Nadal eager to kick-off 2012 campaign with a bang

Updated on: 16 January,2012 10:35 AM IST |
PA Sport |

World No 2 Rafael Nadal eager to kick-off 2012 campaign with a bang

World No 2 Rafael Nadal eager to kick-off 2012 campaign with a bang

Rafael Nadal yesterday reiterated that his passion for tennis is back as he attempts to make a flying start to 2012 at the Australian Open.

Super spaniard: Rafael Nadal trains at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne
yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

in London in November although he promptly displayed plenty of heart in helping

The World No 2 has frequently tried to downplay his comments, claiming they were exaggerated. He said: "What I said was that I played a few matches at the end of the season with less passion than usual. That's nothing crazy. That happens when you are a little bit more tired than usual.

"I'm here in Australia with big motivation, with big passion. I have tried to enjoy the past few weeks, which I did, and I am happy.u00a0 I am practicing well and enjoying everything. I will try to be ready for tomorrow."

Nadal plays his first-round clash with American qualifier Alex Kuznetsov today with the pick of the opening day's matches the clash between home hope Bernard Tomic and experienced Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

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