'Rafael Nadal gives you all the time', says legend

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What Rafael Nadal is doing in this 2022 can really make tennis history. The Iberian champion is back this year after months of stoppage due to a foot injury that had even jeopardized his career, but Rafa is back in the best way and probably even better than his expectations. The tennis player returned to Australia where he first won a 250 and then surprised everyone (with one of the greatest 'Comeback' in history) by winning the Australian Open 2022. In addition to showing a great physical condition, Rafa showed a great mental condition especially in the final where he recovered from two sets below (he was also down 2-3 0-40 in the third) and won an extraordinary victory against the Russian champion Daniil Medvedev. Nadal does not intend to stop and wants to reach record after record. In this Indian Wells tournament Nadal is confirming his strength and above all his mental qualities. Both in the debut match against Sebastian Korda (above all) and in the last match against Nick Kyrgios, Rafa found himself down with the result and one step away from defeat, but his mental strength prevailed and he finished arriving to the semi-final of the tournament. In the late Italian evening Rafa is expected by the interesting match, crossing of generations with the very young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, an eighteen year old great surprise of recent years. In case of success and consequent access to the final in Indian Wells, the Mallorcan tennis player would not only extend his already great streak but after months he will make his return to the world Top 3.

Navratilova speaks about Nadal

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova heaped praise on Rafael Nadal, saying she applauds his patience, perseverance and excellence. "You know, he gives you all the time," Navratilova said. "I was in a gym and we were both on a stationary bike, and someone asked him for an autograph on the stationary bike. I would have totally told them off but he said 'of course' and he signs while he is on the bike. He doesn't say no to anybody, I applaud his patience, I applaud his perseverance, I applaud his excellence. If I had a hat, I'd take it off." The World No. 19 has been in scintillating form and is yet to drop a set in the competition. Alcaraz beat Mackenzie McDonald, Roberto Bautista Agut, Gael Monfils and reigning champion Cameron Norrie to reach his maiden Masters 1000 semifinal. This will be the second meeting between Nadal and Alcaraz. The 35-year-old beat his younger compatriot 6-1, 6-2 at the Madrid Masters last year.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/jOZsVak

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