"I don't understand why John can say that on TV" - Rafael Nadal left perplexed following John McEnroe's accusations
ATP
Former World No.1 Rafael Nadal hit back at accusations by retired tennis pro John McEnroe that the Spaniard received special treatment from the umpires at the US Open.
During Nadal's 2022 US Open match against Rinky Hijikata, McEnroe suggested the 22-time Grand Slam champion benefitted from leniency regarding time taken between shots. The former-player-turned TV analyst accused Nadal of receiving preferential treatment from the umpires.
Nadal fires back, McEnroe backtracks
Upon hearing about McEnroe's accusations, Nadal defended himself, saying the extra time he takes is due to him sweating more heavily that other players on the ATP Tour.
"I think it's a joke," said the Spaniard. "I went through a lot of warnings through my tennis career and never for breaking a racket or for doing a mess on court. But yes I have for the time clock.
"The problem for players like me who are sweating a lot, you know when you go to pick up the towel you will be in trouble with the time, so I'm not going very often. I am following the rules. If I am having more than 25 seconds I receive a warning every single time.
"If not, check the clock. I don't think I'm receiving different treatment at all. I don't understand why John can say that on the TV but I am going to have a chat with him later."
"The problem for players like me who are sweating a lot, you know when you go to pick up the towel you will be in trouble with the time, so I'm not going very often. I am following the rules. If I am having more than 25 seconds I receive a warning every single time.
"If not, check the clock. I don't think I'm receiving different treatment at all. I don't understand why John can say that on the TV but I am going to have a chat with him later."
When informed of Nadal's comments, McEnroe was quick to clarify himself, stating his words were taken out of context.
"Why did they throw me under the bus?" asked the former American star. "We haven't had that talk. But let me just add that he didn't let me finish, whoever that dumb journalist was.
"Rafael Nadal is entitled to do whatever the hell he wants. That's part of why you get as good as you are. You've got to deal with that - and it's not up to him. We all know that he's been doing this for the past 10 or 15 years. There's nothing new to that."
"Rafael Nadal is entitled to do whatever the hell he wants. That's part of why you get as good as you are. You've got to deal with that - and it's not up to him. We all know that he's been doing this for the past 10 or 15 years. There's nothing new to that."
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