WATCH: Rafael Nadal greeted by plethora of fans as he arrives in Rome eyeing a record 11th title

The King of Clay received a royal welcome in Rome.

WATCH: Rafael Nadal greeted by plethora of fans as he arrives in Rome eyeing a record 11th title

Rafael Nadal was greeted by a plethora of fans (via IMAGO/X)

Rafael Nadal played his last match at the Caja Magica in Madrid last week, where he was given a wonderful send-off by fans and officials alike. The Spaniard received a prolonged standing ovation by the attendees, in an emotional farewell ceremony as he bid adieu to his last-ever tournament at home. This week, he made his way to Rome for the last clay court Masters 1000 event of the season.

The King of Clay has triumphed on Roman soil ten times now and is hoping to make that eleven in his last dance. He was greeted at the premises of the Rome Open by a crowd of fans chanting his name as he walked towards the courts on a skywalk. 

The onlookers tried to get their idol’s attention with shouts of “Rafa” as they flocked under the bridge Rafael Nadal was walking on. The ‘Rafans’ in Rome hope to see the legend in action one last time in their city and are hopeful of his participation in the tournament, with Madrid yielding unexpectedly positive results.

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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner withdraw, is Rafael Nadal the favorite in Rome?

The news of both Alcaraz and Sinner withdrawing from the Rome Open due to injuries has opened up discussions regarding who the new favorites to win the title in Italy’s capital city would be. It also gives hope to players trying to get better results at big tournaments, as many of the top players are seemingly not in their best shape.

Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner (Image via Imago)

Inevitably, this also raises questions about Nadal’s chances there, given that he may be more motivated with his biggest rival, Novak Djokovic, also taking part in the tournament. This is the first tournament in a long time that sees them both participating.

The Spaniard seemed healthy and ready to compete at the Madrid Open. If the same conditions persist, he may even be the best pick in Rome in the absence of many amazing talents.

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