“Proud to be a stepping stone for this man” Andy Roddick gushes over Rafael Nadal terming him as an important figure in his professional growth


“Proud to be a stepping stone for this man” Andy Roddick gushes over Rafael Nadal terming him as an important figure in his professional growth

Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick

Rafael Nadal burst into the tennis scene as a young teenage prodigy and showed signs of greatness from a very young age. There are many moments in an individual’s playing career that are significant. These moments give them immense confidence and self-belief. In Rafa’s career, there were several monumental moments but the initial ones are always special.

A while ago, Rafa had recalled similar moments in his tennis career. While many may think that his emphatic win over then World No.1 Roger Federer at Miami would too the list, but Rafa said that his victory over American legend Andy Roddick in the 2004 Davis Cup marked his career.

The win against Roddick, who was one of the best players in the world at that time, to win the Davis Cup for Spain is monumental in Nadal’s career and according to him, given all the circumstances, it shaped his career.

“The match against Roddick in the 2004 Davis Cup final is one of those that marked my career, and I will never forget it. People remember my performance for the freshness and how young I was, but the real architect of the victory was Carlos Moya, who brought us two points. I think I claimed victory because the crowd was there to support me; it was essential. I had some notable matches in every stage of my career, and this is one of them, especially after that injury. I played at a very high level and deserved the triumph after working hard on the practice court,” Nadal said.

Also Read: WATCH: Serena Williams practices on the grass for the first time ahead of her much-anticipated Wimbledon return

“A great man and a great champion, Grande Rafa”: Andy Roddick

Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick
Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick reacted to Nadal’s comments when shared by a Twitter user. He said that he is proud to be a stepping stone for this man and called him a great champion. “Proud to be a stepping stone for this man. A great man and a great champion @RafaelNadal Grande Rafa,” he said.

https://twitter.com/andyroddick/status/1537931115301724161

Nadal has confirmed that he will play at Wimbledon and will travel to London on Monday. He will train for a week on the grass and will look to win his third Wimbledon title in three weeks’ time.

Also Read: “Bad news for Novak Djokovic” Twitter goes into a frenzy over Rafael Nadal’s confirmation to play at Wimbledon

Also Read: WATCH: Serena Williams practices on the grass for the first time ahead of her much-anticipated Wimbledon return