Rafael Nadal’s historic victory in the 2008 Wimbledon final inspired Jon Rahm to win his first Masters title in Augusta.
Rahm shot 69 in the final round to claim a four-shot victory over LIV golfers Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson, becoming the fourth Spanish player to win the elusive green jacket. It was his fourth win of the season and his second major championship since he won the 2021 US Open.
The 28-year-old credited Rafael Nadal’s book for helping him stay focused in the closing stages of the tournament. He brought up the case when the former world number 1 spoke about his state of mind during his marathon match against Roger Federer at Wimbledon in the 2008 final.
“I didn’t want to believe it until something was resolved. I remember Rafael Nadal’s book, when he talks about the 2008 Wimbledon final with Federer when he hits a big shot and for the first time thinks about victory. .” said Jon Rahm, quoted by COPE.
“I think it was the fourth set and then they went to the fifth set. He explains that allowing himself to think about winning made him lose the set. That’s why you have to stick to what’s important for now,” he added.
The Spanish tennis legend bested Federer in four hours and forty-eight minutes in an epic encounter at the All England Club. He also won an Olympic gold medal in the same year and earned the top spot in the ATP rankings.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is currently off the tour due to a hip injury he sustained at this year’s Australian Open. He was expected to return to the Monte Carlo Masters, but Nadal has yet to be deemed fit for such a big tournament.
Although there are still no reports on when the 36-year-old will return to action, tennis fans around the world are hoping he will return soon in one of the upcoming clay-court events.
Rafael Nadal congratulates Jon Rahm on his first victory at the Augusta Masters
Rafael Nadal has congratulated his compatriot Jon Rahm on winning his first Masters title at Augusta.
The Spaniard has been a longtime golf enthusiast and is often seen taking up the sport during his absence from the ATP Tour. He was also previously seen playing Jon Rahm in an exhibition match.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion took to his social media account on Instagram to wish his good friend and fellow Spaniard his outstanding performance at the Augusta Masters.
“What pride and joy!! Congratulations Maestro John Rahm,” Nadal was quoted as saying in his Instagram post.
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