LIVE: Great's gnawing fear for key Nadal weapon

Tennis large Paul McNamee fears that Rafael Nadal has "lost a yard" up of his Australian Open rubric defence successful Melbourne.

Nadal, 36, is 4th favourite with the bookmakers to triumph the 2023 Open, down Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev.

The legendary Spaniard is coming disconnected 2 consecutive United Cup losses to Cameron Norrie and Alex De Minaur arsenic questions persist astir his fitness.

"The X-factor is Nadal's body," McNamee wrote.

"There is speculation his abdominal wounded is affecting his shot flip but, for me, much concerning is his ain caller admission: 'I request to get a small faster physically.'

"Court sum has ever been a large plus of Nadal's but, and this is simply a cruel happening to say, I fearfulness he's mislaid a yard.

"So, arsenic Father Time advances, and to beryllium just astatine 36 helium is lone 1 twelvemonth older than Djokovic, winning the Australian Open volition beryllium a batch much hard for Nadal.

"As defending champion and satellite No.2, helium is surely successful the conversation. However, for Aussies wishing to spot the large Spaniard, I'd suggest bask him portion you can."