When it comes to greatness in tennis, Rafael Nadal is a name that will stand out forever. What won the hearts of millions wasn’t just his unparalleled records and on-court heroics, but also his humility and sense of humanity. However, deep behind his down-t0-earth nature is a strong personality that has always stood right by his side. His mother, Ana Maria, has been a standout figure in his life. Spanish tennis legend, Emilio Sanchez Vicario recently opened up on the Rafa’s mother and how the Spaniard’s humility is a byproduct of her teachings.

Emilio Sanchez Vicario recently shared a heartfelt insight about Rafael Nadal in an interview with Marca. While talking about his time as captain of Spain’s Davis Cup team, he opened up about the tennis legend’s personality. He praised Nadal’s mother for shaping his humility and sweet nature. “I understood the other Rafa when I met his mother, who was the piece that completed the puzzle. His mother gave him humility, closeness, sweetness, she was the opposite pole of his father’s personality, and the resulting combination is Rafa,” said Vicario.

Nadal also honored his mother while announcing his retirement at the Davis Cup. In a video that he posted, on his social media handles, he thanked his family for their sacrifices and support. “My family is everything to me. My mother, I think she has made all the sacrifices she had to make so that we would always have everything. My wife, Mery, we have been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you have done,” said Nadal while acknowledging his mother’s sacrifices. Interestingly, Nadal shares a great bond with his mother.

This is not the first time when Nadal has opened up on his mother. Back in 2022, Nadal shed light on the sacrifices his mother made writing, “Maybe it is not the best thing for her, but she practically abandoned her own self. Leaving behind a perfume shop she owned-and sacrificed everything for us”. Thus, despite being one of the best in the world and having dominated the courts for long, Nadal never shies out when it comes to talking openly about his mother. However, his humility is also the thing that can backfire on him.

Roger Federer’s ex-coach opens up on how Rafael Nadal’s biggest asset could turn into his weakness

In a recent Tennis Channel Live podcast, Roger Federer’s ex-coach, Paul Annacone opened up on Rafael Nadal’s biggest asset, his humility. He described it as both a strength and a weakness in the Spaniard’s legendary career. “Rafa’s only downside was also his biggest asset. His only downside was his humility and also his biggest asset,” Annacone stated.

Explaining further, he noted how Nadal’s humility occasionally affected his on-court dominance. “Because there were times where I’d look at him and wonder how he actually didn’t have a bigger ego and he was always so gracious and humble about what he’s doing. That sometimes hindered his ability to step on the court and crush the ball! And when Rafa was vulnerable, he didn’t crush the ball,” said Annacone.

Annacone reflected on Nadal’s match against Botic Van de Zandschulp. He highlighted the struggles Nadal faced after a long break from the court. “Because of that humility, he didn’t just walk on the court and start ripping balls everywhere…But again, the biggest liability even if you have one is humility, and if you swap that with how gracious that is and also an asset that it. I’ll take that,” he further added while opening up Nadal’s last dance at the Davis Cup.

Thus, Rafael Nadal, who has always managed to show up on big occasions has always been humble. While this has been one of his positives, Annacone suggested that it could also be one of his downsides. What are your views on this? Do let us know in the comments below!