‘I hope none of them retire!’ – Paula Badosa awe-struck by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Paula Badosa was at a loss for words when “idol” Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open and jokingly wished Nadal, Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic never retire as “they are all amazing.”
For just over a decade, the ‘Big Three’ of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have sustained a period of dominance never seen in tennis before.
All three have been competing with each other at the upper echelons of the sport as they bid to end their illustrious careers as the most successful male player of all time.
Spaniard Nadal recently took the lead in this quest when he battled from two sets down to US Open victor Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final to win a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title, leaving Federer and Djokovic in his wake with 20 Slams each.
Both Federer and Djokovic were absent from the ‘Happy Slam.’ Federer was side-lined as he steps up his recovery from a third knee surgery, whilst Djokovic was deported just one day before the event started.
As she prepares to make her Dubai Tennis Championships debut, an event 20-time Slam champion Novak Djokovic is competing in on the men’s side, Badosa spoke about compatriot Nadal’s historic achievement.
Speaking to the Spanish news website Punto de Break ahead of her opening Dubai match, Badosa said “I was shocked after watching the match. I’m still shocked. It was amazing to see him win a match after losing the first two sets.
“It’s not really surprising because it’s Rafa, but he did it against the number two in the world (Daniil Medvedev). I have no words.
“Nadal is an inspiration to me. He is my idol. Seeing him do this gives me goose bumps. He is a very important person for our country and for the world of sport.
“I hope that neither Nadal, Federer, or Djokovic will retire from professional tennis. They are amazing.” Badosa concluded.
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