‘Dimitrov is a good friend, hope to be ready for the match,’ says 11-time champion Rafael Nadal

‘Dimitrov is a good friend, hope to be ready for the match,’ says 11-time champion Rafael Nadal

World No.3, Rafael Nadal returned to action in fine fashion by dismantling Federico Delbonis 6-1, 6-2 in the opening round of ATP Monte Carlo Masters yesterday.

The Spaniard is a 11-time winner at the event and is a firm favourite to win another title in Monaco. Nadal, who didn’t play after the Australian Open appeared to be fit and in prime form against Delbonis.

As he heads into a clash against Grigor Dimitrov, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said, “We’ve had some great matches. In Melbourne, of course… We played another great match in Beijing, another one in Shanghai. He’s a good friend, a good guy, and a great player.”

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I am just excited to play a tough match very early in the tournament: Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal

Although the No.3 seed leads the Bulgarian comfortable in their head to head, 13-1, the Spaniard is aware of the threat Dimitrov possesses.

“It’s going to be a tough test in my second round. It’s going to be his third. I need to be ready for it. I hope to be ready for it. I am just excited to play a tough match very early in the tournament,” explained Nadal.

Rafa will face Dimitrov in the third match at center court on Thursday.

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