"My God of tennis is Rafael Nadal" - Rising star Alina Korneeva grateful for Spaniard's 'support'
Alina Korneeva has hailed Rafael Nadal as her "God of tennis." The 17-year-old Russian also shed light on how she felt while training close to the former ATP World No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam winner. According to Korneeva, the Spaniard and his team have also been supportive of her during a tough phase earlier this year when the youngster was required to undergo surgery.
Korneeva became the No. 1 junior in the ITF circuit last year and also went on to make her WTA Tour-level debut. She made her Grand Slam debut this year after qualifying for the Australian Open main draw, eventually losing to Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round. Korneeva soon started experiencing tendon issues in her wrist and was sidelined from February onwards.
She underwent surgery in April and made a comeback on the ITF World Tennis Tour in September. Korneeva, who is sometimes compared to Maria Sharapova, won the event where she returned to action, the W100 Caldas de Rainha.
Recently, the official Instagram pages of the Rafa Nadal Academy and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) shared a video of Korneeva talking about her admiration for the legendary Spaniard.
"My God of tennis is Rafa. In December (2023), I practiced at the same courts like him and I felt, 'Oh my God. This guy is practicing close to me and to be here and see how he works is really motivating,'" Korneeva said.
The 17-year-old then went on to lay bare the help that came her way from Nadal himself along with the rest of his team at the academy.
"I went to Moscow to rest a bit and then came back to Barcelona because I had to take out the stitches and then I saw the team of Rafa. I said, 'Really? Exactly this day Rafa is going to be here?' and of course it was a really nice meeting. He said some really kind words to me. Support. Like, because when you feel the support from the biggest person in this sport, it's something that really helps you to stay positive in these moments," Korneeva added.
Rafael Nadal surprised Alina Korneeva with a visit following her wrist surgery in Barcelona
Soon after Alina Korneeva underwent a successful wrist surgery in Barcelona, Rafael Nadal paid her a surprise visit. The Russian later took to her Instagram to share an all-smile picture of herself and the Spaniard during their meeting.
"These days, I’ve received so many heartwarming messages and comments. One of the surprises was meeting @rafaelnadal in Barcelona. I’m grateful for all the love and support," Korneeva wrote.
While Alina Korneeva's tennis career is just getting started, the 22-time Major winner is nearly at the end of his own. He is set to feature for Spain at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, which will be his last outing as a professional tennis player.