20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is a household name across the world. Not only is he one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, but the Spaniard also always remains humble in victory or defeat.

Moreover, Nadal has always had amicable relations with all his rivals. In fact, it has been quite a rare occurrence in tennis when Rafa was mad at an opponent or rival on the tour. Now, he has opened up his relationships with fellow professionals, sharing his ideology regarding the same.

Rafael Nadal links a good life to good relationships

Speaking to Tennis Majors, Rafael Nadal shared his perspective on friends and influencing people. Nadal has always believed in having a “very good relationship with (his) rivals”.

Talking about his rivals in the sport, Rafael Nadal has “always had a big respect” for them. In fact, healthy relationships with rivals are what the Spaniard believes in.

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Rafa’s friendship with his long-standing rival, Roger Federer, is famously dubbed ‘Fedal,’ as the two on-court rivals share an amazing off-court bond.

“I believe the life is much better when you have a good relationship with everybody,” Nadal said. Moreover, this is how he has always been throughout his entire career.

Save for a few “casual exceptions”, Nadal has had respect and love for all his rivals “during all (his) tennis career”.  After all, “that is my philosophy,” Nadal shared.

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“It’s better to have a good relationship with everybody,” Nadal said. Consequently, it leads to happiness for him, too- “Then you are happier,” the Spanish legend added.

Nadal still doubts himself sometimes

Leading up to the first Grand Slam of the year, Rafael Nadal won the Melbourne Summer Set, his first ATP victory after returning to tour from roughly a six-month hiatus.

Going forward, in a lead-up video for the Australian Open, Nadal shared how even though the odds are now against him because of his age, his passion to win hasn’t changed. He added that even after everything he has achieved, he still doubts himself sometimes.

Nadal is the sixth seed at the Australian Open, and has already put the rest of the tour on notice with his emphatic performance in the first round. The Spaniard won his first match against American Marcos Giron in straight sets, sailing smoothly to the second round of the Australian Open.

With reigning champion Novak Djokovic out, do you think Rafael Nadal has a solid chance at his 21st Grand Slam?

WATCH THIS STORY: Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, Ashleigh Barty, and Other Tennis Stars to Watch Out For at Australian Open 2022