“I keep that thorn,” Bernabe Zapata regrets missing out on playing against Roger Federer
Zapata expresses his disappointment after missing out on the chance to play against Roger Federer as he wished to play against him.
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Zapata and Federer
Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles, ranked 42nd, has reached two semifinals this season at the Argentina Open and Rio de Janeiro tournaments. The Valencian recently spoke with Marca about his impressive start to the year as he prepares to make his debut at the Indian Wells, the first Masters 1000 event on the calendar.
He recently spoke about missing the opportunity to play against Roger Federer. Both of them were in the main draw of the 2021 Roland Garros. However, he was a qualifier while Federer was the eighth seed. Zapata had to face his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the first round and lost to him that ultimately denying his chances to play Federer.
Speaking in an interview with Marca, he said, “My dream was to play with Federer and I keep that thorn. In 2021, I passed the Roland Garros preview and Roger had a qualy in the first round. I thought it could be the only moment and Alcaraz touched me, with whom he had already played in the previous one.”
Zapata chose Roger Federer as one player he wished to play against in his career. But unfortunately soon after missing out on playing against him, Federer announced his retirement from the professional sport before the Laver Cup began. Thus Zapata lost his chance to compete against the former world No.1.
Bernabe Zapata admires Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s champion mentality
Bernabe Zapata has commended his fellow countrymen Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in the interview with Marca. He highlighted the exceptional winning mentality that sets them apart from other players. Despite never having played against Nadal on the tour, the World No. 42 has faced the 2022 US Open winner Alcaraz twice.
In both instances, Alcaraz emerged victorious, defeating Zapata in four sets in the first round of the 2021 French Open and in straight sets in the semifinals of the 2023 Argentina Open just a few days ago. Zapata described his fellow countrymen as “innate champions” due to their exceptional winning mindset. He specifically highlighted Nadal and Alcaraz’s ability to maintain their composure during high-stakes matches on the tour.
He is all set to play his first ATP 1000 tournament and will look to continue his recent form in it as well. Zapata also made it to the semi-finals of the ATP 500 Rio Open in Brazil, before losing to eventual winner Cameron Norrie. The Spanish player is now gearing up to face Ugo Humbert from France in the opening round of the BNP Paribas Open, the first Masters 1000 tournament of the year, held in Indian Wells.
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