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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his Men’s Singles quarterfinals match against Diego Schwartzman of Argentina on day ten of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 04, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chaz Niell/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his Men’s Singles quarterfinals match against Diego Schwartzman of Argentina on day ten of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 04, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chaz Niell/Getty Images)
Recently, World No.2 Rafael Nadal won the award for the 2021 Laureus Sportsman of the Year. Nadal claimed the prestigious award for the second time after 2011, edging past the other nominees – Joshua Cheptegei, Armand Duplantis, Lewis Hamilton, LeBron James, and Robert Lewandowski this year.
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As Nadal received the award, the WTA legend Martina Navratilova extended her congratulations and applauded the Spaniard over his illustrious career.
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Tennis – ATP 500 – Barcelona Open – Real Club de Tennis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain – April 23, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his quarter final match against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie REUTERS/Albert Gea
Last year, Nadal won a historic 13th title at Roland Garros and also equaled his arch-rival Roger Federer‘s record of winning 20 Grand Slam titles.
Martina Navratilova lauds Rafael Nadal
Having watched Nadal compete over the years, Navratilova heaped praise on the tennis star’s ‘never-say-die’ attitude and his sheer dedication to the sport.
“But, for me, watching you play, watching you compete for every point as if it is match point, your total and utter commitment to the sport, your professionalism is off the charts,” Navratilova said.
In an ongoing career spanning almost 20 years, Nadal has inspired millions worldwide with his fighting spirit, mental toughness, and humble personality despite enormous success.
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Tennis – ATP 500 – Barcelona Open – Real Club de Tennis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain – April 23, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his quarter final match against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie REUTERS/Albert Gea
In her message, Navratilova expressed her admiration for Nadal and offered him advice to never retire so that his fans can keep enjoying watching the ‘King of Clay’ winning French Open titles each year.
“People will be writing books about you so that they can teach others to do what you have done so well for, now almost 20 years. So, I salute you, I respect you, I love watching you play and I hope you never quit so you can win, maybe 30 Roland Garros titles. Anyway, congratulations.” Navratilova said.
With the 2021 Roland Garros less a month away, Nadal will aim for trophy number 14 in Paris and to move past Federer in the race of the most Grand Slam titles won.
Just a few days back, Nadal lost to Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Madrid Open. Up next, he will compete at the upcoming Rome Masters, a tournament he has won a record nine times in his career.