Rafael Nadal arrives in Rome with a somewhat thankless taskthat of being able to take the place of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the hearts of Roman fans. Of course there is no shortage of top stars at the Internationals, but Rafael Nadal has an “almost mystical” appearance for every fan, especially when he arrives on red clay. And although distant from the glories of the past, the Foro Italico also remains one to watch with great attention.
Nadal: “Retiring? It’s not the joy of playing that I miss.”
Per Rafael Nadal could be the last time in Rome. Now ranked number 300 in the world, the Spaniard is using his energies to try and make the most of this season: “It’s my third week in a row on tour and for me it’s good news since it hasn’t happened in a very long time. Right now I want to focus on this tournament. I don’t want to think about Roland Garros yet. I want to enjoy every day. I’m happy to play, if I talk about retiring I don’t do it because I’m not happy but because it’s my body that doesn’t allow me to do what I would like. And there comes a time when it no longer makes sense to continue”.
Sinner and Alcaraz injured: Rafa’s truth
Of experience, including injuries, Rafael Nadal he has plenty to sell. In the conference the Spanish champion was also asked about his absences due to injury Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz: “There have always been injuries. This is the truth. I understand that it was terrible news for you that Jannik is not playing here, especially with how he was playing throughout this season. We can talk about it for hours, and maybe we have done it a lot over the years. Now the topic of injuries returns because Carlos and Jannik are missing. The truth is that when you push your body to the limit you will eventually get injured, if the game gets faster and faster you will eventually get injured. If you play on hard surfaces most of the year it becomes harder and harder on your body. This is the truth”.
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No drama therefore for Rafa who is looking to the future of Sinner and Alcaraz: “They are two young guys and they will have lots of opportunities to play in Rome and win here. There’s no need to make a drama out of it but I realize what Sinner represents for Italy. Even for me, as a spectator and colleague, I was sorry that he had to withdraw. I wish him and Carlos only the best”.
Nadal sets no limits
19 years have passed since Nadal’s first victory in Rome but the Spaniard’s passion has never changed: “It’s always a great emotion and a great feeling to play here in Rome. The crowd is passionate and it’s difficult for me to explain all the emotions that this tournament brings to mind. I’m excited and happy to be able to play here once again at this point in my career. I’m motivated for tomorrow’s match and for the rest of the tournament”.
And to bring a bit of Rafa not only to the Foro Italico but also to the rest of the city, today at 5.30pm the Majorcan champion will be the protagonist of a performance scheduled in Piazza del Popolo in which Nadal will train and dribble with the children who will be present at the event.
Internationals: the tournament scoreboard
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Source: IPA
2024-05-08 12:12:00
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