5 reasons why 2017 could see the revival of the ‘Fedal’ rivalry

#4 Nadal’s return to fitness

Nadal is back to full form and fitness

As much as the ‘Fedal’ final was one for the ages, the truth is that not too many expected to see it happening at the first Slam of the year.

As far as Nadal is concerned, despite his heartbreaking loss in the final, he has more than a few positives to take home. Firstly, the fact that Nadal’s fitness held up in Melbourne is perhaps the biggest positive that he’ll take with him. Neither his previously troublesome knee, nor his wrist seemed to bother him, as much, en route to the final.

But perhaps, most importantly, the fact that the tennis year now heads into the clay court season should be the biggest motivator for Nadal. On the back of the confidence gained from his Australian Open run and given his unmatchable record on clay, Nadal is set to be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the tennis season, particularly for the upcoming clay court season.