British tennis star Emma Raducanu, 19, said it was fascinating to watch Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic up close and see the differences between them. Nadal and Djokovic are some of the best players in tennis history, while Raducanu is one of the most talented players of her generation.
At Wimbledon, Raducanu had the chance to see Nadal and Djokovic on the practice court. After watching both all-time greats practice, Raducanu realized some of the differences between the two. “I was watching Novak [Djokovic] warm up and it’s really fascinating to see the differences between him and Rafa [Nadal].
With Rafa you can feel his presence, but Novak is extremely easy and fluid and the way he gets his power is very different. Raducanu explained, according to James Gray. A year ago, Raducanu was a promising teenager who earned a wildcard into the Wimbledon main draw.
This year, Raducanu returned to Wimbledon as the highest-ranked British player and the face of British tennis. At Wimbledon this definitely helps as Raducanu had a chance to practice on the main courts before Wimbledon. The best training courts are reserved for the best players and that is why Raducanu was able to watch Djokovic and Nadal practice.
“I’m 19 years old, and seeing Rafa and Novak so close and being able to learn from them and walk among these great players is still special. I don’t think it will ever change when you see those greats and it’s incredible to have them around.”
Nadal wants to win Wimbledon again
“It is normal for people to talk about the retirement of great athletes, since they have been in the elite for a long time, especially in very popular sports that form part of people’s lives.
They become a fundamental part of a person’s daily life, since they are an inspiration,” Rafael Nadal said. “My philosophy is that a couple of weeks ago I was close to retirement. Now I don’t feel that way. I’ve never been afraid for that day to come,” Nadal said.
“I’m happy to have lived a very happy life outside of tennis, more beyond that tennis is a very important part of my life in the last 30 years. I have been happy outside of it, without a doubt. There are many things that I like to do beyond tennis, it does not worry me, but it is clear that when that day comes, I will [have to] change,” Nadal said. “In this life, every change requires time to adapt.”