‘Today we start!’ Rafael Nadal welcomes Marc Lopez to his team and is all set for his comeback in Abu Dhabi
Rafael Nadal
20-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal suffered a minor foot niggle during his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros which later aggravated during the North American swing. Things got pretty bad for the Spaniard and he was forced to call off his season.
Nadal was under recovery since the last 4 months and now is fully fit and will return on court at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event before heading to Australia for the Australian Open. Nadal last played at the Washington Open and where he couldn’t clear the initial rounds due to injury concerns. He later announced that he won’t be competing in the season further due to injury.
Nadal recently added Marc Lopez to his coaching staff. Ahead of the exhibition event, he welcomed his former doubles partner to his team. He took to twitter to share the same. “Today we start… match in Abu Dhabi. We welcome the team to Marc Lopez who joins the team of coaches together with Carlos Moya and Francis Roig,” he wrote.
Nadal to face Murray
On his return, Nadal will face old rival Andy Murray. The pair had previously played 24 matches against each other but this will be their first meeting after 5 years. They last met in 2016 where Murray won in straight sets on clay. Murray too is struggling with form due to his hip surgery but slowly and steadily, he is getting into his groove.
The Brit has played almost every week post Wimbledon and looks completely fit. He defeated fellow Brit Dan Evans in the first match at Abu Dhabi yesterday to book a date with Rafa. Expect a lot of emotions sail when these two play after 5 years of wait.
Also read: Andy Murray Awaits The Reunion With Rafael Nadal At Abu Dhabi
Lakshya Chopra
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