‘I need to live with it’ – Rafael Nadal unhappy with ‘worse quality’ and ‘difficult’ balls to be used at Australian Open

Reigning Australian Open Champion Rafael Nadal is unhappy with the Dunlop tennis balls that are set to be used at the 2023 tournament, claiming they are “worse quality” than usual.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner has claimed the balls are “more difficult to hit with the right spin”, but he has to deal with it.

“They say [it] is the same, but the ball is worse quality, without a doubt,” Nadal said, “I think it’s a ball that doesn’t get the same spin as usual.

“After a couple of hits, the ball loses the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin.

“I think it is easier to play when you play flatter on the shots. But I need to live with it. I think I have practised enough with the ball to be ready for it.”

The 36-year-old is already under the cosh going into the tournament having lost six out of his last seven competitive singles matches but remained optimistic despite his vulnerability heading into his opener.

“By the way, I didn’t play that bad in the first two matches the year,” he explained. “I lost against two great opponents, but having very positive chances to win both matches.

“I feel ready, honestly. The only thing that didn’t happen for me is victories.”

Nadal was not the only player to have reservations about the quality of the balls, with Stan Wawrinka agreeing with the Spaniard.

“The balls are a bit different this year, it is true,” Wawrinka said, “I have already tested them and it is true there is a big difference after you have used them for a few games than when they are new.

“They lose a lot of pop and it is completely different.”

Tournament wildcard John Millman took to social media in December to hazard a guess at who the balls may best suit.

“Not the easiest to control initially even in the humid conditions where I am in Brisbane,” he wrote. “NK [Nick Kyrgios], [Hubert] Hurkacz, [Taylor] Fritz all very dangerous this AO [Australian Open].”

Nadal goes into the tournament as top seed following Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal and will face British No. 3 Jack Draper in his first-round match on Monday.

“He is one of the toughest first-round opponents possible,” Nadal said ahead of his clash with Draper. “He is young, powerful, growing very fast and playing well.”

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