Rafael Nadal being unseeded will ‘be crazy’ claims Taylor Fritz
Rafael Nadal announced his return to the ATP Tour at the Brisbane International, and American No. 1 Taylor Fritz reacted to the news.
Nadal has been out of action since this year’s Australian Open, when he injured his psoas muscle in his second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald.
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And Fritz responded to the announcement of the 22-time major champion. “I mean, I expected that, it’s Rafa. I don’t think he’ll ever just retire and try again, so I think he’ll come back at the beginning of the year after he takes a break. We definitely expected that. So I think this is good news for tennis overall.”
Nadal’s long absence means he has fallen out of the top 600 for the first time since 2002 and will have to rely on a wild card or protected ranking to qualify for ATP or Grand Slam tournaments, which could be considered “Crazy”. ”, argues Fritz.’ ‘.
🎧👀💪🏻😉 pic.twitter.com/iH7NvsQGMT
– Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) 1. December 2023
“I think it could be difficult. Maybe he’s a little rusty. I think it would be pretty crazy for him to be in an unseeded draw,” Fritz insisted. “So anyone can play against Rafa in the first round, so it’s going to be pretty crazy.”
The world No. 10 continued: “He’s Rafa, so even if he’s a little rusty when he comes back and it might take some time, he’s still going to play very well and be a tough player.” There are a lot of players who play early and draw draws just for that reason. ”
Nadal and Fritz have already played four times, winning twice each. One of their most memorable matchups took place in the 2022 Indian Wells final, which the American won.
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However, Fritz is also registered to participate in the United Cup in Brisbane at the same time as Nadal, so it looks like the next time the two will face off will be at the Australian Open.
The Brisbane International begins on 31st December and the first major of 2024 begins on 14th January.
In the baseline…
Nadal’s return has been the talk of the sports world this week, with many speculating what form the former No. 1 player will take. Nadal and Fritz have had several important matchups over the past few years, including the finals in Indian Wells and Acapulco, a five-set battle at Wimbledon, and the ATP Finals round robin, so tennis fans have no doubt that they are I’ll be looking forward to seeing if it’s a draw. We will compete again.
Read more: Rafael Nadal announces official return date of 2024
