Rafael Nadal had a comfortable victory over Jason Kubler in the round of 16 at the 2024 Brisbane International. Surprisingly, the highlight of the match was the Spaniard receiving a time violation during the match.
Nadal defeated former US Open winner Dominic Thiem in the first round of the Brisbane International. He faced local boy Jason Kubler and continued his good form defeating him 6-1, 6-2 in the second round.
After winning the first set 6-1, Nadal took a toilet break during the set changeover. Upon returning to the court he was met with a time violation warning from the umpire. The Spaniard who is known for his sportsmanship couldn’t help but smile when the umpire informed him about the violation.
"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
During the post-match on-court interview, Nadal explained in a light-hearted tone that the humid conditions in Brisbane compelled him to change every piece of his clothing. He broke into laughter along with the crowd.
“I think it was something strange because I know I had 5 minutes. Honestly, Brisbane is very humid. I had to change every single piece, takes a while.”
– Rafael Nadal at the post match on-court interview
The 37-year-old also stated that he made it on time as he was constantly informed by the officials over the walkie-talkie. But, the assistant who was with him reported him as late by four seconds.
“In the walkie-talkie, they were calling me 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, half a minute. I came out at the right time. But, probably the guy who was with me, they said I was a few seconds late to the umpire. He told me I was four seconds late. I don’t know. I thought I was on time, honestly. Then he told me, I was four seconds late. I don’t know if it was me.”
– Rafael Nadal at the post match on-court interview
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
Nadal jokingly mentioned that he would work on his time management this season.
“But, I’m slow, I know that. I’m going to keep trying to improve in 2024.”
– Rafael Nadal at the post match on-court interview
Nadal has advanced to the quarterfinals and will face another local boy Jordan Thompson.
Rafael Nadal takes a dig at the press following his second-round victory
Rafael Nadal who is playing his first tournament in 11 months is having a great time as he makes his return at the 2024 Brisbane International.
The Spaniard won his second-round match against Australian tennis player Jason Kubler in straight sets. After the win, in the post-match on-court interview, he was asked if he would have a chance to see ‘Rafa Nadal Junior’ before his bedtime.
A humorous Rafa checked his watch as he responded to the question.
“I don’t know. Depending on how late press will be. If not, tomorrow morning I’ll see him. No problem”
Rafa Nadal after winning 2nd match of his comeback
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 4, 2024
“Will you be home in time to see Rafa Nadal Junior before his bedtime?”
*Rafa checks his watch*
Rafa: “I don’t know. Depending on how late press will be. 😂 If not, tomorrow morning I’ll see him. No problem.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YPrkwGG2Zl
