Feliciano Lopez says one factor that many do not learn about Rafael Nadal is that he’s “a very shy person” but in addition somebody who will be “very funny” when feeling snug round somebody.
The 43-year-old, who retired from professional tennis final yr and now serves because the Davis Cup match directed, witnessed first-hand the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s farewell in Malaga earlier this week.
Since Lopez stayed in professional tennis for a shocking 26 years, he was principally there throughout Nadal’s complete profession. Throughout that point, he bought to know the 38-year-old extraordinarily effectively on and off the courtroom. Additionally they achieved main success collectively as they had been quite a few occasions Davis Cup colleagues – each completed with 4 titles within the competitors.
Now that Nadal has joined him within the tennis retirement group, Lopez had some touching phrases about who the 38-year-old was as a participant and particular person.
“I am very thankful, very grateful for everything he has done for the sport. He is a very shy person; this is something that probably nobody knows. The moment you get to know him a little bit more, he can be very funny. Everything he does he does with passion. It is very nice to see someone with so much enthusiasm for everything he does,” the former seven-time ATP champion told Evening Standard.
“One of the reasons for him to be such a great competitor is self-belief. A lot has been said regarding his attitude on court and fitness condition, but I think he is great tennis player. Technically, tactically, he is probably if not the best one then the second or third in the history of the sport. Tennis-wise, he is so powerful. It is very difficult to face someone that is playing with the same amount of intensity every single point and doesn’t give you any break at all.”
Feliciano Lopez and Rafael Nadal© Feliciano Lopez/Instagram – Fair Use
Lopez explains why there is no need to worry about Nadal’s next chapter
Although the last couple of years were pretty rough and challenging health-wise, the record 14-time French Open champion didn’t want to simply quit before squeezing everything that he had left in his body. And in Malaga, he confirmed that he was at peace with his decision because he knew that he reached his final destination.
In 2022, Nadal became a father for the first time and his baby son was present at some of his matches this year. Now that he is retired, he will probably focus more on his family but also his tennis academy.
But if someone is concerned about the Spaniard’s future, Lopez says there is zero reason to worry abot that because he is convinced that the 38-year-old will continue to live a happy life.
“I’ve always been very close to him. I just wish Rafa the very best for his life, for this new chapter. I think he is going to be very happy, because he is a very passionate person, very active, willing to do things all the time. I am sure he is going to enjoy his life after tennis,” the 2016 French Open doubles champion stated.
Nadal saved it fairly humble in his speech
All through his profession, the Spanish tennis icon was by no means the one to brag about himself. And after his profession formally got here to an finish, he did not wish to communicate an excessive amount of about his main accomplishments. As a substitute, he recalled being “a kid from a small village” who was dreaming to someday play professional tennis however achieved greater than anticipated.
“The title, the numbers are there, so the people probably know that. I would like to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Majorca. I had the luck. My uncle was a tennis coach in my village when I was a small kid, and I had a great family that supported me in every single moment. Just a kid who followed their dream and worked as hard as possible to be what I am today,” a teary Nadal said.
“At the end of the day, a lot of people work hard and try their best every single day, but I’m one of the very lucky ones that life gave me an opportunity to live an unforgettable experience due to tennis. So, I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid who followed their dreams and achieved more than they dreamed.”
Rafael Nadal© Tenis Espana/Instagram – Honest Use
Since Spain was the favourite to beat Netherlands, the hope was that the 38-year-old might cap off his profession with one remaining title. Had Spain defeated Netherlands, Nadal and Co. would have performed towards Germany within the semifinal on Friday.
