CAMELOT FANTASIES

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal practices with Stefan Kozlov in Miami


Mar 29

Posted by Rafael Nadal Fans

Despite an unusual day off, there was no rest for World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who was back on court working hard.  His hitting partner du jour was 16-year-old US Junior Stefan Kozlov. The 2014 Australian Open junior boys’s finalist describes his experience, in the Miami Herald.
“I came here and tried to pick up a credential and told the woman I’m trying to hit with Rafa,” Kozlov said. “She said, ‘We didn’t get anything about you.’ I gave her my ID because I got my permit [Friday].

“I got here at 1:30 and practice was delayed from 3:15 to 3:45 and I didn’t get let in until 3:35. Toni [Nadal’s uncle and coach] had to come out here and get me. I think that’s one of the toughest hits I’ve ever had in my life,” said Kozlov, who admitted he was nervous at the start of their 45-minute hit. “I’ve heard people talking about his ball, but I didn’t realize it would be like that. If it lands near the baseline, I jumped five feet back and had to really spin it short. It was really physical, and I didn’t realize he was going to hit like that before a match.”
Rafa will play the final against Novak Djokovic in Miami on Sunday. Match time and live streaming information can be found here.