by Patrick McEnroe explained how Rafael Nadal influenced tennis before the Spaniard’s retirement.
The 38-year-old has just one month left as a professional tennis player after announcing he will retire from the sport after the Davis Cup final in November.
The event will take place from November 19th to 24th in Malaga, Spain and will give Nadal the opportunity to say goodbye in front of his home fans.
He is retiring after a brilliant career and is undisputedly one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
What did Patrick McEnroe say about Rafael Nadal before his Davis Cup withdrawal?
Many current and former players have had some kind words to say about Rafael Nadal, who will be retiring at the end of the season.
Patrick McEnroe is one of the latest to pay tribute to the 22-time Grand Slam champion in an interview on Tennis Channel.
What Nadal often says is his excellent attitude, his commitment to the game and his fighting for every point as if it were his last.
McEnroe expressed similar sentiments, but also emphasized the influence he had on the younger generation. “He’s probably the biggest competitor we’ve seen in tennis, maybe in sport in general – you have to put him there,” said the 58-year-old.
“But he is so humble and such a great athlete and role model. I help run our John McEnroe Tennis Academy in New York over the years, along with my brother and all the kids who show up with the Rafa headband or his racket.
“I tell them you probably won’t be able to hit the forehand like Rafa, but you can learn from his attitude, which was 110%, no excuses, humble every time he stepped on the court be, respect the game – which is why he never broke a racket – respect the opponent.
“All of those guys, those three guys, were great at it and I think they benefited from each other because I think they realized that they took tennis to a new level.”
Will Rafael Nadal play in singles at the Davis Cup final?
All eyes will be on Malaga, Spain as Nadal and Team Spain attempt to win the Davis Cup for the first time since 2019. Nadal has an exemplary Davis Cup record, particularly in singles competition. He has lost only one of his 30 career singles matches in this event.
However, there is a possibility that the tennis icon could only play in doubles. During Nadal’s press conference after his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam, he commented on whether he would play singles in the final event of his career.
“When I’m ready for the Davis Cup. Emotionally I’m sure I’ll be ready. “In terms of physical condition and tennis level, there is still a month left,” he told reporters.
“I will prepare for it and try to be in good shape to help the team win. If I feel ready and the captain wants me to be ready, it’s his decision.
“If I don’t feel ready, I’ll be the first to say I’m not ready for singles and let’s see if I can help in any way.”
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