Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest to have played tennis, has decided to draw the curtains on his illustrious career. Announcing his retirement on Thursday, the Spanish legend said the Davis Cup finals next month will be the last competitive tournament of his career during which he won a phenomenal 22 Grand Slam titles.
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While Nadal is undoubtedly one of the finest tennis players ever, his fandom spreads beyond the sport.
Among his admirer is India cricket legend MS Dhoni. During an event in 2017, the former India captain explained why Nadal has been his favourite player.
“Somehow, I have always been a No. 2 supporter. Not consciously, but it just happens. You know, I was an Andre Agassi supporter and he was No. 2 that time. Steffi Graf, she was No. 2. Then Nadal No. 2. Of course, he went on to become the World No. 1,” Dhoni had said.
“But I think his never [say] die attitude even when it’s the last point, he’s losing, he’ll still give it its best and that’s what is something that is very important – not to throw in the towel until the result is there. That’s why Nadal, for me, he never throws in the towel and gives his best whatever the situation may be,” Dhoni added.
Nadal will feature for Spain against the Netherlands in the Davis Cup in Malaga scheduled to be held from November 19-21. That will mark the end of his remarkable playing career.
Nadal claimed his first ATP match victory in his hometown Mallorca at the age of 15 years and 10 months in 2002. He bagged his first ATP title in Sopot, Poland, on clay court. Out of his 22 Grand Slam titles, Nadal won the French Open 14 times. He has also been the champion at the Australian Open (2009, 2022), Wimbledon (2008, 2010) and the US Open (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019).
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