Nadal was eliminated at the Italian Internationals by Hurkacz. What emerged after the match was surprising
The participation of Rafa Nadal at the 2024 Internazionali d’Italia. An elimination, certainly not unexpected, for the Iberian champion who lost 6-1; 6-3 against Hubert Hurkacz.
The coincidence that happened to the Polish tennis player is curious. It was he who played what was the last match of his career Roger Federer in the quarterfinals of the 2021 edition of Wimbledon. In all likelihood, Hurkacz was also the last opponent Nadal faced in Rome, a tournament that Rafa won ten times in his career.
A clear victory for the Pole. At the moment, he has too much difference in condition with Nadal, never incisive in his shots and outclassed by an impeccable performance from his rival, unassailable especially in the service rounds. Although the knockout was certainly not unexpected, Nadal never likes defeats and he confirmed this with the quick greeting to the public at the Centrale at the end of the match, before quickly heading towards the changing rooms.
Nadal, everything is blown: the backstory
A gesture that surprised those present on the Centrale and the audience at home who were expecting a farewell ceremony dedicated to Nadal as happened recently at the Madrid Masters after the knockout with Lehecka.
In fact, the tournament organizers had prepared something to pay the right and deserved tribute to Nadal, in what could be his last match at the Foro Italico. In particular, according to what was reported by the ‘Corriere della Sera’, a ceremony was planned on the field with a video celebrating Rafa’s exploits in Rome and beyond.
It was expected, therefore, that Nadal would return to the court after heading to the locker room. The Spaniard, however, would have declined the organizers’ invitation with a definitive No. He explained the reason – indirectly – himself in the press conference.
“I never said this would be my last time in Rome – Rafa revealed – at least not 100% maybe 98%. In Madrid I said it was the last time because it is a different tournament and with different conditions.” These are decidedly surprising statements from Nadal, who was nevertheless the protagonist of an unforgettable event at the Forum.
The images of Rafa who, on the catwalk set up near the Center, greets the thousands of spectators present to greet him amidst chants and applause, will remain forever in the history of the Rome tournament. After all, Nadal won this time too.
