PHOTOS/VIDEO: Rafael Nadal's pre-tournament press conference at Abierto Mexicano Telcel 2022

One of the most favorite players for the Mexican public is ready to start his participation in the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC. The Spaniard Rafael Nadal (No. 6) said he was happy to return to a tournament that has seen him grow and that has accompanied him throughout his career.

Despite the options he has during the start of this season, the Spaniard mentioned that he likes to choose Acapulco to compete after the first Grand Slam of the year: “I know there are other events in the week, but I have always said that I like to be in Acapulco. This year I’m here and it makes me happy. Next year we’ll see,” the player said.

The publics affection has been one of the main reasons for Nadal to be in the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, as Rafa said: ” I have always felt supported in Latin America. There’s no exception in Acapulco, I have always felt the affection of the people and I thank the Mexican public for the support they give me when I play here, or I am visiting”.

Despite the physical activity he lived at the Australian Open, his 21st Grand Slam was remarkable, the Spaniard made clear his reasons why he decided to attend the tournament once again: “I come for two very simple and easy reasons: one being that I have played very little in practically two years, and I feel like playing tennis, this is the simplest reason,” he said.

During the main draw ceremony, Nadal recognized that his possible path in the tournament is not simple at all: “It is a complicated draw. A very difficult first round, with a very good player (Reilly Opelka) (Opelka has withdrawn and (LL) Denis Kudla will be Rafa's opponent) that nobody would want to have as a rival in a first round of the tournament. I will try my best to advance in the best possible way,” said the Spaniard.
Rafael Nadal’s debut at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC will be on Tuesday, the second day in which the matches of the first round will be completed. The winner of 21 Grand Slams will seek a fourth victory in Acapulco, something that only Thomas Muster and David Ferrer have been able to achieve, top winners of the tournament.

Source: abiertomexicanodetenis.com

Photos; EFE; AMT