Rafael Nadal’s schedule of commitments for the 2021 world tennis season is now ready. 2020 was undoubtedly a difficult year because, due to the coronavirus epidemic, many tournaments have been canceled or have been moved and remodeled in compliance with the protocols sanitary adopted for the protection of the health of athletes and professionals.
Despite this, the Spanish champion managed to score important victories, such as the thirteenth Roland Garros of his brilliant career, as well as the twentieth Grand Slam, a title that allowed him to equal his main rival, Roger Federer.
The Iberian champion then stood out at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, closing 2020 at number 2 in the ATP rankings for the seventh time, behind Novak Djokovic. On the contrary, he failed to win at Paris Bercy and the ATP Finals.
Especially in this last competition he had to swallow a bitter mouthful, having been eliminated in the semifinals by Daniil Medvedev who then took the final victory. Rafael Nadal has started his Australian Open preparations in the best possible way, defeating Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-4 at the Adelaide exhibition event on Friday.
Rafael Nadal: I never dreamed of being where I am at 34
Rafael Nadal also expressed his joy at playing in front of a packed stadium, adding that he hopes to have the ‘proper preparation’ before the first Grand Slam of the year.
Nadal has 20 Grand Slam titles to his name but has won the Australian Open only once, and the Mallorcan addressed that imbalance while speaking to spectators. “I think it has been a great pleasure for us (him and Dominic Thiem) to be here in Adelaide for the first time in our lives,” added Nadal.
“It was amazing to play a game in front of you, we missed a lot (this). And yes, I hope I have the proper preparation for the Australian Open. I won there in 2009, I think almost everyone forgets about that.
(laughs) but I keep trying! This year is special and I will continue to do my best. “Rafael Nadal added that he is ‘super happy’ to be able to compete and play in front of packed stands, something he hopes to see a return in all parts of the world in the near future.
“I never dreamed of being where I am at 34,” Nadal said. “If you tell me that 10 years ago, I will tell you, ok forget it but here I am and I am super happy, enjoying every moment that I am able to continue competing, continue playing in front of the best crowds in the world. I hope this situation disappears soon and we can enjoy the fans on the court ”
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