Google News Feliciano Lopez pays tribute to Rafael Nadal
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Rafael Nadal has had several problems in recent months, thanks to the usual physical problems. After the semifinal reached at Wimbledon 2022, we no longer admired the best version of the Spanish champion. The former world number 1 hoped to redeem himself at the beginning of 2023, but the situation has even worsened.
In a long interview with MARCA, Feliciano Lopez, who will retire in 2023 after 26 years on the Tour, highlighted the importance of Nadal for the entire Spanish movement. The Spanish said about his countryman: "Rafael Nadal is one in a million.
We are talking about a monster who was destined to break all existing records in the world of tennis. When your tennis movement is led by a legend like Rafa, it's almost trivial to call them the brightest generation ever. Credit must also be given to other players.
In the last century, the Spaniards were always and only associated with red earth. The change started when Carlos Moya reached the final at the Australian Open. From that moment, Spanish tennis players began to play fearlessly even on fast surfaces.
The Big 3? I don't see anyone able to beat their records. Roger Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic marked an era and improved each other. In addition to having won a myriad of Grand Slams, they have accomplished feats that are beyond the reach of any other player to come in the future."
Rafael Nadal's start of the season
Not only did the Majorcan leave the scene prematurely at the Australian Open, where he was called to defend his title, but he also sustained a second-degree lesion to his iliopsoas.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has already had to give up the ATPs in Doha and Dubai, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami remains uncertain. The Iberian could decide to preserve his physique in view of the clay court season, which will begin in Montecarlo. His main focus is obviously Roland Garros, where he will go hunting for his 15th seal.
