Although he has conquered everything a tennis player can dream of, Rafael Nadal still amazes with his dedication and his thirst for victories. The 2021 season has not been the best for him so far as the Spanish legend has failed to lift his 14th title at Roland Garros.
It is true that two titles have arrived, respectively in Barcelona and Rome, but we are still expecting extraordinary exploits from a champion like him. After the semi-final defeat in Paris, the 35-year-old from Manacor announced that he would not participate in Wimbledon or the Tokyo Olympics, a painful choice but destined to prolong his career.
A few days ago, we learned that the 20-time Grand Slam champion would return to the field at the “Citi Open” in Washington, after accepting the wild card offered to him by the organizers.
This will be Nadal’s absolute debut in the tournament, which kicks off on August 2.
Rafa is an athlete who commands the admiration of many colleagues, including those from other disciplines.
Speaking on the YouTube channel “OuiHustle”, Riyad Mahrez, star of Manchester City, used Nadal as an example to follow for any sportsman.
Mahrez praises Rafael Nadal
“There is constant questioning in football,” said Riyad Mahrez.
“We saw it with Mbappé. He won the World Cup three years ago. Then (Euros 2020), he missed the penalty. Everyone threw themselves on him. Everything you had done yesterday, they don’t care, it’s the past.
You have to look ahead. ”In this regard, the Algerian cited the example of Rafael Nadal and how the Mallorcan one day had to fight his inner demons during one of his matches in Paris.
“When you win the next year you have to come back and try to win again. That’s the right mindset,” Mahrez added. “And those who have it are very successful.
It’s like Nadal. Once he had won Roland Garros 11 times and lost in the final of another tournament. He says he heard a voice in his head telling him ‘it’s good Rafa, you have already won 11 times’
Well he, no, he continues, he will try, even if he is injured, he pushes and he wins. And that is the real champion. When we win, we have to win again, otherwise people will say that we are finished.
You have to surpass yourself all the time ”
Due to the ongoing pandemic epidemic, the Tokyo Olympics are subject to many strict restrictions. As a result, many top players made the difficult decision to step down, including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
However, determined to continue on his way to the Golden Slam, Novak Djokovic will travel to Japan to try to win the gold medal.
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