ROTTERDAM, January 19, 2021 (Press Release)
Rafael Nadal returns to Rotterdam Ahoy for the first time since 2009. The Spanish holder of a record twenty Grand Slam-titles will participate in the 48th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. The tournament is held from 1 to 7 March.
Rafael Nadal: “I am looking forward to returning to the Netherlands. It has been a long time ago since I went to play in Rotterdam. This year the season has a different calendar and in this case it fits well into my schedule. It’s a tournament that I like to play and hopefully be in their honours roll. I hope to see again all my Dutch friends and fans in Rotterdam.“
Tournament Director Richard Krajicek: “It’s no secret that Rafael Nadal is one of my alltime favourite players. The intensity he brings to the court is unparalleled. His fighting spirit in combination with his unique technique is an example for everyone. The fact that he returns to Rotterdam after so many years makes it extra special, of course.”
It has been a while… Welcome back @RafaelNadal!#abnamrowtt #tennis #rotterdam #atptour #rafa #nadal #rotterdamahoy @atptour @ABNAMRO @RichardKrajicek @rotterdamahoy @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/LgPIey2K5U
— ABN AMRO WTT (@abnamrowtt) January 19, 2021
Unique career
Rafael Nadal’s career is unique. Twenty Grand Slam titles, of which 13 at Roland Garros, Olympic Gold in both singles and doubles and 209 weeks in the number 1 position are just a few examples. Recently a new record was added, when he was part of the global top-10 for the 800th week in a row.
Krajicek: “What applied to his debut in 2008 in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, still applies. Rafa is again in second place in the ATP Rankings. That shows how unique it is. Non-stop in the top 10 since April 2005. There is no one who will be close to this, or who will match him for a long time to come.”
Nadal in Rotterdam
Rafael Nadal could be seen live twice before in Rotterdam. In 2008 he surprisingly lost in the second round to Andreas Seppi. A year later, as the then number one in the world, he reached the final by beating Bolelli, Dimitrov, Tsonga and Monfils. In the final, Nadal had to leave the title to Andy Murray.
Krajicek: “We had annual contact about him playing here, but it did not fit into the schedule. Now that the season looks different in terms of planning, he was open to coming back to Rotterdam. Of course we immediately seized that opportunity. It would be great if we could add him to our Ring of Champions on March 7th.”
Entry list
Rafael Nadal is the fifth player announced for the 48th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament after Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori, Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner. Entry for the tournament closes on February 1.
