His near invincibility on clay, his extraordinary physique, his titanic rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic: his opponents tell the story of the legend “Rafa” Nadal, who will bow out in November.
. “medal”
“We will see a lot of him in the future. For me it was a huge match because I know what a great player Rafa will be one day.”
Roger Federer, in 2005, after their very first duel in the final of the Masters 1000 in Miami overturned in five sets.
“Rafael is such a fantastic player that every time I win a Grand Slam tournament, I say to myself: ‘It’s still that much before he wins them all’.”
Federer, after winning the Wimbledon final in 2006. Two years later, Nadal won at the end of one of the greatest matches in the history of tennis, for his first Grand Slam coronation other than at Roland- Garros.
“What a match! To my friend and great rival Rafael Nadal, I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.”
Congratulatory message from Federer when Nadal wins the Australian Open in 2022. This 21st Grand Slam title for the Spaniard allows him to become the sole holder of this record among men. He won a 22nd at Roland-Garros the same year, before being joined and overtaken by Djokovic (24). Federer has 20.
. the duel with Djokovic
“It’s very difficult to beat him the way he’s playing right now. But no one is invincible.”
Djokovic after his third defeat at Roland Garros against Nadal in 2008. He would experience three more before finally winning in the quarter-finals in 2015.
Nadal “is undoubtedly the best in history on this surface and one of the best players to have played this sport.”
Djokovic after another defeat against Nadal at Roland-Garros, in 2012 in the final.
“Every time you enter this court (the Central Court of Roland-Garros, editor’s note) alongside him, you know that it’s as if you were going to tackle the ascent of Everest.”
“If you want to beat Rafa on his court, you have to play your best tennis. Tonight was my best tennis (…) It was a privilege to be on the court with Rafa for this incredible match.”
Djokovic in 2021 after his victory against Nadal in the semi-finals of Roland-Garros.
“Our rivalry has allowed us both to push our limits, we make each other better.”
Djokovic after his victory at the ATP Masters in November 2013.
. his physique
“This is not the first time that he has shown himself capable of coming back 100%, and physically ready, a few days after being injured and barely able to walk, he has done it many times in his career.”
Djokovic after his Roland-Garros 2022 quarter-final defeat.
“I thought I would beat him at times, but Rafa has a thousand lives.”
The young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz after their semi-final at the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells in 2022.
. monstrous on ocher
“Nadal is the best player in the world on clay (…) A formidable fighter, who doesn’t give up.”
The Argentinian Guillermo Coria, in 2005, a few weeks before the Spaniard’s first Grand Slam coronation at Roland-Garros.
“To beat him, I won’t have to be good, I’ll have to be monstrous.”
Richard Gasquet, at the 2013 US Open, before being beaten in three sets.
“He will win Roland-Garros forty years in a row. At 65, he will continue to win Roland-Garros.”
The Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in the middle of the quarter-final in Paris in 2008, lost by only scoring three games against the Mallorcan.
“It’s the biggest victory of my career, an unforgettable moment. I’m going to remember it until the end of my life. It’s a dream come true.”
The Swede Robin Söderling after becoming the first to beat Nadal on clay at Roland Garros on May 31, 2009. Only Djokovic (twice) and Alexander Zverev will also achieve this.
. his uncle Toni
“Until he was 17, it was me who decided everything. Then Carlos Costa (ex-world number 10) arrived as manager; his father also got closer; each with his own opinions. And the truth , is that every year I decide a little less, until the day when I no longer decide on anything.”
Toni Nadal in 2017
“My nephew is my nephew. I told Félix (Auger-Aliassime) when he asked me to coach him. I want Rafael to win. If he were to lose, it would be less painful because it would mean that the player I work with would win. But I don’t want to fool anyone. I’m Rafael’s uncle and he’s more than a distant nephew. If Felix played against my son, I wouldn’t want to see him win. is the same.”
Toni Nadal in May 2022 at Roland-Garros before the match of his new student, the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime, against “Rafa”.
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