Nadal and Verdasco, waiting to achieve their record in Madrid

The Mutua Madrid Open was scheduled from May 3 to 10 in the Spanish capital. In fact, this Sunday the final would have to be played in the Caja Mágica. In the midst of the world health crisis, the tournament was postponed. At first, it was already thought in 2021 and that this season there would be no tournament, but over the weeks a small option opened to relocate the appointment in September-October, depending on the progress of the pandemic at the global level. It seems complicated.

In this way, a record that Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco could achieve will have to wait. Both have 17 participations in the tournament, the same as Feliciano López, who from his position as director, despite being active, cannot participate as a player. Last season these two players equaled their brand, and in 2020 it was expected that both placed at the top with 18. That is, all editions except the inaugural one, in 2002, in which Feliciano was and in which there are only active, in addition to Toledo, Federer and Robredo of the 45 who formed that picture.

Nadal has won five times (2005, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017), with a great command since the appointment in Madrid became on land. It presents a balance of 52-12 in the capital according to the ATP. He has reached the quarterfinals always except in 2012 … when Verdasco eliminated him. That year and in 2009, he reached the penultimate round, this being his maximum cap in the tournament.