Rome is hunting for a new idol and yesterday the first clues arrived as to who it might be. Apart from the usual – often wild – support for the Italians, he, the ten-time winner of the tournament Rafa Nadal, is making his way into the hearts of the varied people of the Internazionali. A snapshot is enough to understand the situation: 4.45pm yesterday, the first tier of the Centrale is already completely full waiting for the Spaniard to come here for his first Roman training session. Start scheduled for 5pm and despite the scorching sun suddenly returning to illuminate the capital after days of rain and cold, the public – who entered the facility thanks to a ticket ground – she waits for him trembling. He made himself wait, he appeared on the field at 5.37 pm sharp, accompanied by a resounding ovation. Because Rafa is Rafa and now that Sinner is no longer there (nor Alcaraz, with Medvedev in doubt) there are many who can’t wait to appreciate her magical game on clay.
The seat
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Of course, the condition as known is not the best. But after last year’s absence, which interrupted his streak of 18 consecutive appearances, Rafa really didn’t want to miss out. In yesterday’s hour and a half of work, with Marc Lopez as his sparring partner and coach Carlos Moya an interested spectator, Nadal initially appeared a little restrained, making mistakes that the crowd didn’t expect. Then he took the measures and began to deliver a few shots of his own, accompanied by the roar of the Central. There is also room for work on the service, then on the response, to close by giving away autographs and selfies to practically anyone who asks for them. He is in love with Rome and Rome also yesterday demonstrated that he still loves Rafa Nadal.
