Rafael Nadal beat Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3 in the exhibition event titled, Hurlingham Classic in his first match on grass-court tournament since the 2019 season.
Nadal missed last season’s Grand Slam in London with a chronic foot injury but he looked to be in top form in front of the 1,300 crowd that packed Fulham, London.
The player, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, said he was pleased with the way he played and was confident that the match at Hurlingham would prove to be favorable ahead of Wimbledon, London’s Grand Slam which kicks off on 27 June.
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“It’s been a while without playing in a grass-court tournament,” said Rafael Nadal. “Since the 2019 season, I haven’t been able to play on grass because through tough moments, we are facing a pandemic and last season I had an injury. So, I feel very happy to be back on this pitch. It’s always a pleasure to play here at Hurlingham. It’s really special to be back.”
“To be honest, for me to be able to play a few games before the competition starts at Wimbledon is a positive thing. I usually play at Queen’s Club.”
“Now I’m older. I can’t play too many matches. For me, it’s perfect to have a few matches here before Wimbledon starts. It helps me to feel at least a competitive feeling before Wimbledon.”
Switzerland’s Wawrinka, who won a wild card for Wimbledon, said he played against ‘a normal Rafa’ and felt the Spaniard was unaffected by the problem with his leg.
“I don’t know how he feels, he looks like a normal Rafa,” admits Wawrinka. “He has said he is feeling better and if he plays he is ready to play his best game and win. I think whenever Rafa enters a Grand Slam he will be one of the favourites.”
“He won his first two Grand Slam titles without playing too many games before playing that Grand Slam, so he’s got the confidence so of course he’s part of the favourites.”
After the match, the Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic slaughtered the Canadian, Felix Auger Aliassime with a landslide result 6-2, 6-1.
After suffering a bitter defeat, Auger Aliassime stated, “He is much better than me, of course. What a difficult day on the pitch.”
“He played well. I’m having trouble with my serve. I felt Novak hit the ball well and returned the ball just as well from the first game.”
