ATP boss tipping Rafa to play in Turin

ATP head Andrea Gaudenzi suggests that Rafael Nadal won’t be able to keep away from next month’s eight-man ATP Finals in Turin.

The year-ender remains one of the few major honours yet to be won by the 36-year-old who only became a first-time father last week.

Nadal has left his scheduling plans flexible due to the birth of his son, also named Rafael.

But Gaudenzi, a former Tour player, believes the Spaniard will be front and centre when play begins November 13 in northern Italy.

“I hope he’ll come. In my opinion he will, because he’s never won the ATP Finals. He’s won everything else, but is still to secure the Finals,” Gaudenzi told Italian media.

The former three-time titlewinner added: “He has always complained about the fact it’s played on hardcourt and not on clay. He’s got a point, but it’s quite inevitable considering the scheduling.

“Anyway I know it’s an event he would like to win at all costs because it’s the only important title missing from his resume.”

After losing in the US Open fourth round last month, Nadal made a  flying visit to London just over a fortnight ago to participate in the Laver Cup, where good friend and rival Roger Fedrer said his goodbyes to tennis.

Nadal is also scheduled for a five-country exhibition tour at the end of this season, facing Casper Ruud in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Mexico.

ATP head Andrea Gaudenzi suggests that Rafael Nadal won’t be able to keep away from next month’s eight-man ATP Finals in Turin.

 The year-ender remains one of the few major honours yet to be won by the 36-year-old who only became a first-time father last week.

Nadal has left his scheduling plans flexible due to the birth of his son, also named Rafael.

But Gaudenzi, a former Tour player, believes the Spaniard will be front and centre when play begins November 13 in northern Italy.

“I hope he’ll come. In my opinion he will, because he’s never won the ATP Finals. He’s won everything else, but is still to secure the Finals,” Gaudenzi told Italian media.

The former three-time titlewinner added: “He has always complained about the fact it’s played on hardcourt and not on clay. He’s got a point, but it’s quite inevitable considering the scheduling.

“Anyway I know it’s an event he would like to win at all costs because it’s the only important title missing from his resume.”

After losing in the US Open fourth round last month, Nadal made a  flying visit to London just over a fortnight ago to participate in the Laver Cup, where good friend and rival Roger Federer said his goodbyes to tennis.

Nadal is also scheduled for a five-country exhibition tour at the end of this season, facing Casper Ruud in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Mexico.

Main photo:- ATP boss Andrea Gaudenzi