“It’s a Sad Day”: Rafael Nadal Opens up on Maria Sharapova’s Retirement
Follow Us
Former World No.1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, Maria Sharapova took retirement from professional tennis on Wednesday. Sports personalities from all over the globe paid tribute to the Russian with a horde of messages. Rafael Nadal also greeted Sharapova’s retirement news by recounting how she inspired millions of people around the world.
The Russian star decided to hang up her racquet at the age of 32. The persistent struggles with shoulder and arm injuries over the past 18 months created doubts about her future. The injuries also hampered her comeback to the top after the 2-year doping ban in 2016. However, the five-time major winner tried her level best before quitting on Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“She’s been an example”: Rafael Nadal
After needing 1 hour and 36 minutes to defeat Miomir Kecmanović 6-2, 7-5 at the Mexican Open 2020 on Wednesday, Nadal lauded Sharapova’s contribution to the sport on the day of her retirement.
“She’s worked really hard from a very young age to achieve her goals. It’s a sad day because an icon is leaving, a reference in women’s sports. She’s given a lot to tennis. Above all, she’s been an example of passion for the sport,” Nadal said in the post-match press conference.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Maria Sharapova Reveals the Reason Behind Not Following Rafael Nadal on Instagram
When Sharapova found inspiration from Nadal
The former World No.1 Maria Sharapova had once revealed that she draws inspiration from the 19-time Grand Slam champion. The Russian called him the ‘ultimate fighter’. She was also impressed by his incredible recovering ability when she was aiming to make a comeback to the WTA tour after recovering from her injury in June 2019.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’ve always admired the way Nadal has fought through all the injuries he’s had. He is the greatest example of that, ” Sharapova said in an interview.