Nadal "honored" by Maracana kick-off
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E-mail Xinhua, February 17, 2014
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal revealed his delight at kicking-off Rio's local football derby between Vasco da Gama and Flamengo at the Maracana stadium on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Spaniard, in the city for this week's inaugural Rio Open, was guest of honor at the state league match.
"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 will begin the ATP 500 tournament against compatriot Daniel Gimeno-Traver on Tuesday.
The event will be played on clay at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Rio's southern neighborhood of Gavea.
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