“The passion and intensity you played with was something I think all tennis players aspire to,” said Andy Murray, the tennis legend who shared countless notable moments with Rafael Nadal on and off the courts. Besides the rivalry of 25 matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Murray and Rafa also shared adorable moments that paint a picture of true friendship. Amid the saddening period of the Spaniard’s retirement, Andy and his mother Judy went down the memory lane to share some interesting details.

Rafael Nadal has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis. The Davis Cup Finals in Malaga turned out to be his final event. This marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over two decades. Nadal has left an unerasable mark on the sport by winning 22 Grand Slam titles which includes 14 French Open trophies. He battled numerous injuries in recent years, which eventually limited his ability to perform at his best.

As several members of the tennis community reflected on Nadal’s legacy, Judy Murray also shared a heartwarming and funny story involving her son, Andy, and Rafa. She recalled an incident from Andy’s teenage years when he played in the European Team Championships under-16. Great Britain reached the final, where they faced Spain, led by a young Rafael Nadal. After the match, Andy and Rafa played racquetball together, which led to an unforgettable phone call to Judy.

“So, you know, you pick up the landline because mobiles weren’t around in those days, and it was, ‘Would you pay for an international call from Andorra?’ I’m thinking he’s lost his passport. He’s lost his wallet. Like most boys don’t really phone very often. So, I went, ‘What is it? What’s happened?’ And he said about playing racquetball with Rafa and, ‘Yeah, he doesn’t go to school. He trains at the American Tennis Academy. He gets to hit with Carlos Moya. He trains in the sunshine and what have I got? You and my brother at the University!’,” Judy narrated in a recent interview.

Andy’s mother also laughed while recounting Andy’s rant about wanting to train in Spain. “I’m holding the phone like this, and he’s ranting down the phone, and he said, ‘I want to go to Spain. I want to go to Spain! I’m never going to be a top player if I don’t go to Spain.’ So, I blame Rafa. Completely blame Rafa for this,” she added.

Andy Murray expressed admiration for Nadal’s career, adding up to the tribute. “The passion and intensity you played with, not just on the match court, but on the practise court, was something I think all tennis players aspire to and what all tennis fans will remember you for. I’m sure your body is looking forward to a well-earned rest. Enjoy retirement, mate,” Andy said, honoring Nadal’s unparalleled legacy. However, besides expressing his admiration, Murray also uncovered the fun video game moments with Rafa.

Andy Murray takes time to share PlayStation antics with Rafael Nadal

Andy Murray paid a heartfelt tribute to Rafael Nadal to celebrate his remarkable career and unique character. While praising Nadal, Murray also highlighted a rare trait of Nadal’s. “We’ve also learned so much from you over the years about humility, hard work, and respect for everybody. You are probably the only tennis player ever to have never thrown a racket in anger, which is incredible,” Murray said. Nadal’s composure on the court not only just set him apart but also inspired players around the world.

However, Murray could not resist sharing a cheeky anecdote about their off-court battles. “This wasn’t the case when you would lose at PlayStation. I’ve seen Rafa throwing PlayStation controllers around hotel rooms all over the world when he and his close friend Juan Monaco would lose a late goal to me with his beloved Real Madrid at Pro Evolution Soccer,” he revealed. Murray reflected on their journey from being teenagers to fierce competitors. “I’ve always been a huge fan of yours and it has been incredible to watch you, to practise with you, and get the chance to compete against you for all these years since we first met as 13 and 14-year-old kids,” Murray added, remembering their timeless memories. As Rafa finally draws the curtain on his remarkable career, it is yet to be seen how his life without tennis will look like. What are your thoughts?