Watch: Adorable scenes in Team Spain camp as Rafael Nadal lends his jacket to Paula Badosa after she complains about feeling cold
Rafael Nadal is well-known for being a class act on and off the court, and he gave another example of his kindness during the ongoing United Cup in Australia.
The 36-year-old is a part of Spain's squad at the tournament, and he started his season with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Great Britain's Cameron Norrie. Unperturbed, Nadal cheered on his teammate Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who took on Dan Evans in the second men's singles fixture.
During that match, Paula Badosa, also sitting on the sidelines, complained about feeling cold. Nadal responded to that by instantly taking off his jacket and lending it to her.
You can watch the video of the exchange in the tweet below:
#DreamTeam Rafa & Paula are back on ESP’s corner to cheer on Albert.
Aww sweet Rafa lending his jacket to Paula as it’s getting cold here now.🥰
#UnitedCup Sydney 🇦🇺🎾
#VamosEspana 🇪🇸💖 https://t.co/tM2cvbGw9c
Nadal and Badosa were initially scheduled to compete in the mixed doubles clash, but withdrew as it was rendered a dead rubber. Great Britain took an unassailable 3-1 lead after Dan Evans beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.
Instead, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and David Vega Hernandez will play the fixture against Harriet Dart and Jonny O'Mara.
"Not a disaster at all" - Rafael Nadal on his defeat to Cameron Norrie
Rafael Nadal suffered a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Cameron Norrie in his first match of the season. But he refused to call it a disaster in his post-match press conference, and claimed that there were a few things he needed to do better.
"Well, was not a disaster at all. I can do things, of course, better, and I need to do it. But as I said, no, not many matches before. I think he played the first match two days ago," the World No. 2 said.
"I think that's an advantage, especially if you win the match the way that he did. And then I need to be a little bit faster physically, a little bit more solid, some less mistakes and making better decisions at some point, playing a little bit longer," he added.
Spain next take on Australia in the United Cup, and Rafael Nadal will face Alex de Minaur in what will be the fourth meeting between the two. Speaking about the fixture, the Spaniard called the Aussie a great player, adding that he would have to play very well in order to win.
"He's a great player," the 36-year-old said. "Playing super fast. Playing with very high intensity. Taking the ball very early. Improved the serve. Yeah, gonna be another very tough match that I need to play very well to have any chance. So let's see."