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21YO French Tennis Prodigy Dishes Out a Soul-Stirring Message for Idol Rafael Nadal as He Revisits His One True Tennis Inspiration – ‘I Play Because of Him’

Published 10/10/2023, 2:36 PM EDT

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Tennis superstars often inspire a new generation of players to pick up a racket and chase their dreams. For 21-year-old French tennis prodigy Arthur Cazaux, that wellspring of motivation and inspiration has forever been one GOAT – the Spaniard ace, Rafael Nadal. In a candid interview, the young player shared the significant effect Nadal has had on his life and tennis career. The interview was quick to trend on the social media platform, X.

As the years passed, Cazaux’s admiration for the ‘King of Clay’ developed further. Nadal’s electrifying matches served as both education and entertainment for the young star. It was through these snapshots of watching his idol that the French ace ingested the nuances of the game and improved his abilities.

21-Year-Old French tennis prodigy Arthur Cazaux shared a profound tribute to his idol Rafael Nadal

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Rafael Nadal isn’t simply a tennis legend for Arthur Cazaux; he’s been his lifelong idol. Cazaux got involved in tennis when he was only over two years of age due to the Spanish GOAT’s unbelievable tennis performances. The 21-year-old distinctly recollected the first time he saw Nadal play and asked his mother for a tennis racket. This is how his tennis journey started, and he hasn’t quit playing since.

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Nadal’s relentlessness, enthusiasm, and never-surrender mentality on the tennis court profoundly motivated Cazaux. His enduring obligation to his specialty filled in as a directing light for the young French star. According to a fan-loved tweet, Cazaux spoke, “Rafa has always been my idol since I was little. It was because of him that I started playing tennis. I watched a Rafa Nadal match and something clicked.”

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The French ace also explained, “Since then, I have not stopped following Nadal and I have not stopped tennis either. I play because of him.”

While many tennis players fantasized about meeting their idols, Cazaux had the one-of-a-kind chance to do so. He affectionately reviewed the second when he ran into Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, the blessed grounds of French tennis.

Their meeting occurred during Cazaux’s junior years when his tennis journey was coming to fruition. Meeting his godlike idol face to face was an encounter that made a permanent imprint on the young player. It was a moment of inspiration ending up back at ground zero, as he met the very individual who had touched off his enthusiasm for the game.

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Tennis stars recently shared their admiration for  the King of Clay’s survival skills

At the age of thirty-seven, Rafael Nadal has achieved unparalleled success on the tennis court, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport. With a remarkable career that boasts 22 major titles, including a record 14 Roland Garros championships, Nadal is synonymous with mental toughness in the world of sports. Yet, recently, some of his fellow tennis stars revealed a unique aspect of the Spanish legend’s personality during a lighthearted interview.

Nadal’s influence extends far beyond his on-court accomplishments. He has inspired countless young and aspiring athletes to pick up a tennis racket. In a recent interactive session hosted by the renowned racket sports brand Babolat, several players shed light on Nadal’s resourcefulness.

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One of the key factors behind Nadal’s monumental success is his unwavering determination and remarkable ability to thrive under pressure. He is known for digging deep when facing adversity on the tennis court. His fellow players recognize these exceptional traits. Their answers highlighted Nadal is not just a legend in tennis but also a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness, both on and off the court.

Watch This Story – Serena Williams’ Former Coach Patrick Mouratoglou Slapped for His Controversial Take on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

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Written by:

Dr Aditya Raveendran Menon

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Aditya Menon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports, covering several high-profile tournaments and events. With a passion for writing that matches his love for the sport, he has a special interest in covering the activities of tennis legends like Serena Williams and the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis. Aditya’s interest in tennis started at a young age when his father introduced him to the sport.
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Edited by:

Caroline Joseph