Rafael Nadal’s schedule for the 2021 world tennis season is ready. 2020 was undoubtedly a complicated year as the coronavirus epidemic caused many tournaments to be skipped or postponed and redesigned to protect the health of athletes and professionals in accordance with health protocols.
Even so, the Spanish champion managed to score important victories such as the thirteenth Roland Garros of his brilliant career as well as the 20th Grand Slam, a title that enabled him to match his main rival Roger Federer.
The Iberian champion was outstanding at the Mexico Open in Acapulco and finished in 2020 for the seventh time behind Novak Djokovic in second place in the ATP rankings. On the contrary, he couldn’t win in Paris Bercy and the ATP Finals.
In this last competition in particular, he had to swallow a bitter gulp after being eliminated in the semifinals by Daniil Medvedev, who then won the final. Rafael Nadal started his preparations for the Australian Open as well as possible and defeated rival Dominic Thiem at the Adelaide exhibition on Friday 7: 5, 6: 4.
Rafael Nadal about enjoying every moment
Rafael Nadal also expressed his delight at playing in front of a crowded stadium, adding that he hopes to have “the right preparation” ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Nadal has 20 major titles in his name but has only won the Australian Open once, and the Mallorcan pointed out that imbalance when speaking to the crowd. “I think it was an amazing pleasure for both of us (Dominic Thiem) to be here in Adelaide for the first time in our lives,” added Nadal.
“It was great to play a game in front of you, we miss you so much. And yes, I hope to have the right preparation for the Australian Open. I won there in 2009, I think almost everyone forgot that (laughs ), but I keep trying!
This year is a special one and I will do my best. “Rafael Nadal added that he was” super happy “that he would still be able to compete and play in front of crowded stands – something he hopes will make a global return in the near future .
“I never dreamed of being where I would be when I was 34,” said Nadal. “If you’d told me that 10 years ago, I would have said, okay, forget it, but here I am and I’m super happy and I enjoy every moment that I keep competing and playing for the best people in the world.
“Hopefully this situation will go away quickly and we can enjoy the fans on the pitch.”
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