Rafael Nadal Stumped At United Cup

Rafael Nadal has kicked off his 2023 season at the United Cup with Team Spain in Sydney before the Australian Open. This is Nadal’s first appearance on court since the Nitto ATP Finals last November ending his season as World No. 2. 

All seemed well until Cam Norrie stunned Rafael Nadal in the opening match between Great Britain and Spain. Britain no. 1 Cam Norrie has never gotten a win or taken even a set against the former world No. 1 in their last four meetings. In the opening match, Cam Norrie managed to take the win in 3-sets 3-6 6-3 6-4. This was the biggest win for Cam Norrie till date. 

36 year old Nadal showed great agility and physicality in the first set, but struggled to keep up with the 27 year old in the next two sets. Cam Norrie caught up with Nadal in the sixth game of the second set before taking the lead and ultimately forcing a third set to clinch his first-ever win against the Spaniard.

Norrie’s (R) win gave Britain a 1-0 lead over Spain with a women’s singles match to follow. | AP.

Team Britain now leads 2-0, with another win from the Brit, Katie Swan, against the Spaniard, Nuria Parrizas Diaz. Team Spain is putting their faith in Paula Badosa and Pablo Carreno Busta to level the tie in their matches on New Year’s Day.