via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 30, 2022. Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during the final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev. REUTERS/Morgan Sette
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 30, 2022. Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during the final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev. REUTERS/Morgan Sette
As a wonderful fortnight down under got over with Rafael Nadal scripting history to win his 21st Grand Slam title, all eyes are on the Spaniard’s next move and his future schedule on the ATP tour. Ahead of the ‘happy slam’, Nadal signed up for an ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco and then play Indian Wells in March.
However, Nadal faced challenges from youngsters that were physically demanding as he had to spend more time on-court to earn his victories. The final played against Daniil Medvedev was the second longest slam final played in the history of men’s tennis.
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 28, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his semi final match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini REUTERS/Morgan Sette
Rafael Nadal expresses doubts over his participation in Acapulco, remains confident on Indian Wells Masters
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Owing to this, Nadal is now doubtful of participating in Acapulco and revealed the same in a press conference held at his academy in Spain.
“I have to see how my body responds in the next few days & then we’ll analyze things with calm. A priori my schedule is Acapulco & Indian Wells. I’d say I’ll be in Indian Wells, if there is no problem & as far as Acapulco is concerned, there’s time, as it’s in 2 weeks time, but we have to see.”
Rafa: "I have to see how my body responds in the next few days & then we'll analyze things with calm. A priori my schedule is Acapulco & IW. I'd say I'll be in IW, if there is no problem & as far as Acapulco is concerned, there's time, as it's in 2 weeks time, but we have to see" https://t.co/lyGVuBPdJo
— Genny SS (@genny_ss) February 2, 2022
From his response, he is almost confirmed to play the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells. Nadal is a three-time champion in California as he intends to perform well ahead of the European clay-court season.
Nadal last played in Indian Wells three years ago
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But, everything depends on how quickly Nadal recovers and hits the practice courts. The Spaniard has an exceptional record at the BNP Paribas Open and enjoys a 50-10 win-loss record. The event got cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the tournament got pushed last year to October.
Nadal didn’t play at Indian Wells in 2021 owing to his foot treatment. Initially, the Spaniard identified his problem at Roland Garros and took time off by skipping Wimbledon Championships. He later came back for the US hard-court season with an intention to play the US Open but the injury didn’t allow him.
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After taking time off for six months, Rafael Nadal bounced back in style and made the best possible start to his 2022 campaign. We will get more clarity about Nadal’s Acapulco participation in the coming weeks.
