Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has been an icon of the game throughout his long career. Over the years, he has garnered titles and fans’ affections along the way. As a player, Nadal is as humble as they come. However, the Spaniard has been raked over the coals recently, for failing to congratulate his rival Novak Djokovic.
Novak has demolished records in his path to glory. He became the first-ever player to win 24 Grand Slam titles when he won the US Open last week. Djokovic equaled Margaret Court’s record, something that no other player in the Open Era has achieved.
However, Nadal has not congratulated Novak yet, and neither has Roger Federer. Rafa had wished Novak when he had won his 23rd title earlier this year, but there has been nothing so far.
Nadal has been on the sidelines for practically the entire year. He underwent surgery but is recovering well enough to make a comeback next year.
Rafa recently gave an interview to Moviestar+, where he spoke on a number of topics. He even divulged that he congratulates Carlos Alcaraz when he does well. Fans, however, were quick to notice his lack of acknowledgment of Novak‘s achievement. Some believe that Nadal has finally shown his “True Colors.”
The bitterness of Federer and Nadal towards Djokovic records and achievements is so blatant and I don’t understand why people just accept and acknowledge that and realise that they are just not players with amazing sportsmanship and never have been.
They want to win, I get that.
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) September 13, 2023
True colors. 🤷🏻♂️
— Julio Cesar Rodriguez (@jcrmtxus) September 13, 2023
Its bizarre
— theartistpatricksmith (@theartistpatri1) September 13, 2023
Rafael Nadal is a very competitive player and his lack of recognition of Djokovic’s achievements is truly bizarre. But given his past behavior, Nadal probably has a reason for it.
Rafael Nadal reveals why he has not congratulated Novak yet
The Spaniard has been absent from action, but it does not mean he is not aware of the happenings in the tennis world. In his recent interview, he finally revealed the reason he has not congratulated Novak yet.
“The truth is that I haven’t sent any message to Djokovic yet out of pure ignorance. When you win something so important, from experience I know it’s better to take the time to appreciate that message. I’ll send it but I haven’t done it yet,” he said (via Tennis365).
In the same interview, Nadal also shed some light on his future. He had initially planned to retire in 2024 but feels that ultimately, he will listen to his body.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are two of the biggest rivals in tennis history. Both players have achieved greatness, and taken the sport to greater heights. Nadal is currently preparing for his comeback, whereas Novak is playing in the Davis Cup.
