the top-ranked player in the world. Woodbridge acknowledged that Alcaraz has done some impressive things but revealed he feels Sinner has a stronger outside chance to do well at the Australian Open.
“Carlos has the best of the Big Three’s style. He has the volleys of Federer, he has the tenacity of Nadal and the court movement of Djokovic. You put that together and it’s an awesome package. But I want to see how he copes with being the No.
1 and having won the last grand slam (US Open). He is still maturing, as an athlete and a man. I have this feeling that it will be the Italian Sinner who has the outside chance of winning here if Novak or Nadal doesn’t make it. I think he is ready for the next level,” Woodbridge explained.
