"Tiger Woods don't need any advice from me" - When Rafael Nadal proclaimed golf legend as 'one of the greatest sportsmen of all time' at US Open
Rafael Nadal once made a hilarious admission after being asked about trading advice with Tiger Woods, hailing the American golf legend as one of the greatest athletes in history. The Spaniard made the glowing remarks after Woods attended one of his matches at the 2019 US Open.
That year, Nadal entered the New York Major as the second seed, on the hunt for his fourth title at the prestigious event. The Spaniard produced a commanding run, triumphing over John Millman, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Chung Hyeon without dropping a set to book his place in the fourth round.
With a spot in the quarterfinals at stake, the second seed claimed a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Marin Cilic to keep his hopes of winning his 19th Grand Slam title alive. The blockbuster encounter attracted the Spaniard's close friend Tiger Woods to Arthur Ashe Stadium, along with his then-girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his children, Sam and Charlie.
Rafael Nadal was honored to have the opportunity to play in front of the golf legend, calling the American his idol. Speaking in his on-court interview, the Spaniard also hilariously admitted that Woods didn't need any advice from him about maintaining longevity and staying competitive as he ages.
"I think Tiger don't need any advice from me especially [laughs]. For me it's a huge honour playing in front of all of you of course but playing in front of Tiger for me is a very special thing. I always say that I never had a big idol but if I had to say, one idol is him. I always try to follow him every single shot that he hits through the whole year," Nadal said.
Nadal, an avid golfer himself, also hailed the American as "one of the greatest" sportsmen in history, congratulating him on his "amazing" comeback.
"For me, it is a big pleasure to have him here supporting. It means a lot. He's a big legend of the sport, one of the greatest sportsmens of all time and I just want to congratulate him for one of the most amazing comebacks ever in a sport, winning the Masters this year," he added.
When asked about playing golf together, the Spaniard joked that it would be better if Woods was spared from witnessing his swing.
"Honestly it's much better if Tiger don't see my swing. Maybe he can lose a little bit the rhythm after that," he said.
Rafael Nadal: "Tiger Woods is an amazing inspiration... I hope one day we can play golf and tennis together"
Rafael Nadal also expressed his gratitude for Tiger Woods' support in his post-match press conference after his fourth-round win at the 2019 US Open. He hailed the golf legend as an "amazing inspiration" for his indomitable fighting spirit.
"No, I didn't. I was playing tennis. But good, no? It means a lot to me to have him supporting. 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. Watching him on court always been an example on the golf course, have been an example, a real inspiration for me, no?," he said.
Furthermore, the Spaniard shared his delight about enjoying a close relationship with Woods, conveying his eagerness for the day they would be able to play both golf and tennis together.
"Have him supporting and be able to be in touch with him very often for me is something that I am super happy and I hope one day we can play golf and tennis together," he added.
Rafael Nadal won his fourth US Open title that year, fending off a valiant comeback effort from Daniil Medvedev in the final to claim a hard-fought 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 victory.