Rafael Nadal’s achievements ‘beyond the reach of any human being’, says former world No 9
Former world No 9 Nicolas Almagro has declared that Rafael Nadal’s achievements are “beyond the reach of any human being.”
The Spaniard also described the challenge of facing Nadal at the French Open by comparing it to “going to the slaughterhouse.”
Nadal will retire following the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 stage in Malaga, which will be held from November 19-24.
It is unclear whether Nadal will feature in singles, doubles, or both, but the 38-year-old icon has suggested he may not play at all if he does not feel physically ready.
“Will I be ready for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, yes, that’s for sure; physically and tennis-wise, I still have a month ahead of me,” the former world No 1 said at a press conference during the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh last month.
“I will prepare, I will try to be in shape to help the team win. If I feel ready and the captain feels the same way, it will be his decision. If I don’t feel ready, I will be the first to step away and see how I can help.
“First, I have to be the one who feels competitive to get into the game, then you can win or lose, that’s part of the sport. If I’m not 100% or if I’m far from winning my match, I won’t go on the court.”
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Speaking on Radio Marca’s El Programa de Ortega podcast, Almagro spoke about Nadal’s retirement and argued his legendary compatriot will be irreplaceable in tennis.
“If injuries had spared him, he would have continued trying, I have no doubt about it. It’s a shame, it’s a sad day for world sport,” Almagro said.
“He is one of the greatest that a mother could have given to world sport, a reference, a legend, an example in all aspects… Things in life.
“We knew that sooner or later he would arrive, but it is a hard blow because he leaves a very big void that is very difficult to fill.
“We have Carlitos [Alcaraz] there, present and future, but I think what Rafa has achieved is beyond the reach of any human being.”
Almagro earned one victory in his 16 matches with Nadal and won just two sets in the 15 contests he lost to the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
The Spaniard faced Nadal four times at Roland Garros: in the quarter-finals in 2008, 2010 and 2012, and in the second round in 2015.
Almagro did not win a set in any of those matches and suffered a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 demolition at the hands of a rampant Nadal in 2008.
Nadal has won a staggering 14 French Open titles — an all-time tennis record at a single major — and he holds a 112-4 record at the Paris Grand Slam.
Almagro reflected on the challenge of facing the ‘King of Clay’ at Roland Garros
“It was like going to the slaughterhouse,” the 13-time ATP title winner admitted.
“It was a not unpleasant feeling, because you are in the biggest tournament that a sportsman who likes clay can play on, but if you go in with few options at the beginning of the match, you realise that you have none.
“It was like going into his garden and wanting to take his fruit and he wouldn’t let you.
“It’s something that those of us who have played against him there will take with us, we will retain it in our memories and we will tell our children and grandchildren about it.
“Getting a hold of him, especially in Paris, was difficult. He forged a legend based on work, sacrifice and values. It’s something that should be taught in schools. That made it so difficult when you played against him to come close to beating him.”
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