Martin Klizan reveals what it means to face Rafael Nadal

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Rafael Nadal has made the history of this sport along with two other legends such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The Big 3 have created a memorable rivalry that has transcended tennis and helped to create different factions among sports fans. Federer retired in 2022 playing his last match at the Laver Cup, while Nadal and Djokovic are still on the ATP tour. While the Serbian champion is still very competitive and won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics this year, Rafa really seems very close to retirement.

Nadal and Federer, Laver Cup 2022© @BastienFachan X account  

The former world number 1 has played only one Grand Slam tournament this year, the French Open, where he was eliminated in the first round by Sascha Zverev. The Spanish legend hoped to get a better result at the Paris Olympics, but his run ended in the second round against his eternal rival Djokovic.

Rafa’s fate is unclear at this time. The only two news we have for sure is that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will play the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia in mid-October and that David Ferrer has called him to the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in November. These calls are not yet final, but they testify to the willingness of Nadal to help his Spain.

Rafa doesn't give up

The former world number 1 has returned to practice at his academy and hopes to be ready for the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia, having already given up on the Laver Cup a few weeks ago.

In a recent interview with Punto de Break, ATP ace Martin Klizan commented on facing two legends like Nadal and Djokovic during his career: “With Rafa, you know he’s always going to make the game hell for you. There is nothing free. With Novak, you know that you have to be very precise in your shots; if you are not, he will destroy you. With Rafa, you can fight but also make winning moves. With Djoko, it is difficult to make winning shots, but you have to be very precise. Use the body service, mix everything with slice, the tactics is a little different.”

Fans would like the Spanish legend to end his career by winning another great title, but it won’t be easy for Rafa to shock the world once again. The champion from Manacor seemed to be in difficulty in the few matches played this year and suffered some very clear defeats even against second-tier opponents.

Rafael Nadal, Mallorca 2024© Stream screenshot  

Speaking with Eurosport, ATP legend Boris Becker discussed Rafa’s future: “It’s a very personal decision. Tennis is his livelihood and something he loves doing so successfully for such a long time. We should give him the time he needs. We’re not in his shoes. He knows he’s not playing at the level he did a couple of years ago, but he still loves to compete.

We shouldn’t be telling him what to do next. I hope it comes to a good end. At some point, every individual athlete has to recognize the end. Here he had a perfect performance. The red carpet was rightly rolled out for him – an absolute sports icon. People always talked about the Big Three – Nadal, Djokovic and Federer. They made tennis even more popular than the sport already was, they took tennis to a new level.”

An incredible career

Some insiders are convinced that Nadal will kiss professional tennis goodbye after representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in November. Given the level expressed this year, it seems unlikely that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will decide to play in 2025.

Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2019© Stream screenshot  

Recently, 24-time Grand Slam champion Nole Djokovic opened up on his relationship with Rafa: "No, there is no brotherhood. We are rivals and colleagues. In our situation, it has always been difficult to be close to each other because at this level, you can give a lot of information that might turn against you on the court. We have been sharing a part of our lives for a long time, and I would like our relationship to improve in the future. Both of us are very family-oriented, and our lives will change. Maybe we can share more things.”

He continued: "I don't know how he feels or what plans he has, but I wish him all the best. Maybe this won't be the last time we face each other on the court.” The 22-time Grand Slam champion also had a chance to share the court with his young compatriot Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics, but their run stopped in the quarterfinals. That experience could be repeated in the Davis Cup in November.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/QOSLVnu

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