The pandemic was a dreaded time, with loss and tears surrounding the atmosphere. Events were postponed indefinitely, nations put on lockdown to contain the spread. However, after more than a year, the sun rose with positive rays and things started to get back to a new normal. In tennis, rules were altered, necessitating vaccines, masks, and hygiene to take the lead, while players ready to play took a back seat if the rules were flouted. The famous Novak Djokovic vaccine case at the Australian Open became the highlight of the same. But it seems things are getting back to the old time at Bastad.

Rafael Nadal successfully conquered the intensive quarterfinal match at the Nordea Open. While many were busy celebrating his successful run to the semifinals in a long time, some noticed a change in the rule at Bastad. First, it was the tennis fans who were eager to watch the Spaniard make a comeback, who suffered from the unconventional rules. And now it’s the ball kids who are at the receiving end of a rule being reverted to what it was back before the pandemic hit the world.

In a recent update, Ben Rothenberg shared a change in rules at Bastad. He tweeted, “ATP went back to pre-pandemic towel rules after Wimbledon. It’s quite annoying and unhygienic.” Before the pandemic, ball kids were the ones who would hand the towel to the players in between the points. However, this practice was overturned to ensure the safety of all the stakeholders involved. But it seems that rules are back, as a kid was seen handing Nadal a towel to wipe off his sweat. Why would this rule be overturned after years? Shot clock!

Tennis fans didn’t take this kindly, as they were aghast by this change. And many think that it may not help speed up the time between points and that it’s better if players themselves retrieve their towels for everyone’s benefit. However, this isn’t the only rule that has tennis fans infuriating at the organizers. Earlier, the authorities imposed a ‘bag ban’ on the audience to mitigate the possibility of terror threats. However, everyone is excited for Nadal’s return as he successfully makes it to the semifinals. 

4-hour intensive quarterfinal clash for Rafael Nadal and a ticket to semifinal

It has been a slow season for the Spaniard as he struggled throughout the tournaments. The first-round exit at the French Open was the highlight of this year’s dismal performance. However, at Bastad, it seems Nadal has deployed his ‘never-give-up’ spirit as he successfully moves past the initial rounds and makes it to the last four at the Nordea Open.

A user highlighted the grind that Nadal went through, he said, “Nadal, at age 38, is grinding away in the quarterfinals of a 250 event with Mariano Navone in Bastad. Up a break at 3-2 in set three, we are already at 3:17 minutes on the clock. Absolutely insane.”

The player who sailed through the initial rounds at Grand Slams like cakewalk had to grind to make it past the young tennis stars on the court. Certainly, age has caught up with the Spanish legend as he looks forward to having his last dance at the Paris Olympics.