via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – April 14, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal wearing a mask before his second round match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – April 14, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal wearing a mask before his second round match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Russian World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev withdrew from the Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 after testing positive for the coronavirus. Soon, everyone started to worry about Rafael Nadal, since he had practiced with Medvedev recently. After being allowed to play his first match against Federico Delbonis and winning it comfortably, the Spaniard opened up on the situation.
The 34-year-old denied all arguments that he could potentially have contracted the virus. He strongly believed that he followed every protocol diligently and was safe.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – April 14, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his second round match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Read More: Roger Federer to Reportedly Skip Mutua Madrid Open 2021 Ahead of French Open 2021
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Rafael Nadal’s initial response to Daniil Medvedev testing positive at Monte-Carlo Masters 2021
The 11-time Monte-Carlo Masters winner Rafael Nadal was the third seed, whereas Daniil Medvedev was second seed this year. Before the day of their first match, they both spent some time on the red dirt working out.
“I was not worried,” Rafa said. “Yes, I practiced with him, but I was never close to him. Honestly, no. I felt sorry for him more than for me because, well, everything can happen, of course, yes.”
Furthermore, the Mallorcan insisted that he had maintained a safe distance from him at all times. Hence, he did not worry about contracting the virus.
… But as much as I know about the way that you can be infected, it was not the way that I was (…) with Daniil. I never have been in touch with him, never have been closer than four meters, something like that. Just at the end to say thanks for one second."
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) April 14, 2021
“As much as I know about the way that you can be infected, it was not the way that I was (…) with Daniil. I never have been in touch with him, never have been closer than four meters, something like that. Just at the end to say thanks for one second,” Nadal explained.
Who will Rafael Nadal play next?
The Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 is only the second overall and first clay tournament for Rafa Nadal this year. Even so, he dominated over the Argentine and made it clear that clay is his and only his kingdom.
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via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – April 14, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his second round match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Following Delbonis, the Spaniard will meet his good friend from Bulgaria, Grigor Dimitrov, to qualify for the quarterfinals. It is a matchup that no tennis fan would like to miss at any cost.
All in all, Nadal is facing a difficult path in chasing his 12th title in Monte-Carlo. But he is the king of clay after all and will not be easily stopped by anyone.
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Do you think Rafa will the Monte-Carlo Masters title yet again?
Also Read: IN PICTURES: Rafael Nadal’s Dazzling Outfit at Monte Carlo Masters 2021
