Holger Rune impressed by Nadal’s commitment: "You watch him train and think, don’t retire"
ATPThursday, 31 October 2024 at 21:30
Holger Rune
spoke about Rafael Nadal’s retirement, stating that the Spaniard “shouldn’t
retire.” The Danish player was practicing with the 22-time Grand Slam champion
in Riyadh during the Six Kings Slam and commented that Nadal is still at a
competitive level.
Nadal is
preparing for his retirement at the upcoming Davis Cup Final next month in
Malaga, which will be his last official tournament. Recently, he appeared at
the Six Kings Slam, and although it was an exhibition event, it marked the
Spaniard’s first appearance since announcing his retirement.
Rune and
Nadal did not face each other in Riyadh, but they did train together before the
exhibition. Recently, during the Paris Masters, Rune expressed his surprise
about Nadal’s retirement after seeing the Spaniard’s level and shared the
inspiration he felt from being on the court with both Nadal and Djokovic.
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“Do I get
inspiration from other players, or do I just focus on myself? A bit of both,”
Rune commented. “I think inspiration is important, but I always try to be a
beast, whether it’s in training, preparation, or a match – I always want to
push myself.
“You get
inspiration from players like Djokovic or Rafa Nadal. I remember training with
Rafa in Riyadh, and it’s surprising: this guy is almost retired, and he trains
with such intensity that you think, ‘You shouldn’t retire,’” the Dane said.
“He’s had an incredible career and achieved so much. It’s no wonder that both
Rafa and Novak give their all in every training session.”
Rune also
mentioned that he enjoyed the Six Kings Slam despite an early loss to Carlos
Alcaraz. “It was an interesting experience,” Rune joked. “It was a lot of fun;
it was great to compete in such a small event.”
“I only
played one match against Carlos, but being able to train with the guys all week
and spend time with them off the court – I already know them, but it brought us
closer. We had many activities together, and it was really fun.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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