Rafael Nadal says the Six Kings Slam tournament was “an opportunity to be better” despite losing his match on Thursday.
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NADAL SAYS SIX KINGS SLAM GETS HIM READY FOR ‘FINAL TOURNAMENT’
Furthermore, Nadal says the Six Kings Slam tournament got him ready for his “final tournament: the Davis Cup next month.
Moreover, the Spanish 22-time Grand Slam winner still found contentment despite absorbing a 6-3, 6-3 loss to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Nadal said: “Every day is an opportunity to be better and better and be ready for this final tournament of my tennis career.”
“I want to try my best to be ready for that and help the (Spanish) team in some way,” he added.
The former world No.2 last week announced that he will retire before the end of the 2024 season, with the Davis Cup in Malaga as his last tournament.
RAFA SEES NO ADVICE NEEDED FOR ‘ANIMAL’ ALCARAZ
Moreover, Nadal doesn’t see the need to give any advice for Alcaraz, whom he described as an “animal” on the court.
“Carlos was too good. I haven’t been on the competitive stage since a couple months ago,” the Spaniard said.
“So yeah, I think it was a good performance, even if it was not good enough to play against an animal like him. But it was a positive match for me, and I’m happy,” he added.
Furthermore, the loss dropped Nadal to a battle-for-third match against old rival Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic fell short, 6-2, 6-7(0), 6-4, to Jannik Sinner in the other semifinal.
SPANISH GREAT AT PEACE WITH OLD RIVALS FEDERER, DJOKOVIC AS RETIREMENT NEARS
Furthermore, Nadal knows he’s at peace with old rivals Federer and Novak Djokovic as his retirement nears.
Moreover, the 38-year-old Mallorca native insisted his relationships with Federer and Djokovic “go beyond that (tennis).
“At the end of the day, if you have a good relationship with your colleagues, those around you, and people in general, undoubtedly, the experience will be happier,” Nadal said.
“Having big opponents in front gives you a clearer perspective on what things you need to keep doing,” he added.
The Spanish great described Federer as having a “special relationship” while playing, likening Djokovic to a “great rival.”
Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic – also known as the “Big 3” of tennis in their primes – combined for 66 major titles for almost 20 years.
The trio won 62 of the 75 Grand Slams between 2005 and 2023, demonstrating its dominance in men’s tennis.
