Rafael Nadal Not Happy With Penn Balls at Montreal Open 2019

World No.3, Rafael Nadal defeated the British No.2, Daniel Evans 7-6, 6-4 after a slow start in the second round of the Rogers Cup on Wednesday. Rafael Nadal struggled in the opening set as he had to dig deep to save two set points and claim the set.

The Spaniard also revealed in a post-match interview with Catherine at Amazon Prime Video UK that the first set was tough but he was also unhappy with the balls used at the event. The 33-year-old feels that the ball conditions are not ideal and it is a tough ball to play.

He said, “Balls are always the same issue. It’s a tough ball for the elbow and the wrist. In my opinion, it’s too heavy. It has been the same issue for a couple of years.”

Nadal also suggested that the company is trying hard to improve the balls but were unable to make a difference. “The brand (Penn) is working to improve but I don’t think they were able to make a difference. I am just happy that the guys there tried hard and so I hope they find a solution,” the 18-time Grand Slam champion added.

Earlier, Eugene Lapierre, the tournament director of the ongoing Montreal Open 2019 revealed in an interview with L’Equipe that they have slowed down the courts a bit and the defending champion, Rafael Nadal would love the surface. However, the No.1 seed felt that the court has not been slowed down. Talking about the court conditions, Nadal said, “Court is faster I think.”

Rafael Nadal also praised Dan Evans and said, “He has been playing well winning already three matches before this one. So I came on court knowing that would be a tough match and have been like this, very happy about that first set that I was able to find a way at the last moment and then the second set was better. So important victory and happy to be through.”

Talking about his next opponent, Guido Pella, Nadal said, “He is having the best year of his career. He is playing great, quarterfinals in Wimbledon, I think semifinals last week and he already won two great matches here. So it’s going to be a big one, I have to be playing at my best. I hope I am able to do it.”