Главная » 2017 » May » 16 » PHOTOS/VIDEO: Rafael Nadal at the pre-tournament press conference at 2017 Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome
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PHOTOS/VIDEO: Rafael Nadal at the pre-tournament press conference at 2017 Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome
“Here I am in Rome. What happened in the past is past. Now I am here to keep trying my best in an event that I love so much,” said the world No. 4. “I had some unbelievable memories in this court. A lot of important matches in my career I played here. So just try to be ready for that.”
“Playing against [Nicolas] Almagro tomorrow always gonna be a very hard first round. He’s a great player. Last week in the first, second round, he almost win against Novak. He already won three matches here, if I am not wrong, because he’s coming from the qualifying. For me, is always dangerous. First day after Madrid, different conditions, will be a dangerous one, no?” said Nadal. “I need to be focused. I need to play my best. Let’s see if I am able to do it.”
"I think he’s [Thiem] a great player, no? He’s young enough to keep competing for the important things for the next ten years, probably, or eight years, I don’t know. Depends on him. He has a big potential. Probably his best surface is clay today, and if I have to say one tournament that he can win is Roland Garros, no? So let’s see. Hopefully not this year but let’s see.”
Nadal will play Almagro in his opening round match on Wednesday.
Rome (AFP) - Rafael Nadal believes the decision by Roger Federer to skip Roland Garros and the clay season is logical as the Spaniard on Tuesday prepared to start the Rome Masters.
"Everybody does what feels better for them," Nadal, who starts in the Foro Italico second round against Nicolas Almagro, said.
"If he doesn't play one tournament before the French (Open), it's normal that he finally skip the French, no?"
"Probably he had that decision before. Probably he didn't want to announce before," speculated Nadal, who has won three clay titles in three events competed in this season.
"But thinking in a logical way, it would be strange if you don't play on clay in one event and then you start on the biggest one, playing best of five."
