Scott Morrison has been likened to Rafael Nadal after new polling confirmed he was the underdog heading into the federal election.
After a frustrating summer marked by soaring Omicron case numbers, rising deaths and a shortage of rapid antigen tests, the Prime Minister is fighting for his political life.
But Trade Minister Dan Tehan has urged the public not to count Mr Morrison out, in a head-scratching comment comparing him to the Australian Open tennis champion.
“We saw last night an incredible tennis match. Rafa Nadal halfway through the match in the third set was love-40 down on serve and I think everyone who was watching that tennis game thought he was out for the count,” he told Sky News.
“But experience, belief and hard work saw that match turn around and saw him hold up that trophy.
“And I think experience, belief and hard work will mean that we will put a very good proposition to the Australian people come the election.
He added he believed, much like the men’s final, the upcoming election will be an “incredibly close contest.”
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, who is furious with the Commonwealth for knocking back a request for more business support payments, said Mr Morrison needed to emulate another star player.
Mr Kean said the Prime Minister must strive to be like freshly crowned Australian Open champion Ash Barty, who made history after winning the women’s singles final.
“But Ash Barty didn’t win the Australian Open based on how she performed in the semi final. You need to tackle each challenge as it arises,” Mr Kean said.
Barty defeated Danielle Collins in straight sets in the final, securing her third major singles championship.
The world number one’s triumph broke a 44-year title drought for Australia in women’s singles in Melbourne.
The first Newspoll for 2022 shows support for Mr Morrison has crashed, with Labor in front 56-44 on a two party preferred basis.
It is the worst Newspoll result for the government since Mr Morrison took the leadership in the spill of 2018.
Asked if Mr Morrison was still the right man for the job, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg played xjmtzywdown suggestions a change of leadership was needed.
“He will be the first Prime Minister since John Howard to serve a full term and to go to an election,’’ Mr Frydenberg told ABC News.
“So his job is safe, is what you’re saying?” host Michael Rowland pressed.
“Yes, I am,’’ the Treasurer replied.
