The news that Rafael Nadal is ending his career this year was expected.
It's one of the finest sports careers we've had in the last 20 years. Above all in tennis, but also in the world among all athletes. It's a remarkable career, says Fredrik "Fidde" Rosengren, TV commentator, coach, and former Swedish Davis Cup captain.
Together with the Swiss Roger Federer (retired in 2022) and the Serbian Novak Djokovic, Nadal dominated men's tennis for two decades. The trio took 66 Grand Slam titles out of 83 possible between 2003 and 2023.
"Flawless"
Rosengren highlights Nadal's behavior on and off the tennis court.
Even if they're called Djokovic or Federer, you've seen over the years that they sometimes flip out and lose their cool. But Nadal has never done that. He has never thrown a racket or yelled at an umpire. It's clear that there have been discussions, but the respect he shows all people is flawless.
It was noticeable during his summer visit to Båstad – his first appearance in an ATP tournament in 19 years.
He stopped and signed autographs for kids in gardens and took selfies with everyone. He gave himself as he always has done. He has done enormous things for tennis.
"Enormous role model"
As an athlete, Nadal has never made a difference between training and match – it was full concentration on every ball, emphasizes Rosengren. Every training and every match was as if it was his last in his career.
He has been an enormous role model with his 100 percent attitude in all situations.
The Spaniard seems to have tried to extend his career until the end, but after the Davis Cup final in November, it's over.
He probably realizes it's becoming too much. He won't be able to win anything big again. We should be damn glad that we've had these players until they're almost 40 years old. We've had them because the others haven't been good enough to play them off the throne, simply, says Rosengren.
