‘He Would Never Forgive Himself for Withdrawing’ – Alex Corretja Analyses Rafael Nadal’s Deep-Rooted Passion for Tennis

Alex Corretja is a Spanish former World No 2 and is a two-time runner-up at the French Open. He has also won an ATP tour championship and coached Britain’s Andy Murray for a while. Corretja has also been a part of the Spanish Davis Cup team on several occasions. He recently opened up about compatriot Rafael Nadal’s love for the sport of tennis.

He gave an insight into what makes Rafael Nadal the player he is. As is common knowledge, Rafa has had to deal with various kinds of injury-related issues throughout his entire career. But everything considered, he still is one of the best players in the world, matched in caliber and success only by his two rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Also read: Rafael Nadal and French Open – A Love Affair of Records and Achievements

Corretja feels Rafael Nadal’s internal need feeds him to do better

Recovering from surgery on a foot that sustains the sport you play professionally, is not an easy task at all. But trust Rafael Nadal to do just that. Less than six months ago he was on crutches. But now, he has already won his 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open, and then his 91st tour-level title at Acapulco.

Corretja says “He does it out of love. For the illusion and passion that he feels for tennis and for the sport and for the awareness of it.”

He also said this drive to do better and improve constantly, might be because Nadal is also extremely meticulous in whatever he does. “It’s not just because of his tennis. I think Rafa does it because he would never forgive himself for withdrawing and thinking that he still had something left. He has no economic need, he has the internal need to believe that he has something that he wants to squeeze out,” Corretja added.

He also said, “There are many people who confuse being ambitious with not being able to be humble.” But while Nadal has time and again said that he does not personally care about the GOAT debate, he has also admitted that he likes to win and to keep enjoying playing the sport of tennis.

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