In a heartfelt conversation with EFE, Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa recently opened up about her admiration and appreciation for Rafael Nadal, emphasizing the profound impact he has had on her career and life. Reflecting on his legacy and his announcement to retire, Badosa shared how Nadal has been not only an idol but a personal source of support, particularly during the challenging periods of her own journey in tennis. This comes at a significant time for Badosa, who has had her share of ups and downs due to injury and has been preparing to represent Spain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which will be held in Malaga from November 13 to 20—the same city and timeframe in which Nadal will make his final appearance in professional tennis.
Badosa expressed her reaction to Nadal’s recent announcement, recounting how it took her back to her earliest memories of watching him play: “I was moved when Rafa announced his retirement. In the end, you also go back to childhood, to the beginnings. I will never forget my beginnings, the inspiration and watching all the matches, all the finals with Rafa in the great comebacks.” She described how much Nadal’s career has meant not just to her but to the sport at large. His ability to rally through difficult moments and connect with fans through his sheer determination and resilience has left a lasting impact on tennis and is what Badosa believes makes Nadal an irreplaceable presence on the tour.
To Badosa, Nadal is much more than just a champion—he’s a friend and mentor. She revealed that he has been there for her during her own injury struggles, offering guidance and motivation when she needed it most. “She has always been an idol for me. She has always been a person who helped me a lot, even with my injury she gave me advice. Obviously, I thought about communicating with him, but I want to give him time because I know that for him right now it’s a very intense moment, and I don’t like to invade spaces. So I will wait a little bit, but obviously, I will get in touch with him,” Badosa said.
As she prepares for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Badosa also looks forward to what Nadal’s farewell event in Malaga will bring, predicting it will be both a touching and momentous occasion. “It will be something very beautiful, very emotional, obviously sad at the same time because a legend like Rafa Nadal is leaving, but I think he has chosen a very beautiful place, at home,” she added. The event in Malaga holds additional significance as it symbolizes not only the end of an era in Spanish tennis but also the culmination of a career that has consistently inspired players like Badosa to push through adversity.
Badosa’s admiration for Nadal’s resilience shines through as she draws parallels between his journey and her own. Currently, Badosa is ranked in the top 10, a significant rise considering that just four months ago, she was outside the top 100. Her improvement in the rankings has been a personal triumph, especially after a season marked by injury setbacks. “It was never my goal to go to the Masters Cup. This year my goal was to get as high as possible. Think that four months ago I was 120th in the world and for me to be 10th or 11th in the ranking was already a lot. It wasn’t in the plan to be in the final, and I also think that what I have to learn is to choose the tournaments well and take care of myself physically and mentally,” Badosa explained, highlighting her mindset going forward. Despite her recent struggles, she sees the upcoming season as an opportunity to climb even higher without the pressure of defending significant ranking points.
As the news of Nadal’s retirement reverberates throughout the tennis world, tributes from various prominent figures have poured in, including Pep Guardiola, the celebrated manager of Manchester City. Guardiola, in an interview with Sky Sports, praised Nadal’s unparalleled commitment to the game and reflected on the immense legacy he leaves behind. “It’s a bit sad. I think it happened because he saw that he couldn’t compete at the level he had been at for two decades. I really admire the Big 3, for their consistency, for being there every season, for how they never gave up and arrived. They come back after every injury; they are three geniuses. I try to learn from their body language, from how they react in difficult moments. We will miss them a lot.”
Of the legendary “Big 3” of tennis—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—Nadal’s departure brings this golden era closer to a close. Only Djokovic remains active, though he too is grappling with his share of challenges. The Serbian, who had an exceptional start to his career and continues to vie for titles, has struggled to replicate his past success this season and may end the year without an ATP title, a rarity for him since 2006. With a sixth-place ranking in the ATP race, Djokovic’s participation in the ATP Finals in Turin is uncertain. Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev, along with Alex De Minaur, are hot on his heels in the rankings, and any missteps could jeopardize his place in the season finale. Nevertheless, Djokovic remains a symbol of the perseverance that has defined the Big 3.
As Badosa and the tennis world prepare to say goodbye to Nadal, the emotional gravity of his career is palpable. His relentless drive and fighting spirit have forever altered the landscape of tennis, motivating players of all ages, including Badosa, to embrace the mental toughness that has become synonymous with his name. His farewell in Malaga will be a bittersweet milestone, celebrating a remarkable career while bidding goodbye to a beloved icon. For Badosa, Nadal’s legacy is a testament to what it means to never give up and to continue pushing forward, no matter the odds—an inspiration that she, along with countless others, will carry with them for years to come.