Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams have engraved their names in tennis history as the GOATs of the game. They have the third-most and second-most Grand Slam championships in the Open Era, respectively. They are also two of only five tennis players to have achieved the Career Golden Slam.
Having won multiple titles, Nadal and Williams have shared the limelight multiple times throughout their careers, and the two have a friendship based on mutual appreciation and respect. Both tennis stars have described themselves as being each other’s fans and have often expressed their admiration for each other.Here is a list of the most complimentary things that Nadal and Williams have said about each other over the years:
#5 “Me and Nadal are Booty siblings! We see cheek to cheek.”
Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams recently shared the stage during the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics where the duo, along with several other sporting legends, were a part of the prestigious torch-bearing ceremony along the River Seine.
Legends of French football Zinadine Zidane and Rafael Nadal passed the torch to Williams, the other tennis great, and the two enjoyed a brief reunion on a riverboat, reminiscent of bygone days.
#4 “She is one of the greatest sports [people] of all time. I feel lucky to share a tour for a long period of time with her.”
At the same time, Nadal and Williams ruled the tennis world and achieved the pinnacle of success in their respective fields. They have also frequently acknowledged each other as the greatest in the sport.
Nadal was one of the many sports icons who congratulated Williams for her contribution to tennis when she announced her retirement from the game in August 2022. He wished her the best and said it was unfortunate for the sport that she was departing. He stated (via Eurosport):
“She is one of the greatest sports [people] of all time. I feel lucky to share a tour for a long period of time with her. Of course, from a selfish point of view it’s sad that she’s leaving the tour but, on the other hand, we can’t thank her enough for all the things that she did for our sport.”
He added, “I think she’s an amazing inspiration for a lot of people around the world and I think she deserves to choose whatever works for her better at this stage off her life. So I wish her all the best.”
#3 “I’ve always been a Rafa fan. I named my dog after him.”
Shortly after winning the Australian Open that same year, Rafael Nadal captured his 22nd and most recent Grand Slam championship at Roland Garros in 2022. Serena Williams, the tennis legend and friend of Rafael Nadal, lavished him with kindness before his Wimbledon first-round match against Francisco Cerundolo. Nadal had had a great start to the season.
Williams revealed her support for Rafael Nadal during a press conference held during the tournament, as reported by Hindustan Times: “He’s done a lot in 2022.” He has been occupied. I’ve been a fan of Rafa for ever. My dog bears his name. He’s adorable. The little guy is missed. It goes without saying that I always support Rafa. Indeed, he has been truly inspiring in all that he has accomplished this year, and he still has a lot to do.
#2 “For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me.”
Talking about the much-debated topic of equal pay, Nadal shared his views that it was important for men and women to have the same opportunities and players’ earnings should depend on the revenue they generate.
Drawing comparisons between himself and his buddy Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal stated (via Tennis 365) in an interview with La Sexta earlier this year:
“The opportunities, the same. The salaries, the same? No, for what? It’s not unfair, what’s unfair is that there isn’t equal opportunity. I have a mother and a sister. If you tell me that men and women deserve the same opportunities, I’m a feminist. This term is taken to the extreme. If we’re talking about logical and normal things in this conversation, of course I want equality.
“For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me. I want equality, I want women to earn more than men if they generate more than men,” he added.
#1 “Thank you for all the amazing things you did for our sport, such an amazing ambassador”
ATP released recordings of tennis greats including Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras expressing their gratitude to 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams for her contributions to the game, continuing the outpouring of support and admiration that Serena got following her announcement that she would be retiring from the game.
In his video for his “booty sibling,” Nadal thanked Williams, saying (via Tennis.com):
“Thank you for all the amazing things you did for our sport, such an amazing ambassador. It’s been a huge honor to share almost all my tennis career with you, and honestly I have plenty of memories of you winning, playing, emotional moments. It has been a huge privilege, so all the best to you for your future life.
“Hopefully we can keep seeing each other around the tour. All the very best and see you soon.”
The relationship based on mutual respect and admiration as shared by tennis legends of Nadal’s and Williams’ stature exemplifies a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that does justice to their on-court achievements at the highest level of the game.
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