Registered on both singles and doubles tables, Rafael Nadal continues this Thursday at Bastard ATP (Sweden) their preparation for Games in Paristhat the Olympic tournament will be played Roland Garros and, therefore, he is a candy for great clay specialists, like the Balearic Islands, the best tennis player in history on this surface as shown by the greatest record of his career, his 14 Roland titles Garros.
After the diabolical draw paired with him Alexander ZverevNadal lost this year in the 1st round, but offered an interesting level that prompted the Balearic to focus on the Games and go away Wimbledon from his schedule to save a switch to grass and then another quick return to clay.
Nadal, 38, already has both individual Olympic golds on his record (Beijing’2008) such as doubles, along with Marc Lopez in Rio’2016the two modalities he also plans to address in Paris, this time Carlos Alcaraz as a couple.
For the film, Rafa is performing this week in Bastad with the Norwegian Casper Ruudwith him in the semifinals after Wednesday’s victory over the French Theo Arribage and the Russian Roman Safiullin6-4, 3-6 and 12-10 in the tiebreaker superbreak after saving a match-ball against them.
With that victory, Ruud put a good face on bad times, because a few hours before the Norwegian, world No. 9 and second favorite of the tournament, fell against the odds on his debut in the individual draw against Thiago Monteiro (85th), for double 6-3. The Brazilian has won his last four matches against the world’s top 10
“When you don’t win in singles, you have to try to win in doubles,” joked Ruud. “It wasn’t the best start to the day, but winning the doubles with Rafa was special for me, a good way to end the day,” added the Norwegian, who could rival Nadal in the semifinals if they both go through. the rounds.
The tournament opened very well for Rafa as on Wednesday the first seed and world number 8 also lost on his debut, Andrey Rublevin his case against the Argentine Thiago Agustín Tirante7-6 (5), 3-6 and 6-4.
Manacorí had a happy debut on Tuesday against Leo Borgchild of the mythical Björn Borg who fights to have a professional career as well. The young Swedish tennis player, 21 years old, is currently ranked 461st in the world and had his best ranking of 334th in September.
“For me, it’s a great honor to play against the son of one of the greatest legends in the history of our sport. I think he played well, he has a bright future,” said Nadal after his victory. against Leo Borg 6-3 and 6-4.
The Spanish tennis player will have a tougher test this Thursday (not before 2:30 pm/Movistar+) against Cameron Norrie, 28 years old, former world number 8 and now ranked 42nd. Rafa (4-1) dominates the British, who won the last precedent between them, last year at the United Cup In the first four meetings, Nadal has not lost a set against Norrie, including two on clay in 2021 , in Godó. and Roland Garros.
Source: La Verdad
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