Rafael Nadal took to his social media to congratulate both Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz on their victories at this year’s Roland Garros.
Iga and Carlitos, who deeply admire Rafa and draw inspiration from his fighting spirit, greatly appreciate his significant contributions to tennis.
“Watching Rafa is always great. I just love how he moves and how he plays. Obviously he’s probably not on the same level as a few years ago. But he’s really inspiring even right now with everything that he’s dealing with, constantly being reminded of about asked if it’s the last year of his career or the last tournament. It must be really hard but he’s handling with such a great elegance. And, yeah he is a GOAT for me. Also probably if I didn’t see by example when he won some matches that were kind of impossible to win, maybe I wouldn’t be here and maybe I would be gone after second round, you know (vs Naomi Osaka). But he’s for sure a huge inspiration.”
Iga Swiatek
He was my childhood idol, and he is the idol of all Spanish fans of tennis and sports in general because of his career, his charisma, his work, his mentality. My hero was Rafael Nadal and it’s still Rafael Nadal. Since I started playing tennis, I look up to Rafa every time that I watch his matches. Of course, I look up to Roger Federer, but it has always been Rafa.
Carlos Alcaraz
It’s no surprise that Rafa always congratulates others; he’s a true champion on and off the court!
❤️
Rafa has inspired many for very good reasons. No better examples than these two. But i also do believe the torch has been passed and that Rafa can shine at the Olympics for the last time.
Congratulations Iga you are a glass act!!
Congrats to Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz for winning the 2024 French Open. Nice job and well done as two very open and proud Rafa fans!
Iga said: “Rafa to me is the GOAT.”
Carlos said: “Rafa has always been my idol and still is my idol.”
I love the respect and admiration they have shown from Rafa.
Rafa’s legacy goes beyond the 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 French Open titles, Olympic Gold in singles and doubles, many Davis Cup victories…his legacy is a huge legion of fans and youngsters who idolize him and want to be like him on and off the court…for his humility, model behavior, respect for his opponents and the game, and noble attitude. Vamos!
Yes, they both respect and love Rafa! I remember when Denis Shapo tried to throw Rafa under the bus for taking too much time serving … he lost and was pissed off and tried to blame Rafa. At that moment, he lost a lot of fans. I know I never liked him after that! Records are made for breaking however it’s hard to imagine anyone ever breaking Rafa’s 14 RG’s! I’m glad that Rafa went ahead and played even though he was not at his best… It was so much fun seeing baby Rafa in the stands watching his papa play! Watching Maria tear up knowing how much it hurt Rafa to say goodbye was very emotional! How can you not love, Rafa… He is just the best! 🩷🩷
I’m so happy I am that Alex didn’t win. It’s not that I am one of those who think players who beat Rafa need to lose, or that Carlos had to seek revenge because Alex beat our Rafa in the first round. It’s obvious that Alex is a domestic abuser and a very problematic guy off the court. As a girl I just can’t tolerate that kind of behavior, no matter how much others say he is a great player. He just can’t be a role model for me. So congrats to both Iga and Carlos.
Rafael is the GOAT, no doubt about that. Being a fan for more than 15 years, I believe he should retire soon. I don’t want young people not to remember him as the GOAT. Age is implacable! He could be a champion in golf!
Two great champions, Iga and Carlos, who always show respect to Rafa. Even the “joy of
suffering” on the road to victory. We remain in awe of your 14 RG championships🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆❤️
Congrats to Iga and Carlos!👏🏆🥳