Keep
Madrid, finally, celebrates the return of tennis to the Caja Mágica, illuminated until Sunday May 9 in this very special edition. After the organization had to resign up to two times in 2020 due to the pandemic, the
Mutua Madrid Open peek out on this unusual tour of European clay, a date to keep and enjoy. Everything has changed in these times of coronavirus and the tournament, which since last Tuesday already works in the women’s team, understands the circumstances and adapts to the regulations imposed by the authorities. Before focusing on the rackets and presenting a great poster, it should be remembered that it will be played with an audience in the stands, with a capacity reduced to 40%, and that a meticulous protocol has been established to prioritize security.
Already on the slopes, the best players on the planet with Rafael Nadal at the helm, champion five times of this event and undisputed king of the land. On the way to 35 years old, the Mallorcan arrives with a soaring morale after his brilliant victory at the Count of Godó, his twelfth bite in the clay of Barcelona to exclaim to the whole world that he is still the boss. Nadal, who has been winning at least one title for 18 seasons, defies any logic and he seeks sensations in Madrid, a tournament that connects him with his people and that he prepares with care for the difficulties involved in playing at height. At more than 600 meters above sea level, the ball goes faster in the Magic Box and the number two in the world has to adapt to the circumstances, aware that it is the most complex event of all those held on land. Has not expired here since 2017 and this competition is essential in his calendar to continue his filming and arrive in fullness in Paris, the beginning and end of everything. “I think I still have room for improvement at the tennis level. It is my feeling and I think it is a reality. This victory is going to help me move forward. The moment of the season is perfect to win the first title. This week can help me to face what comes with a positive mentality, “he confessed after raising the Godó.
On the clay of Pedralbes, the Mallorcan went from less to more and ended up beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in a wonderful final, the Greek being the last to beat him in the Caja Mágica (2019). Although Nadal’s hegemony on this surface is unquestionable, the truth is that there are more and more specialists and there are young people who have taken the necessary leap to compete without fear against the best. Tsitsipas is a clear example, but in this Mutua Madrid Open we must not forget other players such as Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev (champion in 2018), Diego Schwartzman or Matteo Berrettini. Already with more tradition, and consolidated for a long time in the noble zone, is Dominic Thiem, who is resisting this tournament despite being one of the best on land. In the list of casualties, those already confirmed by Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Madrid has always been a special place for Nadal, happy because there are not many opportunities to play in front of his people. Few scenarios give off as much chemistry as the Caja Mágica when the left-hander jumps onto the track Manolo Santana and it is excellent news that, although it is not filled due to restrictions, you can hear that “Come on, Rafa!” universal. After falling in the quarterfinals of Australia (precisely against Tsitsipas and in five sets despite having two advantage) and hesitating in Monte Carlo (Rublev eliminated him in the penultimate round), Barcelona has been a springboard and wants to ratify itself in Madrid. Assuming that the epilogue is close, irremediable over the years, each tournament is a gift for him and more so now that his body demands attention and more pampering than ever. Meanwhile, the title counter continues to add up and there are already 87, 61 of them on the surface that has given him everything.
See them
comments
