Being no stranger to injuries, Rafael Nadal has made a remarkable comeback on the tour each time after a long injury break. Having lingering knee problems since 2005, Nadal has missed many major championships during his career. The Spaniard has missed more than half the 2012 and 2014 season because of chronic knee pain.

Despite the hardships, Nadal’s resilience and ‘never-say-die’ attitude have resulted in him winning 20 Grand Slam titles. Since 2017, his rival, Andy Murray, has been suffering from a nagging hip injury which almost made Murray contemplate retirement. Having undergone multiple hip surgeries, Murray has missed eight of the last 11 Grand Slam tournaments.

Rafael Nadal hails Murray’s passion

In the past, the 2016 Wimbledon champion has revealed about drawing inspiration from Rafael Nadal about the art of coming back strong from injuries.

In an exclusive interview with Celebrity magazine, Nadal was asked if he had spoken to Murray to offer his advice on finding form after returning from a serious injury. The Spaniard remarked that he hasn’t talked to Murray in recent times, but the latter’s fighting spirit manifests his passion for the game.

“I haven’t spoken much to him lately, and I know he is fighting hard to come back to the top of his level It is never easy after such serious surgery. But the fact that he is fighting and coming back shows his love for the game and his passion for our sport,” said Nadal.

After a hiatus of nearly three years, Murray won his first singles title at the 2020 European Open. Visibly emotional, Murray broke down to tears after winning the final against Stan Wawrinka. Despite announcing he would retire in 2019 due to the hip injury, Murray is still fighting to find his top form.

With the 2021 Australian Open scheduled to begin in February, Murray will aim to improve his performances in Grand Slam tournaments. The Briton has lost in all his five appearances at the Australian Open final.