WTA professional reveals her experience about sharing court with Rafael Nadal

Spain's Nuria Parrizas Diaz got the chance to observe Rafael Nadal and share the court with him in the 2023 United Cup.

WTA professional reveals her experience about sharing court with Rafael Nadal

Nuria Parrizas Diaz, Rafael Nadal (Images via WTA, X)

Nuria Parrizas Diaz represented Spain in the 2023 United Cup and had the chance to play alongside Rafael Nadal. It was a dream come true for Diaz as she never imagined receiving advice from the tennis legend. 

This year, Diaz is a part of Spain’s Billie Jean King Cup team. Ahead of the tournament, Diaz, in an interview, talked about her career and reminisced about the time when she got the chance to observe and know Nadal a bit more, and from her observation, she found out ‘what a great person’ Nadal is. 

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I never imagined being there with him, having him on the bench, telling me what I should do. I listened to him, only to him. They were advising everyone, but I was only listening to him, always thinking, ‘Let’s see what Rafa says, let’s hear Rafa first.’ He was incredibly impressive; he treated everyone really well. I’ll always have that wish to compete alongside him again. 

Nuria Parrizas Diaz told Clay Tenis 

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has announced his retirement and is set to retire at the Davis Cup in Malaga. Nadal was last seen in action at the Paris Olympics where he lost his singles match to Novak Djokovic in the second round. In doubles, he teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz, and the two were eliminated from the quarterfinals. 

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Nuria Parrizas Diaz talks about her relationship with Paula Badosa 

Spain’s Billie Jean Cup team also has former World No.2 Paula Badosa. When Nuria Parrizas Diaz was asked about her relationship with Spanish players, she said she gets along with the current World No.12. 

Paula Badosa
Paula Badosa (Image via X)

The one I’ve spent the most time with is Paula, and we get along really well. I’ve always felt good with the team; there’s a great vibe, and honestly, I get along well with all of them. Some of us even train together whenever we’re at tournaments.

Nuria Parrizas Diaz told Clay Tenis 
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Diaz last played at the Merida Open in Akron and was defeated by Ann Li in the first round. The former World No. 45 is 41/ 27 on the season and hasn’t yet won a singles or doubles title.

Badosa, on the other hand, is 37-18 on the season and has lifted the Citi Open. She last played in the semifinals of Ningbo Open where she withdrew after losing the first round due to health issues.