Rafael Nadal says he feels like at home in Mexico as he gave credit to the Mexican crowd for always being on his side. On Thursday, Nadal defeated Casper Ruud 7-6 6-4 in Plaza de Toros Mexico. With that win, Nadal concluded his Latin America Tour.
In recent days, Nadal played tennis across Latin America as he made stops in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador.
Nadal on Mexico
“When I’m in Mexico I don’t feel like a stranger, I don’t feel like a foreigner, in the end when you’re in a country where we speak the same language and there are more things that unite us, when I arrive here I feel at home.
The reception of the people I feel is spectacular. It is a country where people know how to have fun, a happy country. And well, in all the places I have been in the country in Cozumel, Tulum, Playa Mujeres, and Acapulco, I have always been happy, I have always taken good memories of the places, but also of the people, of the food, of everything, and that always encourages me to come back,” Nadal said.
Nadal, 36, is no stranger to Mexico, having played in Acapulco several times. In 2005, Nadal debuted in Acapulco in a very impressive way as he defeated Albert Montanes in the final. Eight years later, Nadal returned to Acapulco and again won the title after beating David Ferrer in the final.
Nadal didn’t win Acapulco in 2017 and 2019, but clinched titles at the tournament in 2020 and 2022. Whenever Nadal plays in Mexico, he is a home favorite and the Mexican crowd shows him the full support. That was also the case on Thursday, when Nadal clashed Ruud.
Meanwhile, Nadal is now returning home, where he will presumably rest a bit before kicking off his preparation for the 2023 season.
