By Richard Pagliaro
Roman ruler Rafa Nadal is tuning up for his return to the Eternal City with some heavy home hitting.
The nine-time Rome champion has been training with Grigor Dimitrov on the red clay courts of the Rafa Nadal Academy in his native Manacor.
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The Internazionali BNL d'Italia will be staged on Rome's red clay September 14th-21st. Organizers announced no fans will be permitted in Rome this year due to Coronavirus health concerns.
Reigning Roland Garros champion Nadal, who opted against defending his US Open title to train for the European red clay, has been hitting home dirt with vigor.
The Rafa Nadal Academy courts have become a bit of a training home away from home for Dimitrov, who is based in Monaco.
It is the third time the Bulgarian has trained at the Academy to tune up for tournaments.
In 2017, Dimitrov visited Manacor in both November and July, shortly before winning the first Masters 1000 title of his career in Cincinnati.
Prior to Dimitrov's visit, Nadal has been training with Pablo Andujar.
Photo credit: Rafa Nadal Academy