Former four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier says there may be “so much to admire” about Rafael Nadal and subsequently he would completely like to see the Spanish tennis icon publish a guide someday.
Final week, the 38-year-old put an finish to not solely one of many best tennis careers but additionally one of many all-time nice careers in all of sports activities.
Since principally Day 1 of his profession and turning into a Grand Slam champion in his 2005 French Open debut, Nadal grew to become this large tennis famous person. However it was all however a clean street for the Spaniard, who battled varied accidents all through his profession however would at all times discover a option to come again sturdy.
Additionally, it must be highlighted that the previous 22-time Grand Slam champion was a fan favourite since early days of his profession and is now extensively considered one of many greatest ambassadors the sport has ever had. Nonetheless, the celebrity and recognition by no means received to Nadal in a means that it modified as the previous world No. 1 at all times stored a really humble demeanor and tried to be as respectful as doable to everybody.
Reflecting on Nadal’s retirement, former world No. 1 Courier particularly talked about that he cherished how the document 14-time French Open winner acted within the press room and when conducting interviews.
“The guy has been so much to admire. And I hope that he and his team will take advantage of not just what he’s given the sport on the court but also what he’s given in the press room. I hope they will put together a book filled with just absolute gems and observations that he has done in post-match interviews because he’s been someone who sees his world and tennis world and the sporting world so clearly and simply too,” the American tennis legend said on Tennis Channel’s Inside-In podcast.
“It’s hard, still that type of emotional experience, that he has consistently done, so there’s a book, a significant one that I think would be like ‘The Inner Game of Tennis’ book that would be here for a 100 years from now, to be done. Just pulling the gems out of transcripts. The guy’s been unbelievable to watch and to listen to.”
Rafa’s legacy, immortalized in pages? 📖
Jim Courier can’t wait for the book on Nadal’s career. pic.twitter.com/bhI7OTGIH1
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 26, 2024 Nadal had a very low-key farewell and a humble retirement message
After the 38-year-old lost to Botic van de Zandschulp and Spain ultimately bowed out to the Netherlands, the Spanish tennis icon had a small ceremony on the court in Malaga. During the ceremony, messages from other greats – Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Serena Williams were played.
When the time came for Nadal to say a word or two, he didn’t want to brag about his astonishing career or anything like that. Instead, he described himself as a kid from a small village who succeeded in his goals.
“The title, the numbers are there, so the folks in all probability know that. I wish to be remembered as a great individual from a small village in Majorca. I had the luck. My uncle was a tennis coach in my village once I was a small child, and I had an amazing household that supported me in each single second. Only a child who adopted their dream and labored as arduous as doable to be what I’m at present,” a teary Nadal stated.
“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
Nadal was ‘a really shy individual’
“I’m very grateful, very grateful for every part he has accomplished for the game. He’s a really shy individual; that is one thing that in all probability no one is aware of. The second you get to know him slightly bit extra, he might be very humorous. All the pieces he does he does with ardour. It is extremely good to see somebody with a lot enthusiasm for every part he does,” Lopez told Evening Standard.
In the same interview, the former world No. 12 described Nadal as “a really energetic and passionate” person. Because of that, Lopez said he has no doubts that the 38-year-old will do just well in retirement and remain happy in life.