Rafael Nadal’s accomplishments are “beyond the reach of any human being,” according to former world No. 9 Nicolas Almagro.
The Spaniard also likened the difficulty of competing against Nadal at the French Open to “going to the slaughterhouse.”
After the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 stage in Malaga, which takes place from November 19–24, Rafael Nadal will retire.
The 38-year-old legend has hinted that he might not participate at all if he does not feel physically prepared, however it is unknown if he will compete in singles, doubles, or both.
“Am I going to be prepared for the Davis Cup? At a press conference held during the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh last month, the former world No. 1 stated, “Emotionally, yes, that’s for sure; physically and tennis-wise, I still have a month ahead of me.”
“I’ll attempt to stay in shape and ready to assist the squad win. It will be up to the captain to decide if he feels ready and I do. I’ll be the first to step aside and consider how I can assist if I don’t feel ready.
“To enter the game, I must first feel competitive; after that, you can win or lose; that’s just a part of the sport.” I won’t take the court if I’m not at my best or if I’m not close to winning my match.
Speaking about Nadal’s retirement, Almagro contended that his renowned countryman would be irreplaceable in the tennis world on Radio Marca’s El Programa de Ortega podcast.
“I’m sure he would have kept trying if his injuries hadn’t stopped him. “It’s unfortunate; today is a depressing day for global sports,” Almagro remarked.
He is among the best things a mother could have given to international sports; he is a legend, a reference, and an example in every way. things in life.
“He leaves a huge vacuum that is very difficult to replace, so even though we knew he would eventually arrive, it is a painful blow.
“We have Carlitos [Alcaraz] there, both now and in the future, but I believe that what Rafa has accomplished is incomprehensible to any human.”
Almagro only won two sets in the 15 matches he lost to the 22-time Grand Slam champion, and he only managed one win in his 16 meetings with Nadal.
At Roland Garros, the Spaniard met Nadal four times: in the second round in 2015, as well as in the quarterfinals in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
In 2008, a furious Rafael Nadal thrashed Almagro 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, and Almagro lost all of three matches without winning a set.
Nadal has a record of 112-4 at the Paris Grand Slam and has won an incredible 14 French Open titles, which is a tennis record at a single major.
Almagro considered the difficulty of competing against the “King of Clay” at Roland Garros.
The 13-time ATP title winner acknowledged, “It was like going to the slaughterhouse.”
It wasn’t a bad sensation because you’re competing in the biggest event available to clay-loving athletes, but if you enter the match with limited options, you quickly realize that you have none.
“It was like trying to take his fruit from his garden and he wouldn’t let you.”
It is something that those of us who have faced him there will carry with us, hold onto in our memories, and share with our kids and grandkids.
It was challenging to contact him, particularly in Paris. He created a legend through hard labor, selflessness, and moral principles. It is something that ought to be taught in educational institutions. That made it extremely hard to even come close to defeating him while you were playing against him.
Leave a Reply