Former four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier says there is "so much to admire" about Rafael Nadal and therefore he would absolutely love to see the Spanish tennis icon publisha book one day.
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Last week, the 38-year-old put an end to not only one of the greatest tennis careers but also one of the all-time great careers in all of sports.
Since basically Day 1 of his career and becoming a Grand Slam champion in his 2005 French Open debut, Nadal became this huge tennis superstar. But it was all but a smooth road for the Spaniard, who battled various injuries throughout his career but would always find a way to come back strong.
Also, it should be highlighted that the former 22-time Grand Slam champion was a fan favorite since early days of his career and is now widely regarded as one of the biggest ambassadors the game has ever had. However, the fame and popularity never got to Nadal in a way that it changed as the former world No. 1 always kept a very humble demeanor and tried to be as respectful as possible to everyone.
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Reflecting on Nadal's retirement, former world No. 1 Courier specifically mentioned that he loved how the record 14-time French Open winner acted in the press room and when conducting interviews.
The guy has been so much to admire. And I hope that he and his team will take advantage of not just what hes given the sport on the court but also what hes given in the press room. I hope they will put together a book filled with just absolute gems and observations that he has done in post-match interviews because hes been someone who sees his world and tennis world and the sporting world so clearly and simply too," the American tennis legend said on Tennis Channel's Inside-In podcast.
Its hard, still that type of emotional experience, that he has consistently done, so theres a book, a significant one that I think would be like The Inner Game of Tennis book that would be here for a 100 years from now, to be done. Just pulling the gems out of transcripts. The guys been unbelievable to watch and to listen to.
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Nadal had a very low-key farewell and a humble retirement message
After the 38-year-old lost to Botic van de Zandschulp and Spain ultimately bowed out to the Netherlands, the Spanish tennis icon had a small ceremony on the court in Malaga. During the ceremony, messages from other greats - Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Serena Williams were played.
When the time came for Nadal to say a word or two, he didn't want to brag about his astonishing career or anything like that. Instead, he described himself as a kid from a small village who succeeded in his goals.
"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.
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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.
Nadal was 'a very shy person'
Following his retirement, former Spanish tennis star and current Davis Cup tournament director Feliciano Lopez had only kind words for the former 22-time Grand Slam champion and also revealed one thing about the 38-year-old that many didn't know.
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," Lopez told Evening Standard.
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In the same interview, the former world No. 12 described Nadal as "a very active and passionate" person. Because of that, Lopez said he has no doubts that the 38-year-old will do just well in retirement and remain happy in life.
