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“Better Everytime”: Feliciano Lopez Hails Compatriot Rafael Nadal Ahead of Mutua Madrid Open 2021
After witnessing some incredible tennis at the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open 2021, it is time for the Mutua Madrid Open 2021. The seeds of the tournament are out, and since Novak Djokovic is not playing at the tournament, Rafael Nadal will begin as the top-seeded player.
World No.2 Rafael Nadal will be eyeing his sixth Mutua Madrid Open title this year. With five titles, he is already the most successful player in the history of the tournament. Despite being in his mid-30s now, Rafa will enter the event as the favorite since it’s on clay and especially after his triumph at the Barcelona Open 2021.
In a recent interview, Feliciano Lopez, the director of the Mutua Madrid Open, expressed his thoughts on his compatriot Nadal. He claimed that Rafa looks better every time he sees and meets him.
@feliciano_lopez, director del @MutuaMadridOpen, en @partidazocope
“Yo veo a @RafaelNadal cada vez mejor”
“Es un logro tremendo que @RafaelNadal siga optando a ganar todos los torneos a su edad. Tiene un mérito enorme”https://t.co/yG4OEhtyVq
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) April 29, 2021
“I see Rafael Nadal better every time,” said Lopez in the interview. (Translated by Google Translate)
Lopez and Nadal have faced each other on 14 occasions as of now. Rafa leads the head-to-head battle 10-4. They first met in Basel in 2003, where Lopez made an incredible comeback and defeated Rafa. However, in their last clash at the Paris Masters 2020, it was Rafa who emerged as the winner.
“Tremendous achievement”- Feliciano Lopez on Rafael Nadal continuing to win titles at his age
Rafa will turn 35 just in a month. However, his age doesn’t reflect in his performances; Rafa remains one of the most hardworking and intense players on tour. Lopez also highlighted this and stated that it is simply incredible that Rafa can win tournaments easily even at his age. He also mentioned that it has enormous merit for him.
“It is a tremendous achievement that Rafael Nadal keeps opting to win all tournaments at his age. It has enormous merit,” added the 39-year-old Spanish player.
Since defending champion Novak Djokovic isn’t playing at the tournament, it is a golden opportunity for Rafa to equalize Djoker’s tally of 36 Masters 1000 titles. He currently has 35 Masters titles and winning the Madrid Open will help him level Djokovic. Will Rafa be able to win his sixth title in Madrid this year?
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