‘Rafael Nadal is at full strength’ – ATP rival sends ominous warning ahead of Spaniard’s comeback
ATP star Tomas Martin Etcheverry has issued a warning to the rest of the tour by revealing Rafael Nadal is “at full strength” after he trained with the tennis great.
The world No 32 described having the opportunity to practise with Nadal as a “dream” and hailed the Spanish icon for his humble nature and willingness to share advice.
Nadal is making his return to action at the Swedish Open in Bastad this week, having last played at the French Open at the end of May.
The 38-year-old is competing in singles at the clay-court ATP 250 tournament, and is also partnering world No 9 Casper Ruud in doubles.
Nadal and Ruud face Guido Andreozzi and Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela in the opening round of the men’s doubles event today.
In his opening round singles match, Nadal will play Swedish wildcard Leo Borg — son of tennis icon Bjorn Borg and the current world No 461.
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Nadal is playing in Bastad to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the tennis event at the Games to be played on the clay courts of Roland Garros from July 27 to August 4.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion recently invited Etcheverry to practise with him at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Greece, a resort academy situated on the shores of the Aegean Sea.
In an interview with ATPTour.com, Etcheverry spoke glowingly about the experience of training with Nadal and divulged that he was impressed with the former world No 1’s level.
“The place where we train is crazy… and Nadal is at full strength, playing, for me, very well,” the 24-year-old Argentine said.
“I had the opportunity to ask him things, to ask him for advice, and he is always very humble, he is helping and moving forward, and very attentive to everyone.
“These days were a dream for me, a very nice experience especially being able to share with Rafa, a player that I saw and we watched since I started playing tennis.
“He is one of the most winning in history, so it was all crazy. That’s why it was a privilege and an honour.”
