Andy Roddick briefly talked to Rafael Nadal recently, and the American was struck by how little the Spaniard has changed.
Nadal was set to compete at the Indian Wells Open. This would have been his first tournament since the Brisbane International in January, and just his second event since the 2023 Australian Open.
Unfortunately, this did not end up happening, due to Nadal withdrawing from the Indian Wells Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion stated that he was not yet ready to compete at a high level.
However, Roddick still had the chance to have a fleeting conversation with Nadal. Interestingly, Roddick used to think Nadal had some false humility and was not being completely honest in how he acted.
But the 2003 US Open champion has changed his opinion of Nadal. Roddick recently outlined how his respect for the 37-year-old has only grown over time and that his latest interaction with Nadal demonstrated this.
"I've come to know, respect and get Rafa even more over time. And I said when I saw him for a quick 30 seconds, and it's as if no time had passed. He came and gave a hug, 'How are you? Are you happy? You know, 'How old are your kids?'
Roddick then said that he asked Nadal how he was doing. The response of Nadal made Roddick realize just how little the tennis legend has changed after all the years he has known him.
"He goes, 'I'm happy, I'm stressed, I don't know how this is going to end, but I'm generally settled and happy,' and it was kind of that same tone, nothing has changed. One Grand Slam, or 22 Grand Slams, it's consistent."
It is refreshing to hear that Nadal has not changed his persona over time. How the Spaniard conducts himself is one of the many reasons he is so loved all over the world.