TENNIS LEGEND Andy Murray has paid tribute to Rafa Nadal as the sport’s superstar as he followed him into retirement.
And recalled with glee how he induced Rafa RAGE off the court.
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The Spaniard’s swansong in his storied career ended as his country crashed out of the Davis Cup to The Netherlands on Tuesday.
And Murray’s video tribute soon surfaced – including a cheeky swipe from their time on tour.
The duo’s rivalry goes way back – as far as their teenage years more than two decades ago.
Murray even moved to Barcelona as he honed his court skills, while Nadal, from Mallocra was a promising player coming through the Spanish ciruit.
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Of course they’d both meet on the court at the highest stage possible.
But also, Murray revealed, on the PITCH.
Both are big football fans with Murray – once offered trials by Rangers – a huge Hibs fan.
Nadal’s uncle Miguel Angel was a feared Barcelona defender in the early-90s but the 22-time Grand Slam winner is actually a dyed in the wool Madridista and follows arch-rivals Real Madrid.
And Murray had a naughty nod towards this in his tribute, as well as throwback to their teens.
He revealed he’d prompt Nadal to lose his cool in their hotel rooms while they travelled the world on tour.
But he also acknowledged his stunning career that has included 1080 wins and just 227 defeats – a percentage return of more than 82 per cent.
Murray said: “I just wanted to send you a quick message to congratulate you on an incredible career.
Head to head
Here’s how Murray and Nadal stack up against each other
- Matches: Nadal 17-7 Murray
- Career titles: Nadal 92-46 Murray
- Career prize money: Nadal $134.9m – $64.7m Murray
“I’ve always been a huge fan of yours and it’s been incredible to watch you, practise with you and have the chance to compete against you over all these years since we first met as 13 and 14 year old kids.
“The passion and intensity that you played with – not just on the match court, but also the practice court – was something that I think all tennis players aspire to.
“And it’s what all tennis fans will remember you for.
“We’ve also learned so much from you over the years about humility, hard work and most importantly respect for everybody.
“You’re probably the only tennis player ever to NEVER throw your racquet in anger which is incredible.
“However this wasn’t the case when you would lose at Playstation.
Rafa Nadal in numbers
- Grand Slam Titles: 22
- Australian Open: 2 titles (2009, 2022)
- French Open: 14 titles (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022)
- Wimbledon: 2 titles (2008, 2010)
- US Open: 4 titles (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019)
- Olympic Gold Medals: 2
- Singles: 1 (2008, Beijing)
- Doubles: 1 (2016, Rio de Janeiro, with Marc López)
- ATP Tour Titles: 92 career titles
- Davis Cup Titles with Spain: 5 (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2019)
- ATP Year-End No. 1: 5 times (2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019)
- Career Win-Loss Record: Over 1050 wins and fewer than 220 losses
- Career Prize Money: Over $130 million
“I’ve seen Rafa throwing Playstation controllers around hotel rooms all over the world when he and his close friend Juan Monaco would lose a late goal to me with his beloved Real Madrid on Pro Evolution Soccer.
“Anyway I’m sure your body is looking forward to a well-earned rest.
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“It’s been incredible watching you, thanks for everything Rafa – enjoy retirement man.”
Since Murray hung up his own racquet he has turned his hand to golf, while his Scottish hotel – Cromlix House near Dunblane is planning on another extension after landing a prestigious award last year.
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