Rafael Nadal has become the latest star to join the incredible initiative by the Mutua Madrid Open. Feliciano Lopez and co-decided to give the fans and the players an opportunity to stay connected with their favourite sport.
Even though the ATP Masters 1000 event can’t go on court this year, the organizers have found a way to keep the tournament going. For the first time, we’ll be seeing a virtual version of the event. More interestingly, it will feature real players who will trade their racquets for game controllers as they battle it out on the computer screen.
The event already had the confirmation of big names like Andy Murray, Angelique Kerber and Lucas Pouille. Now, the biggest name yet has joined the bandwagon in the form of the Mallorcan tennis star Rafael Nadal.
Let’s find out how Nadal reacted to the big announcement.
How has Rafael Nadal reacted?
Rafael Nadal was announced as a participant along with three other players. Here’s the announcement made by Madrid Open on Twitter –
Hold on to your hats! 🎩 Here are four more players who have confirmed their participation in the #MMOPEN Virtual Pro! 🎮 @RafaelNadal, @kikibertens, @JohnIsner and @fioferro will square off virtually in a couple of weeks! 🍿
This is the list of players who have been confirmed until now –
Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, John Isner, Lucas Pouille, Angelique Kerber, Carla Suarez Navarro, Fionna Ferro and Kiki Bertens
Not long after this, Rafael Nadal revealed the feeling inside of him after this announcement –
“I do not know how it will be, but I hope to be with you and feel your support as always happens every time I play at home, this time virtual.”
This will surely make for some very interesting viewing for the fans at home. The best thing about this event is that it is working for a noble cause. It will be working to provide some financial support to the lower-ranked players.
Whom are you rooting for in the virtual Madrid Open? Let us know in the comments.