Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee explains why Rafael Nadal is unlikely to win the Australian Open

Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee has dismissed Rafael Nadal’s chances at the Australian Open, stating that the Spanish superstar will only be a true Grand Slam contender at the French Open.

Nadal, 36, is keen to defend his men’s singles crown at Melbourne Park later this month – but McNamee will be stunned when the veteran snags his 23rd career major.

The prominent sports administrator, who served as Tournament Director of the Hopman Cup and was a former CEO of AFL club Melbourne Demons, also stated Nadal has lost “a meter” in speed and is not the same threat on the pitch.

Recent losses to Brit Cam Norrie and Australian Alex de Minaur at the United Cup representing Spain have other players at the ATP circuit confident they will have Nadal’s measure on January 16, according to McNamee.

“Like (Roger) Federer before him, Nadal is struggling with injuries. In 2022 he suffered a abdominal tear which ruled him out of a Wimbledon semifinal match against Nick Kyrgios,” McNamee said in his column in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee has written off Rafael Nadal’s chances at the Australian Open due to a series of injuries

Nadal is in the twilight of his career but still managed to win the Australian and French Opens in 2022

“In addition, a chronic ankle injury has recurred and he has been struggling with tendonitis in his knees for a long time.

“Court coverage has always been a huge asset for Nadal but I’m afraid he’s lost a meter and that’s cruel to say.”

McNamee wasn’t entirely scathing – he dubbed the Nadal forehand the “best single shot in the history of tennis,” beating Pete Sampras’ or Roger Federer’s serves or Novak Djokovic’s backhand.

He tips Nadal to win his 15th Slam at Roland Garros later this year, but pointed to the likes of world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev as those Things to look out for Melbourne Park.

Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic will have a point to prove after his visa was annulled 12 months ago

The two-time Wimbledon doubles winner also expects “big runs” from local hopes Nick Kyrgios and de Minaur.

Djokovic – who has won the Australian Open nine times – is a real contender despite turning 35 last May.

The Serb, with 21 Grand Slam titles to his name, will also be highly motivated after his visa was canceled 12 months ago for not disclosing his vaccination status.

He was later sent home by the Australian government in scenes that made international headlines.