Australian Open 2023 | Rafael Nadal’s tennis ball criticism, John Millman EXCLUSIVE comments on The Morning Serve
Aussie cult hero John Millman has had his say on Rafael Nadal’s criticism of the Australian Open ball, denying that it nullifies players who hit with heavy topspin.
Nadal was on Monday joined in his assessment of the ball by his defeated round one opponent Jack Draper, who observed that it “got very fluffy very quickly”.
Before the tournament started Nadal teed off about the balls, saying it was “worse quality, without a doubt”.
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He added: “After a couple of hits, the ball lose the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin.”
Nadal would not be drawn further on the balls after his four set win over Draper, saying he would no longer answer questions about them, however his initial comments have made them a lingering talking point.
Joining Wide World of Sports as a guest on The Morning Serve, Millman was asked about Nadal’s complaint and said he didn’t understand the fuss.
“Rafa wants those balls to really bounce. The way he plays, he hits with heavy topspin, and when you have those new balls they really jump off the court,” Millman said.
“Now balls are going to wear, there’s not a modern tennis ball that doesn’t wear. I still think they’re quite a lively ball, you can get plenty out of them, especially on these warm days.
“But Rafa did say he thinks they favour those flat hitters a little bit more. I’m sure as he grows into the tournament, he’ll get more and more used to the conditions and I’m sure the balls won’t be much of a factor.”
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Apart from his dislike for the balls, Nadal experienced further frustration in his opening match when a confused ball kid took his racquet from him and sent it to be re-strung.
Millman cheekily wondered if Draper had somehow conspired to get Nadal off his game by playing a role in the disappearing act,.
“I’m not sure if Jack Draper’s team was in on that one,” Millman said, with a grin, “maybe they paid off the ball kids”.
”We all know Rafa has his quirks, his idiosyncrasies but that’s one I’ve never seen before. He had his racquet out that he was playing with, wanted to get the other one sent to the stringer, but the ball kid took the wrong one.
“Rafa, unbeknowns to him, goes to play, then he let everyone know about it, didn’t he.”
Nadal overcame that incident and brushed aside a tricky first round match up, with Millman saying the tournament was “better for it”.
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