Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly the best tennis player in Spain's history, but Feliciano Lopez thinks the 22-time Grand Slam champion is also the greatest athlete the country has ever produced.
Nadal announced a few weeks ago that he would retire at the Davis Cup Finals this month in Malaga. Team Spain's quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands will be played on November 19th.
It is unknown whether Nadal will play in both the singles and the doubles. The 38-year-old has promised not to step onto the court if he cannot compete properly and give Spain the best chance of winning.
Team Spain's captain, David Ferrer, monitors Nadal's progress every day, but he feels that the tennis legend will likely be ready for the Finals. There is still plenty of time for circumstances to change, though.
The Davis Cup Finals is a fitting event for Nadal to end his illustrious career. He won the prestigious tournament four times and produced many memorable moments with his team members, including the current captain, Ferrer.
For years, many expected him to retire at the French Open, the Grand Slam, which he won an unprecedented 14 times. However, Nadal's numerous physical issues in the last few years mean he probably would not be able to compete in multiple matches in a best-of-5 set format.
Nadal's 14 French Open titles are one reason he is undoubtedly Spain's greatest tennis player, but Lopez thinks the former world No. 1 is also the best sportsperson in the country's history.
Lopez was on Spain's Davis Cup team for three of Nadal's triumphs at the team event. Hence, he saw up close and personally how exceptional Nadal was, especially during his prime years.
Speaking to Relevo, Lopez outlined why he believes Nadal is Spain's most outstanding athlete ever. The 43-year-old does not think it is close and suggested that debating the issue distorts what should be an obvious reality.
"He was world number one, he won Olympic medals – there has not been an athlete in Spain comparable to Rafa in sporting terms. Sometimes, the debate is fueled in a journalistic way, and I understand that it is nice to ask who is the best."
"But this debate dilutes reality a little: if we talk about sporting performances, honestly and without offending anyone, I do not think that anyone can match him.And then there is what has transcended, what has moved. He has provoked emotions and feelings in so many people."
While Lopez's warm words about his friend and former Davis Cup teammate are not surprising, there is certainly a strong case for Nadal being the best sportsperson Spain has produced. He is widely considered one of the three best tennis players ever, alongside Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Nadal is a humble figure who would never declare himself as Spain's greatest athlete. However, it is an interesting debate for fans and journalists to have, especially since Nadal's career is ending this month.
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