Serena Williams made a long-awaited comeback in the Wimbledon Championship of 2022. The 40-year-old was out of action after last year’s Wimbledon, where she retired mid-way because of a hamstring injury. Recently, the American had praised Spaniard Rafael Nadal for his brilliant season to date.

Serena called him very inspiring and even named her dog after the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Here’s how Nadal reacted to it.

Nadal praises Serena Williams

Replying to a question, the 36-year-old started by thanking the American for her kind words. Also, he called her one of the best female athletes in the sport.

“Well, first of all thanks for the words from Serena, I read it, it’s great to hear these beautiful things from probably one of the biggest female athletes in the history of sport in general,” he said.

Further, the Spaniard lauded Serena for making a comeback after a long injury. He also called it as a brilliant example of showing love towards her work and the game.

“It’s great that she?s trying to come back. The only thing that shows is passion and love for the game because after all the things that she achieved and a long period of time being injured it?s so difficult to try to come back and just be here shows that she has a lot of love for her work and for this game and I think that?s a great example,” he concluded.

Read more: ?More of My Life Now? ? Serena Williams? Genuine Admission on Enjoying Life Outside the Tennis Court

It was a legend, applauding another legend. Notably, Nadal’s career has been a brilliant example of grit and perseverance. Aged over 36 now, the world number 4’s extraordinary passion for the game was on display when he decided to play this year’s French Open in pain.

Serena loses in the first round of the Wimbledon Championships 2022

Serena made her much-awaited comeback to the tennis singles yesterday. Playing her first-round match against Harmony Tan of France, she ended up on the losing side in an epic encounter. In the three-hour-long game, Serena didn’t look at her best at times.

The 40-year-old lost the opening set but came back stronger to take the second set. In the decider, Williams came within two points of victory but could not finish the job against Tan. Eventually bowing out with a 7-5, 1-6, 7-6(7) loss.

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Serena might have lost the match, but the way she fought clearly shows the fire is still there and her passion for the game is still intact. We hope to see her soon on the court again.