“It’s stupid to think that. Let’s face it, you know that’s not the case. I suppose there’s a lot of respect for what I did in this event, but everyone knows that I’m no longer the favorite to win a tournament.” With these words, Rafael Nadal answered to Stefanos Tsitsipas, as the Greek indicated Nadal as always a favorite player on clay courts, despite the months of absence due to an abdominal injury after the Brisbane International.
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Probably thinking about the history of the legendary Spaniard at the ATP 500 in Barcelona, the Greek repeated that Nadal can be considered the favorite this year too.
A dream comeback for Rafa 🧡@rafaelnadal | @atptour | #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/2Ac7pNyL1K — Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell (@bcnopenbs) April 16, 2024
Statements that the Spaniard did not like, considering all the physical problems he has to live with, as he explained in the press conference following the victory in straight sets against Flavio Cobolli in Barcelona.
Nadal came back to play and win an official match 103 days after the last time, when he lost at the Brisbane International against Jordan Thompson. During his time in Australia, the Spaniard suffered another injury and had to work hard to be able to come back to the court.
After giving up the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Monte Carlo, Nadal decided to embrace his fans again in Barcelona, a tournament that he has won 12 times in his career.
Rafael Nadal responds to Stefanos Tsitsipas
“There’s simply a story behind it that weighs heavily on rivals.
To date I’m not the favorite. Maybe I was today, but I have no idea. I didn’t even care. I know I won’t be the favorite tomorrow, but that’s not important. These are things for the press, for me playing against a top level tennis player is a great experience.
It will be a real test and we will see how I respond,” added the Spaniard, referring to the next complicated challenge with Alex de Minaur.
You won’t see anything more beautiful today.
🥹 Rafael Nadal’s forehand.pic.twitter.com/YTjlZpsaKk — We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) April 17, 2024