Rafael Nadal: Me, Roger Federer, Djokovic are in late stage of career
The 32-year-old Mallorcan Rafael Nadal admitted that he, the 31-year-old Novak Djokovic and the 37-year-old Roger Federer are not getting any younger and that sooner or later they will retire from professional tennis. Speaking to Banco Sabadell, Nadal said: "Things are not eternal, years go on and we are in the final stage of our career. It's a fact. I hope it doesn't happen soon. But I am convinced I can be happy without tennis as well."
On his rivalries with the Serb and the Swiss, Nadal said: "I appreciate them for the many experiences we shared. We had a relationship of full respect on and off the court. This is a game: you win, lose, it's part of our lives."
The Spaniard went through good and bad times facing Djokovic and Federer: "I am a good loser. Losses hurt me, obviously, but I still had excitement and passion."
Asked whom would he pick as a Spanish sporting influence, Nadal thought for a few seconds and then picked the basketball star Pau Gasol: "It's unfair to choose, but for our relationship and the moments shared, Pau. He was a pioneer."
He also shared a great thought: "Greats are not those who triumph, but the people who want to help others. For that, one needs to look around oneself. The best examples of people are those who are in the day-to-day lives of each person."
Nadal lost to Djokovic in the Australian Open final, and to Nick Kyrgios in the second round of the Mexican Open in Acapulco.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2ISmkLF
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