'He wins more than he loses against Roger Federer and Nadal', says analyst

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal is ready to confront Fabio Fognini. The two will face each other in the round of 16 of the Australian Open 2021, after beating British Cameron Norrie and Australian Alex de Minaur quite clearly. In particular, the Ligurian has shown that he has found a high level tennis against a fearsome opponent.

An almost unexpected Fognini who, after the controversy of the match against Salvatore Caruso, was able to show off a high profile game. Also underlining this aspect was Nadal who, in the post-match interview, expressed himself as follows about his next opponent: “He comes to this fight with confidence and a lot of hunger.

He wants to win after the ankle surgery and I'll be ready or I'll try to be. It is never an easy match when you play an eighth of a Grand Slam", the words of the Iberian. In an interview with the French edition of GQ magazine, Nicolas Escude also gave his thoughts about Roger Federer's two main rivals - Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Along with Federer, the Spaniard and the Serb are chasing the all-time record for most Grand Slam singles titles in men's tennis history.

Escude on Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

"On clay, Rafael Nadal is above everyone.

It has, however, been more complicated on hard courts for some time," Nicolas Escude said. "On the physical aspect in particular, he says it himself. Knees, back ... It is difficult to get to the final rounds of these tournaments without being reduced.

Novak Djokovic is there and will remain so. He has the experience, the baggage, he runs after records. On other surfaces than on clay, he wins much more than he loses against Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer." Rafael Nadal is always considered to be a fan-favorite no matter the venue.

Fans show the Spaniard plenty of love wherever he plays, but there are a certain few who bury him with their hatred. Rafael Nadal is taking part in the ongoing Australian Open, and the 34-year-old experienced a bizarre moment during his second-round match.

As Nadal was playing against his American opponent Michael Mmoh, a disgruntled fan picked up the camera person’s attention who was seen displaying the middle finger to Rafa. Why did she flip off Rafael Nadal? No one knows including Nadal himself? As one could see, the Spaniard was looking for answers as to why she did that to him but maintained a calm demeanor as she insulted him.

The drunk fan was sitting right in front of a group of Nadal’s fans but didn’t seem to mind their presence. However, she was kicked out of the stands soon after swearing at the World No. 2. Here’s another such instance, but from a different sport.