Rafael Nadal might not be playing in the Madrid Open this year, but Emma Raducanu has still publicly supported the retired legend. The ‘King of Clay’ won five times at his ‘home’ tournament and waved an emotional goodbye to fans last year.
He reached the last 16 before losing to Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. The 38-year-old had declared beforehand that it would be the last time he would play in Madrid and duly retired later in the year at the Davis Cup. Raducanu is currently in the Spanish capital, preparing for her own tilt at the tournament this year.
She took to the practice courts at Manzanares Park sporting a t-shirt from the Rafa Nadal Shop. He has his own clothing brand and sells merchandise through his Rafa Nadal Academy.
The move proved popular with local fans. The official tournament Instagram account also noted her gear and posted a video of the star hitting balls with the message “Hola, @emmaraducanu,” with a waving hand emoji.
The unseeded Raducanu has been given direct entry into the main draw. The 2021 US Open champion will be looking to build on her impressive showing at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals before losing to Jessica Pegula.
She shared a post from the official Wimbledon account that showed Nadal celebrating his 2008 win at SW19. She added a salute and heart emojis, underlining how much she appreciated the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
Raducanu will want to improve on her 2024 performance, though. She received a walkover in the first round before losing tamely to Argentine player Maria Lourdes Carle.
