The first ball of the ATP Finals has yet to be struck, but Rafael Nadal is already making noise in Turn.
The 22-time Grand Slam king received a rock star welcome from fans as he arrived in Turin ahead of the ATP Finals.
More: Rune Shocks Djokovic for Maiden Masters Title
“It’s always great news to be playing the last event of the year,” Nadal said. “That says that you had a great season.
“So I’m excited. Italy is a very close country for me. Being in Turin for the first time in my life is a new experience for me. So I’m very happy for that and very looking forward to seeing the stadium and the fans.”
In his first appearance on court since bowing to American Tommy Paul 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 at the Rolex Paris Masters last week.
The 36-year-old Spaniard has hit the Turin practice courts with American Taylor Fritz, who qualified for Turin after world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz was forced out of the season-ending event due to a torn left abdominal muscle he suffered in Paris.
The reigning Australian Open and Roland Garros champion spent some time fine-tuning his ferocious forehand.
The ATP Finals are set for November 13-20th in Turin.
Photo credit: Getty
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Blog RSS…