“I’m gonna miss my nightmares about Rafa,” Nick Kyrgios has a heartfelt request to Rafael Nadal after Spaniard’s retirement announcement
Nick Kyrgios sent a heartfelt request to Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard announced his retirement from tennis.
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Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal (via MSN)
Nick Kyrgios has requested to play one final time against Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard’s retirement announcement. The Australian star also paid tribute to Nadal, declaring that he was a motivation and inspiration to him.
After Nadal announced his retirement, several sports legend and players, especially from tennis, have paid their tribute to him. The 22-time Grand Slam champion decided to hang up his racquet after a frustrating time with injuries for the past two years of his career. He will take part in the Saudi Arabia exhibition and then in the Davis Cup finals in November.
Kyrgios took to social media to react to Nadal’s announcement, admitting he was going to miss him on the court. He added that the Spaniard was one of those players who brought the best out of him.
Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa I’m gonna miss them. This was someone that I used to prepare for he was a motivation – I guess an inspiration. F**k – it’s true- people do bring the best out of you. You were one of those people.
Nick Kyrgios said on X
Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa ☹️ I’m gonna miss them. This was someone that I used to prepare for ☹️ he was a motivation – I guess an inspiration. Fuck – it’s true- people do bring the best out of you. You were one of those people ?? damn…..
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) October 10, 2024
Kyrgios didn’t have a very comfortable relationship with Nadal on the court. The Australian was famous for defeating the Spaniard in the fourth round of the 2014 Wimbledon. It was a result that elevated his game. After paying tribute to Nadal, he went on to request one final match with him.
Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time.
Nick Kyrgios wrote
Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) October 10, 2024
After Wimbledon, Kyrgios won against Nadal twice. However, it was the Spaniard that had the last say in their head-to-head, winning six of their nine meetings.
Rafael Nadal reveals his difficulties on the court following retirement announcement
Rafael Nadal‘s retirement didn’t come as a complete surprise to fans all over the world. The Spaniard had earlier announced that this season would be his last year on the ATP Tour. However, he chose not to inform anyone when he would reveal his decision.
Nadal has barely played in the past two years, as he kept struggling with injuries. The 38-year-old last played on the Tour at the Nordea Open, where he reached the final. In his announcement, he revealed that it was a very difficult decision for him.
The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two years especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.
Rafael Nadal said
Nadal will now take on the responsibility of mentoring younger Spanish players ahead of the Davis Cup. He has won the title five times in his career, most recently in 2019. The veteran will be a big boost for the team in Malaga.
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Victor Okechukwu
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