“It's normal that they are interested to see how this is going to be": Nadal's reaction to top players watching His French Open match
ATPTuesday, 28 May 2024 at 00:30
Rafael Nadal
commented on the presence of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek in
the audience during his French Open match against Alexander Zverev.
The 22-time
Grand Slam champion fell 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in the first round, marking the first
time in his career he was eliminated in his debut at the tournament.
Nadal Reflects on tennis rivals watching his match
Nadal's accomplishments at Roland Garros stand as one of the most remarkable feats in tennis history, with 14 titles in 19 years and an astonishing record of 112-4, making his recent loss to Zverev all the more notable.
His esteemed colleagues, including world No. 1 players Djokovic and Swiatek, as well as former No. 1 Alcaraz, were among the spectators on Court Philippe Chatrier, acknowledging his enduring legacy.
His colleagues didn't want to miss out on the action either, as both world No. 1s Djokovic and Swiatek, along with former No. 1 Alcaraz, were spotted among the spectators at Court Philippe Chatrier.
In the press
conference, after discussing the match, Nadal was asked if he noticed the
presence of these top players in the audience, including his competitors Novak
Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, as well as Swiatek, who has often declared Nadal
as her idol.
Djokovic, Swiatek and Alcaraz watching the match
Nadal
remarked that he didn't see them during the match, but that it is something
natural given his history in the tournament: “I mean, I didn't see them, but I
think in some way it's normal, no? I think if that's the last time that I’m
gonna be playing here and if I know that Novak is the last time playing in
Wimbledon or in Australia and I was there,” he said.
“I mean,
these kind of rivals or young players that are here like Carlos that probably
they watch me on TV the most of his years that they are living (smiling), it's
normal that in some way they are interested to see how this is going to be, and
especially in this particular place with all the history that I had behind,
no?”
“But yeah,
I mean, happy that that happens, you know, because that means that I had a
positive legacy here and positive legacy for my career, no? And that's
it,” Rafa Nadal concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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