Rafa Nadal said Tuesday in Argentina that he is “very excited” about the mixed doubles he will play on Wednesday with extenist Gabriela Sabatini after the exhibition match he will play against Norwegian Casper Ruud in Buenos Aires.
“For me this is a big illusion. I know that Gabi is a great icon within this country and also within the world of sports and especially Latin sports.”, Nadal said in a press conference held at a shopping center in Buenos Aires that also included Ruud.
“Sharing the track with him is a great pleasure and illusion. Both for Casper and for me, it’s good to live this moment in their country,” he added.
After the exhibition between Nadal and Ruud, which will be held at the Parque Roca stadium in Buenos Aires, Nadal will pair the best tennis player in the history of Argentina to face Ruud and local tennis player Gisela Dulko.
The highest winner of Grand Slams in history, with 22 conquests, and the Norwegian They arrived in Argentina this Tuesday and toured Iguazú Fallsin the northern province of Misiones.
“I am very happy to be here in Argentina after several years without the opportunity and with the illusion of being able to share these days with the Argentine public., who is very knowledgeable about the sport and very passionate. Every time I had the opportunity to come here, they treated me in the best way”, said the Spaniard.
CHANGES IN TENNIS
Nadal fondly recalled his early years on the circuit and noted that, at the time, “played differently“.
“Before, points were prepared waiting for the right ball to attack, not every ball is attacked, the right ball is expected. Today there are no transition balls or point preparation. Each ball hit has the purpose of winning a point. It went well for meFor me, nothing should change, but emotionally speaking I prefer another type of sport, which allows you more options and put a tactic in training”, he considered.
“I would like to see tennis that offers more opportunities, more diverse playing styles. Now, because of the way it’s played, the way the courts are built, the balls, most people play in a very similar style because the speed of the game and the conditions give you very little margin. to practice other tactics. On the dirt track there is still a little time, it gives you a chance to think”, he added.
RUUD’S CONNECTION TO BUENOS AIRES
The Norwegian said he was “very excited” to return to Buenos Aires, the city where he won the Argentine Open in February.
“Playing in front of a full stadium, I hope, will be very special. This is the first game of a long journey that I have been waiting for. The Argentina fans are very passionate,” he said.
Regarding his goals for 2023, he clarified that “a great achievement” is not yet consideredbut that, to do so, is to “win a great contest”.
“A Grand Slam is possible. But I know it’s hard“, I thought.
“I have my strengths, but I have to improve many things, like playing more aggressive or attacking the net more. I don’t think I’m complete as a player, I can improve. I need to be better. I’m glad I’m still not complete”, he reviewed.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
