Following his retirement at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Rafael Nadal has left behind a legacy that should be immortalized in writing, says former World No.1 Jim Courier.
Nadal played his last professional match at the Davis Cup last week, representing Spain as they battled the Netherlands. Although he was spurred on by his home crowd, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was unable to best Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp. Spain would subsequently go on to lose the deciding doubles tie, with Nadal receiving an emotional sendoff ceremony soon after the day's proceedings.
In an interview for The Tennis Channel, Courier spoke on how much influence Nadal held over the tennis community. The retired American star was full of praise for the 14-time Roland Garros champion, and suggested Nadal's team put together a compilation of behind-the-scenes quotes and experiences by the Spaniard.
"The guy's been...so much to admire, and I hope that he and his team will take advantage of now just what he's given the sport on the court but also what he's given in the press room," began Courier. "I hope they'll put together a book filled with just absolute gems and observations that he has done in post-match interviews because he's someone who sees his world and the tennis world and the sporting world so clearly and simply too."
Rafa’s legacy, immortalized in pages? 📖
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 26, 2024
Jim Courier can’t wait for the book on Nadal’s career. pic.twitter.com/bhI7OTGIH1