Rafael Nadal on Nick Kyrgios – “I’m Not a Guy Who Wants to Fight With Anybody”

World Number two, Rafael Nadal had a smooth victory over his first round opponent, Yuichi Sugita. Up next at Wimbledon Championships 2019, it’s a ‘Nadal vs Kyrgios’ showdown. Previously at the pre-Wimbledon press conference, Rafael Nadal was asked about his notion behind his potential second-round encounter and Rafa simply responded, “I don’t know Nick.”

Post his first-round win, Rafa was questioned about the comments revolving around his statement and his thoughts about his next match.

“Being honest, I’m too old for all this stuff,” Rafael Nadal said. “I have been too many years on the tour. What I said I said, and I believe in what I said. I’m not a guy who wants to fight with anybody. I’m here to enjoy my sport. And to keep doing the thing I love as good as possible. It’s gonna be another chance to be on the court in this amazing place.” 

Nick Kyrgios previously labeled Rafael Nadal a “super salty” tennis player. They last met in Acapulco where the Australian defeated the Spaniard in three sets. They first met on the SW19 turf in 2014 and Kygrios ousted Rafael Nadal in four sets in the pre-quarterfinals.

The Spaniard still hasn’t bitten silver gilt cup for the third time and since the year 2010, he is anticipating this moment. 

“I had success in a lot of places since I last won at Wimbledon in 2010. I had problems with injuries which didn’t give a chance to play as well as I would like. My knee has been better so I have been able to compete better,” Rafael Nadal said.

The quick transition from the slow clay courts to fast grass courts bothers numerous tennis players on the tour and for a long time now, Rafa plays all the important clay tournaments and digs deep in all of them.

Consequently, Rafa plays the highest number of matches on clay amongst the ATP men and that makes him the most exhaustive player at the grass phase’s commencement. “After you play a tough clay-court season. I’m 33 now so it’s not like 10 years ago when I could play at Queens (before Wimbledon),” Rafael Nadal said.