The information was within the air and the affirmation arrived on media day: Rafael Nadal revealed that this would be the final time he’ll play on the Mutua Madrid Open.
POV: You are watching @RafaelNadal apply in Madrid 👀#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/DymTr1dO4g
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 24, 2024
That is how the Spaniard opened the press convention on the eve of tomorrow’s match in opposition to the very younger American Darwin Blanch.
“I can not wait to play right here. The week has been good in some methods and never so good in others. I am not 100% ready however I am able to get on the court docket and play my recreation. That is the vital factor, taking part in for the final time in Madrid means lots.
Typically individuals, and it is regular, hope that all the pieces will likely be resolved and transfer on. I’ve all the time been optimistic however in the intervening time it’s what it’s. I am fairly calm, I am going to resolve in every place what ought to I do.
I aspire to nothing greater than to take the court docket, have enjoyable and have the sensation of taking part in in a spot the place I’ve acquired unparalleled affection. In the event that they need to arrange one thing that is advantageous, in any other case nothing. They do not must show something to me,” stated the Spanish tennis legend.
Nadal then expressed on the Roland Garros: “I do not know what is going to occur within the subsequent three weeks. I’ll struggle and do all the pieces to attempt to play at Roland Garros. If I arrived in France within the situation I’m in at present, I would not play.
That is actuality. I am going to go and play there if I really feel like I can exit and play properly. The world would not finish with the Roland Garros, even when it was crucial event of my profession,” he revealed with nice honesty.
“I am not taking part in badly however I’ve bodily limitations. The physique now not feels the identical recreation as earlier than. This does not enable me to compete as I would love,” stated Rafa.
Nadal will problem Darwin Blanch as talked about, within the first spherical of the Mutua Madrid Open. The very younger American will play solely his second match at ATP stage after being defeated within the first spherical by the Czech Machac within the current ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami. Blanch is taken into account a really promising participant and for that reason he was granted a wild card by the organizers.
After studying of the draw that paired him with Nadal on this first spherical, on his Instagram account, the American participant revealed a put up during which he wrote: “Guys, I am taking part in with Nadal, wtf!”
🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal debutará este jueves, 25 de abril en el #MMOPEN
📍 Estadio Manolo Santana (Sesión de día). pic.twitter.com/4Lr54p0p7X
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 24, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz: “Rafael Nadal is somebody I love very a lot”
Nadal returned to the court docket in Barcelona and was eradicated within the second spherical by Alex de Minaur. The 22-time Slam champion most well-liked to not push laborious in order to not put his physique in danger and, within the press convention, defined that if there may be an occasion during which to present all the pieces it’s Roland Garros.
Carlos Alcaraz has by no means hidden the deep admiration he has for Nadal. Within the Media Day of the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid, Carlitos spoke about his idol and the retirement of Garbine Muguruza.
“They’ve been nice references in Spanish tennis, in addition to at worldwide stage. Rafa achieved lots and taught us many issues by way of his spirit. I really like watching him play, he’s somebody I love and each time he takes the court docket I attempt to see his matches,” stated Alcaraz.
“At Laureus I spoke a bit with Garbine, who introduced her retirement. It is inconceivable to not admire her after all the pieces she’s finished for Spanish tennis.
Remaining in Madrid between me and Nadal? It will be nice. Enjoying the ultimate in Madrid in opposition to Rafa it will be magical for everybody.
I hope it occurs, however tennis is sophisticated. Each match is completely different and we are able to by no means take something as a right. I do know we are going to each struggle in each match,” added the younger Spanish participant.
Rafael Nadal confirms 2024 Madrid Masters will likely be his final one:
“I don’t suppose I can play at 100%, however it means lots to me to play in Madrid for one final time in my profession. It’s a particular place and court docket for me.”
(through @josemorgado) pic.twitter.com/MpE8e4agOH
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) April 24, 2024
