Rafael Nadal is having fun with some relaxation after taking part in the final official occasion of his profession in Malaga. The Spanish legend definitely hoped to get a greater outcome on the Davis Cup Finals on the finish of November, however Spain dissatisfied expectations and was eradicated already within the quarterfinals in opposition to all odds.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion determined to finish his profession on the age of 38, figuring out that he had given his all always and that it was the appropriate time to start out a brand new part of his life.
The previous world No. 1 performed solely 20 matches in 2024 and by no means gave the sensation that he might compete in opposition to the most effective gamers on the earth, additionally having to overlook a number of tournaments because of the common accidents. Rafa practiced laborious to get match on the French Open and the Paris Olympics, the final two large targets of his legendary profession. Nevertheless – additionally as a result of a not notably fortunate draw – the Spaniard was eradicated within the first spherical and second spherical respectively.
Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
As if that weren’t sufficient, the day earlier than the match in opposition to Novak Djokovic on the Olympics Nadal suffered a brand new damage that prevented him from competing to the most effective of his means. The 14-time French Open champion took a while to resolve his future, however he accepted actuality with nice serenity and acquired many tributes in current weeks.
The legend from Manacor has not solely gained many titles throughout his profession, however has additionally been a task mannequin for all those that have approached tennis. The previous Spanish champion performed each level as if it had been the final of his life, he by no means gave up within the face of accidents and difficulties, continually pushing himself past his limits.
An immortal legend
In accordance with FITP president Angelo Binaghi, Nadal is undoubtedly the most effective participant ever. “The best of all, by far, especially off the court” – Binaghi mentioned in a current interview.
Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
“In 24 years I have crossed paths with him many times, between one tournament and another. And Nadal is truly a special tennis player: a true gentleman, polite, beloved by the fans, someone who has given so much to tennis and has inspired generations to be passionate about it.
In my opinion even more than Federer, who in person, in my experience, does not have the same kindness and sympathy as Nadal.
And the same goes for Djokovic: certainly the best tennis player in the world, but who in my opinion does not have the sporting and human depth of Nadal” – he concluded.
What’s subsequent for Rafa?
His final dance was not as he would have preferred, additionally due to his bodily situation. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has suffered a number of defeats in opposition to gamers far inferior to him and never even his beloved crimson clay has saved him in essentially the most tough moments. Nobody is aware of if Rafa may have a task on the skilled tour even after his retirement. Nadal is unlikely to comply with in Andy Murray’s footsteps and turn out to be a coach, though many need him to offer some recommendation to his younger compatriot Carlitos Alcaraz.
The 2 Spanish champions have spent lots of time collectively this 12 months, particularly throughout the Paris Olympics and the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The 14-time French Open champion has praised the 21-year-old from Murcia a number of instances and promised that he’ll all the time be obtainable if he wants recommendation. The 4-time Grand Slam champion has a extra diversified recreation than his illustrious compatriot, however he doesn’t have the identical psychological power and depth because the 22-time Grand Slam champion. The closeness with Nadal might assist him particularly from this perspective.
Rafael Nadal, Madrid Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
In an interview with ‘Tennis Majors’, former Wimbledon champion Pat Money paid tribute to Rafa: “He’s very, very special. I’ve always said that if I had one person to play for my life, one match somewhere, it would be Nadal. Because if an alien came down from outer space and said, ‘OK, I know how to play tennis. I’ll beat anyone, give me your best’, you’d throw Nadal out there. Go on, handle his slice serve, try to handle this top spin.”
Money additionally added: “He just plays like nobody else. His competitiveness, ferociousness. Every season was interesting because you’d watch him, you’d go, ‘what’s he changed now? What’s he improved now?’
He just kept doing that. He kept changing his serve, getting it better. Kept doing different tactics, doing this, this and that.
Top players tend to do that. You go, either improve, or you stand still, as they say, and he was great at that.”
