When Tiger Woods couldn't help contain his excitement after Rafael Nadal’s incredible rally at the US Open
Tiger Woods is a well-known tennis fan and it is common to see him attending high-level events, especially the US Open. The 15-time Major champion has also been part of emotional scenes there, such as when he attended one of his friend Rafael Nadal's matches in the 2019 edition.
Nadal was playing in the fourth round of the fourth and last Grand Slam tournament of the season against Croatian Marin Čilić. In the fourth set of the match, the Spaniard hit one of the most spectacular shots of his career, prompting an iconic celebration from Woods.
At one point in the set, Čilić landed a softly placed backhand down the left line that tested Nadal's skills. However, the Spaniard showed his mastery and responded with a shot around the post that fell in the legal zone and gave him the point, as it was out of reach for the Croatian.
The crowd in the stands went wild at such a display of quality tennis. Tiger Woods was one of the most exuberant, celebrating with his signature fist pump, the same one he used to celebrate his fifth Masters Tournament title the same season.
Rafael Nadal eventually defeated Čilić and advanced to the quarterfinals. He went on to defeat Diego Schwartzman (quarterfinals), Matteo Berretini (semifinals) and Daniil Medvedev (final) to win the 2019 US Open. It was the 19th Grand Slam trophy of his illustrious career.
Rafael Nadal - "To play in front of Tiger Woods is a very special thing"
While playing his fourth-round match against Marin Čilić, Rafael Nadal was unaware that Tiger Woods was in the stands as a spectator. During the post-match interview, he was informed of Woods' presence at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and he sincerely appreciated it.
"To play in front of Tiger is a very special thing," Nadal said (via PGA Tour news service). "I've always said that I don’t have idols, but if I did, I would have to say that one idol is him."
He added:
"It means a lot to me to have him supporting," Nadal said. "As I said, he's an amazing inspiration, all the things that he accomplish on the sport, the way that he managed to keep fighting that hard ..."
Nadal and Woods have a well-known friendship. It is common to see the 15-time Major champion supporting the Spaniard in important matches. Nadal, in turn, has attended golf events such as the Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods, as a spectator.
The Spaniard is also a well-known amateur golfer. In February 2024, he won the Balearic Mid-Amateur Championship with a score of 3 over 147, seven strokes ahead of the runner-up.
It was Nadal's third participation in the event. He finished sixth in 2021 and second in 2022.