![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-03-12T234406Z_1878201428_MT1USATODAY17883183_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-BNP-PARIBAS-OPEN-DAY-6.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 12, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Rafael Nadal (ESP) serves in his 2nd round match defeating Sebastian Korda (USA) at the BNP Paribas open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-03-12T234406Z_1878201428_MT1USATODAY17883183_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-BNP-PARIBAS-OPEN-DAY-6.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 12, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Rafael Nadal (ESP) serves in his 2nd round match defeating Sebastian Korda (USA) at the BNP Paribas open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The 37-year-old Spanish icon, Rafael Nadal is a popular figure in the world of sports. He has achieved remarkable feats throughout his career including a staggering 22 Grand Slam titles. But lately, he has been battling with injuries and eyeing for a comeback next season. Recently he posted a teaser for his comeback and here’s how the Brazilian former professional Soccer legend, Ronaldo Nazario reacted to it.
The former number-one in men’s singles has been out of action since his second-round exit at the Australian Open earlier this year. He had sustained a hip injury in that match and has been nursing his injury ever since then. Just like his fans even ‘The Phenomenon’ is eagerly waiting for his comeback.
Former Brazilian soccer player reacts on the comeback teaser of Rafael Nadal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 47-year-old Brazilian striker was truly a phenomenon during his days. He is regarded as one of the football’s modern-day greats with 3 FIFA World Player of the Year and 2 Ballon d’Or in his cabinet. Just like Nadal, he achieved remarkable feats during the initial days of his career.
Ronaldo went on to represent both the rivals Barcelona (1996) and Real Madrid (2002) during his 18-year-long career. His Spanish connection also runs deep with him being the owner & president of Segunda Division Club- Real Valladolid. Rafael Nadal is a big fan of R9 and his bonding with the Brazilian is ever since his Barcelona days.
View this post on Instagram
Fans got to witness yet another moment of their camaraderie when Rafa shared glimpses of his practice in an Instagram reel. The ‘King of Clay’ looked meaner, leaner, and stronger. A comeback on the cards?
Well, everyone is quite excited to see the King back to where he belongs. Seeing the teaser, Ronaldo couldn’t hold his excitement as he commented ‘Vamos’ which means ‘let’s go’ in Spanish. However, this isn’t their first time. They had shown their support for each other earlier as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nadal is a big admirer of Ronaldo Nazario
Rafael Nadal has always idolized the Brazilian during his childhood. He had once picked Ronaldo Nazario over others as his favorite soccer player. During his playing days, Ronaldo was a complete striker who had all the qualities, he was a poacher in the box. Nadal first met him during his Barcelona days when he got access to their dressing room through his uncle. He even took a picture with the striker.
Nadal’s love for football is quite the same as Ronaldo’s love for tennis. Almost 8 years ago both of them went to play golf in Malaga, where they found their love for each other’s sports. R9 wanted to speak about tennis while the Spaniard who’s a big fan of Real Madrid just wouldn’t stop talking about football.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
They even appeared together while playing a charity poker tournament in 2014. Both of them have a lot of love and admiration for each other. Nadal is now looking to make a comeback at the first major tournament of the season in 2024 which is set to commence from January 14. Can Rafael Nadal make a ‘phenomenal’ comeback next year?
Watch This Story: Exploring Dominic Thiem the Person Like Before