The Next Gen ATP Finals received a special visitor in Jeddah on Friday when Rafael Nadal arrived at King Abdullah Sports City.
The Spanish legend, who retired after a historic 22-year career at last month’s Davis Cup Finals, is spending three days at the 20-and-under event. The 38-year-old spent time in the player lounge on Friday evening, chatting with an excited Alex Michelsen, Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca.
“I have had a poster in my room since he won his eighth French, so it is really cool and I am pleased I have the chance to talk to him,” Michelsen told ATPTour.com ahead of his chat with the former World No. 1.
Of the eight stars competing in Jeddah, all except Arthur Fils (3) and Shang Juncheng (1) will be chasing their first ATP Tour titles in 2025. When Nadal was 19, he lifted 11 tour-level trophies in a historic 2005 season.
“To win 11 titles at 19 is absolutely ridiculous,” Michelsen said. “I almost got one but to get 11 is absolutely absurd! That is why he is one of the best players to ever walk onto a tennis court.”
Fonseca also had the chance to gain valuable insight from Nadal in Jeddah, having watched the Spaniard compete in Rio de Janeiro more than 10 years ago.
“Rafa is a legend," Fonseca said. "I’m a Roger fan, but I also love Rafa. My coach is a Rafa fan. My phone unlock screen is Rafa with a sentence. It has been a pleasure to meet him. Eleven titles in a season is just insane. I will try to do the same.”
Rafael Nadal speaks with Alex Michelsen and Joao Fonseca on Friday in Jeddah. Photo Credit: Peter Staples
Luca Van Assche was unable to join Friday’s chat with Nadal as he was busy securing his Next Gen ATP Finals semi-final spot by defeating Nishesh Basavareddy in four sets. The Frenchman was nonetheless hopeful of being able to pick the legendary Spaniard’s brain at some point over the weekend in Jeddah.
“It’s crazy that he is here for the tournament,” Van Assche told ATPTour.com. “He’s an amazing player of course, a legend of our sport, so it’s a good thing that he can come and watch a match and we can maybe talk to him after a match. It’s cool if he watches a match, but if you can talk with him after, even better.”
Keep an eye out for more Nadal content on Saturday, including his sit-down chat with Michelsen, Mensik and Fonseca.
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