Feliciano Lopez says one factor that many do not learn about Rafael Nadal is that he’s “a really shy particular person” but additionally somebody who might be “very humorous” when feeling comfy 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 mainly there throughout Nadal’s complete profession. Throughout that point, he bought to know the 38-year-old extraordinarily nicely on and off the court docket. 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 neighborhood, Lopez had some touching phrases about who the 38-year-old was as a participant and particular person.
“I’m very grateful, very grateful for every part he has performed for the game. He’s a really shy particular person; that is one thing that most likely no person is aware of. The second you get to know him a little bit bit extra, he might be very humorous. Every thing he does he does with ardour. It is vitally good to see somebody with a lot enthusiasm for every part he does,” the previous seven-time ATP champion instructed Night Customary.
“One of many causes for him to be such an ideal competitor is self-belief. Rather a lot has been mentioned relating to his perspective on court docket and health situation, however I feel he’s nice tennis participant. Technically, tactically, he’s most likely if not the very best one then the second or third within the historical past of the game. Tennis-wise, he’s so highly effective. It is vitally tough to face somebody that’s enjoying with the identical quantity of depth each single level and doesn’t offer you any break in any respect.”
Lopez explains why there isn’t a want to fret about Nadal’s subsequent chapter
Though the final couple of years had been fairly tough and difficult health-wise, the document 14-time French Open champion did not wish to merely stop earlier than squeezing every part that he had left in his physique. And in Malaga, he confirmed that he was at peace together with his resolution as a result of he knew that he reached his ultimate vacation spot.
In 2022, Nadal grew to become a father for the primary time and his child son was current at a few of his matches this yr. Now that he’s retired, he’ll most likely focus extra on his household but additionally his tennis academy.
But when somebody is anxious in regards to the Spaniard’s future, Lopez says there’s zero motive to fret abot that as a result of he’s satisfied that the 38-year-old will proceed to dwell a cheerful life.
“I’ve at all times been very near him. I simply want Rafa the easiest for his life, for this new chapter. I feel he’s going to be very completely satisfied, as a result of he’s a really passionate particular person, very lively, prepared to do issues on a regular basis. I’m certain he’s going to get pleasure from his life after tennis,” the 2016 French Open doubles champion mentioned.
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 child from a small village” who was dreaming to in the future play professional tennis however achieved greater than anticipated.
“The title, the numbers are there, so the folks most likely know that. I wish to be remembered as particular person 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 ideal household that supported me in each single second. Only a child who adopted their dream and labored as onerous as attainable to be what I’m right now,” a teary Nadal mentioned.
“On the finish of the day, lots of people work onerous and take a look at their greatest each single day, however I’m one of many very fortunate ones that life gave me a chance to dwell an unforgettable expertise as a result of tennis. So, I simply wish to be remembered as particular person, a child who adopted their goals and achieved greater than they dreamed.”
Since Spain was the favourite to beat Netherlands, the hope was that the 38-year-old might cap off his profession with one ultimate title. Had Spain defeated Netherlands, Nadal and Co. would have performed in opposition to Germany within the semifinal on Friday.
