Stefanos Tsitsipas: Rafael Nadal won't struggle in Rome, he always finds way on clay

World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas believes world No. 2 Rafael Nadal will be absolutely fine at the Rome Masters despite the lack of matches.

Nadal decided against playing in the United States as he opted to stay in Europe and prepare for clay tournaments.

"I don't think Rafa will be struggling much playing here. Regardless of how he feels, I'm sure he'll find a way. He always finds a way every single year," Tsitsipas said.

"Clay is his surface. I'm sure he's going to do well. I will definitely won't be surprised."

The biggest news of the US Open was the Novak Djokovic default. 

Djokovic, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, was defaulted from his round-of-16 clash after hitting the lines women with the ball.

"I have nothing to say on that. Nothing to say," Tsitsipas said of the Djokovic default.

Tsitsipas speaks on the bubble at the Rome Masters 

"It's pretty much the same. I guess not as strict as in New York. We are still not allowed to go visit the city or see any attractions or places within the city, but for me personally it's all right," Tsitsipas said.

"You are allowed to wear, not to have to wear your mask when you're in the courts, which makes total sense to me. Very progressive from the other side. All the players have been tested, so that makes total sense.

"I guess they don't have people running around you telling you what to do and what protocol you have to follow every single minute that you're in the bubble.

"I forgot to add something else. Plus the hotel, accommodation, is another level."

Meanwhile, top-ranked Italian Matteo Berrettini was asked how helpful was playing hard court tournaments in the United States.

"I mean, one advantage for sure is I played official matches which I didn't play a lot this year, so I really needed matches and I still need matches," Berrettini said.

"One disadvantage is that I was playing on hard, and the last match I play on clay was more than a year ago, so it was in Paris, I think.

"It's gonna be tough, but at the same time, the calendar changed a lot, and we have to adjust a little bit for the conditions that we are living now."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/35AG00q