“Now at 35 that’s absurd,” Tracy Austin and Paul Annacone left awestruck by “SPECTACULAR” Rafael Nadal

“Now at 35 that’s absurd,” Tracy Austin and Paul Annacone left awestruck by “SPECTACULAR” Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal lifting his 2022 Acapulco Open trophy

Rafael Nadal returned to the tour with a bang after his historic win at the Australian Open last month. The Spaniard entered a stacked field of players which include Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev among others at the Mexican Open. He eventually won the tournament, beating world No.1 Daniil Medvedev en route to the title.

The world No.4 went past close rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer to become the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles and is now in the lead for most majors won.

Tracy Austin and Paul Annacone discuss Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

Post the title win in Mexico, former professional Tracy Austin and tennis presenter discussed Rafael Nadal and the incredible form he is in. With the win in the final, Nadal now has a 15-0 record since the start of 2022, which is his best start to a year.

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During a recent conversation on Tennis Channel, two-time Slam champion Tracy Austin was asked if she considers Nadal the best player in the world despite Medvedev having recently clinched the No. 1 position. The former American professional said that for this year, the best player is definitely Rafa as is shown by his incredible form and record this season.

“So he’s not playing as many tournaments and also remember Novak Djokovic didn’t get to play the Australian so that helped Medvedev become World No. 1. I think for this year, can I sit on the fence there? For this year it’s obviously Rafa Nadal. “Now at 35 that’s absurd, at 35 years old, to go in 15-0, best season start of his career ever, is absolutely amazing,” said Tracy.

On being asked about how Rafa stays motivated even after such a long and successful period in the game, Paul Annacone said that despite winning 7000 odd tournaments and enjoying success, it is the love for tennis and playing the sport which keeps the 35 year old motivated.

“He’s won in 7,000 tournaments already but to go to Acapulco and see the joy and the sheer fun that he still has competing and playing tennis. To me that’s what drives him and that’s why he’s so spectacular,” said Annacone.

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