“Want to Learn From People Like Nadal”: Rising Tennis Star Sees Rafael Nadal as a Role Model

Daniel Altmaier has a career-high ATP ranking of 122 in the world, which he achieved in October 2020. He is currently part of the Round of 32 draws in the Bett1Hulks Championship taking place in Cologne. The German recently expressed his admiration for Rafael Nadal.

Still in the early days of his tennis career, the 22-year-old is a massive admirer of Rafael Nadal. In an interview, he was asked about Nadal. To this Altmaier said,  “I want to learn from people like Nadal who stumbled and then came back. His record will last forever. In the team we often take Nadal as a role model.” 

The German said that he is inspired by Rafa and loves the never-say-die attitude that the Spaniard great takes to the court. “My trainer Francisco Yunis is from Argentina. 90 percent of Argentines play to finance their lives and started tennis for the money. They have an attitude of working hard. Nadal is very similar to them. He manages to get the best out of it every day. You never get to see him weak as a spectator. My coach says: “If he has a bad day, he wins against you. If he’s having a good day, he’ll kill you.” Altmaier further added.

(Interview translated from German with Google Translate)

Daniel Altmaier opens up on his hard times

The rising tennis star from Germany, who achieved his best Major finish at the French Open 2020 by reaching the 4th round, has opened up on his hard times.

Altmaier mentioned that Stan Wawrinka, his “important buddy” has helped him get past the hard times when he was faced with career-threatening injuries.

The tendon tear Altmaier suffered in 2017 was followed by more injuries. “He’s an important buddy who helped me through hard times,” Altmaier said of Wawrinka. “Stan took me to see doctors with tennis experience. I needed to understand what was happening to my body and not just let myself be treated. I now know why my body reacts how in a certain situation.”

Keen on leaving his dark past behind, Daniel Altmaier is ready to set the ATP Tour abuzz. He is currently part of the draw in the ongoing Bett1Hulks Championship happening from October 19-25 in Cologne, Germany.