The passionate tennis rivalry between Nadal and Djokovic 0:48
. – Rafael Nadal’s achievement of changing into the fourth man to report 1,000 ATP Tour match victories ought to have been celebrated with thunderous cheers and a standing ovation.
As an alternative, having crushed Feliciano López to reach the unique membership, Nadal stayed to have fun nearly silently at a 20,000 empty-seat stadium in Paris, given the absence of spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 34-year-old Spaniard joined Jimmy Connors (1,274), Roger Federer (1,242) and Ivan Lendl (1,068) as the solely males in the 1,000-win membership since the Open period started in 1968 after their comeback 4- 6 7-6 (7-5) 6-Four victory in his first match at the Paris Masters.
“[Ganar 1.000 partidos] it means I’m outdated. Meaning I performed effectively for a very long time, as a result of attaining that quantity is as a result of I’ve been taking part in effectively for a few years and [eso] it’s one thing that makes me really feel completely satisfied, “Nadal mentioned.
“I can solely thank all the individuals who helped me. And all the individuals who at any time in my life helped me to be the place I’m.”
Merci additionally to @FFTennis https://t.co/pRTzYdoBCb
– Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) November 4, 2020
Rafael Nadal’s first victory
Nadal’s first ATP victory got here when he was 15 years outdated. He beat Ramón Delgado, a Paraguayan then ranked 81st in the world, in a first-round match at the Mallorca Open in 2002. That victory earned him 15 ATP Rating factors and a verify for US $ 5,850.
Eighteen years and practically $ 122 million in prize cash later Nadal is considered one of the most profitable tennis gamers in historical past.
At the French Open final month, he equaled Federer’s report of 20 Grand Slam wins.
Nadal’s first-round match was his first since he claimed his 13th report title at Roland Garros.
SIGHT: Federer’s letter to Nadal after the Spanish title 20 in Grand Slam tournaments
“I began the sport in the worst doable method, particularly in opposition to an amazing server like Feli,” Nadal mentioned. “After that, I performed underneath plenty of strain for the remainder of the sport, however I discovered a method.
“That’s the major factor … This victory is one which I’m very pleased with. The non-public satisfaction is typically higher while you win these video games than in case you go to the courtroom and win 6-Three 6-3.”
Nadal in the match in opposition to his compatriot López.
Nadal will face Jordan Thompson in the subsequent spherical, after the Australian beat Borna Coric 2-6 6-Four 6-2.
Whereas he has been so profitable in the French capital on clay courts, Nadal is aiming to win his first Paris Masters Title.
Add Comment