Nadal voices displeasure at poor Australian Open ball quality: "After a couple of hits, the ball loses the pressure"

Rafael Nadal will face Jack Draper in the early hours of Monday morning at the 2023 Australian Open but as well as his poor form as of late, he also took aim at another topic in the form of ball quality.

Nadal spoke pre-tournament and said that they lose pressure after a few hits and despite having to live with it, he isn't a fan and has voiced his displeasure.

“They say it is the same, but the ball is worse quality, without a doubt. We can’t talk about that any more. It’s what we have. We need to play with it. I think it’s a ball that doesn’t get the same spin as usual," said Nadal.

"After a couple of hits, the ball loses the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin. But I think it’s easier to play when you play flatter on the shots. I need to live with it. I think I practiced enough with the ball to be ready for it.”