Rafael Nadal is officially on the player entry list for the Rogers Cup, which will be held from August 7 to August 15 in Toronto.
“I’m very happy to return to Canada to play in Toronto,” said reigning champion Rafa “Toronto is a fantastic tournament and I have had some really great matches there. As a matter of fact, I won there the last time we played and I would love to defend my title this August and be again with my fans in Canada and around the world.”
With a 38-8 record, including a perfect 5-0 mark in finals, across 13 appearances — eight visits to Montreal and five visits in Toronto — Rafa is clearly at home on Canadian soil.
You can view the full thread of all the players on the entry list for Toronto HERE!
Source: Rogers Cup
Looks like Rafa will play Jack Sock or Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round next Wednesday. Nick is a possibility for the semi-final but there are other competent players who could get through.
I want to stay away from predictions. Just go all out Rafa!
It’s not the easiest draw given that Rafa hasn’t played for a couple of months. I’m taking this as a warm-up only, no expectations, and as ever, one match at a time.
Rafa is a double Olympic champion. Dream on Djoko!!
Happy Days are Here Again!!! Bye bye Novak…. .
Congratulations Sascha…. You showed strength and fortitude today, as you took him out!
Nice going!
No gold medal for Novak in the mixed doubles either.
Quite a lot of players have withdrawn from the Washington DC tournament, including Shapo, Hurkacz, Raonic and Isner. I expect there might be a few more (Khachanov and Karatsev I imagine) which might be why no time has been announced yet for the draw – supposed to be happening today. Rafa’s first match is scheduled for Wednesday, but those with tickets to the quallifying at the weekend can go and see him practice on centre court.
Update: the draw is at 12.30 local time.