Nadal: 'There Is Always A Chance To Improve'
Rafael Nadal says he adjusted his service motion slightly on Tuesday in his first-round win over Laslo Djere in a bid to put less pressure on his back at the Australian Open.
The Spanish superstar, who has struggled to overcome a back injury over the past couple of weeks, grew in confidence throughout his 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Laslo Djere of Serbia in one hour and 52 minutes.
“My back is not perfect,” said Nadal. “Every day that I’m able to go through, probably there are more chances to get better. There is always a chance to improve, and that’s why I’m here playing and fighting to try to get better and then give myself a chance.
“I needed to change a little bit the motion of my serve. That’s what I tried [to do] to survive [in] this condition today. I have a day off tomorrow, then [on Thursday] another match. I need to go day-to-day and just try to stay positive.
“Of course, every day that I am trying to stay here, is a day with a chance to finally [get] better. [I’m] trying to do all the things possible to be ready to compete.”
Nadal won 50 per cent of his first-service points (13/26) in the first set, but that figure improved in the second set when the 2009 champion won 20 of 22 first deliveries (90 per cent). He lost just two of his first-service points (11/13) in the decider and finished the match with 19 winners.
The 34-year-old, who is bidding to become the first player in the Open Era (since 1968) to win each major singles championship twice, will now prepare to face American qualifier Michael Mmoh on Thursday.