Nadal & Team Spain Visit Sydney Harbour Amidst United Cup Preparations

With the luxury of a late start at the inaugural United Cup, Team Spain took full advantage of some leisure time by taking a trip to the iconic Sydney Harbour on Thursday. Led by Rafael Nadal, Pablo Carreno Busta and Paula Badosa, the Spaniards will open play on Saturday — New Year’s Eve — against Great Britain.

“We’re going to try our best to start in a good way and then enjoy the last day of the year,” Nadal said. “Starting with a good result on the 31st helps to finish the year in a positive way… We’re going to work as a team, and let’s see if we can [take] our chances.”

The 36-year-old never played for Spain at Hopman Cup, and he is enjoying the unique experience of the mixed-gender event in Australia.

“It’s a new experience, new type of competition,” he said of the United Cup. “I think all of us, we are very excited to enjoy this special one… We never worked as a mixed team.”

While Nadal and World No. 13 Carreno Busta give Spain strong representation from the ATP Tour, Badosa will be an equally important part of the team’s success. The 25-year-old reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 last April and enters this season at World No. 13.

“It’s my second time here in Sydney,” said Badosa, who won a WTA 500 in the city to kickstart her 2022 season one year ago. “Last year when I came here I really enjoyed it. I went for a walk, I went to visit the opera… nice restaurants as well.”