Alexander Zverev spoke very highly of his rival Rafael Nadal in a recent interview for the ATPTour edition.  In what was a casual interaction with ATPTour edition’s “Which player, Clay edition” Zverev didn’t mince words using many superlatives in praising Nadal.

The card ‘Gladiator’ was given to the players and immediately the answer that sprung up from them was Nadal. Such is the impact that the Spaniard had made on the tour. The king of clay is known to have a steely resolve and an impeccable temperament.

Rafael Nadal’s never give up attitude defies logic

Zverev knows all too well of the Gladiator’s mental toughness on the court. He was at the receiving end of some physical trauma at the hands of Nadal. He poured his heart and soul in an effort to beat Nadal last year at Roland Garros but he twisted his right ankle leading to his immediate withdrawal from the tournament. At that time, Nadal had made him sweat for those two sets which lasted more than three hours.

Zevrev praised Nadal’s fighting spirit, his never say die attitude, and his gladiator-like play on the court. He even went on to call him the biggest fighter on tour even ahead of other stars like Novak Djokovic. All of this culminated in the German player appreciating the Spaniard, “He never gives up, he fights until the end of the last point, last moment, he is the biggest fighter on tour”.

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Many times, Nadal has amazed his fans and naysayers by seemingly defying logic and coming back from improbable situations in his career. One has to wonder if this is what Zverev meant when he said he has a never give up attitude. Who would have thought that Nadal would win two slams in succession and especially the Australian Open 2022, without playing a single competitive match?

In the past though, Zverev has made a couple of controversial statements against Nadal. Zevrev has said that had it not been for the injury, he would have beaten Nadal.  He also said earlier this year that Nadal will probably retire this year after winning a major tournament. However, Nadal has ruled out any such thing and has snubbed Zverev.

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Could Zevrev have beaten Nadal if not for the injury? Let us know in the comments.