Ever since he made his debut in 2002, Rafael Nadal has wowed the audience with his sheer tenacity and courage on the court. Despite suffering from injuries throughout his career, the Spanish tennis player has always displayed a fighting spirit by striving for every point of the match. Taking note of his phenomenal determination, the 22 singles Grand Slam champion has been admired by many notable figures around the globe.

Even in the chess community, there are many prominent names gushing about the former world’s No. 1 player’s accomplishments. The list also includes the Norwegian chess grandmaster, Magnus Carlsen as he recently lavished praise on the 36-year-old tennis legend.

Chess champion, Magnus Carlsen regards Rafael Nadal as a sporting hero

The former five-time World Chess Champion has recently revealed why the ‘King of Clay’ is his inspiration. During an interview, Magnus Carlsen was asked who tops the list of his ‘sporting heroes’ around the globe.  Without any hesitation, the Norwegian chess grandmaster mentioned the name of the Spanish tennis legend.

The six-time World Blitz Chess Champion has also been hugely inspired by the 22 singles Grand Slam champion’s sheer resilience and determination on the court.  He said, “Generally, I admire what people do rather than the people themselves. But I think @RafaelNadal in tennis has a style that inspired me a little bit. Being extremely tenacious and hard to break down. So maybe him.”

The Norwegian chess grandmaster, who previously expressed his adoration for both  Nadal and Federer, said that he found himself to be more like the former.

Carlsen previously compared himself to the Spanish tennis legend

During an old interview, the genius chess player made a slight comparison between the two tennis greats, Rafel Nadal and Roger Federer. Carlsen stated the Spaniard is the epitome of relentlessness and dominance while his arch-rival is much more of an artist given his majestical game style. In the process, Carlsen also asserted that he is much more of a monster like the 22 single Grand Slam champion.

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What do you think of the chess champion, Magnus Carlsen regarding Rafael Nadal as his sporting hero? Let us know in the comments section below.

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