Feliciano Lopez considers Rafael Nadal incomparable to any other Spanish athlete
The two Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Rafael Nadal met 14 times on the ATP tour, with Nadal winning ten of those matchups.
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Feliciano Lopez and Rafael Nadal (images via X)
Feliciano Lopez has shared his perspective on the career of Rafael Nadal in a recent interview. Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis last month, with the Davis Cup being his final ATP event.
During Nadal’s years on the tour, many Spanish athletes have come and gone. Some of the soccer players, such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Sergio Ramos, have been highly regarded and respected. However, Lopez believes that there is something different about Nadal.
In addition, he was world number one, he won Olympic medals. … There has not been an athlete in Spain comparable to Rafa in sporting terms. Sometimes the debate is fueled in a journalistic way, and I understand that it is nice to ask who is the best.
Feliciano Lopez said in an interview with Relevo
Nadal and Lopez have been friends on the ATP tour and have shared the court multiple times. Together, they have led Spain to multiple Davis Cup wins as well. Nadal holds a record of 10-4 against Lopez overall, with their final meeting taking place at the 2020 Paris Masters.
But this debate dilutes reality a little: if we talk about sporting performances, honestly and without offending anyone, I do not think that anyone can match him. And then there is what has transcended, what has moved… He has provoked emotions and feelings in so many people… Things have happened with Rafa in this country that have not happened with any other athlete, and that also contributes to it.
Feliciano Lopez added
Beyond tennis, Nadal has never hesitated to support Spanish athletes and players. He has been very vocal about supporting Real Madrid and grew up in a family that played football, the most notable member being his uncle, who played for FC Barcelona.
Former Wimbledon champion reveals when Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal should have retired
Michael Stich believes that Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal may have extended their careers too long. The former Wimbledon champion shared his thoughts on when he felt they should have retired. Stich suggested that Nadal should have stepped away after winning his 14th French Open title. He also felt that Djokovic could have chosen the 2024 Olympics as a good moment to end his career.
With Novak, it’s a bit different [to Nadal]. He has always surprised you. They have all surprised us at certain times in their careers. But I would have liked Rafael to say ‘I’m quitting’ after his 14th French Open victory. I would have also liked Novak to call it quits after winning the gold medal. What else could come next? The eleventh Australian Open victory?
Michael Stich in an interview with Tennis Magazin
Nadal is set to retire after the 2024 Davis Cup Final in Malaga. His last singles title was at the 2022 French Open, where he earned his 14th French Open victory and his 22nd Grand Slam. Since then, the 38-year-old Spaniard has struggled with injuries, limiting his matches.
If that drives him, all good. But at some point, as I felt, you don’t want to lose to the number 30, 40 or 50 in the world and have to work so hard. Finding the way out is always difficult.
Michael Stich added
Since 2023, Nadal only played four matches and reached just one final. His only final since his French Open triumph came at the Swedish Open in July this year. On the other hand, Djokovic won his only title in 2024 at the Paris Olympics, where he secured his first Olympic gold medal and completed his career collection of major tennis prizes.
Despite winning three Grand Slam titles in 2023, the 37-year-old Djokovic has confirmed he plans to keep playing. He aims to extend his career into 2025.
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Fahad Hamid
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