‘There has not been an athlete in Spain comparable to Rafael Nadal’, says former world No 12
There has never been an athlete in Spain “comparable” to Rafael Nadal, says former Spanish star and Madrid Open tournament director Feliciano Lopez.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1, is approaching the final stages of his career, with the 38-year-old set to retire at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
It is set to be an emotional farewell for the Spaniard, who will have the chance to say goodbye to the sport in front of a home crowd – and potentially help Spain win its first Davis Cup title since 2019.
Ever since Nadal confirmed his impending retirement the tennis and wider sporting world has come together to pay tribute to one of tennis’ most beloved champions.
However, few have paid a tribute as emphatic as the one that former world No 12 Lopez has put forward in recent days.
Speaking to Relevo, Lopez made it clear that he thought Nadal was well in front in the Spanish sporting GOAT debate.
“He was world number one, he won Olympic medals – there has not been an athlete in Spain comparable to Rafa in sporting terms,” said Lopez.
“Sometimes the debate is fueled in a journalistic way, and I understand that it is nice to ask who is the best.
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“But this debate dilutes reality a little: if we talk about sporting performances, honestly and without offending anyone, I do not think that anyone can match him.
“And then there is what has transcended, what has moved. He has provoked emotions and feelings in so many people.
“Things have happened with Rafa in this country that have not happened with any other athlete and that also contributes to it.”
Nadal is undoubtedly Spain’s greatest-ever tennis player, with four-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz the closest man to him in terms of the number of major titles won in the Open Era.
Alongside his 22 major triumphs, Nadal also spent 209 weeks atop the ATP Rankings and won Olympic gold medals in singles and doubles.
However, the debate as to whether Nadal is Spain’s greatest sportsperson full stop would be an intriguing one in his home country.
A nation that loves its football, many could well put forward World Cup winners such as Andres Iniesta and Xavi as among Spain’s greatest sporting exports.
Motorsport stars such as Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso and Moto GP icon Marc Marquez could also feature.
