AO 2021: No, not under control – Rafael Nadal provides an update on his back injury

Rafael Nadal cruised to the third round of the ongoing Australian Open 2021 after he defeated America’s Michael Mmoh in straight sets by 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Nadal was able to make an early grip on the match as broke the American serve twice in the first set.

The 23-year-old, Mmoh made some sort of the comeback in the second set as he managed to win a total of four games. However, it was once again one-way traffic in the third set as Nadal allowed Mmoh to win only two games.

Thus, Nadal was able to win his second match in straight sets. However, World No. 2 has revealed that his back injury is not yet under control and he is trying to do the best he can. Nadal had missed all the matches of the ATP Cup due to his lower back injury.

The Spaniard had earlier revealed that he has to change the motion of his serve, which he is not comfortable doing but at the same time, he doesn’t have many options with his injury issues. Nadal, however, won 84% of the points on the first serve against Mmoh. 

“No, not under control. I keep doing the things that I can. If you see my motion on the serve, it’s different than what I would like. But I’m trying to find solutions every day. The preparation, the last 15 days haven’t been the ideal one. But here I am, I won two matches in straight sets.” said Nadal. 

“I have another opportunity to be on-court in two days and I have tomorrow to keep doing things to find solutions for my back,” added Nadal.

Nadal is well known to give his 120% on the court and he added that he will keep fighting until he is unable to. Nadal will now face Cameron Norrie in the third round at Melbourne Park on Saturday. Both of these players will face each other for the first time and Nadal will hope that his back doesn’t trouble him.