WATCH: Rafael Nadal receives special treatment from crowd as he arrives to cheer on Joao Fonseca in ATP Next Gen Finals final against Learner Tien
Rafael Nadal has continued to bring his star power to the 2024 ATP Next Gen Finals and was present to watch the title contest. Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca squared off against American prodigy Learner Tien in the final.
Nadal made his first tennis-related appearance since retiring from the sport in November at the 2024 ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In addition to visiting the Tariqa Hakim Abdul Museum, the Spaniard also made an appearance at the King Abdullah Sports City to watch tennis' young guns battle it out.
The 38-year-old attended the semifinal between Learner Tien and Alex Michelsen on December 21 and returned to the venue for the title contest on December 22. Nadal, in a black suit, was escorted by tournament officials and received a raucous welcome from fans as he made his way to the courtside to watch Fonseca and Tien compete.
In addition to inspiring tennis' brightest prospects at the Next Gen Finals, the Spaniard spent time interacting with young kids in Saudi Arabia. In a video shared on social media platform X, the former World No. 1 could be seen stationed at one side of the net with a line of kids on the other side waiting to have a hitting session with him on a clay court.
Joao Fonseca credited Rafael Nadal for inspiring him after reaching ATP Next Gen Finals 2024 title contest
Joao Fonseca was the last player to qualify for the 2024 ATP Next Gen Finals and has made the most of his opportunity in Jeddah. The Brazilian defeated his first two group stage opponents and completed a clean sweep after beating Jakub Mensik in his last group stage match. After the match, Fonseca credited Rafael Nadal for inspiring him to victory.
Ahead of his last group match, Fonseca sat down to chat with Nadal alongside fellow Next Gen rivals Jakub Mensik and Alex Michelsen. In his post-match interview after beating Mensik, Fonseca stated that the Spaniard spoke about his experiences, which motivated him to give his best on the court.
"I met Rafa today so I am a bit of like inspired by him. Well, actually, I was with Alex and Jakub, and he said a little bit more of his experience, which is a lot and his mentality, he is a hardworker, so, it's really nice and really inspired me today," said Fonseca.
Fonseca also showed a childhood picture of him and his mother, Roberto, alongside Nadal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the 22-time Grand Slam Champion. The Spaniard was left surprised, and the trio recreated the image.
Joao Fonseca defeated top seed Arthur Fils, Learner Tien, and Jakub Mensik to reach the knockout stage at the 2024 ATP Next Gen Finals. He then saw off Luca Van Assche's challenge in the semifinal, 4-2, 4-2, 4-1, to reach the title contest, where he beat Tien to clinch the title.