Feliciano Lopez is hoping Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer return for the Madrid Open in 2022.
The Mutua Madrid Open received a contract extension until 2030 on the ATP Tour. This will come as good news for those who love clay tennis. As such, tournament director Lopez is looking to get as many big names as possible. ‘
Nadal and Federer will miss the calendar year of 2021 due to injuries. However, Lopez wants them for the tournament, and is hoping Nadal and Federer return for the Madrid Open in 2022, which will be the event’s 20th edition.
“We hope to see Rafa (Nadal) in the next edition,” Lopez said.
“He is still young and has shown that he can overcome injuries. He will be welcome because he is the most beloved player in the tournament.”
Lopez also had kind words for Federer, and extended the invitation to the Swiss ace as well. “I hope Federer also recovers because that will mean that we have all the best available for the tournament,” he said.
Recoveries
Nadal and Federer are both out due to injuries. Both legends and 20-time Grand Slam winners have set their returns for 2022. Nadal might target a return at the 2022 Australian Open. Federer, meanwhile, has not set a return date, and his return to action is still up in the air.
Nadal was last seen playing against Jack Sock in the Citi Open. He suffered a foot injury at the event, and decided to withdraw and not play for the rest of 2021. He has not had a good 2021 as well, with his loss in the Madrid Open quarterfinals to Alexander Zverev still fresh in fans’ memories. Federer, meanwhile, drew the curtains on his 2021 due to his persistent knee injuries
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