Rafael Nadal, after shushing the haters by winning this season’s Grand Slam of clay, put the rumors of retirement to sleep by enrolling for Wimbledon. He bounced back from his persistent injury marvelously and made it to the best four of the tournament. There Nadal was set to face Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios.

Nick Kyrgios is famous for his unique and outspoken personality, which differs greatly from the Spaniards. To showcase the same, here’s a clip of them practicing before their semifinals clash.

How is Rafael Nadal different from Kyrgios?

Nadal and Kyrgios were about to meet in the grass courts of London for the third time. While the former World no.1 was eyeing his third Wimbledon trophy, the Aussie was looking forward to his first ever Grand Slam semifinals. However, their much anticipated 10th clash couldn’t take place because of Nadal’s injury. Though the clip of the two practising side by side, shared by ESPN captioned “There are workouts… and workouts,” proved how interesting the match would have been. (Translated by Google)

In the video on one hand, the 22 times Grand Slam champion is putting all his will and might to hit the ball. While on the other, Kyrgios is playing softly and lazily with his girlfriend.

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Nadal incurred an abdominal injury in the quarterfinals against the 2022 Indian wells reigning champion Taylor Fritz. Though he pushed through the pain and came out victorious in that match, his body later demanded urgent rest and medical help.

Nadal against Kyrgios

Nadal has squared off with the former world no. 13  nine times, out of which he has a lead of 6-3. They last clashed in this year’s Indian Wells. And on the hard courts of the ATP 1000 tournament, Nadal thrashed the Aussie in a three set long quarterfinals match.

However, speaking of grass-based combats, their scores are tied. Both the tennis aces have one victory against each other. Their first encounter was in the year 2014, where Kyrgios advanced to the quarterfinals by outclassing the 36-year-old in sets of 7-6 (5), 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-3.

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Thereafter, in the event of 2019, Nadal avenged his defeat and uprooted Kyrgios from the tournament. In the second round, at the expense of the second set, he settled the scores.