Rafael Nadal Shares He Was Aware of Roger Federer’s French Open 2021 Participation Before Official Announcement
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal has shared his thoughts on the return of old rival and Big 3 peer Roger Federer to Roland-Garros. The current World No.3 said the decision by the champion to come back to a Grand Slam that hasn’t proved anywhere near as lucky and fruitful as the others hasn’t taken him by surprise.
Speaking to Spanish publication Marçà, Nadal said the return of the 20-time Grand Slam champion to the French Open is a huge “positive” not only for his fans but also for the sport.
The 39-year-old Swiss returned to action after a 14-month break from the Tour to recover from a second knee surgery that he underwent last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Roger Federer recently released an official statement saying he will play French Open 2021
Amid soaring expectations around his return, Federer won his comeback match at ATP Doha against British No.1 Dan Evans but couldn’t progress further. He then pulled out of subsequent events to focus on training and fitness ahead of the grass-court season, or more precisely, Wimbledon.
Though he confirmed participation at the Noventi Open at Halle, Germany, which has been a traditional tune-up event for him ahead of Wimbledon, there was no word on whether he would play any part in the European claycourt leg.
Trending
Miami Open 2024: Alexander Zverev vs Fabian Marozsan; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction
March 28, 2024 08:32 AM EDT
What Does Danielle Collins’ Boyfriend Do? Everything to Know about Their Lowkey Relationship
February 15, 2024 11:39 AM EST
Miami Open: Victoria Azarenka vs Elena Rybakina; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
March 28, 2024 11:07 AM EDT
Miami Open: Danielle Collins vs Ekaterina Alexandrova; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
March 28, 2024 09:03 AM EDT
‘We Know It’s Muchova’ – Rebel Wilson’s Situation-Ship Bombshell With Female Tennis Star Keeps Fans Guessing
March 28, 2024 08:44 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
However, that was before the 2009 French Open champion put an end to all speculations by making himself available at the claycourt event in Geneva as well as his return to Roland-Garros.
Rafael Nadal says Roger Federer’s French Open return is a positive
Though it’s not known if Nadal had a prior word with Federer about his return to Roland-Garros, the Spaniard said he “knew” about it.
“I knew it before and I think it is positive for him and for tennis in general,” the 13-time French Open champion said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
(Quotes have been translated via Google)
At an awards show in his homeland towards the close of last year, Federer had set Wimbledon, the Tokyo Olympics and the US Open as his priority events on return.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Elegant Sh*t”: Hollywood Actor Reveals His Admiration for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
While he officially withdrew from this year’s Australian Open just weeks ahead of the tournament, his return to claycourt action remained in the realms of speculation.