The world number 13
Beatriz Haddad Maia has stated that she
and her coach often look at how
Rafael Nadal operates on the court.
The 37-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest
players in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open
era, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles.
Haddad Maia was recently quoted in a report where she stated
that she is a big admirer of how Nadal operates on the court.
"Sometimes my coach and I watch Rafa.. moments he had
in his career. I think especially his attitude, for me, it’s the best one on
tour. I like the way he built his mentality,” she said.
"He’s very much a work harder type of person. I think
his character & his values are very similar to mine. I try to learn from
him every day."
Nadal, who is also known as the King of Clay after winning
14 French Open titles in his illustrious career, has recently returned to the
court after struggling with a knee injury which kept him out of action for
nearly 12 months. His return did not go as per plan as he was ruled out of the
Australian Open after suffering a niggle in the Brisbane International.
The former world number one will now take part in the ATP
1000 event in Indiana Wells where he will play his first round encounter on
Thursday, March 07.