'Faster' Melbourne Park courts not to Rafa's taste


  • Tennis
  • Saturday, 11 Jan 2014

Rafael Nadal of Spain signs autographs for fans during the Kids Tennis Day before the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne, January 11, 2014. REUTERS/David Gray

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - World number one Rafa Nadal thinks Melbourne Park's resurfaced hardcourts are playing faster than ever and may not provide a good show for fans when the Australian Open begins on Monday.

The speed of the blue Plexicushion courts has sparked debate this year, with some players adamant they have picked up in pace, while tournament director Craig Tiley says they were re-laid with exactly the same surface as previous years.

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