‘Down to Earth’ Rafael Nadal’s Unexpected Side from Younger Days Unveiled by Doubles Tennis Legend

When it comes to tennis, there is hardly anyone who has made quite an impact on the sport like Rafael Nadal. The tennis legend from Spain, who had made everyone fall in love with the game showed how typical he was to play on the tennis courts due to his aggression and his fierce playing style. However, what many might not know is the fact that there was an opposite side of the 22-time grand slam winner, a side that only a few might know of.

Reflecting on the same, legendary Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna revealed a rather shy side of Rafael Nadal that is not known to many people. He revealed how he struggled with his English speaking skills and much more.

Legendary tennis doubles player reveals the shy side of Spanish legend Rafael Nadal

In a recent revelation, Rohan Bopanna shared his memories of Rafael Nadal’s early days, revealing a different side of the tennis superstar. Bopanna recalls how Nadal used to be a bit shy, especially when speaking English at first meetings. Nadal was careful with his words because he wasn’t so confident in English.

But Bopanna also painted a picture of Nadal as a great guy. Despite his shyness, Nadal was incredibly friendly. He made an effort to greet everyone in the locker room, showing kindness and warmth to everyone around him.

“I think he’s, he’s just extremely, extremely down to earth. As a person is a little shy when, initially when I first I remember meeting him because he was real conscious of speaking in English. But in the locker room, if the Spanish guys were there..” said Bopanna in the interview.

“He’s fantastic. He’s, uh, you know, always will, no matter. Wherever in the room you are, if he just walks in, he’ll come and greet everyone and, you know, talk to everyone. And he’s just phenomenal,” he further added.

Nadal’s transformation from a shy speaker to a welcoming and wonderful person earned him the label of ‘phenomenal’. Bopanna’s memories offer a peek into Nadal’s early years, showing how someone so humble could go forward and become a tennis legend.

Also read: ‘Didn’t Pretend Like Some People’- After Rafael Nadal’s ‘Frustrated’ Jibe, Novak Djokovic Seemingly Rebuffs Rival With a Passionate Boast

Being a die-hard fan of Swiss legend Roger Federer, the Indian player revealed whom would he love to have a doubles player with. What surprised many was the fact that it was not Roger Federer.

Rohan Bopanna reveals his favorite doubles partner

In another revelation, Rohan Bopanna revealed that his favorite doubles player to play with will be Rafael Nadal. Despite idolizing Roger Federer, Bopanna made a shocking revelation when he sided with the Spanish champion.

“He is a left-handed player and he plays exceptional doubles,” revealed Bopanna. “He has a very good idea of the game and he is also an Olympics gold medallist in doubles.”

Thus, Rohan Bopanna, who has played with both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, sided with the Spanish champion as his ultimate pick for doubles. Not only this, he also revealed a new side of the Spanish champion that was not known to many.

Watch this story: ‘I Want to Hear the Truth..’- Ex-Coach’s Honest Admission on How Magical It Was To Be in the Presence of Roger Federer