Even a pure training day at Roland-Garros has its appeal. Especially when Rafael Nadal picks up his racket.
by Jens Huiber
last edited: 25.05.2024, 13:57
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Full house on Saturday: Holger Rune and Rafael Nadal training on Court Suzanne-Lenglen
By Jens Huiber from Roland-Garros
Nothing is happening on the day between the end of the qualifying matches and the start of the main draw action! Quite the opposite: the children flooded the Stade Roland-Garros this Saturday. And there were many of them. With an early, clear goal: Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
Rafael Nadal and Holger Rune had a practice session there. And it was like a madhouse. Not unpleasant. But pretty loud. Basically, every point Nadal scored was celebrated. And that was at a time when the 14-time Paris champion and Rune hadn’t even played any points yet. Nadal couldn’t even start the practice set because the “Rafa, Rafa” chants wouldn’t stop. The stands of the second largest stadium were filled to the last seat – something that is never seen on regular tournament days.
Nadal has the fans behind him
Nadal had Carlos Moya and Marc Lopez at his side, Holger Rune Patrick Mouratoglou. And the conversation was constant, especially in the Spanish team. The start of the training set was rather slow for Nadal, but then he improved – the tennis was good to watch. Any conclusions about the first tasks of the two at the French Open 2014? Not really. Except that Rafael Nadal received the support that should give him an additional boost on Monday against Alexander Zverev. But then on an even bigger stage.
The youngest fans didn’t want to think that far ahead. In fact, the kids only planned from end to end. Because whenever Nadal and Rune took a short break, a group of hopeful people gathered behind the players’ benches, wanting to get an autograph from the Spanish grandmaster. Or at least one from Holger Rune. They were not disappointed.
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2024-05-25 12:08:00
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