Young tennis player Daria Kasatkina has revealed that her idol is not anyone Russian, like Marat Safin or Maria Sharapova, but the one and only Rafael Nadal.
Q. I was told earlier today that your idol is apparently Rafael Nadal.
DARIA KASATKINA: Yes.Q. Why is he your idol? What do you like so much about him and his game?
DARIA KASATKINA: Since I was eight years old, I start to watch Rafa’s game from Roland Garros 2005 when he won his first Grand Slam, Roland Garros. I just fell in love with his game, with his character, everything. Since the tournament, I start to love him as a player.I love everything: how he play, how he behave. So for me he’s the perfect example how I have to be as a sportsman.
Q. A lot of young players are taught to play flat, hard, aggressive. How have you managed to keep playing the way you’ve played from when you were younger until now?
DARIA KASATKINA: I don’t know. Actually, I don’t remember. But I think still it’s coming from Nadal. When I watch him, he play with a lot of spin. I was trying to play the same, so…I think it’s mostly from there.
Source: Coupe Rogers
Daria… You couldn’t have picked a better idol! Rafa is not only an elite tennis player but there is no other that respects the game like him… His Sportsmanship is unmatched…besides being gorgeous on the outside he has inner beauty as well… His main objective is to give 100% so that the fans enjoy the game win or lose! So happy that you could see all his Attributes…you have Impeccable taste!
Nice post Souix, especially the “Attributes” part.
Elaine Crowder you said it all ! 3 Cheers. Beauty is skin deep … Rafa has it all. Vamos Rafa. I pray you keep healthy n fit in Rio. Love your Aussie Abuela. 🏆👑👯💥😀😊😇
…. well join the club love. At least that’s slightly less frightening that Serena Williams declaring her infatuation with Rafa on National television:) I notice he only gives her ‘air’ kisses now:)
Young people right across the world are learning from Rafa,that there are many factes to life,besides being a good tennis player.
RAFA is a total package, and win ot lose the perfect gentleman and great sport.
You are a wonderful example Rafa, to not only your peers on the circuit,
but to all ages of young people in ALL sports,
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Perfect role model, that is why he is respected and loved
Totally agree. Vamos Rafa!
Totally agree with Daria. Beyond his prowess and brilliance on the courts throughout his career it is absolutely his character, grace, sportsmanship, humility and humanity that has
made me a loyal fan. ,
How lovely it is that young players have a worthy idol.
Indeed. 🙂
Daria, at the age of eight, recognized Rafa as a winner. Rafa’s good examples are bearing fruit already in the next gen of tennis athletes. And, she’s a fan of FC Barcelona.
RAFA THE OLYMPIAN
rafa is awesome for the game.. so positive for kids. so humble @ kind. great tennis player. great image foe the game ,…..