The tributes to Rafael Nadal since his retirement announcement continue to flow, with Patrick McEnroe saying he might be the best competitor in sports history.
Nadal's sublime technical ability should never be underestimated. His forehand is one of the greatest shots in tennis history, and he is also among the most underrated players at the net ever seen on the ATP Tour.
However, his incredible fighting spirit and mentality often outshone his technical qualities. Nadal never threw in the towel during matches, inspiring millions of fans worldwide with his fighting qualities.
The Spaniard won and lost some of the best matches in the sport's history, such as the 2008 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer and the longest Grand Slam final in history at the 2012 Australian Open against Novak Djokovic, but he always fought to the end no matter what.
Fans will see those qualities for the last time at the Davis Cup Finals next month. Spain are set to play the Netherlands in the quarterfinal, and Nadal is expected to play doubles with Carlos Alcaraz at the event.
The penultimate tournament of Nadal's career occurred at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. He appeared alongside Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune.
Nadal competed against his old rival Djokovic for the final time at the Six Kings Slam. After the Serbian won in straight sets, he paid an emotional tribute to the 14-time French Open champion, calling him an incredible person.
Although Nadal says Roger Federer is his biggest rival over Djokovic, the 38-year-old still has much respect for the 24-time Grand Slam winner, admitting he would not have become such a great player without him.
Despite Djokovic and Nadal being extraordinary competitors, Patrick McEnroe said on the Tennis Channel's Inside-In podcast that the Spaniard is arguably the best competitor in tennis and other sports.
"I mean, not only is he arguably the greatest competitor we've ever seen in tennis, maybe in sports in general, you gotta put him up there. But so humble and such a great sportsman example."
The American also discussed Nadal's impact on the kids he worked with, admitting that many of the kids he helps at the academy with his brother, John McEnroe, mimic the 22-time Grand Slam winner's style.
"I helped run our John McEnroe Tennis Academy here in New York with my brother, and, all the kids, over the years that I've been there, show up with the Rafa headband, his racket."
"I tell them, you're probably not going to be able to hit the forehand like Rafa, okay? But you can learn from his attitude, which was 110% every time he went out on the court. No excuses. Be humble. Respect the game, which is why he never broke a racket. Respect the opponent."
Nadal is undoubtedly a wonderful role model for kids and adults worldwide, and his legacy will never be forgotten, even when he retires from the sport at the Davis Cup Finals.
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