Rafael Nadal can potentially change the Citi Open event for a long time, says tournament CEO Mark Rin
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Rafael Nadal
World No.3 Rafael Nadal will make his return to the ATP tour this week at the ongoing Citi Open in Washington. The Spaniard was last seen in action in the semifinals of the 2021 French Open, where he was downed by World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
After skipping the Wimbledon Championships and 2020 Tokyo Games, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will make his debut at Washington, as he prepares for the upcoming 2021 US Open.
“I love to be here in Washington because is not only a new event for me, is a new city,” Nadal told Washington Times. “I am able to visit one of the most important cities in the world. And honestly, it’s a very beautiful city.”
“I am excited to be back playing in America after more than a year without playing here, especially playing in front of the full crowd.”
“Excited by the arrival of Nadal in the American capital, tournament CEO,” Mark Ein said. “He’s not just a tennis icon, he’s not just a sporting icon, and he’s a global icon. He’s one of those people in the world who has a one word name — Rafa — and you know who you’re talking about. … There’s nothing much like that in sports and that’s the Rafa effect.”
“I think this potentially changes the event for a very long time,” Ein added. “I think it does shine a spotlight for the top players that this is a place to come.”
Nadal to play Sock in round one
Nadal is the top seed at Washington and will take on WC Jack Sock in the opening round. The Spaniard has won titles in Barcelona and Rome this year and will be keen to get back to top form, ahead of the final Grand Slam in New York.
The 35-year-old will also travel to Canada to play the Toronto Masters, before he heads to the US Open, where he will be eyeing his fifth title in New York.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)