Rafael Nadal is one of the most influential personas in the world of tennis and it showed also during the 2022 US Open which was dominated by the Spaniard in a way.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was on the quest to add his 23rd major, but he lost to Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round. Despite his early exit, the legacy of Rafael Nadal was visible throughout the men's, women's and boys' and girls' event at the 2022 US Open.
In 2016, Rafael Nadal started his Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca where a lot of tennis players improved their game, including the 2022 US Open girls' champion, Alexandra Eala. After her historic triumph as the first player from Philippines to win the US Open, she said:
“Well, I think my idol is obviously Rafa. But I'm not just saying that because I'm in his academy (laughter). No, he's a very good role model, something a lot of people should idolize and try to be. I won a tournament a couple years ago, maybe three years ago, in France. The academy reached out to my parents. After a while, long discussions, we decided that I would be based there,” Eala said.
But not only girls' champion came from the Rafa Nadal Academy. Boys' champion, Martin Landulace is another player that visited academy of the 22-time Grand Slam champion and the Spaniard also spoke about him after his triumph.
"I think in part is the mentality we have like a country. We are fighters. Especially I think we have had Rafa Nadal, one of the best persons, best examples of sport management. He's my idol since I've been playing. I think for many people he's such an inspiration," Landaluce said.
Moreover, women's champion Iga Swiatek and men's champion and runner-up, Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud numerously emphasized Rafael Nadal's influence on their game and growth and so his domination at the 2022 US Open is undeniable.
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