Not only does 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal inspire the young generation, but apparently, he also intimidates them! 19-year-old Zheng Qinwen of China looks hungry with ambition and ready to put the tour on notice this year.

Speaking with the WTA, the Chinese teenager revealed that Rafael Nadal, along with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, are her idols.

Rafael Nadal is Zheng Qinwen’s idol

When asked about her idols from the sport, the 19-year-old teenager cites the Big Three. Of course, it comes as no surprise, as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are three of the greatest players in tennis, ever.

Zheng, who is aiming to crack into the top-100 this year, and then some, talks about Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. “(Novak) Djokovic and (Rafael) Nadal are amazing. I try to learn from them,” she says.

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In fact, Zheng Qinwen has not even met Rafael Nadal yet. Her justification for the same is that she is waiting to improve her own rank before meeting one of her idols. “I don’t have the courage to ask for a picture,” she said. “I don’t want to disturb him.”

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Moreover, she admits that she really does want a photograph with the Spanish legend. Watching Nadal practice, Zheng was wowed. However, she says that, “I don’t have the courage to ask for a picture.”

This is out of fear of disturbing her idol. “I really want the signature and the picture but maybe when I get better,” the teenager stated.

Clearly, knowing Nadal, he wouldn’t have minded, but as long as he plays a part in motivating the young star to climb up the ranks, nobody would complain.

Nadal set to win Australian Open warmup tournament

Nadal returned to the tour this year, marking the Australian Summer of Tennis with his presence. The 20-time Grand Slam champion chose to play both singles and doubles in the Melbourne Summer Set.

The Spaniard partnered up with compatriot Jaume Munar in the doubles tournament. However, they were out of the running in the round of 16, after giving a walkover to their opponents.

Now, Rafael is set to meet American Maxime Cressy in the final round of the singles tournament. Momentum looks to be on the Spaniard’s side, as he is yet to drop a single set in the tournament.

Do you think Rafael Nadal has a chance of winning the 2022 Australian Open this year?