“It’s truly an example for everyone,” Marion Bartoli claims she saw the hunger of a 17-year-old wanting to win his first Roland Garros in Rafael Nadal’s eyes

The Spaniard suffered a first-round exit in his potentially last outing at Roland Garros.

“It’s truly an example for everyone,” Marion Bartoli claims she saw the hunger of a 17-year-old wanting to win his first Roland Garros in Rafael Nadal’s eyes

Marion Bartoli, Rafael Nadal (Images via Imago)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal probably played his last match at the Roland Garros as he took on Alexander Zverev in the first round of the 2024 edition of the tournament. It was an emotional moment for his fans as the 37-year-old fought against all odds to make himself available for the tournament. Although he lost the match, Nadal received heaps of praise for his hunger from Marion Bartoli.

The former French tennis player said that she could see the hunger of a 17-year-old boy wanting to win his first Grand Slam in Nadal’s eyes. Bartoli cited an example from the Spaniard’s match against Zverev to explain her point. She pointed out how Nadal cursed and expressed frustration after missing a shot.

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Bartoli said that it is this attitude that has helped Nadal reach the heights. The Frenchwoman also urged others to take inspiration and learn from one of the most elite athletes.

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I found in Rafael Nadal's attitude, once again and I insist on this, if he is such a great champion, it is because he hates missing a ball. And from the first games when he missed his long-line backhand by a few centimeters, he turned towards his clan and he cursed and wondered why he had missed that ball. And it is ultimately this attitude that we find as if he were 17 years old and playing his first Roland‐Garros. “It’s truly an example for everyone, at any level.
Marion Bartoli said about Rafael Nadal (H/T: We Love Tennis)

Rafael Nadal gets emotional after his exit from 2024 Roland Garros

While he gave his all for his fans, Rafael Nadal could not produce the result that he would have wanted. The 37-year-old lost the match on Sunday in straight sets and was knocked out of the tournament he has dominated for decades.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

The 14-time French Open champion got emotional following his exit from the 2024 Roland Garros. Nadal thanked the fans for their unwavering support and said that it was difficult for him to describe his feelings in words. The Spanish legend also said that if it was his farewell match, he enjoyed every bit of it.

It's difficult for me to talk. I don't know if it's going to be the last time that I'm going to be here in front of all of you, honestly. I am not 100 per cent sure, but if it's the last time, I enjoyed it. The crowd has been amazing during the whole week of preparation and the feelings that I have today are difficult to describe in words. But for me it's so special to feel the love of the people the way that I felt in the place that I love the most.
Rafael Nadal said after his loss in first round of 2024 Roland Garros. (H/T: ATP Tour)

Notably, there is almost no chance of Nadal coming back to Roland Garros next year unless it is for his farewell ceremony. Any which way, the 37-year-old had an emotional exit from the tournament that saw him earn the tag of ‘King of Clay’.

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