via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE June 11. Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the semi finals of the singles competition at the 2021 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on June 11th 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE June 11. Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the semi finals of the singles competition at the 2021 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on June 11th 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has been one of the most noteworthy players in modern history. There has not been any other player who has managed to dominate a particular sport in the manner the Spaniard has.
Rafa has missed quite a bit of tennis this season due to a foot injury. However, he is in Abu Dhabi, ready to compete in the Mubadala World Tennis Championships. During one of his practice sessions, he was training along with Denis Shapovalov. And the Canadian player was in awe of Nadal’s level of gameplay.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He stated, “He killed me on the court yesterday so I think he’s feeling pretty good. It’s incredible to be out on the court with him. Every time I’m hitting against him, I’m just like, ‘Damn, this guy’s good’. I mean I hit a passing shot yesterday and he just hit a drop volley off of it like it was nothing and I’m like, ‘I wish I could do that.”‘
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rafael Nadal is too strong to train with
Denis was happy to have a knock with Rafa. Whenever he comes across the Spaniard, he is left mesmerized by the sheer power and consistency in the 35-year-old player’s game. During the session, Shapovalov was striking the ball neatly, but the veteran always had an answer for him.
via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE June 11. Rafael Nadal of Spain acknowledges the fans as he leaves the court after his loss to Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the semi finals of the singles competition at the 2021 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on June 11th 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
The 22-year-old added, “You really see how great they are when you practice with them. The guy hits the ball so big, he’s so good, he’s got some of the best hands I’ve seen at the net, for me it’s inspiring to practice with guys like this, for my sake to see how I can be better, or how I can improve my game so I can hopefully one day be at their level or be somewhat as good as they are.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Coming to his tennis, Shapovalov had a good season and reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the Wimbledon Championships. On the other hand, Nadal has not competed in the last two Majors. Therefore, it is sure great to see him come back on the tour again. We wish both players the best of luck.
Watch this story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
