Feliciano Lopez says one thing that many don't know about Rafael Nadal is that he is "a very shy person" but also someone who can be "very funny" when feeling comfortable around someone.
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The 43-year-old, who retired from pro tennis last year and now serves as the Davis Cup tournament directed, witnessed first-hand the 22-time Grand Slam champion's farewell in Malaga earlier this week.
Since Lopez stayed in pro tennis for a stunning 26 years, he was basically there during Nadal's entire career. During that time, he got to know the 38-year-old extremely well on and off the court. They also achieved major success together as they were numerous times Davis Cup colleagues - both finished with four titles in the competition.
Now that Nadal has joined him in the tennis retirement community, Lopez had some touching words about who the 38-year-old was as a player and person.
I am very thankful, very grateful for everything he has done for the sport. He is a very shy person; this is something that probably nobody knows. The moment you get to know him a little bit more, he can be very funny. Everything he does he does with passion. It is very nice to see someone with so much enthusiasm for everything he does," the former seven-time ATP champion told Evening Standard.
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One of the reasons for him to be such a great competitor is self-belief. A lot has been said regarding his attitude on court and fitness condition, but I think he is great tennis player. Technically, tactically, he is probably if not the best one then the second or third in the history of the sport. Tennis-wise, he is so powerful. It is very difficult to face someone that is playing with the same amount of intensity every single point and doesnt give you any break at all.
Lopez explains why there is no need to worry about Nadal's next chapter
Although the last couple of years were pretty rough and challenging health-wise, the record 14-time French Open champion didn't want to simply quit before squeezing everything that he had left in his body. And in Malaga, he confirmed that he was at peace with his decision because he knew that he reached his final destination.
In 2022, Nadal became a father for the first time and his baby son was present at some of his matches this year. Now that he is retired, he will probably focus more on his family but also his tennis academy.
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But if someone is concerned about the Spaniard's future, Lopez says there is zero reason to worry abot that because he is convinced that the 38-year-old will continue to live a happy life.
Ive always been very close to him. I just wish Rafa the very best for his life, for this new chapter. I think he is going to be very happy, because he is a very passionate person, very active, willing to do things all the time. I am sure he is going to enjoy his life after tennis," the 2016 French Open doubles champion said.
Nadal kept it pretty humble in his speech
Throughout his career, the Spanish tennis icon was never the one to brag about himself. And after his career officially came to an end, he didn't want to speak too much about his major accomplishments. Instead, he recalled being "a kid from a small village" who was dreaming to one day play pro tennis but achieved more than expected.
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"The title, the numbers are there, so the people probably know that. I would like to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Majorca. I had the luck. My uncle was a tennis coach in my village when I was a small kid, and I had a great family that supported me in every single moment. Just a kid who followed their dream and worked as hard as possible to be what I am today, a teary Nadal said.
At the end of the day, a lot of people work hard and try their best every single day, but Im one of the very lucky ones that life gave me an opportunity to live an unforgettable experience due to tennis. So, I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid who followed their dreams and achieved more than they dreamed.
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Since Spain was the favorite to beat Netherlands, the hope was that the 38-year-old could cap off his career with one final title. Had Spain defeated Netherlands, Nadal and Co. would have played against Germany in the semifinal on Friday.
