"He never throws in the towel" - When MS Dhoni expressed his admiration for Rafael Nadal
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal on Thursday, October 10, confirmed his retirement date. In an emotional video shared on his official social media handles, the 38-year-old revealed that the Davis Cup final in Malaga in November will be the last event of his professional career.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is hugely admired by fans and sportspersons the world over, not just for his exceptional talent, but for his tenacity as well. During an event back in 2017, Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni had named Nadal as his favorite player.
During an interaction on Tekplay's YouTube channel, he hailed the Spanish tennis champion and said:
"Somehow, I have always been a No. 2 supporter. Not consciously, but it just happens. You know, I was an Andre Agassi supporter and he was No. 2 that time. Steffi Graf, she was No. 2. Then Nadal No. 2. Of course, he went on to become the World No. 1."
"I think his never [say] die attitude even when it's the last point, he's losing, he'll still give it its best and that's what is something that is very important - not to throw in the towel until the result is there. That's why Nadal, for me, he never throws in the towel and gives his best whatever the situation may be," Dhoni went on to add in praise of the tennis great.
While Nadal will be retiring from tennis in November, Dhoni announced his decision to quit international cricket in 2020. He has, however, continued representing Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
What Rafael Nadal said while announcing his retirement
While confirming his retirement from professional tennis through a video on social media, Nadal explained that injuries have limited his tennis assignments and acknowledged that the last two years have been rather tough.
"It has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations," he was quoted as saying by BBC.
The Spaniard has won a record 14 French Open titles and is often referred to as the 'King of Clay'. He has also won the Wimbledon twice, the Australia Open twice, and the US Open on four occasions. He also claimed gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.