‘Rafael Nadal has more kindness and sympathy than Roger Federer & Novak Djokovic’
Rafael Nadal has more “kindness and sympathy” than both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, according to the president of the Italian Tennis Federation.
Nadal called time on his career at the Davis Cup last month, following a two-decade-long career which saw him win 22 Grand Slam singles titles and spend 209 weeks as the world No 1.
The Spaniard was a key factor in what is widely recognised as the golden era of the men’s game, alongside chief rivals Federer and Djokovic.
Nadal played Djokovic a historic 60 times and also had 40 meetings with Djokovic, with the trio combining to sweep 66 Grand Slam titles across a 20-year span.
The debate will rage on who is the greatest male player of all time, but Italian Tennis Federation president Angelo Binaghi believes there is no doubt that Nadal was the best of the trio off-court.
Speaking to Ubitennis, former pro player Binaghi described Nadal as a “true gentleman,” who showed more “kindness” than Federer.
He said: “The best of all, by far, especially off the court.
“In 24 years I have crossed paths with him many times, between one tournament and another. And Nadal is truly a special tennis player: a true gentleman, polite, beloved by the fans, someone who has given so much to tennis and has inspired generations to be passionate about it.
“In my opinion even more than Federer, who in person, in my experience, does not have the same kindness and sympathy as Nadal.”
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Nadal’s career achievements have been eclipsed by Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles and has spent a record 428 weeks as world No 1.
But, while saying Djokovic was the “best” player, Binaghi also believes the Serbian cannot match Nadal’s “human depth”.
Binaghi added: “And the same goes for Djokovic: certainly the best tennis player in the world, but who in my opinion does not have the sporting and human depth of Nadal.”
Nadal’s retirement came following Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final defeat to The Netherlands in Malaga, with the 38-year-old beaten 6-4, 6-4 in his final match by Botic van de Zandschulp.
Speaking on court following Spain’s exit, the 22-time major winner claimed he had been “very lucky” to have had the success he achieved across his career.
“A lot of people work hard. A lot of people try their best every single day. I have been very lucky,” said Nadal.
“I was just a kid who followed his dreams and worked as hard as possible to get where I am today. I achieved my dreams and more than I ever thought.”
