A few days ago there were some doubts about the participation of Rafael Nadal in the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin. Nadal did not look at his very best in his quick appearance in the ATP1000 tournament in Paris 2 weeks ago (he lost in the opening match). Furthermore, Rafa became a dad to his newborn son a few weeks ago, and he stated that being away from him was quite hard.
Eventually, Nadal decided to compete in the season’s finale with the relief of his fans and beyond. Popular commentator and former world number 87 Vicky Duval had an entertaining exchange with Jimmy Arias and Rob Simmelkjaer on the Tennis Channel.
She said she was pleased to see Rafael Nadal competing instead of remaining in Mallorca changing the diapers of his newborn son.
“I think we are really happy to see Rafa in the lineup. I would really be concerned if he was in Mallorca, changing his diapers but we see he is out there practicing and he looks great. He is a routine kind of a guy and and I think he has a good shot in that group of his,” Duval commented.
Rafael Nadal in 2022
Now ranked no.2, Rafael played his last match on the 2nd of November when he was overcome by world no.29 Tommy Paul 3-6 7-6(4) 6-1 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
Currently, during this season the Spaniard has managed to achieve a compiled 38-6 match record. Rafael conquered 4 titles in 2022 in Melbourne, Australian Open, Acapulco and French Open. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Indian Wells.