‘He’s one of the toughest opponents without a doubt,’ Rafael Nadal wary of ‘very tough’ Nick Kyrgios test at Indian Wells
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Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios
Against all odds, Rafael Nadal has been phenomenal this season. He was on crutches a few months ago and even tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Australian leg. Despite that, he had a positive start at Melbourne by winning the Melbourne Summer Set event. He then raised his level and scripted history at the Australian Open by winning a record 21st grand slam title.
This week at Indian Wells, Nadal hasn’t played at his highest level but has still managed to make it to the quarterfinals where he’ll face Australian showman Nick Kyrgios. In the press conference after his fourth-round victory over Reilly Opelka, Nadal spoke about his upcoming clash with Kyrgios.
About Kyrgios, who has defeated Nadal 3 times, he said that the Australian is one of the toughest opponents out there when he’s excited and motivated.
“Kyrgios is difficult in any conditions, no? When he’s playing well and when he’s excited and motivated, he’s one of the toughest opponents without a doubt, no? Tomorrow going to be a tough match, but we are in the quarterfinals of Indian Wells, Masters 1000, we can’t expect another thing, no?” Nadal said.
He said that he can’t expect an easy outing at a Masters quarterfinal and affirmed that he is ready for the challenge that lies ahead. “I have to expect a very tough opponent in front. Tomorrow going to be. I hope to be ready for it. I need to play well and let’s see if I’m able to make that happen hopefully,” he said.
‘I even couldn’t dream about that two months ago’: Rafael Nadal on being in Indian Wells quarterfinal
Nadal is currently unbeaten this season. He is on an 18-match winning streak and has already won 3 titles. Post his Australian Open triumph, Nadal won the Mexican Open at Acapulco for the 4th time. About his amazing run, Nadal was surprised by it and said that he can’t say it is a dream because he even couldn’t dream about it a few months ago.
“Of course, for me it’s super surprising being in the position that I am, winning three titles already, being in quarterfinals here, Indian Wells. I can’t say it’s a dream because I even couldn’t dream about that three months ago, two months ago,” he said.
He further thanked everybody who has helped him and said that he is just enjoying every single moment of life. “Yeah, things are going that way. The only thing that I can say is thanks to everybody who helps, everybody who supports me around the world, and thanks to life for this incredible opportunity that I am having. I am just enjoying every single moment,” he said.
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Lakshya Chopra
(2649 Articles Published)