Off the wire
• Shenzhen stock indices close mixed Monday  • Hushen 300 Index closes 0.86 pct higher Monday  • S. Korea, Japan to end currency swap deal amid sour ties  • ChiNext Index closes 3.9 pct higher Monday  • Shanghai stock indices close higher Monday  • Andrew Hsia appointed Taiwan's new mainland affairs chief  • Chinese taxi apps deny monopoly concerns  • 1st LD: Australian-flagged fishing boat heads home after Antarctic ice drama  • Urgent: South Korean parliament approves PM nominee  • Swine flu kills over 500 in India so far this year  
You are here: 　 Home

Nadal experiences "unforgettable" Rio Carnival in rain

Xinhua, February 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer enjoy what they described as "unforgettable" Carnaval festivities in Rio de Janeiro Sunday night, despite a heavy rain suddenly hit the marvelous city.

The heavy rain, however, didn't stop the passion of the people in Rio, including the top two seeds who will participate in Rio Open next week.

Along with Brazilian former World No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten, Nadal and Ferrer made their debut at the Carnaval, officially opening the shows of the Special Group, with Unidos da Viradouro. The Spaniards were all smiles and even tried to samba while cruising the Sambodromo.

"It was the first time we had the chance to enjoy the Rio Carnaval and it has been an unforgettable experience," said Nadal. "There was unbelievable positive energy from everyone. Everyone was singing and dancing; it was fantastic for me to have the chance to enjoy this unique experience."

"I think I danced more today than I did in my entire life. I hope I can improve for next year," added Ferrer. "If I have the chance, I would love to do it again."

Nadal and Ferrer play their first round matches in Rio on Tuesday, opening against Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci and Daniel Gimeno-Traver, respectively. Endi