Tennis fans react to Rafael Nadal’s time violation warning at the second round of the Brisbane International.
Rafael Nadal’s return to action at the 2024 Brisbane International is impressive as the Spaniard seems to be back in form after a challenging year with injuries.
"Rafael Nadal was a little bit late coming back from the toilet" 😂@RafaelNadal with an unusual time violation in Brisbane! #BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/ELLGoQ6iez
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 4, 2024
Rafael Nadal played his last tournament in January 2023 and was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury. As he makes his comeback in Brisbane, he is in terrific form so far defeating Dominic Thiem in the first round and Jason Kubler in the second round.
In the round of 16 match against Jason Kubler, Nadal faced an unusual incident where he received a time violation warning from the chair umpire for returning a few seconds late from a toilet break after winning the first set.
In the post-match on-court interview, Nadal explained the humidity in Brisbane forced him to change every piece of clothing during the break which probably led to his delay. He gave a lighthearted response to the incident, acknowledging his slowness, and also promised himself to improve his time management in 2024.
Rafael Nadal explaining why he received a time violation warning after the toilet break is PURE GOLD. 😭 pic.twitter.com/KR6a7tV6Sh
— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) January 4, 2024
Several tennis fans took to X and expressed their views on the incident. However, it was mostly about his past record of time management warnings. Here are some reactions:
“Time violation is part of his game, we all know this.”
Time violation is part of his game, we all know this
— Callie (@CalliePhakathi) January 4, 2024“Ohhh Yess time violation?? He’s truly back man”
Ohhh Yesss time violation?? He's truly back man
— Your Neighbor (@Fiks_daniell) January 4, 2024
“If he doesn’t do time violations how are we supposed to know it’s rafa playing”
If he doesn't do time violations how are we supposed to know it's rafa playing 😆
— BihariBabu (@mayanksledger) January 4, 2024
One fan tweeted that the Spaniard uses it as a tactic during matches to defeat his opponents.
“This is his usual gamesmanship. Funny he felt the need to use this tactic against a player ranked 107.”
That’s his usual gamesmanship. Funny he felt the need to use this tactic against a player ranked 107 🤡
— Sosa (@Sosa246810) January 4, 2024
Nadal does it while winning. Novak does it while losing.
— Kampu Put (@PutKampu) January 4, 2024
Some fans were in support of Nadal and find it stupid to get a warning for just being 4 seconds late.
He was like 2 seconds late
— ana (@sinnerista) January 4, 2024
4 seconds ???
— Cal Board (@Cal_Board) January 4, 2024
4 second? I wouldn't be worried!! He's getting used to changing that fast again.
— MSSTLOVER2023 (@21Tnslover) January 4, 2024
Alex De Minaur’s victory over Novak Djokovic draws admirable reactions from Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has made a successful return to the court at the 2024 Brisbane International and secured a second-round victory against local boy Jason Kubler with a score of 6-1, 6-2. The 22-time Grand Slam winner made a return to action after a year-long absence due to injuries.
In the post-match press conference after his second-round match, he was asked about his thoughts on the current crop of Australian players and chose Alex De Minaur as the best among them who defeated Novak Djokovic at the United Cup on Wednesday. He shed light on his potential and mentioned that his game has improved significantly over the years. He also predicted that De Minaur could make it to the top 10 very soon.
“No, I think de Minaur is a player that he’s very close to the top 10. I think he have been improving the last couple of years. He is able to create more damage on the opponents now than before. That’s what, in my opinion, he needed. I think since last year he’s able to damage more the opponents.”
-Rafael Nadal at the post match press conference in Brisbane
