Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud have been thrilling crowds across South America over the last two weeks with a host of exhibition tennis played in some stunning venues.
Competing in Buenos Aires, Belo Horizonte, Quito, Bogota and concluding in Mexico City, the World No.2 and No.3 entertained their adoring fans with some light-hearted thrills, proving once again the sport's pull in Latin America after they sold out venues across the continent.
Nadal ended the fortnight with a 4-1 winning record over his good friend Ruud, with the Norwegian's only triumph coming in Quito, Ecuador.
However, the last duel in Mexico City will surely be remembered for the epic setting it offered in which to host a tennis match rather than the rallies on show.
The Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico hosted the match, a truly gorgeous surrounding that reportedly welcomed over 40,000 fans to watch.
Nadal wrapped up the series with a 7-6, 6-4 victory in front of delighted Mexican fans with the tennis stars giving the crowd the respect they were owed, fervently competing for each point and trading winners.
As much as the tennis on show would have delighted those who attended each venue, the exhibition tour was more a chance for Nadal lovers to get a glimpse of the 22-time Grand Slam champion in the flesh, possibly for the final time, as the Spanish star enters the twilight of his career.
Next up for the duo is some much-needed rest, recuperation and family time over the festive period ahead of another gruelling 2023 season on the horizon.
That all starts with the inaugural United Cup, a mixed event that could see Nadal face long-term rival Nick Kyrgios in what would prove to be a mouth-watering start to the year.
They are set to meet in Group D as Spain take on home-nation Australia.
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