‘Rafael Nadal was already a champion at 16,’ recalls ATP Cup teammate Roberto Bautista Agut
Roberto Bautista Agut says that Rafael Nadal already carried the hallmarks of a champion at just 16-years-old.
Bautista Agut recently teamed with Nadal as Spain won the Davis Cup, and they will once again be teammates when the inaugural ATP Cup gets underway in Australia next month.
World number nine Bautista Agut is the highest ranked number two player in the tournament and, paired with world number one Nadal, it is clear to see why Spain are favourites to lift the title.
“Yes, we were playing in the Under-18s, a Spanish Championship,” Bautista Agut told atptour.com when asked it he remembered the first time he met Nadal.
“He was 16 and I was 14. I already heard very good things about him. I remember he left the tournament going to play Wimbledon juniors.
“I don’t remember if he won it or he played the final, but he was already showing the champion he is right now.”
In fact, it was neither. Nadal only played on junior event at Wimbledon, back in 2002, where he lost in the semi-finals to Lamine Ouahab – a player who has had a far less distinguished career and never broke into the top hundred in the world.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsHeather Watson inspired by Andy Murray as she makes quarter-finals in Birmingham
The British number two was leading when Zhang Shuai retired from their match due to a leg injury.
-
WimbledonRoger Federer is beaten on grass as his Wimbledon hopes take a hit
Federer’s hopes of a lengthy run in the Halle grass court event came to an end as he was beaten by Felix Auger-Aliassime.
-
NewsCameron Norrie beats Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev at Queen’s
Norrie is through to the last eight at Queen’s Club for the first time.
-
WimbledonWimbledon to open its doors to the public and here is how you get tickets
The 2021 tournament is set to get under way on June 28 at the All England Club.
-
NewsAndy Murray receives Wimbledon wild card with preparations in full swing
Murray will play singles at the All England Club for the first time since 2017.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray gets Wimbledon wildcard as rising British star is also rewarded
Andy Murray has been announced as one of the initial recipients of a Wimbledon wild card, along with fellow Brit Jack Draper.
-
WimbledonWimbledon confirm Naomi Osaka has yet to withdraw from this year’s Championships
Wimbledon chiefs have confirmed that Naomi Osaka is still entered into the draw for this year’s Championships.
-
NewsAndy Murray braced for tough time watching Scotland game in all-English bubble
The former world number one will be with his coaching staff at Queen’s when the two countries face off at Euro 2020.
-
NewsAndy Murray preparing for a tough night when Scotland play England in Euro 2020
Andy Murray is fearing a “tough” experience when he watches Scotland’s Euro 2020 clash with England on Friday.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Judy Murray urges tennis chiefs to provide mental health aid to all players after Naomi Osaka incident
Judy Murray believes game should do more to support players.