A jubilant Rafael Nadal after winning the Monte Carlo Open, back in 2018. (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump once again spoke about his admiration for Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal.
It is not the first time that Trump has talked about his liking for the World No.2, who is a 19-time Grand Slam winner. The US President also invited Nadal for a meeting at the White House, however, there is a problem.
Trump wants Nadal to accompany the King of Spain during his visit to the White House on April 21. That seems unlikely as the date clashes with the Monte Carlo Masters final, which the Spaniard is expected to win.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are expected to travel to the US and meet Trump to “reaffirm our commitments to stand together to address today’s shared global challenges,” Spanish media outlet ABC reported (h/t Express).
“Do you know who is my favourite sportsman? Rafael Nadal,” Trump said. “I like Rafa. He is a guy who always, always wants to win. He is a winner.”
Meanwhile, the Monte Carlo Masters for many years has been one of Nadal’s happy hunting grounds. He is the only male player to win record-11 titles in the clay court.
Also, at the moment it is unclear if Nadal will accept the invitation as it clashes with the dates of his favoured-clay court season.
This is a tournament that builds up to the French Open and Nadal is expected to compete in almost all red-dirt events as he looks set to equal Roger Federer and his 20-Grand Slams.
Nadal is also the only player to win 8 consecutive titles at Monte Carlo and has appeared in the maximum number of finals – 12 times. The Spaniard has not won the tournament in Monte Carlo just 4 times (2013, 2014, 2015, and 2019) since winning his maiden title there, back in 2005.
Follow our dedicated tennis page for instant cricket news and updates
