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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain during a Kia Key handover ceremony at Garden Square in Melbourne Park January 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images for KIA)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain during a Kia Key handover ceremony at Garden Square in Melbourne Park January 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images for KIA)
Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal swept past Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov at the Monte Carlo Masters 2021. Both players squared off in the pre-quarterfinal round and the match ended in less than an hour, with a scoreline of 6-1 6-1. The Spanish ace now leads head-to-head with 14 wins against one loss.
Unfortunately, when Grigor Dimitrov took on Rafael Nadal yesterday, he was unable to focus completely due to a tooth complication. He had been suffering from this issue for the past 4-5 days. After the match, he indicated that he would straightaway visit the dentist to solve his issue. However, Rafa was unaware of the problem his opponent was facing.
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Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – April 14, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his second round match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
On being made aware of Grigor’s issue, Rafa stated, “I didn’t know that. Now I understand a little bit more the things. He was playing too aggressively and a little bit out of rhythm. Yeah, sorry for him… He didn’t tell me. That shows how good a guy he is. Hopefully, the situation gets better for him soon.”
Nadal on Dimitrov's toothache: 'I didn't know that. Now I understand a little bit more the things. He was playing too aggressive & little bit out of rhythm. Yeah, sorry for him… He didn't told me. That shows how good guy he is. Hopefully the situation gets better for him soon.' https://t.co/Bnzty8eAeb
— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) April 15, 2021
Rafael Nadal did not find Grigor Dimitrov to be his usual self
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Nadal did sense some changes in Dimitrov’s style of play. Having played against Dimitrov on so many occasions, Rafa is bound to have an understanding of his style of play. In the end, Nadal applauded Dimitrov on his professionalism and hoped that he would get well soon. Over the years, Rafa and Grigor have shared a great bond and have practiced on numerous occasions at the various tournaments played throughout the calendar year.
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Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 16, 2021 Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov receives medical attention during his quarter final match against Russia’s Aslan Karatsev REUTERS/Kelly Defina
Both players competed at the Australian Open this year. During the event, Grigor lost in the quarterfinal. However, in the match prior, he beat Austrian ace, Dominic Thiem.
On the other hand, Rafa had competed at the Australian Open, not feeling fully fit. In the week prior to that, he had opted not to play the ATP Cup due to a minor back injury.
At the moment, Nadal is back on his favorite surface – clay. He is competing at the Monte Carlo Masters 2021 and is looking forward to lifting his 12th title at the venue.
Also Read: ‘Adapt Every Single Day’: Rafael Nadal Reveals His Management with Changing On-Court Conditions
