Former seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe feels it will be stupid to write off Rafael Nadal in the upcoming US Open. Nadal was recently knocked out in the second round of Cincinnati Masters by Croatia’s Borna Coric, which spoiled his preparations for the New York Major.
However, Nadal has shown on multiple occasions that he can bounce back from any situation. The Spaniard went on to win the Australian Open despite not getting the ideal practice as he tested positive for Covid-19 before the first slam of the year.
Furthermore, Nadal once again faced trouble with a chronic foot injury before the French Open. However, he was able to continue his supremacy at Roland Garros as he went on to win his 14th title in Paris.
But Nadal had to pull out of the Wimbledon semifinal against Nick Kyrgios as he suffered an abdominal tear in his quarterfinal clash against Taylor Fritz.
John McEnroe told ESPN Press Room, “What we do know is that he could win this because he just won the Australian Open having not played.
“Rafa is definitely one of the favourites. There’s no question about it. Rafa has as good a chance as anyone to win this, if not more of a chance. The guy’s won 21 majors, what is it, 22 majors? I’m losing track. It’s incredible. We can never write him off.”
“As far as Rafa, it’s unbelievable obviously what he’s been able to do,” He said. “We didn’t think he’d be playing this long.
“So, the answer of how long he could play, there’s no way to know the answer to that either. I’ve never envisioned he would take six months off at 35 and turns around and wins the Australian from two sets to love down in the finals, and then comes through after having barely played and then wins the French at 36.
“That was less unexpected, obviously, but still nonetheless mighty impressive. And then he was at the semis in Wimbledon and defaults.”
Rafael Nadal will look to be at his best in the US Open 2022. The Spaniard will begin his US Open 2022 campaign against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata on Monday.
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