MELBOURNE, Australia — Rafael Nadal did not see this early loss coming.
In 2015 he struggled with his confidence and punching power under pressure and talked openly about his self-doubts. But after quick exits at Wimbledon and the United States Open, he returned home to the Spanish island of Majorca in September, reflected, recommitted himself, and found his form in the season’s closing months.
He played convincing, aggressive tennis in a phase of the season during which he has often slumped, recovering the sting in his forehand, the whipping stroke that has been his signature shot throughout his remarkable career and his 14 major singles titles.