‘You Are Nine Years Old’- Rafael Nadal Has Some Advice for a Junior Journalist

Rafael Nadal is the man of the moment in the tennis fraternity. The 35-year-old claimed a historic win at the Australian Open 2022, defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the summit clash to win his second Grand Slam title Down Under. It was a roller-coaster battle as the two players gave it their all. However, it was the Spanish legend who was destined to clinch the opening Grand Slam of the season.

His fighting spirit to come back from two sets down and win the contest was hailed all over the globe. All journalists wanted to interview the first man to reach 21 Grand Slam titles, and an incredibly young one got that opportunity after the conclusion of the Australian Open.

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Rafael Nadal faces off with a junior journalist following his Australian Open 2022 victory

Isaiah Mbani, a junior player at South Bendigo Tennis Club, interviewed the former World No. 1. He congratulated the Spaniard on his win at the ‘Happy Slam,’ and presented him with a drawing he had made. Further, Isaiah asked Rafa who his role model was as he was growing up.

The 35-year-old replied, “I think I was very lucky when I was a kid that I was able to practice very often with Carlos Moya that today is my coach. I was next to him and he’s from Mallorca, my island where I live, and a very positive example next to me when I was a kid.” 

The next question that Isaiah had for Nadal was what he loved most about playing tennis. To which the Spanish legend said, “I feel very lucky that today my job is one of my hobbies. I think I always enjoyed playing tennis since I was a kid, played with a lot of intensity and passion and I enjoy it and I make a lot of friends around the world.”

Rafa’s intensity and passion were clearly on display during the final of the Grand Slam where he managed an astonishing comeback.

The last question was an interesting one from the interviewer. He asked the Spaniard, “What would you say to your nine-year-old self?” Nadal smiled and said, “I don’t know, just enjoy because when you are nine years old, I think the most important thing is if you like the sport or just try your best but enjoy with your friends because that’s what you have to do at that age.”

Nadal had a huge smile on his face throughout the interview and there was a hint of advice for his interviewer in his last answer as well.

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Nadal is likely to feature next at Abierto Mexicano, Acapulco, Mexico. Can the Spaniard reclaim the top spot this year? Do let us know your views in the comments below.