Rafael Nadal in action at the Mexico Open last February. (Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal said that he hopes Mexico or a Latin American country could host an ATP 1000 event in the future.
Spaniard Nadal is currently playing at the ATP 500 Mexico Open, where he has advanced into the semi-finals.
The former World No.1 was talking after his Round-of-16 game, on a range of topics when he decided to talk about the possibility of Mexico or any other Latin American nation hosting a Masters 100 event in the coming days.
However, Nadal also put in a word of caution saying that making it happen would be a complicated affair.
“For many years I have planned the option of the 1,000 Masters in Mexico. I do not want to disappoint you but being realistic is very difficult. The 1,000 Masters are what they are and I do not see which tournament will leave that category for Acapulco to be,” Nadal opined.
“I do not say because I was not delighted that Latin America had a Masters 1,000, I would love it and I wish I could help, but neither should anyone be fooled.”
He ended saying that Acapulco has been a great tournament despite it being an ATP 500 event and that Mexico should feel content with it.
Meanwhile, Nadal sailed into the quarterfinals of the Mexico Open defeating Serbian youngster Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets.
Nadal had to toil hard against Kecmanovic before overcoming his younger opponent 6-2, 7-5 to book a place in the quarter-finals. The 32-year-old Nadal will next meet top-ranked South Korean Kwon Soon-woo to secure a spot in the last four.
Nadal is aiming for his first title of the season having had an average start to his season so far. The Spaniard got off to a good start, however, lost in the finals of the ATP Cup against current World No.1 Novak Djokovic earlier this year.
This was followed by a quarterfinal loss at this year’s Australian Open against eventual runner-up Dominic Thiem.
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