Director of Mexican Open: Rafael Nadal Keeps Surprising Me

Raul Zurutuza, the Director of the Telcel Mexican Open presented by HSBC, says that Spaniard Rafael Nadal keeps surprising him and believes the World No. 2 will eventually pass Roger Federer in the tally for most Grand Slam titles.

Speaking to the tournament website, Zurutuza comments, "The guy just keeps surprising me. Many believed that the way he plays would soon end his career, but his dedication in each game, the love for tennis and respect for the sport itself, have really helped him. Not even the injuries have been able to knock him down. And as much as he loves to compete, the simplicity of accepting what he can't control has really helped him keep playing."

Nadal, who is the top seed in the tournament, currently has 19 Grand Slams while Federer has 20. Earlier this week, it was announced that Federer has undergone knee surgery and will miss the clay court season and only be back for the grass court season. “I don't see how he can't reach 20 or even 21 or 22. I think Rafa is still the favorite for the French until he retires or until he can't walk There are many players stomping and threatening Rafa's dominance in clay, like Dominic Thiem, but only Nadal will decide when he will let someone else win in his territory."

Nadal was beaten in the round of 16 at the tournament last year by Australian Nick Kyrgios, who also is back for the tournament his year.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/38NFeMh