Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal needs no introduction in the game of tennis. He enjoyed tremendous success and has achieved legendary status after setting unbreakable records. Over these years of entertaining fans, the Spaniard has created a vast fan base for himself. 

Usually, after the first Grand Slam of the season, Rafael Nadal competes at the Mexico Open held in Acapulco. However, the Spanish star is absent from this year’s edition, but the tournament director feels the season will still be a success as they have conducted the event for years without Nadal’s presence. 

Tournament director: “Rafael Nadal has always been a fixed asset”

The Mexican Open tournament director, Raul Zurutuza, voiced his opinion on this matter and stated, “Without a doubt, we will miss Rafa, because he is important and has always been a fixed asset in the tournament, but we have played for many years without him and there was no problem. We always want to have it, but the tournament is very good and I know that we will be very successful.”

(Quotes have been translated with Google Translate)

Rafa’s association with Acapulco goes way back, and he won his first title at the venue in 2005. At that point in time, the tournament was conducted on clay courts. He won again in 2013 before the surface was changed to hard courts. In the previous season, the Spaniard won the event and took his tally to three titles at the venue. 

The Spaniard was scheduled to represent Spain at the ATP Cup. Unfortunately, he did not play a single match due to a back injury. 

Following that, he competed at the season’s first Grand Slam event in Melbourne. His journey ended in the quarterfinal after he lost to Greek tennis sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Rafa recently declined a wild card to play at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, but he is expected to play at the Miami Open 2021. 

Also Read: Eugenie Bouchard Credits Recent Run of Wins To Rafael Nadal’s Recipe for Success