According to his coach Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal may not play in Miami after competing in Indian Wells. The Spanish legend had an outstanding start of his season after winning the Australian Open alongside 2 other tournaments (ATP250 in Melbourne and Acapulco). The world number 4 is now in Indian Wells, where he will be among the top favorites.
Why Nadal may not play in Miami
It is well known that Rafael Nadal has a huge focus on the clay-court season. Rafa has been struggling a lot with a foot injury and therefore, it could not be advisable to play 2 big competitions (Indian Wells and Miami) right before the clay-court season on hard court.
Rafael Nadal’s coach Francisco Roig commented
“We don’t know yet [if he will play in Miami]. We have to play in Indian Wells first and see how he feels. Once the tournament is over, we’ll assess whether or not we go to Miami.
Rafa has always quite liked Indian Wells; the ball bounces a lot, a dry environment, since the humidity bothers him because of what he sweats. There are options but we must be cautious and do things well.”
Will Djokovic play in Indian Wells and Miami?
Novak Djokovic is still on the entry list of both Indian Wells and Miami. However, since he is unvaccinated, he cannot enter the United States. Therefore, it is extremely plausible that he will not play in the Sunshine Double.
Nevertheless, Novak received the good news that he would be able to compete in Monte Carlo and the French Open.
Rafael Nadal in 2022
Ranked world no.4, the Spaniard played his last match on the 26th of February when he overcame world no.12 Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-4 in the final in Acapulco to win his 91st career title.
Currently, during this year the Spaniard has achieved a composed 15-0 record. Rafael clinched 3 titles in 2022 in Melbourne, at the Australian Open and in Acapulco.
Novak Djokovic in 2022
WWWWWLWWLW Currently ranked no.2, Novak played his last match on the 24th of February when he surrendered to world no.74 Jiri Vesely 6-4 7-6(4) in the quarter in Dubai (draw).
This season Novak has managed to achieve an overall 2-1 win-loss record.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic fought against each other 58 times. Their actual record is 30-28 for Djokovic. The last time they squared off, Novak Djokovic won 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in the semifinal in Paris (French Open) in June 2021.
Here the highlights.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic |
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