Australia’s Peter Luczak believes he’s a chance of pulling off what would be a remarkable win when he faces defending Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal in the tournament’s first round.
The world No. 78 told a media conference on Friday afternoon that he could barely believe the news when he discovered he’d drawn Nadal in the first round.
“I was just boarding the plane to Melbourne when my mate called me. He had to tell me about 10 times before I would believe him. It was a pretty depressing flight,” the 30-year-old said.
Although Nadal had not reached his previous heights since returning from injury in 2009, Luczak said that he was still a formidable player.
“Even when Nadal is not at his peak he’s still good. He’s just a tough opponent to play against,” he said.
But the clear underdog said he’s determined to give the world No. 2 all he has in front of his home-town crowd.
“I’ve just got to give it everything. I have got nothing to lose. I have to go for my shots, and if it comes off then that would be great.”
After a good run at the Medibank Sydney International that ended with a quarter-final loss to Mardy Fish on Thursday night, Luczak said he does have the belief that, on the day, he could pull off what would be a remarkable victory over Nadal.
“You have to (believe). There’s no point going out there to win a few games,” he said.
“It feels like I have been playing well. It’s probably a good time to get him – as I’m hitting some form.”
Luczak said it is likely the match will be at Rod Laver Arena because Nadal is a defending champion – and that is something that could work in his favour.
“I’ve played there one other time against Tommy Haas ... and I feel comfortable there,” he said.
“I’m sure I will have a lot of friends and family there to support me, so I’ll enjoy it.”
Luczak said he had played Nadal just once before when the Spaniard was still a teenager, and had lost in straight sets.
After Friday’s press conference, the Australian planned to take a couple of days out of the spotlight and concentrate on his game before what will be one of the biggest matches of his career.
