Russian World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev withdrew from the Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 after testing positive for the coronavirus. Soon, everyone started to worry about Rafael Nadal, since he had practiced with Medvedev recently. After being allowed to play his first match against Federico Delbonis and winning it comfortably, the Spaniard opened up on the situation.

The 34-year-old denied all arguments that he could potentially have contracted the virus. He strongly believed that he followed every protocol diligently and was safe.

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Rafael Nadal’s initial response to Daniil Medvedev testing positive at Monte-Carlo Masters 2021

The 11-time Monte-Carlo Masters winner Rafael Nadal was the third seed, whereas Daniil Medvedev was second seed this year. Before the day of their first match, they both spent some time on the red dirt working out.

However, the next day, the official message came out stating that Medvedev’s campaign had ended before it could start. What was the first reaction of the 20-time Grand Slam champion on hearing the news?

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“I was not worried,” Rafa said. “Yes, I practiced with him, but I was never close to him. Honestly, no. I felt sorry for him more than for me because, well, everything can happen, of course, yes.”

Furthermore, the Mallorcan insisted that he had maintained a safe distance from him at all times. Hence, he did not worry about contracting the virus.

“As much as I know about the way that you can be infected, it was not the way that I was (…) with Daniil. I never have been in touch with him, never have been closer than four meters, something like that. Just at the end to say thanks for one second,” Nadal explained.

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Who will Rafael Nadal play next?

The Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 is only the second overall and first clay tournament for Rafa Nadal this year. Even so, he dominated over the Argentine and made it clear that clay is his and only his kingdom.

Following Delbonis, the Spaniard will meet his good friend from Bulgaria, Grigor Dimitrov, to qualify for the quarterfinals. It is a matchup that no tennis fan would like to miss at any cost.

All in all, Nadal is facing a difficult path in chasing his 12th title in Monte-Carlo. But he is the king of clay after all and will not be easily stopped by anyone.

Do you think Rafa will the Monte-Carlo Masters title yet again?

Also Read: IN PICTURES: Rafael Nadal’s Dazzling Outfit at Monte Carlo Masters 2021