Rafael Nadal might be under tremendous
pressure going into the Australian Open final against US Open champion Daniil
Medvedev on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena. He is sweating profusely under
Melbourne’s sweltering conditions. Cameras focused repeatedly on fat droplets as Nadal sweated on the court, his shirt soaking wet, his face drenched. Nadal had to call for someone to mop up his sweat on the baseline. It was only the third game into the first set.

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The Spaniard, who is chasing his 21st Grand Slam
title, was spotted having some of his fingertips taped up pre-match, with the
wear-and-tear of a lengthy tournament getting to him.

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Nadal got fingertips tapped

“It is (routine). He always gets his hands
and his fingers taped to prevent blisters,” Jelena Dokic said on Channel Nine.

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“We have seen it in the past as well. He
gets blisters and I think he sweats quite a bit as well and gets very physical
in his matches. So it affects him,” she added.

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Nadal, who last won the Australian Open in
2009, is on the brink of creating history as a win against Medvedev will make
him the player with the most Grand Slam men’s singles title. As he entered the
court, he was loudly cheered while Medvedev was largely booed. Nadal is currently tied at 20 Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. 

After a solid start to his first service
game saw Nadal lead 40-15, the Spaniard delivered two unforced errors.
Thankfully for him, two unforced errors from Medvedev ensured he took the 1-0
lead.

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Nadal struggling to match Medvedev’s long serves

However, as the match progressed, Nadal, who is bearing high expectations on his shoulder, literally struggled to match
Medvedev’s court coverage and eventually conceded the first set 2-6. It was
clear that 35-year-old Nadal is slow and looks exhausted against an energetic Medvedev,
who is chasing his maiden Australian Open title in two consecutive attempts. The 25-year-old Russian star opted for long-range serves which forced Nadal to cover
extra areas. Medvedev is so fluid on the court that it is tricky for Nadal to manufacture angles. 

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Before the match starts, Medvedev’s team
even accused Nadal of “pre-empting some time wasting tactics” to the match
officials.