Rafael Nadal: 'There were times when things weren't going the way I wanted'

Rafael Nadal took more risks than expected on his Paris-Bercy debut against his friend and compatriot Feliciano Lopez, but ultimately managed to complete the comeback by sealing his 1000th career win on the ATP tour. The Spanish phenomenon is only the fourth player to achieve this extraordinary feat, joining an exclusive club that includes Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl. Another satisfaction for the Majorcan after having equaled Federer's 20 Slams thanks to his 13th win at Roland Garros. The former world number 1 would like to finally triumph in the Bercy arena, a tournament that has never brought him great luck, as evidenced by the only final dated by now 2007. The 34-year-old from Manacor played three more semifinals, the last in the 2019, when he was forced to retire even before taking the field against Denis Shapovalov due to an abdominal injury. In a press conference after the victory over Lopez, Nadal expressed some interesting reflections on his glorious career.

Rafael Nadal on his 1000th career ATP match win

"I am proud of a lot of things in my career," Rafael Nadal said. "It is true that I have contracted injuries at different parts of my career. And I have always nurtured an unwavering passion for this sport, to continue this activity, I am also proud of it. Even after having accomplished a lot, I have always been able to keep this hunger for victories, to move forward, while keeping the humility and to accept the challenges to be overcome," Nadal said. But the Spaniard explained during his interview how none of this would have been possible without the encouragement and motivation from the people around him. Nadal gave special credit to his family and friends, who have supported him through thick and thin over the years. "There were times when things weren't going the way I wanted or expected. But I always had help with fantastic people around me and a family too. Without that, I will never succeed,” Nadal said. The 34-year-old Nadal achieved another milestone in Paris this year, too, having won the French Open last month to tie Federer on 20 major titles. But while there were 1000 fans to cheer him on in the final at Roland Garros, none were at the Bercy Arena because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 39-year-old Lopez won their first meeting back in 2003 and had beaten Nadal four times overall. He had 22 aces and troubled a sluggish Nadal, who failed to convert six break points in the second set but broke immediately at the start of the third.

 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/36dFEeL