“I want to…” Rafael Nadal names his biggest accomplishment in life as he reveals what he wants to be remembered for
Rafael Nadal bid farewell to professional tennis after a loss against Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup finals.
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Rafael Nadal (via X)
One of Spain’s greatest athletes, Rafael Nadal, bid farewell to professional tennis after 23 years of competing at the top level. The Spaniard ended his career on a losing note after suffering a defeat against Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp. However, the 38-year-old is excited about what he will be remembered for.
Nadal has had a stellar career, having established himself as one of the best players to have ever graced the court. The Spanish legend won 1,080 career matches and 22 Grand Slams, 14 of which came at the Roland Garros. But, on Tuesday (November 19), Nadal’s illustrious achievements didn’t matter much when he faced Van de Zandschulp.
The former World No.1 showed some glimpses of his powerful forehead strikes that sent the crowd into joy. Nevertheless, he couldn’t maintain the momentum, as Van de Zandschulp’s quality earned him a 6-4, 6-4 victory over the Spaniard. The loss couldn’t be overturned despite Carlos Alcaraz beating Tallon Griekspoor.
Spain suffered a disappointing 1-2 loss in the opening day of the Davis Cup Finals. Nonetheless, during Nadal’s farewell ceremony, he revealed that he would like to be remembered as a good person.
The titles, numbers, they’re there. People probably know that. The way I’d like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca. I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams, and achieved more than what I ever dreamed.
Rafael Nadal said (via Davis Cup Press)
Nadal’s loss at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga was the Spaniard’s second loss in 31 matches. He last lost at the event in 2004 against Czech Republic’s Jiri Novak before going on a 29-match winning streak before Tuesday (November 19).
Rafael Nadal hails his uncle for shaping his illustrious career
Rafael Nadal has achieved great escapades in tennis, but that is also a result of his uncle Toni Nadal’s influence at the beginning of his career. His uncle began training him when he was just a 3-year-old boy. With Toni Nadal’s strict rules on training, he molded the 38-year-old to become one of the greatest players in history.
Under the very watchful eyes of his uncle, Nadal claimed 16 of his 22 Grand Slams. In 2017, the 63-year-old step down from being his coach as he became tired of the hectic traveling tour. During Nadal’s farewell speech, he admitted that he was lucky to have had his uncle as his coach.
I had the luck that my uncle was a tennis coach and I had a great family. Just a kid who followed their dreams and worked as hard as possible to be where I am today. But a lot of people try their best every single day. I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live, I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis.
Rafael Nadal said via Daily Mail
Despite stepping down, Toni Nadal continued his special relationship with his nephew and, on several occasions, advised him on his career path. He went on to coach Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime from 2021 to May 2024.
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Victor Okechukwu
(688 Articles Published)