‘Going to Be a Tough Battle’: Rafael Nadal Wary of Rematch With Alex de Minaur in ATP Cup 2021

The moment has arrived where we gear up for the tennis season with its first big tournament, the ATP Cup 2021. What’s exciting is that Spain’s Rafael Nadal will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur in a round-robin fixture. This will account as a perfect rematch between two players who have the most powerful forehand in men’s tennis.

A lot of things have changed from the past year; their game styles have also evolved drastically. Moreover, their energy to give out everything in every single match is disturbingly similar. Thus their rematch in the second edition of the teams-nations tournament will be worth twice the money.

Rafael Nadal hopes to be ready for ‘Speed Demon’ Alex de Minaur

Team Spain and Team Australia fill places in Group B along with Team Greece in the ATP Cup. However, before the match, 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal reflected on the skillset of his 21-year-old opponent.

“He’s young, he’s brilliant every year,” Rafa said. They have met each other thrice, including the ATP Cup last year, where the Spaniard soared to victory. But the results don’t allow the ‘King of Clay’ to take de Minaur lightly.

“It’s going to be a tough battle for all of us, playing against a great team like Australia. Let’s see if we are able to get ready for it,” Nadal added.

Alex de Minaur has grown enormously in the past year. He has improved his service and his return, besides depending on his speed and power to get him past the line.

Alex de Minaur would definitely want to change the result against the 34-year-old this year. Watch the highlights of their last match before they meet again on Tuesday, February 2.

Read More: Alexander Zverev Says Novak Djokovic Wrongly Portrayed as “Bad Guy” in Australian Open 2021 Letter Row

Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas and other interesting matches in the ATP Cup

Before the Rafa vs Demon face-off, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev will lock horns with Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman. This battle shows a great promise in terms of a tennis showdown.

Also, there are two other great fixtures lined up on Thursday, February 4. In the day session, Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic will meet German Alexander Zverev. Both enormously talented players will fight until their last breath to clinch the win for their country.

Following that, Nadal and Greek’s best Stefanos Tsitsipas will recreate last year’s ATP Finals encounter in the night session. All in all, the next week is full of energy, drama and the most important of all, tennis. Are you ready for the second edition of the ATP Cup?

Also Read: ATP Cup 2021: Where to Watch on TV, Live Stream Details and More