After his hard-working win against Cameron Norrie, Nadal appreciated his performance in the match: “All the matches are tough, and he had just played two good matches. I couldn't convert the break opportunities I had in each set. and the situation became more difficult. I had several 0-30 situations that I did not take advantage of. But when you face the best players in the world, you suffer. I am happy because I have had good feelings. Of course I have to improve. But I have another day to train and being in the second week is very good for me. “
Against Norrie he played his 16th consecutive triumphs against left-handed players like him: “Playing against a southpaw is a matter of adaptation. I don't pay too much attention to statistics. Of course I change a few shots when I need to attack or defend. I have tried to make my game and have combined good games with some bugs that I have to fix. They are the first games in a long time, I hope these help me for what is coming and be ready for Monday. “
Despite starting the tournament with an audience, now the stands will be empty after the five-day quarantine when new positives were detected in Melbourne. “The feeling of playing without an audience is completely different. Nobody wants this. But this is not the time to forget the situation we are facing, it is the time to be responsible, and Australia as a country is one of the best examples in the world and I have the utmost respect for it. I hope the situation improves and at the end of the tournament the spectators will come back. “
Fognini, opponent in the second round. “Against Fognini I have played many times, he has won me a couple of them, he comes from an injury and he will be hungry to play well. His victory against De Miñaur in three sets is impressive, so he will come full of confidence. I have to improve, he cannot expect an easy crossing in the second round. I need to be prepared and I hope it happens. “
“I have played with almost total freedom of movement”
At a press conference, Nadal gave good news: “The back went well today, It is the first time that I notice it better. And with less pain. I have returned to my normal serve. Yesterday I couldn't train and today I warmed up with my usual serve. It can improve, but it hasn't gone bad “. The Mallorcan delved into his obvious improvement:”I have played almost with freedom of movement at the level of the game, I have not been able to do the preparation that I would have liked. What I did yesterday worked and the evolution of my back is good, that gives me confidence to recover my physique and my tennis, but I came before this with a great preparation “.
Nadal explained what he needs to recover now: “In tennis you have to be realistic, there have been good things and some bad things. I need to recover the leg activity that I lack and that is done by training. It is time to make an effort, tomorrow I have to train a little more in time and intensity if I get up on my back well. You have to risk a little in that and with the attitude one hundred percent “.
The Spaniard did not want to compare his situation, which is improving, and that of some of his rivals who now suffer physical problems: “I try to focus on my own, everyone has their own things and reacts differently. I face adversity in a sensible way, and looking in a positive way, without great frustrations or great dramas, we will do everything possible to be competitive, and today a step forward has been taken, we have to take another at the tennis level. I hope I can give the level “.
Fognini: “I want to play against one of the best”
Already at a press conference, after his overwhelming triumph over Alex de Miñaur (6-4, 6-3 and 6-4), Fabio Fognini He was motivated to meet the Balearic, current number 2 in the ATP ranking. “The past is the past and the future will be the future. I am very excited to face the game. He arrives fresher than me but it will be a good test to see if I can take the next step. I want to play against one of the best in the world. “
It will be a duel to clear up physical doubts on the part of both, since it should be remembered that Fognini himself stopped the game against Caruso to request medical assistance. “Today was a great game, but it was also a great match against Carreño. I am happy that my tennis has returned so soon. I didn't expect to be like this. Today I only had a ten percent error throughout the game, “explained the transalpine, who has returned to the circuit at a high level after having surgery at the end of last year on both ankles.