Rafael Nadal Reveals His Sheer Admiration Towards Tiger Woods Which Has Developed His Tennis

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, is one of the most admired athletes in the world. However, how do things look when a player like Nadal opens up about the athlete he admires the most? Going back in time, to 2011, Nadal released his memoir, ‘Rafa: My Story’. In his memoir, written along with award-winning journalist John Carlin, the 23-time Grand Slam champion showered his admiration for Tiger Woods, opening up about how the American golfer helped him in developing his skills in tennis.

Apart from being a tennis legend, Nadal is also an amateur golfer. When not on the tennis court, the 36-year-old is often spotted participating in amateur golf tournaments.

Rafael Nadal showers praise on golfing legend Tiger Woods

“If there is one sports man that I admire outside the game of tennis, it is Tiger Woods,” Nadal started. “When he is at his best, I see in him what I would like to be myself.” 

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With his unrivaled performance over the years on the PGA tour, Woods has rightly put himself in the spot to be called one of the greatest players of all time. However, for the former ATP World No. 1, it is not only Wood’s performance but also his attitude during the different moments of the game that acts as the point of admiration.

Going ahead in the memoir, Nadal further said, “It’s not his swing, so much, or even the way he strikes the ball. It’s his clearheadedness, his determination, his attitude. I love it.” Detailing it further, he added, “I like that winning look he has when he plays, and I like most of all his attitude, his way of facing up to the moments of crisis when a game is won or lost.  

Over the years, the Spaniard has addressed Woods as his childhood inspiration. This time was no different. Consolidating all the points together, Nadal ended by saying, “He is an example and an inspiration for me in my tennis game, and my golf game too.” 

When Nadal walked in the shoes of Tiger Woods

As mentioned earlier, apart from tennis, Nadal is also an amateur golfer. The proof of it is his performance in amateur golf tournaments. Going back in time to February this year, Nadal claimed the second spot in the Balearic Mid-Amateur Men’s Championship. Weeks after the championship, he further took part in the Balearic Golf Championship. However, not being able to maintain his previous form, the Spanish bull finished the championship on the 5th spot.

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In July this year, he avenged his loss at the Qromia Hexagonal Golf Circuit. Finishing the individual scratch mode with 37 strokes, Nadal topped the leaderboard alongside golfer, Marc Salva.