Nadal Ready To Trial New Service Action - (2026)

Rafael Nadal (9/1 Men’s Australian Open 2019) believes his new serving action is ready for the scrutiny of the Grand Slams as he completes his preparation for the Australian Open.

The Spaniard has not played since knee pain forced him to retire from his US Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro and that has given him time to reflect on the areas of his game which needed improving.

Nadal (5/4 Quarter 4 Outright) and coach Carlos Moya have spent the world number two’s time on the sidelines working on his serve and is ready to premiere it in Melbourne.

The 32-year-old’s sole Australian Open title came in 2009 but he has lost three other finals in Victoria.

Home favourite James Duckworth is the 17-time Grand Slam champion’s opening opponent but is in the tougher half of the draw, with last year’s finalists in Melbourne, Roger Federer and Marin Cilic, potential opponents over the next fortnight.

For now though Nadal is only focusing on ensuring his new-look serve comes up with the goods.

“There is always things to improve,” he said. “The serve was always a thing that I tried to improve, and I think I did.

“Maybe it was the time to try to make one more step. That’s what we are trying. I happy with it. I’m happy with the motivation to do something new.

“I happy with the fact that, if I am able to make that happen in a good way, that hopefully will give me the chance to help me in my game longer term. I didn’t compete with this new serve, so let’s see how it works. I am confident it’s going to work well.”

Odds subject to change