World No. 2 Rafael Nadal of Spain yesterday said Taiwanse tennis fans could expect quality ground strokes and long rallies — and a Nadal victory — in today’s exhibition match between himself and his compatriot David Ferrer.
On his first day in Taiwan, Nadal appeared quiet but relaxed at the press conference, which Ferrer did not attend because of a flight delay.
Stretching, tossing the microphone up and down and sometimes loosening his shoes during his 30-minute meeting with the media, the 25-year-old said he was thrilled to be in Taiwan.
Photo: Reuters
“For me, it’s always a real pleasure to know new places,” he said, adding that he was impressed with the hospitality at the airport.
The 10-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 5 Ferrer were scheduled later yesterday to coach 10 players from National Taiwan Sport University, where the Spaniards will also play each other in their exhibition match.
Looking ahead to the match with Ferrer, Nadal said he was anticipating a close showdown as both of them pride themselves on playing the ball deep to their opponents.
“It will be demanding physically and mentally,” he said, but he assured the press that he would emerge victorious.
Apart from the match, Nadal said he thought Taiwan was an enthusiastic sporting nation.
Nadal said Taiwan’s Lu Yen-hsun was “fantastic,” and he appeared interested in the performances of other Taiwanese sports stars, including baseball pitcher Wang Chien-ming and golfer Yani Tseng.
It is the third time this year that Taiwan has invited world-class tennis players for exhibitions.
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