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Nadal: Play in the best way I can for my country
Xinhua
Updated: 2008-08-04 21:54
BEIJING--Chaos greeted Spain's Rafael Nadal after he arrived at Beijing international airport on Monday afternoon as a great number of international press, fans and onlookers waiting for the nearly world No.1 Spaniard.
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Tennis player Rafael Nadal of Spain arrives at Beijing airport to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games August 4, 2008. [Agencies]
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In two weeks' time, the 22-year-old will automatically move up to world No. 1. In fact, he could have touched the top place immediately by winning in the Cincinnati tournament, but was down by world No.3 Novak Djokovic.
But Nadal said he didn't care about that, he cared about his country.
"I represent my country in the Olympics in Beijing, I will play the games in the best way I can," he said.
Nadal played men's doubles with Carlos Moya at Athens Olympics four years ago and he will play men's singles for the first time in Olympics in Beijing. Winning the place of world No.1, Nadal is one of the heavy favorites for the men's title.
"This is my first time to play singles games in Olympics, I don't have much expectations. I will enjoy the game," said Nadal.