'We’ve got a Capitals jersey for Rafael Nadal', says NHL player

Rafael Nadal endured all the obstacles in 2015 and 2016 to return to the top, ranking among the best players in the world since Roland Garros 2017. Despite some minor problems and a reduced schedule, Nadal did not think about serious injuries in recent years, winning notable titles and staying in the top 3 for over four years. Rafa has 20 Major titles and 36 Masters 1000 trophies, but he can't think of conquering big events right now, marginalized by a foot injury that has been bothering him for two months. Nadal felt enormous pain in the fourth set of the Roland Garros semi-final clash against Novak Djokovic that lasted more than four hours, took three weeks off the pitch and skipped Wimbledon and the Olympics. Working hard on his recovery in July, the Spaniard decided to test his footing in Washington, making his Citi Open debut in early August and facing a tough test in the opening clash. After more than three hours, Nadal prevailed over Jack Sock in the third set tie break, struggling with an injury but refusing to give up, like many times before. Admitting that he felt the pain, Nadal still wanted to step onto the floor against Lloyd Harris a day later, feeling a little better but falling 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 after two hours and ten minutes.

Nadal has had a great record at the US Open in his career

NHL star Lars Eller recently met Rafael Nadal during the 2021 Citi Open in Washington and gifted the Spaniard a Washington Capitals jersey with the Mallorcan’s name and No. 21 on the back. "It was great meeting him," Eller was quoted as saying by Washington City Paper. "We had a really good talk about both hockey and tennis. It was a tremendous experience to have had the chance to meet and talk to him for a bit." Eller further claimed he enjoys playing and watching tennis in his free time. As such, he considers Nadal's presence in Washington a "blessing." “It’s a sport I very much enjoy playing in my free time and also watching,” Eller said. "Especially having Nadal and this level of talent here, it’s a blessing to the city if you’re a tennis fan. We’ve got a Capitals jersey for him that I’m happy to hand over.” Nadal has had a great record at the US Open in his career so far. He has won won four US Open titles and finished as the runner-up on one occasion. Interestingly, all his four US Open titles came in the last decade.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3AVPkIx