A few days ago Rafa Nadal announced his return to competition after being away from the circuit practically all year, with the exception of the Australian Open. The reactions of the players have not been long in coming, as is the case of Taylor Fritz, the last player to beat the Mallorcan in a final, in Indian Wells.
“I expected it, it’s Rafa. I never believed that he would retire and not try again, so, after the time he has been away, I expected him to return at the beginning of the year. I think it’s good news for tennis in general.”says Taylor Fritz, current world number 10, about the Spaniard’s return to the circuit, as reported by Eurosport.
– A complicated return
“I think maybe it will be hard. Maybe it could be a little rusty. It will be crazy to have him in the draws in which he is not going to be seeded. Anyone can play Rafa in the first or second round, so it’s going to be crazy”, explains the American. To compete in the first tournaments of the year, Rafa will use the Protected Ranking after having been with that injury for more than six months, which prevented him from returning. Andy Murray, Holger Rune, Grigor Dimitrov and Ben Shelton are already confirmed in Brisbane, in addition to Rafa himself.
– Always with options
“It’s Rafa. Even if he is a little rusty when he comes back or it takes him some time, he is going to play very well and it will be difficult for many to play against him at the beginning and in the draws due to the fact that he is not seeded”. Taylor believes that this return may cost Rafa to a certain extent, but once he is in match rhythm, he remains just as dangerous as before the injuries.
2023-12-03 11:59:11
#believed #wouldnt
