3 milestones awaiting Rafael Nadal at the 2020 Australian Open

Modified Jan 03, 2020 07:42 GMT

Nadal won his lone title at the Australian Open in 2009

#2 Win back-to-back hardcourt Grand Slam titles for the first time in his career

Nadal's tally of 19 Grand Slam titles comprise 5 titles on hardcourt: 4 at the US Open (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019) and 1 at the Australian Open (2009).

The Spaniard has made consecutive hardcourt Grand Slam finals on 4 occasions: 2011 US Open (won) - 2012 Australian Open (lost), 2013 US Open (won) - 2014 Australian Open (lost), 2017 Australian Open (lost) - 2017 US Open (won), and 2019 Australian Open (lost) - 2019 US Open (won).

However, the legendary southpaw is yet to triumph in consecutive hardcourt Slam finals. Nadal's win at the 2020 Australian Open would mark the first time in his career he would have won consecutive hardcourt Grand Slam titles.

In fact, Nadal has won hardcourt titles in consecutive tournaments only on 4 occasions during his career - 2005 (Beijing - Madrid), 2013 (Coupe Rogers - Cincinnati - US Open), 2017 (US Open - Beijing) and 2019 (Coupe Rogers - US Open).

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Musab Abid