Rafael Nadal news: Australian Open heroics worthy of a Netflix film
Monte Carlo Masters tournament director Zeljko Franulovic has declared that Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open win is ‘worthy of a Netflix movie’.
Franulovic believes that Russian Daniil Medvedev played his part as the chief antagonist with aplomb, but he says that Nadal’s guts and determination were utterly captivating.
“What Rafael Nadal did in Australia, to me, is worthy of a Netflix movie. I’ve never seen that.
“It is something superhuman. Nadal has extraordinary mental strength.
“We must not forget Daniil [Medvedev] who had an equally incredible match. It takes two for [a match like that].”
Medvedev appeared to be heading towards his second Grand Slam title in Melbourne, but Nadal produced a remarkable fightback to instead claim a record-breaking 21st Major.
The tournament boss insisted that there is no need to announce the entry of Nadal into the Monte Carlo Masters which has traditionally formed part of the Spaniard’s French Open preparations.
Nadal has won 11 Monte Carlo Masters titles, including an Open-Era record eight successive titles between 2005-2012.
“For me, there is no need to even announce [that Nadal will be playing at the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters].
“He will be there, it is one of his favourite tournaments and ideal in his preparation for Roland Garros.
“He will come here to win, as always, with his 11 titles.”
Nadal has been pencilled into the entry lists for the Mexican Open and the Indian Wells event, but he could still skip the Acupulco event depending on what kind of shape he is in.
“I signed up for Acapulco and Indian Wells, but I have to make a decision that are in accordance with what my body allows me to do,” Nadal said earlier this month.
“Acapulco is the closer one, I would like to be there but I have to see what are the perspective.”
Nadal won two of his three Mexican Open titles when the tournament was played on clay, but in 2020 he proved he could also win on the new hard court surface.
The 37-year-old is set to conduct a careful build-up to the French Open as he bids to win a 22nd Grand Slam and 14th Roland Garros title.
Latest
-
WimbledonExclusive – Tim Henman’s prediction as Serena Williams returns at Wimbledon
Williams will have to wait until Tuesday to play her first singles match in 12 months after she limped out of Wimbledon last year.
-
WimbledonExclusive – Emma Raducanu set for Centre Court debut John Lloyd makes bold Andy Murray prediction
Raduanu will make her Wimbledon Centre Court debut against Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck.
-
NewsPetra Kvitova sounds Wimbledon warning with Eastbourne title win
Kvitova controlled a one-sided encounter from the outset en route to triumphing 6-3 6-2.
-
NewsSerena Williams on working vacation at All England Club
The 40-year-old is playing in her first singles tournament for a year.
-
News‘Fearless’ Jodie Burrage wants to show what she can do at Wimbledon
The British number five, who has a flat in SW19, will break into the world’s top 150 on Monday.
-
NewsWimbledon’s Centre Court scheduling still skewed to favour men
The All England Club is celebrating 100 years of its main show court in 2022.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray pays tribute to motherly Sue Barker ahead of her final Wimbledon
Former World No 1 Andy Murray and…
-
WimbledonNick Kyrgios a ‘legit contender’ according to Special Ks partner
The other half of the Special Ks has put his tag team partner over.
-
WimbledonBeing an inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur
Being a role model and inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur.
-
Wimbledon
Jodie Burrage adding to the momentum behind Brits ahead of Wimbledon
Burrage’s journey, not only on grass courts but on tour as a whole, has not been smooth sailing.