“Not a style I appreciate,” Rafael Nadal did not hold back from bashing Donald Trump after he became the President of the USA
Rafael Nadal and Donald Trump
Rafael Nadal rarely makes a statement outside the tennis world and almost never speaks on politics. The Spaniard always makes a concerned effort to be politically correct so in order to avoid any controversy. The former World No. 1 did however make some bold statements against former US President Donald Trump.
Trump became the President of the USA following his win in the 2016 Presidential Elections from the Republican party. He was the President for only one term which was marred by multiple controversies and scandals where Trump was himself alleged to be involved in the wrongdoings.
Nadal was in Australia for the 2017 Australian Open, just a few weeks after Trump’s coronation as the President. Asked about his opinion on Trump’s presidency, Nadal was quite critical and it came as a shock to many that the then-14-time Grand Slam winner spoke so blatantly.
“It’s not my style. I was in the United States when Trump was on the campaign trail. It is true that I don’t care for his manner of speaking — his way of expressing himself is not a style I appreciate. Also, I’ll be honest — the other option didn’t do much for me either,” Nadal had said a few days before the start of the Grand Slam in Melbourne Park.
Rafael Nadal went on to finish runner-up at the 2017 Australian Open
Nadal was seeded 9th in the tournament as he was still covering the setbacks of his injury trouble and poor form in the 2015 season. Nadal did not win a Grand Slam in the 2015 or the 2016 season. The 2016 season was particularly poor for Nadal as he failed to cross the fourth round in any major with a shocking first-round exit in the Australian Open in 2016.
The former World No. 1 bounced back brilliantly yet another time as he survived some thrilling matches to reach his fourth Australian Open finals. Awaiting him was his old rival Roger Federer who eventually became the champion after a thrilling 5-set clash between the two greats of the sport. The win saw Federer win his 18th Grand Slam title and at age 35, he became the oldest major winner since Ken Rosewall.
Nadal would reach another Australian Open final in 2019 but lost to Novak Djokovic as he missed out on the trophy yet again. His wait for a second Australian Open title ended in 2022 when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in one for the ages matches while also completing a Double Career Grand Slam.
Also Read: Rafael Nadal beats the entire Tour to get voted as the ‘Fans’ Favorite’ at the 2022 ATP Awards
Also Read: Venus Williams running favorite for US Davis Cup team Captain amidst Mardy Fish’s rumored exit
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)