Alejandro Tabilo’s journey inspired by Rafael Nadal: “I tried to copy him in every way”

One of the biggest improved players of 2024, Alejandro Tabilo, spoke about the influence of Rafael Nadal on his career, whom he defined as ‘his greatest idol.’ The Chilean rose from world No. 85 at the start of the year to the top-20, winning his first three ATP titles across all surfaces, and finished the year as world No. 23.

Tabilo was one of the season’s surprises, with a quick rise from the Challenger circuit to the ATP’s top level. He started the year with a title at the Auckland Open and maintained good consistency throughout 2024. The pivotal moment was likely at the Rome Open, where he made a name for himself with a remarkable victory over Novak Djokovic (6-2, 6-3) and advanced to the semifinals of a Masters 1000 for the first time in his career.

"It was my dream to faces Nadal"

The 27-year-old player recently gave an interview with CNN Chile, where he acknowledged that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is his greatest idol. “Nadal is someone who has been my idol since I was young; I tried to copy him in every way,"

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"It’s something that always motivated me about him. Even when I won tournaments, I bit the trophy just like him. He’s someone who’s always been there as I grew up, and nothing, Nadal will always be my greatest idol.”

Tabilo also expressed regret over Nadal’s retirement without having faced him in official matches. The Chilean was invited to the Laver Cup this season for the first time in his career, and although the former world No. 1 had confirmed his participation, he ultimately withdrew from the tournament to focus on his retirement at the Davis Cup Finals.

Tabilo at Rome Open after beating Novak Djokovic.

“It was a shame when he pulled out of the Laver Cup. I thought I might see him for the last time there, but it was sad that it ended at the Davis Cup. I would’ve liked to play at least one official match with him, which was my dream,” he said.

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The Spaniard traveled to South America in late 2022 for several exhibitions against Casper Ruud. However, in his visit to Santiago, Chile, his opponent was a different one—local Alejandro Tabilo, who was ranked world No. 86 at the time. The legendary Spaniard won 7-6(6), 6-3. “I’m still happy to have had the chance to play an exhibition with him in Chile,” he said. “Now, he can rest; it’s been an incredible career, and everything he’s done for tennis is greatly appreciated.”