Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his Group D match against Australia’s Alex de Minaur at the United Cup tennis event in Sydney, Australia, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
SYDNEY (AP) — Rafael Nadal lost again at the United Cup mixed teams tournament, chalking up Monday’s defeat to Alex De Minaur to rustiness.
The second-ranked Nadal lost to the Australian 3-6 6-1 7-5 after having been beaten by Britain’s Cameron Norrie in three sets.
The record 22-time Grand Slam champion said he needs more matches like Monday’s to be ready for his Australian Open title defense.
“I need hours on court. I need battles like this. I didn’t play much official matches the last six months, almost seven,” said the 36-year-old Spaniard, who battled foot, rib and abdomen injuries last year.
“I have two weeks before the Australian Open starts. I can’t say that the situation is ideal but, at the same time, I can’t say that it’s very negative, because for moments I was playing good.”
Both teams went into the match knowing they couldn’t advance after losing to Britain, which will face the United States in the knockout stage on Wednesday for a spot in the semifinals.
The US ensured it will top Group C by opening up a 2-0 lead over Germany, with Madison Keys beating Jule Niemeier after Taylor Fritz defeated Alexander Zverev.
Taylor Fritz took advantage of a dominant serve to beat Zverev 6-1, 6-4.
Keys extended the United States’ lead to 2-0 with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Niemeier. Keys’ power and pinpoint serving proved too much for the 23-year-old German.
“I just tried to make as many first serves as possible to make things as easy as a tennis match could be,” Keys said.
In Brisbane, top-ranked Iga Swiatek beat Belinda Bencic 6-3 7-6 (3) to give Poland an early advantage against Switzerland in a winner-take-all tie.
Stefanos Tsitsipas beat David Goffin 6-3 6-2 to pull Greece level at 1-1 against Belgium while Italy leads Norway 2-0.
More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
CINCINNATI (AP) — Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field Monday night and was administered CPR before being driven to a hospital, where the NFL said he was in critical condition, and Buffalo's game against the Cincinnati Bengals was suspended for the night.
The NFL announced just over
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Zion Williamson dominated the 76ers to the point that coach Doc Rivers said trying to defend the New Orleans big man was like "guarding a fast Shaq."
The only thing that could slow down Williamson was a hamstring injury.
Joel Embiid had 42 points and 11 rebounds,
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LeBron James scored 43 points to pull within 500 of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career scoring record, and the Los Angeles Lakers avenged last month's home loss to the Charlotte Hornets with a 121-115 victory Monday night.
James had two dunks on alley-oops, including a high-flying reverse
Subscribe to Bally Sports+
and start watching
Bally Sports+ is not currently available in your area
The content you are trying to watch is not part of your current subscription. You can watch it by subscribing to another package available in your area.
The content you selected is not available in your area.
Available in your area. Not all games may be available.
You have an active subscription so your current home zip code cannot be changed. If you need to change your location please contact customer support.
Already have a Bally Sports account?
