Tennis

“He can literally make you feel like a junior” : Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov and Thanasi Kokkinakis give their stance on the Federer vs Nadal debate With Rafael Nadal now retired as well, only Novak Djokovic remains from the Big 3 still putting in fight as the world no.7 at the age of 37. The legendary trio holds a whopping 66 Grand Slam titles between them, as they have completely dominated professional tennis for the past two decades. It is still quite impossible as fans to properly claim who the best between the three were, as all of them have arguments for themselves to be the definite greatest ever, be it Federer on the basis of eye test, Nadal sheer dominance on clay, or Djokovic’s consistency. But professional tennis players, who have played against the Big 3 are the closest to understand the difference between them, and that was recently reflected by Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov and Thanasi Kokkinakis in a discussion on UTS Tour. The trio mainly addressed the spark difference between the two retired players, and what it was like facing against them during the heat of the battle. “He can literally make you feel like a junior, because I played in Miami semi-finals, I beat good players, I beat [Andrey] Rublev, I beat [Frances] Tiafoe on the way there, I beat some other guys, and yeah, I felt like a junior on the court. It was insane.” Shapovalov initiated the conversation talking about Roger Federer. “No one can make you feel more ridiculous than him. I’ve never seen him sweat, his hair just stays like that. He’s got the biggest calves ever, if he shaved his legs it would have been game over for everyone. And also he’s not even trying.” Thanasi Kokkinakis added his take about Federer. “He’s not even trying. He is just like messing around. He’s slicing one point, hitting the next” Shapovalov added. “At least when Rafa plays he’s grunting and you’re feeling like you’re getting pushed around. And with Nole (Djokovic) he’s just sliding and stuff.” Kokkinakis continued. Shapovalov then began explaining the main difference between Federer and Nadal, saying that Nadal’s predictability does not matter because he has perfected every shot, while Federer looks like he never breaks a sweat even during the pressure moments. “But to me, they’re so different. I felt like Rafa was so predictable. You knew exactly what he’s going to do but he’s just so good at it that you can’t do anything right?” “But Roger, you feel like okay I’m going to play full heavy spin on his backhand, I think that’s good. And then first point you play a really good one to his backhand, and he steps in and he goes down the line.” Thiem also added about playing against Federer. Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal head-to-head Although looking at stats might not tell the full story, it does give a basic retrospect on how the duo have fared against each other over time. For starters, the Swiss has 103 ATP Tour-level titles, 11 more than the Spainard. While Federer dominated the proceedings in the 2000s, it was Nadal who was able to overcome the 20-time Grand Slam champion more often than not in the latter years. Overall, this iconic duo has met 40 times, with the Spainard having the lead over the Swiss 24-16. But again, as we saw from how the professionals described Roger Federer, one would think that the Swiss is out of this world, almost having a god-like presence on the court. While Nadal and Djokovic have gotten the better of the Swiss from time to time, when he was at his best, he was basically unplayable. But probably the best thing coming out of this long running rivalry was the friendship and mutual respect shared over the years. In no other sport has it happened that two rivals, at the top of their game, are this close together and their friendship is admired among all tennis fans. One of the most emotional moments in sports history have also involved this duo; when during Federer’s retirement in the 2022 Laver Cup, the duo was seen crying together. Also Read: “He’s a good-looking No. 1 in the world, wins a lot of tournaments” : Daniil Medvedev gives his opinion regarding Jannik Sinner’s popularity in Italy

“I appreciate the good intentions, but I would have liked something else” : Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni not too impressed by the Davis Cup farewell Rafael Nadal retired from tennis after his final match in the Davis Cup, where he suffered a loss to the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp as Spain failed to reach the semi-finals of the competition. While losing his final match was obviously not the highlight, the following ceremony for one of the greatest players the sport has ever come across was also lackluster at best, as fans heavily criticised how the farewell was organised on various social media platforms, despite many important people who have been there for the Spainard throughout his career present in the stands like his family and parents. His biggest rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were also featured in a tribute video for him. But his uncle Toni, who was not present there due to some work he was upheld with in Rome, recently came out and addressed how the whole ceremony did not do justice to the veteran’s career. Toni Nadal would have liked the ceremony to be a bit more grand Toni, who was also Rafael’s former coach, spoke to El Larguero and revealed his unhappiness with the way the whole event was conducted. “It was emotional, obviously, with the support of the public. But I particularly like that there are images. I would have liked to see images of Rafael’s matches at the Davis Cup in Seville, in Madrid, at Roland Garros, Wimbledon… I think it creates more emotion,” Toni explained. “I don’t want to criticize anyone, I would have liked a slightly different event. I appreciate the good intentions, but I would have liked something else,” the former coach added. Toni also mentioned how he would have added more musical effects and images everywhere which would have enhanced the whole farewell altogether and that would have made it much more emotional. “Nowadays you can do much more emotional events by mixing music with images,” “Rafael is a guy whose images convey passion. If they had put some images of this, it would have been more up to par, but I appreciate the intention,” the 63-year-old explained. Reports have been leaked that the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s farewell was initially planned for 22 November, as Spain’s early exit in the tournament was not taken as a consideration. Perhaps a few more days would have been enough for the ceremony to be better, or maybe even on the level of Roger Federer’s retirement in the 2022 Laver Cup, where emotions were running high all the time. While the Davis Cup might not have done justice to the Spainard’s legendary career, it can be said without a doubt that no event however much grand, would have made any difference. Tennis fans and talented youngsters worldwide will always remember the name Rafael Nadal as an icon and inspiration, and in the end that is what matters the most. Also Read: “He’s a good-looking No. 1 in the world, wins a lot of tournaments” : Daniil Medvedev gives his opinion regarding Jannik Sinner’s popularity in Italy

“That’s one hell of a record in DC” : Boris Becker acknowledges Rafael Nadal’s record in Davis Cup while comparing it to his own The feared day finally came as the great Rafael Nadal played the final match of his career in the Davis Cup. Although he lost to the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, one could care less about that, as the whole world united to pay a heartfelt tribute to the Spanish legend. German tennis legend Boris Becker also paid his tribute to the Spainard on social media, saying he has a ‘deep sense of gratitude’ towards him, just like the millions of tennis fans worldwide. In addition, Boris Becker also uploaded a story, acknowledging the Spaniard’s incredible record in the Davis Cup, while also comparing it to his own record to show how other-worldly he has performed over the years. Rafa Nadal’s insane record at the Davis Cup ends in his final match As part of the Spanish national team, Nadal made his debut in tournament in 2004, and since then has made great strides in the competition. It will not be far fetched to say that the Spainard is the greatest player the tournament has ever seen.  The 38-year-old boasts 37 wins with just 6 losses in the competition, and went unbeaten for two whole decades until now where he got beaten by the world no. 80. Nadal also won five Davis Cup titles with Spain in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019. It is also commendable to note that 2019, the Spainard went unbeaten the whole tournament, winning 5 singles and 3 doubles victories securing both titles for Spain. The German, who himself has a 22-match winning streak in this tournament, lauded the Spainard’s achievement on his Instagram story. “That’s one hell of a record in DC (Davis Cup) and I thought mine was good.” the 56-year-old wrote. Following Nadal’s loss, Spain were unable to qualify for the semi-finals as they lost their doubles fixture as well.  The Spainard has now retired from the sport, winning 92 ATP titles which includes 22 Grand Slams. He was also on top of the rankings for 209 weeks and finished the year as no.1 five times. There will always be the debate of who is the greatest among the Big 3, but one thing is for sure; we will never see someone like Rafael Nadal ever again. Also Read: “He’s a good-looking No. 1 in the world, wins a lot of tournaments” : Daniil Medvedev gives his opinion regarding Jannik Sinner’s popularity in Italy

“I really will miss watching him on court” : Iga Swiatek addresses her feelings on Rafael Nadal’s retirement The name Rafael Nadal has become a life of its own even outside of tennis, as his surprise retirement announcement affected millions of fans worldwide. But apart from his loyal fans, even professional players, many who grew up watching the Spaniard, have opened up about how they feel now that he will no longer compete professionally. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is currently in Malaga practicing for the Davis Cup, the tournament in which he is set to retire next week. He also met with a few WTA players, including world no.2 Iga Swiatek, who revealed her brief conversation experience with the Spainard. Iga Swiatek on Friday beat Paula Badosa 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, to advance to the quarter-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup. But before the matchup, she revealed that she was able to meet Rafael Nadal, but tried to avoid any long conversation so that she could focus on the match. “Yeah, we actually met, I don’t know, like, five minutes before my match, so I wasn’t really in my talking mode. But it’s always nice to see Rafa,” said Swiatek during the post-match press conference. “He’s a huge inspiration… I have mixed feelings, for sure” : Iga Swiatek Swiatek has often expressed her deep admiration for Nadal, citing him as her tennis idol and a source of inspiration throughout her career. She has spoken highly of his work ethic and believes his fighting spirit is a major factor for motivation. Although not formal, the duo kind of share a mentor-mentee relationship as the Spainard has also acknowledged the Polish’s incredible talent. The world no.2 also revealed in her post-match press conference that she will not be watching much tennis going forward now that the Spainard has retired, and that she would prefer watching Nadal’s earlier clashes instead. “Honestly, he was the only player I watched, so I don’t know if I’m going to watch tennis at all now,” said the Polish. “I’m going to watch online his matches, because — you know, I don’t know. I have mixed feelings, because I’m happy that he can start a new chapter, and I’m happy that also he can have a nice finish here on Davis Cup, a tournament that he loves and in Spain, you know,” she said. “But on the other hand, I really will miss watching him on court.” the 23-year-old added. Nadal has obviously left a huge mark on the sport, and now that two of the ‘Big 3’ players have retired, the greatest era of professional tennis is coming to an end soon. “Yeah, he’s a huge inspiration. Yeah, I have mixed feelings, for sure,” Swiatek said. Accompanied by Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal will soon be entering the final tournament of his career, as Spain face the Netherlands on November 19, with the winner going to the semi-finals. Also Read: “He managed to find an explanation within 15 days after testing positive” : Casper Ruud defends Jannik Sinner as the tennis world divides on the Italian’s doping case