“Rafael Nadal collecting players like Pokemon” – Fans took a cheeky jibe at Spaniard’s practice session with Emil Ruusuvuori

The whole tennis world is holding its breath as Rafael Nadal makes a much-anticipated return to tennis at the dawn of 2024. Among the many returning players, Nadal is the one name that shines among the crowd and looks to return after a year of rest.

However, as a mode of recovery, Nadal has transitioned from normal practice to playing against ATP players. He started his first practice session with Arthur Fils, moved on to the winner of the Comeback Player Of The Year Jan Lennard Struff, and also faced the likes of Richard Gasquet.

The Spaniard recently faced off against ATP star Emil Ruusuvuori, and fans witnessed the 32-year-old play quite a few shots against the Finnish player to continue his practice sessions. 

More interestingly, the fans are supporting Rafa and his intention to practice with the younger generation of players.

Rafa collecting players like Pokemon during the off-season. 

One fan even Tweeted on X

With the kind of preparation the Spaniard has transitioned to, the fans can now strongly hope to see their favorite idol back on the blue courts of Australia, possibly for the last time.

Sharing a wide spectrum of hilarious reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:

Rafa collecting players like Pokemon during the off season ?? https://t.co/jDP7cx87xD

— Non-anxiety Magnet (parody) (@goesonrants) December 19, 2023

By the start of the 2024 season, Rafa’s gonna have practiced with every person in the atp ? I support it https://t.co/OxCsH1WimO

— Robespierre (@brookeabeyer) December 19, 2023

Fils, Struff, Gasquet, Emil… is Casper up next, where’s he at

— Robespierre (@brookeabeyer) December 19, 2023

I think it’s smart to be practicing against the younger generation. This will tell him where his game is at with the new generation

— Cabolife (@Couglore) December 20, 2023

The great man has nothing left to prove.

— Paul Oliver (@pauloliver9999) December 19, 2023

Finally tennis will be exciting and make sense VAMOS Rafa ??❤️???

— MAS (@Retferdige) December 19, 2023

The hustling ? ?

— AJMAL SAMI (@ajmalsamilife) December 19, 2023

Rafael Nadal discloses his participation in Barcelona Open and other tournaments

After announcing a return to tennis at the Brisbane event, Spanish maestro Rafael Nadal announced his third tournament of the year, which is the Barcelona Open.

This place is close to the heart of the 32-year-old, who has won the tournament 12 times, with 2021 being his last victory on the courts of Barcelona. The tournament officials also shared an emotional clip titled “We have missed you Rafa” where they disclosed this information. 

However, the fans will be most excited for the return of the Spaniard in Melbourne which is the first ATP tournament of the year and a good preparation period for the 22-time Grand Slam champion before the Australian Open.

However, he has only featured in that tournament once before where he lost in the quarterfinals. With an unpredictable year for the Spaniard, the whole world will be witness to his comeback season and if the ‘king of clay’ can continue the form that he has carried throughout his career.

All the answers will be said in a couple of weeks as 2024 approaches at a rapid pace.

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