Nadal's 'wildcard' could be secret to his Aussie success

By Niko Vercelletto Jan 24, 2017
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Nadal's 'wildcard' could be secret to his Aussie success

This is the first time his girlfriend gets to see him in Aussie.

ByNiko Vercelletto

Published Jan 24, 2017

Last year wasn't the best Australian Open for Rafael Nadal; he succumbed to Fernando Verdasco in the very first round. But this fortnight the 2009 champion has charged all the way to the quarterfinals and it's possible that his very own "wildcard" may be the key to his success.

After the Spaniard's fourth-round win over Gael Monfils, interviewer Jim Courier mentioned that this was the first time in 10 years that Nadal's long-time girlfriend, Xisca Perello, was in Australia with him.

"After 10 years, finally, my girlfriend gets a 'wildcard' to come here," Nadal said.

"I'm speechless," Courier countered. "That's a wildcard. She's not a main draw player? She needs a special entry?"

"Uh...Better we stop here," Nadal said, to plenty of laughter.

The Australian Open Twitter account found Nadal quite charming.

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Nadal will face Milos Raonic on Wednesday for a spot in his fifth Australian Open semifinal.

Follow Niko on Twitter: @nikovercelletto