“He’s been the greatest…” Stefanos Tsitsipas heaps praise on Rafael Nadal as he attributes his success on clay court to the King of Clay

The Greek ace feels many records held by Nadal may never be broken.

“He’s been the greatest…” Stefanos Tsitsipas heaps praise on Rafael Nadal as he attributes his success on clay court to the King of Clay

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal (Image via: Imago)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has created a lasting impact on fellow athletes. The 37-year-old, who is in the last stage of his career, has inspired a generation of players, including Stefanos Tsitsipas. 

Fondly known as the ‘King of Clay’, Nadal seems to have inspired the Greek tennis ace, as Tsitsipas attributes his success on clay to the Spaniard.

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As the 25-year-old recently ended his wait for a tour-level title in Monte Carlo, Tsitsipas talked about the impact Nadal has had on his career. He claimed that the Spaniard’s consistency on clay courts inspired him. Tsitsipas also credited Nadal for the titles won on this surface.

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A lot of the big clay court titles that I have won is due to him, I think. His game serves as a source of inspiration for other players to try and pick and take the best qualities that he has on the clay court. This is something that he has been doing extremely well over more than a decade.
Stefanos Tsitsipas said.

He then talked about taking cues from the ‘King of Clay‘. Tsitsipas said that Nadal has set a precedent for how to play on clay courts and also hailed the Spaniard as the greatest of the sport.

So I try and apply some of the things that he has been using very effectively and accurately within his abilities and apply them to my game. I feel like he has been a great example of what clay court tennis should be and how it should be played. After all, he's been the greatest that has passed in our sport.
Stefanos Tsitsipas said during a press conference in Madrid.

Stefanos Tsitsipas claims some records created by Rafael Nadal will never be broken

Stefanos Tsitsipas then talked about the void that will be created once Rafael Nadal leaves tennis. The Greek tennis ace said that it would be a shame that Nadal wouldn’t play again in Madrid. Tsitsipas then went on to claim that Nadal’s legacy will live on forever. 

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal

The 25-year-old also feels that some records held by Nadal will never be broken. Notably, the Spaniard has won the most French Open (played on clay court) titles. Nadal has won 14 titles at Roland Garros.

It's a shame not to see him again in Madrid. I think his legacy will live on forever. He has done some absolutely stellar performances and broken records that I don't think will be broken again in tennis.
Stefanos Tsitsipas said about Rafael Nadal.

It is worth mentioning that Nadal is not yet done as he continues to stun opponents on his favorite surface. For example, the Spaniard shocked Alex de Minaur in the second round of the Madrid Open as he beat the Australian in three sets.

Despite losing to Minaur in Barcelona, Nadal pulled off a stunning win on Saturday, beating the Australian 7-6 (8-6), 6-3. With this win, the 22-time Grand Slam champion entered the third round of the ATP Masters tournament.

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