Tournament director reveals why Roger Federer never plays in Acapulco and does not mind Rafael Nadal skipping the event

Tournament director reveals why Roger Federer never plays in Acapulco and does not mind Rafael Nadal skipping the event

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

Acapulco Open tournament director, Raul Zurutuza revealed why Roger Federer never plays in Mexico and also spoke about why he is not bothered by Rafael Nadal’s absence at this year’s tournament. The Spaniard withdrew from the tournament citing his back issues and stated that he was not at his 100%.

However, Raul Zurutuza believes that Roger Federer has an agreement with the Dubai Tennis Championships that binds the Swiss to play at the event. Since both events are held in the same week, Roger Federer cannot travel to Mexico to play the Acapulco Open. This year, the Swiss maestro withdrew from the Dubai Open after making his comeback last week in Doha.

“He (Roger Federer) has never played in Mexico because of the Dubai thing,” Raul Zurutuza said. “I hope it will never happen again with any other player because it’s important that every player can play as most events as possible,” he added.

Raul Zurutuza on Nadal’s withdrawal from Acapulco open

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal, defending champion in Acapulco has not played a single tournament after his Australian Open quarterfinal loss against Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, tournament director, Zurutuza is not concerned by Nadal’s absence this year and stated that they have done well despite the Spaniard’s presence over the years.

“This year’s event is very good,” Zurutuza said. “We have three top 10 and most of the top 50 players. We have played without Rafael Nadal for several years and nothing happened,” he added.

However, the tournament director did accept the fact that having Rafael Nadal compete in Acapulco is always a plus point. He added that there were several other top guns in the draw this year which could attract the crowds.

“He (Rafael Nadal) is a fixed asset of the tournament, the desire to have him is always there. But we have great names and the public will be able to enjoy it,” the tournament director concluded.

Also Read: ‘Rafael Nadal will be missed at the Miami Open this year’ : James Blake