Rafael Nadal raises passions at the Next Gen ATP Finals | ATP Tour

Next Gen ATP Finals

Nadal raises passions at the Next Gen ATP Finals

The Spaniard shares time with Michelsen, Fonseca and Mensik in Jeddah

December 20, 2024

The Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF received a very special guest in Jeddah, thanks to the figure of Rafael Nadal who appeared this Friday at the King Abdullah Sports City.

The Spanish legend, who retired after 22 years of a historic career last month in the Davis Cup Finals, will spend three days in the Under-20 tournament. At 38 years old, he shared time upon arrival with Alex Michelsen, Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca.

“I have a poster in my room since he won his eighth Roland Garros, so it’s very cool and I’m happy to have the opportunity to talk to him,” Michelsen told ATPTour.com before the meeting with the former World No. 1 .

Of the eight stars participating in Jeddah, except Arthur Fils (3) and Shang Juncheng (1) will fight in 2025 for their first ATP Tour crown. When Nadal was 19 years old he had already lifted 11 trophies after a historic 2005 season.

“Winning 11 titles at the age of 19 is truly incredible,” said Michelsen. “I almost won one, but winning eleven is nonsense! That’s why he is one of the best players in history to ever take to the tennis court.”

Fonseca also had the opportunity to get close to Nadal in Jeddah, after watching him play in Rio de Janeiro more than ten years ago.

“Rafa is a legend,” said the Brazilian. “I am a fan of Roger [Federer]but I also love Rafa. My coach is a fan of Rafa. On my phone’s wallpaper I have a quote from Rafa. It has been a pleasure to know you. Eleven titles in one season is incredible. I will try to do the same.”

Luca Van Assche could not join the conversation this Friday, because he was on the court working his way to the semifinals against Nishesh Basavareddy in four sets. The Frenchman, however, did not hide his desire to be able to exchange words with the Spanish later during his stay in Jeddah.

“It’s incredible that I’m here at the tournament,” Van Assche told ATPTour.com. “He’s an incredible player, a legend of our sport, so it’s nice that he can come, watch a game and we can maybe talk to him after a game. It’s nice if he watches the game, but if you can talk to him afterwards, even better.”

Don’t miss more content from Nadal this Saturday, including the talk he had with Michelsen, Mensik and Fonseca.