The Cincinnati Open was a massive success this year, with players putting their best foot forward. The cherry on the cake was of course the summit clash, where Novak Djokovic took on Carlos Alcaraz. Cincinnati also organized a promotional video, which took a few of the top tennis players down memory lane. It was as entertaining as it was adorable.
Djokovic, Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, and Andrey Rublev were a few of the participants. For this video, their hot seat was a pink inflatable couch. Novak started off the proceedings, taking a dig at his clothes in the photo and the couch, remarking, “It’s really retro 90s right?”
Djokovic found himself looking at an old picture with his wife Jelena Djokovic. He jokingly wondered how a stunning woman like her ended up with him. Novak stated that the picture was taken during the first few years of their relationship. The two started dating in high school and have been together ever since.
Let’s take a look back, shall we? 🥴
The pros react to their childhood photos.#TheBreakTC | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/aKhsXn4WGu
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 20, 2023
However, the most embarrassing picture was probably of Jabeur, wearing a bright pink Sombrero. Jabeur divulged that she still has it at home. A picture from an old photoshoot greatly embarrassed Daria Kasatkina. She joked nobody knew what they were doing, neither she nor the camera crew.
Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz also participated in the video. Alcaraz revealed he was holding one of his first trophies alongside his then-coach in 2007.
Andrey Rublev was shown a picture from his childhood, wearing a green t-shirt with a green headband. The Russian revealed that he was trying to copy his idol, Rafael Nadal. He was also wearing the same shorts as Nadal and even using the same racket! Rublev was not the only Nadal fan though, as Borna Coric too revealed how much he looked up to Rafa.
Rafael Nadal is one of the biggest inspirations for players like Andrey Rublev and Carlos Alcaraz
Nadal is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in tennis. Therefore it is not surprising that he has also inspired children to pick up the racket. Rublev and Alcaraz are just a couple of players on the tennis circuit. But there are numerous others like them, who were inspired by Rafa.
Nadal’s influence goes beyond Rublev trying to dress like him. While it makes for a funny story, Rublev was inspired to learn from the way Nadal played.
Alcaraz, the current world number one, is another such player. He has previously spoken about how much he looks up to Rafa. Carlos also stated that the impossible shots and passes he makes are a tribute to Nadal.
Alcaraz is also hailed by many as Nadal’s successor when the maestro retires. Nadal is currently recuperating from his injuries and will return in 2024 before he retires.