“Best Available for the Tournament”: Feliciano Lopez Hopes for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer Return at Madrid Open 2022

Keeping the successful run on, the Mutua Madrid Open got a contract extension until 2030 on the ATP Tour. Indeed, it is exciting news for the ATP Masters 1000 series and the clay-court tennis fans. Subsequently, the tournament director Feliciano Lopez is now looking forward to welcoming Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for the event’s 20th edition.

Two of the greatest tennis icons, Nadal and Federer, have ended their 2021 season because of injuries. However, they both are eager to recover soon and compete on the court again. Hence, Lopez wished speedy recovery to them both.

Feliciano Lopez hopes Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to play Madrid Open 2022

This year, Rafael Nadal lost in the Madrid Open quarterfinals to the eventual winner Alexander Zverev. Unfortunately, Nadal worsened his feet injury during the strenuous clay season and the match against Jack Sock in the Citi Open. After that, he decided to not play in the 2021 season but come back stronger in 2022.

“We hope to see Rafa (Nadal) in the next edition. He is still young and has shown that he can overcome injuries,” Lopez said. “He will be welcome because he is the most beloved player in the tournament.” (All quotes are translated from Spanish to English via Google Translate).

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 23: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Feliciano Lopez of Spain celebrate after winning the first set in their semi-final doubles match against Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski of Great Britain during Day 6 of the 2019 Davis Cup at La Caja Magica on November 23, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for LTA)

Furthermore, the 39-year-old Spaniard also spoke about the Swiss maestro. Notably, after the Wimbledon quarterfinal loss, Roger Federer concluded his 2021 season because of his knee injuries.

“I hope Federer also recovers because that will mean that we have all the best available for the tournament,” Lopez added. Let’s see if the two get ready to compete on clay in the Spanish capital.

Watch this story: Most Dramatic Hard Court Moments Involving Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Others in 2021

When will Nadal and Federer return on the tennis tour?

Tied at 20 Grand Slams each, Federer and Nadal will return in 2022. While the Spaniard is likely to play the Australian Open 2022, the Swiss professional might delay his return.

Rafael Nadal of Spain congratulates Roger Federer of Switzerland on winning their Men’s Final as Roger Federer holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup match on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Above all, tennis fans await their return on the tennis tour. Without them, there is an irreplaceable void in the sport.

Do you think Nadal and Federer can still win the Grand Slams?

Also Read: “Feel Sorry for Him”: Daniil Medvedev Relates With Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic

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