Rafael Nadal’s ‘Insecurity’ Element Highlighted When Compared to Long-Term Rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal recently bowed out of the Indian Wells Masters tournament due to his injury woes, and fans are waiting to see him back in action at the French Open. But what is the thing that Rafa experienced differently when it comes to the Big 3? Andy Roddick feels that he has also experienced a similar thing, and he also accepted that he did not perform ‘nearly as well’ as Rafa.

As the tennis world is abuzz with speculations about his return and retirement, the word ‘humility’ is not missed out. Andy Roddick, former American pro, does the same when talking to Coco Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert.

 Andy Roddick on Rafael Nadal – ‘would kind of roll my eyes’

In a recent episode of his podcast, Served With Andy Roddick, he talked to Gilbert about Rafael Nadal’s insecurity. Comparing it with rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic’s self-assurance. He said, “I would kind of roll my eyes because it would be, you know, a pre press deal at Roland Garros. And he’s playing some guy who’s 80 in the world who, you know, knows perfectly well that he’s won, you know, 87 matches in a row at Roland Garros. And he’s like, Well, the guy plays well, I don’t know. Anyway, anything can happen today. I’m going, bullshit man, you know, you’re gonna win this match.”

Talking about Federer and Djokovic, Roddick went on to add, “And then like, time goes on, you get to know him a little bit better. And it’s weird because, you know, you feel like Roger and, and Novak kind of deal from a place of confidence even when things aren’t going well, right. Like they kind of deal from a place of, I’ve been here before my skill set is better.

Shifting the focus to Nadal, Roddick said, “Whereas I feel like Rafa. And it’s, it’s, it’s really endearing because I operated the same way just not nearly as well, or not nearly as long, but kind of dealt from a place of insecurity, right? Okay.”

He compares his insecurities with Rafael Nadal’s and tells how he used to think that maybe it was “fake humility.” He further revealed, “And the way that he operated the way that he treated people you go, Okay, this guy is just who he is. And he is endearing. Not because it’s it’s calculated or it’s a talking point or It’s, you know, false humility.”

Read More: Rafael Nadal Bestows Fans With the Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Meet the King of Clay Ahead of His Return in Brisbane

Concluding by talking about the human side of tennis legends, Roddick said, “It’s just because he is that way he is that sort of human and it was nice to see someone who was utterly dominant also be kind of scared of the next result it made him relatable. Especially to you know, someone like me who see these three guys as absolute superheroes.”

Interestingly, this isn’t the first the Spaniard has been hailed for his combination of dominance and humility by the tennis world.

Nadal is admired for his humility

Nadal’s humility has fascinated and won many hearts. Before Nadal’s match against Daniil Medvedev at the 2022 Australian Open final, former American tennis player and legend John McEnroe couldn’t help but show his admiration for the Spaniard. “All of a sudden things have fallen into place for Rafa who has to be the humblest, classiest champion of almost any athlete I’ve ever seen in any sport,” McEnroe told Eurosport.

French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou took to social media to praise the Spaniard. He wrote, “Rafa Nadal is liked because he gives everything on the court. He has the ability to make people feel for him. He suffers on the court by fighting for every second. He’s also a symbol of humility and it’s always very appreciated.”

In an era where players are quick to blow their horns and crown themselves, Rafa breaks the mold. Perhaps it’s his humility and focus that made him so dangerous and loved!

Read More: Despite Rafael Nadal’s Lengthy Absence, Tennis Bigwig Favors The Former To Win At Roland Garros Based On One Factor