Rafael Nadal is outstanding; to be able to win what he has won is extraordinary: Spanish Tennis Federation President Miguel Diaz
Rafael Nadal will return to action at the Madrid Masters after being on the sidelines for over six weeks. The Spaniard suffered a rib injury at Indian Wells in the semifinals against countryman Carlos Alcaraz. The 35-year-old missed out on Monte-Carlo and Barcelona as a result, delaying the start of his claycourt season.
Nadal had an incredible start to the season, triumphing in Melbourne Summer Set before winning a record 21st Grand Slam title. Nadal followed up his Slam title with a win in Acapulco before losing in the final of Indian Wells.
In an interview with Marca, Spanish Tennis Federation President Miguel Diaz was asked about Spanish tennis as well as Nadal's season so far. In response, Diaz hailed the Spaniard's ability to bounce back from career-threatening injuries and keep winning.
"Rafa is an outlier. This year, with the physical problems that started the season, he did not know if he would be able to play in conditions. At one point, he was half limping into training. To win what you have won is extraordinary. Hopefully he will last us four more years because Spanish tennis has him as the biggest idol."
The Spaniard has not played since the injury he picked up at Indian Wells. He was recently seen hitting the practice courts with Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic ahead of his return to action in Madrid.
The GOAT is here 🙌
@RafaelNadal | @atptour | #MMOPEN https://t.co/aAWHBE2X8D
"He has already given a lot to Spanish tennis on many occasions" - Miguel Diaz on Rafael Nadal suiting up for Spain
The 21-time Grand Slam champion has won five Davis Cup titles while representing Spain, with his first triumph coming in 2004 and his most recent victory coming in 2019.
Spanish Tennis Federation president Miguel Diaz is hopeful that Nadal can participate in the Davis Cup one more time, but he understands that injuries and scheduling will play a major role in his decision.
"I trust because he likes it. Another thing is that I can't because of injuries or schedule. He has already given a lot to Spanish tennis winning on many occasions. If injuries and the schedule allow it, I think Rafa can be in our Davis Cup team."
Wait for it... Rafa's fooling around! 😂😂😂
@RafaelNadal | @atptour | #MMOPEN https://t.co/7qoSRt8qa2
Nadal is widely considered to be the best player in Davis Cup history, with a singles record of 29-1 in the competition.