Rafael Nadal‘s Mutua Madrid Open 2024 tour has started many conversations. After defeating Darwin Blanch in the debut round, Nadal showed his indomitable spirit as he sought to end his professional career on his terms. Nadal’s old rival and former US Open champion has recently spilled the beans about the matter.

Nadal couldn’t attend either Miami Open or the Indian Wells due to physical inability. He returned with the Madrid Open but unfortunately, it will be his last. Drawing an extraordinary similarity with Federer, Nadal’s old colleague delves deeper into this retirement and the Spaniard’s legacy in the sport.

Rafael Nadal Argentinian colleague feels “great pleasure” watching Nadal retire on his terms

A reliable tennis source recently shared a clip where Nadal’s old rival and colleague Juan Martin Del Potro expressed his views on Rafael Nadal’s legacy. Mentioning how he couldn’t retire on his terms like Rafa, this Argentinian ATP star revealed how the Spaniard tennis legend also left a mark on the sport like Federer. In Juan Martin del Potro’s words- “Roger has gone, but he’s left his mark forever, and I think Rafa is giving himself the great pleasure now of retiring in his own way, on his own terms. It’s something that unfortunately I couldn’t do because of my health.”

However, this Argentinian ATP player also expressed how Nadal has inspired the professional tennis scene with his passion for the sport. Del Porto commented – “Honestly, seeing Rafa do it is amazing because the passion he has for what he does and the messages he can transmit to any child, to any work environment, or to society in general could only come from a person like Rafa. So, seeing him compete yesterday, for example, seeing that passion to compete, win or lose, that energy he has, it’s unique.”

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Juan Martin del Porto not only shared his respect for a tennis legend like Nadal but also explained why thinks so highly of the Spanish tennis legend. He said- “I don’t know if in future players or in the coming years there will be anything like it.” Nadal’s old colleague not only expressed his fondness for the ATP star but also took a jibe at why Nadal is one of the best players to witness on the professional court.

Juan Martin del Porto still claims Rafa is the best for clay court

This Argentinian ATP star attended the Indian Wells tournament to witness Alcaraz’s victory over Gael Monfils. In an interaction with the media there, del Porto spoke about Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic presenting their best versions at different times. However, in one aspect, this ATP star remained a little closer to his old rival Rafael Nadal.

Juan Martin del Porto said- “Each one was the best in history at different times. In the period from 2006 to 2009 Roger was unbeatable, but if you went to clay there Rafa was the best,”

Juan Martin del Porto’s views on Nadal’s retirement and his performance surely show his admiration for the Spanish tennis legend. It also offers a great realization for fans about how tennis brings together two people and creates a bond that stays for a lifetime.