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“How Humble He is”: Sebastian Korda Details How Rafael Nadal Is a Big Inspiration for Him

World No.2 Rafael Nadal recently won his 12th Barcelona Open title. After battling for over 3 hours and 30 minutes, the Spaniard defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets. The final scoreline of the match was 6-4, 6(6)-7(8), 7-5. It is because of these incredible performances that Nadal continues to be the inspiration for many youngsters.

In a recent interview, rising star Sebastian Korda revealed that he takes a lot of inspiration from Rafael Nadal. He believes that the way Rafa carries himself on the court is nothing short of amazing.

“There is always a lot of inspiration, especially from a guy like Nadal. He has always been an inspiration for me [with] the way he carries himself on the court, how professional he is and how humble he is. It is a big inspiration for me,” said Korda in the interview.

Sebastian Korda in action against Rafael Nadal
Sebastian Korda of the U.S. in action during his fourth-round match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

Korda highlighted that Rafa is a very humble person and is very professional on the court and admitted that he admires Nadal because of these traits.

Interestingly, Korda also named his cat ‘Rafa’ after the King of Clay. The two met in the fourth round of the French Open 2020, where the Spaniard thrashed Korda in straight sets.

“Love to get another opportunity to be able to play him”- Sebastian Korda on Rafael Nadal

Even though Nadal is in his mid-thirties now, Korda mentioned that he would want him to continue playing. Unsurprisingly, Korda also hopes to face his idol again on the court.

Rafael Nadal
Tennis – ATP 500 – Barcelona Open – Real Club de Tennis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain – April 25, 2021, Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas REUTERS/Albert Gea

“Hopefully, he can keep playing tennis. I’d love to get another opportunity to be able to play him,” added the 20-year-old American player.

Sebastian Korda is playing at the Bavarian International 2021, where he’ll face Daniel Elahi Galan in the first round of the tournament today. On the other hand, Rafa will now take a break and will return to the courts at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021.

Rafael Nadal has proved that he still has a lot of tennis left in him. He’ll be eager to win his 14th French Open this year. Will Rafa be able to win his 21st Grand Slam in Paris and surpass Roger Federer in the Grand Slam tally?

Also Read: “Have to Accept the Challenge”: Rafael Nadal After His Monumental Victory Over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Barcelona Open Final

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