Sport | Unseeded, unfazed: Nadal welcomes unusual role of underdog at Italian Open

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand during a practice session at the Italian Open in Rome on Tuesday. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand during a practice session at the Italian Open in Rome on Tuesday. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal said on Wednesday he was “excited to be playing in Rome” despite entering the Italian Open unseeded and ranked 305.

“All the matches are tough for me today, difficult and more unpredictable than what they used to be for me, especially on clay,” the 37-year-old, 10-time Italian Open winner said.

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