Top Five Tennis Players Who Admire Rafael Nadal as the Greatest Athlete

Rafael Nadal is one of the most prestigious athletes in tennis history. With 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals to his name, Nadal’s success on the court speaks volumes about his remarkable talent and resilience. Yet, in spite of his unmatched achievements, his career has also been a tale of resilience, as injuries have often kept him away from the game.

The Spaniard missed 18 Grand Slams due to many injuries, including elbow and ankle issues that delayed his Roland-Garros debut until 2005. Over the years, Nadal has undergone countless surgeries but has always made inspiring comebacks. His last Grand Slam victory came at the 2022 French Open, where he defeated Casper Ruud in the final.

Nadal’s legacy as the “King of Clay” and his inflexible fighting spirit have made him a role model for many tennis players. Here, we look at the top five players who have openly admired Nadal as the greatest athlete.

5. Paula Badosa

Spanish tennis icon Paula Badosa has always looked up to Rafael Nadal as her biggest inspiration. The former World No. 2 has often praised the 14-time Roland-Garros champion for his dedication and mental toughness.

In a 2023 interview, Badosa said, “Rafael Nadal is the reference point for me. He is a worker, a fighter, and has a great mentality. I admire him more and more. It seems to me that he is not from this planet mentally and that is even more inspirational.”

Badosa added that Nadal’s persistence during difficult times has always been an example for her to follow.

4. Ben Shelton

American rising star Ben Shelton is another player deeply influenced by Nadal. At the 2023 US Open, Shelton admitted he grew up glorifying Nadal and has incorporated some of the Spaniard’s qualities into his own game.

Shelton explained, “I think at times on the court, the way that I love to fight and don’t give up could be some traits I learned from Rafa. He replicated that fighting spirit every match, every tournament. You could only hope to have a spirit like his.”

Shelton’s admiration highlights how Nadal’s tenacious attitude has inspired young players all around the globe.

3. Casper Ruud

Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud shares a special connection with Nadal as a graduate of the Rafa Nadal Academy. The two have faced each other twice on the professional tour, most notably in the final of the 2022 French Open, where Nadal claimed his last Grand Slam title. 

Ruud has always expressed his appreciation for the Spaniard, saying, “Rafael Nadal is one of the best of all-time. I’ve been a fan of his ever since I started watching tennis. He’s my biggest idol and the one I admire the most among all the players.”

Ruud also praised Nadal’s modesty and hard work, which remain unchanged despite his endless achievements.

2. Iga Swiatek

Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek has been vocal about her amazement for Nadal. She has described him as her idol and revealed how much she looks up to him both on and off the court.

Swiatek once shared an emotional moment from the 2021 French Open when she cried after Nadal lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. “I was crying when Rafa lost against Novak [Djokovic]. Rafael Nadal has always been my idol,” she said.

Swiatek’s deep respect for Nadal reflects how he has inspired not just men’s tennis players but also women’s champions.

1. Carlos Alcaraz

Young Spanish icon Carlos Alcaraz, often compared to Nadal for his aggressive style of play, has always regarded the 22-time Grand Slam champion as his idol.

Alcaraz and Nadal have faced each other three times, with Nadal leading their head-to-head 2-1. Despite being competitors, Alcaraz has immense respect for Nadal. “It’s amazing to play against Rafa. He’s my idol since I was a kid. Everybody knows how Rafa’s game is; he has a thousand lives in a match,” Alcaraz said. Their mutual respect emphasises Nadal’s influence on the next generation of tennis players.

Conclusion

Rafael Nadal’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His achievements, work ethic, and never-give-up attitude have left an unforgettable mark on the sport. Players like Paula Badosa, Ben Shelton, Casper Ruud, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz continue to honor Nadal not just as a tennis icon but as a symbol of grit and determination.

As Nadal’s legacy continues to inspire millions, it’s clear that his influence on tennis will last for generations to come.

Cover Credits - Tennis.com