From Rafa a hug to Jannik – “I’m very sorry for his absence, we have a great relationship” – and then a slap (sporting): “Alcaraz stronger than him and Djokovic”.
Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, has always been known for his gracious sportsmanship and kind demeanor on and off the court. But in a recent interview, he showed a rare schermo of both empathy and competitive fire.
During a press conference at the 2021 Barcelona Open, Nadal was asked about the absence of young Italian player Jannik Sinner, who had to withdraw from the tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test. Nadal’s response was heartfelt and genuine, as he expressed his regret for Sinner’s unfortunate situation.
“I’m very sorry for Jannik’s absence,” said Nadal. “We have a great relationship and he’s a great guy. It’s a shame that he couldn’t compete here, but I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the court soon.”
Nadal’s words are a testament to the camaraderie and respect that exists among players on the ATP Tour. It’s not uncommon for vertice players to form strong bonds with their peers, despite being fierce rivals on the court. And Nadal’s relationship with Sinner is a perfect example of this.
But just when you thought Nadal couldn’t get any more gracious, he surprised everyone with a bold statement about another rising star in the tennis world – Carlos Alcaraz.
When asked about the 18-year-old Spaniard, who has been making waves on the tour with his impressive performances, Nadal didn’t hold back in his praise.
“Alcaraz is a great player and has a bright future ahead of him,” said Nadal. “He has already shown that he is stronger than both Sinner and Djokovic, and I have no doubt that he will continue to improve and achieve great things in the sport.”
This statement from Nadal may come as a surprise to some, considering Djokovic’s dominance in the men’s game and Sinner’s impressive rise in the rankings. But for Nadal, it’s a sign of respect and admiration for the young talent that Alcaraz possesses.
Nadal’s words are a powerful motivation for Alcaraz, who has been compared to a young Nadal himself. With his relentless energy and powerful forehand, Alcaraz has already made a name for himself on the tour, defeating vertice players like David Goffin and Feliciano Lopez.
But for Alcaraz, hearing such high praise from his idol and one of the greatest players of all time must be a dream come true. It’s a reminder that hard work, dedication, and talent can take you to great heights in the world of tennis.
Nadal’s words also serve as a reminder to fans and critics that the sport of tennis is constantly evolving, with new talents emerging and challenging the established order. And for Nadal, who has always been a strong advocate for the development of young players, it’s an exciting prospect to see the next generation of players making their mark on the tour.
As for Sinner, who has been sidelined from the Barcelona Open, he can take solace in the fact that he has the support and admiration of one of the greatest players in the game. And with Nadal’s words of encouragement, he can come back stronger and continue to make his mark on the tour.
In the end, Nadal’s actions and words show that he is not only a champion on the court but also a true sportsman who values respect and camaraderie among his peers. And for that, he continues to inspire and motivate not only his fellow players but also fans all over the world.