World number one Rafael Nadal graced a football game in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as a special guest of honor. The Spaniard is in the Brazilian city this week to compete at the inaugural Rio Open 2014 tournament, an ATP 500 claycourt event.
Nadal and close friend Juan Monaco were at the Maracanã stadium to watch the Vasco vs Flamengo match. Prior to the game, Nadal had his moment in the field.
“I think it was a very special experience,” Nadal said. “I’m a big fan of sports, of football, and this is one of the most important stadiums in the world. It has a lot of history and with the renovations it looks very nice. I think that it’s going to be a very special stadium for the World Cup. It was an honor to have the opportunity to do the match kick off here.”
Nadal is the heavy favorite to win the Rio Open 2014 tournament.
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