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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand against Guido Pella of Argentinain their quarter final match during day six of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 19, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand against Guido Pella of Argentinain their quarter final match during day six of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 19, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Rafa fans can look lively again because Rafael Nadal is back on the red dirt. Hailed as the undisputed champion on clay courts, the 34-year-old Spaniard has begun his preparations for the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters.
Due to a persistent back injury that he had been suffering from since the beginning of 2021, the Mallorcan only participated in the Australian Open. However, he is now ready to uplift his season’s performance, starting with Monaco.
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2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain with coach Carlos Moya training on Court Suzanne Lenglen in preparation for the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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Rafael Nadal is pulling out all stops for the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000
Recently, the Spaniard was filmed at his tennis center, Rafa Nadal Academy, putting himself through the paces on a clay court. His coach, Carlos Moya, was also present during the training session.
In the video, the 20-time Grand champion is power-hitting balls that his trainer has pitched. The scene is elevated with minimal sliding on the clay and Rafa’s infamous grunt.
This is good news for tennis fans who have been worried about his fitness level. Undoubtedly, Rafael Nadal is in high spirits yet again, performing at his favorable court. In no time at all, he will be standing at one end of the court with an opponent wary of his formidable talent.
Interestingly, the 34-year-old will no longer be a top-two seed at the event. Thus, the Spaniard could meet World No. 1 Novak Djokovic even before the finals in Monte-Carlo Masters. It would be a treat to watch the two rivalries fighting to push the other out of the tournament. They will most likely meet in the semi-finals in Monaco.
Read More: Rafael Nadal Reveals Why Uncle Toni Opted to Stay Out and Says He Didn’t Fire Him
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Which clay tournaments will Nadal play this year?
What’s more exciting is that Rafa has promised the ultimate clay season to his fans. His journey will begin from Monaco, then move on to Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, and Paris.
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PARIS, FRANCE: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning a point during his Men’s Singles Final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day fifteen of the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The Spaniard will be bidding for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at the French Open 2021. If he wins it, he will become the male tennis player with the most Slams.
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The saga will start on April 11 at the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 event. Do you think Nadal will be the first player with 21 Grand Slam titles?
Also Read: Andre Agassi Reflects on the ‘GOAT’ Debate Between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
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