What was Rafael Nadal’s response to John McEnroe’s accusation of having “privileges”

After the abdominal injury that forced him to retire from the Wimbledon semifinals almost two months ago, and after his unsuccessful return to Cincinnati (lost in the first round to Coric), Rafael Nadal made it through a complex debut against Australian Rinky Hijikata and entered the second round of the USEOpen. He lost the first set, but managed to come back 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3.

Absent in 2020 and 2021, this is his 16th. presence in the American Grand Slam and there he keeps intact his record in the first rounds: 16-0. Additionally, this year he has extended his unbeaten record in the Majors (20-0) and is aiming for his 23rd title in this tournament category. His next rival, an old acquaintance: Fabio Fognini.

In a press conference, after analyzing the game, his rival and commenting on the feelings of having played again in New York three years later, a question from a journalist removed him from the strictly tennis court and made him live an uncomfortable moment.

“During the last Grand Slam tournaments some commentators have criticized you saying that you don’t respect the 25 seconds to serve rule. For example, John McEnroe He said chair umpires don’t strictly enforce this rule in your case. Do you think there are different rules for Rafael Nadal than the rest due to your huge legacy? the reporter asked.

Nadal’s response, at first, was a laugh. “I think it’s a joke. I have received many warnings throughout my career and it has never been for breaking a racket or making a mess on the court, but it has been for the time on the service clock. I don’t know why John says that. “plot.

Then, he offered his explanation for this problem, which usually puts him at the center of criticism and which has generated more than one question with several referees: “I have a problem. I sweat a lot, even more in these humid conditions. We don’t have ball boys bringing us towels today, like in the last few years, so it’s a problem for players like me. But I don’t think he gets any different treatment, absolutely. “

That said, the reporter retorted and asked him if, since he sweats a lot, he thinks there should be different rules for him. “I never said that,” the Majorcan replied, laughing again and visibly uncomfortable with this conversation. “I’m following the rules. Whenever I take more than 25 seconds, I get a warning. If not, check the clock. I really don’t think he gets any different treatment from the judges. “he concluded.

What does Nadal need to be number 1?

Raffaello Nadal dreams of lifting his fifth title in New York, with which he would equal the highest score of Connors, Sampras and Federer, extend his record as the best winner of the Grand Slam tournaments and, why not, set his sights on the 24 Majors at Margaret Court. The motivation is great, as she, on top of all this, could leave the United States as the new number 1 in the world and dethrone Daniel Medvedev.

This fight is not just between two, but they are also fighting for that privileged place Carlos Alcaraz Y Casper Ruud. In any case, Rafa has a significant numerical advantage and has the peace of mind that comes from knowing that he is not defending points. The accounts are clear.

Nadal will be number 1 in the world, since he has already held for 209 weeks, if …

• Win the title regardless of what Medvedev, Alcaraz and Ruud do.
• Reaches the final, but does not lose it with the Russian.
• He reaches the semifinal, but none of his three competitors become champion.
• He reaches the quarter-finals, without Medvedev being a finalist, nor are Alcaraz and Ruud champions.
• Lose in 2nd. or 3rd. Ronda, without any of the other three reaching the final.

Players with more weeks as number 1

• Novak Djokovic: 373 weeks
• Roger Federer: 310
• Pete Sampras: 286
• Ivan Lendl: 270
• Jimmy Connors: 268
• Rafael Nadal: 209
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• .
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• Daniel Medvedev: 16