Historic rivals celebrate the career of Nadal in Spirit of Sport
In the latest episode of Spirit of Sport, we celebrate the career of 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. We also sit down with Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year winner Jude Bellingham and visit a tennis project in New York with WTA star Paula Badosa.
The announcement of Rafael Nadal’s retirement in October not only marked the end of his illustrious career but brought the curtain down on an historic era.
‘The Big Three’ of men’s tennis has now become one – and in the latest episode of Spirit of Sport, rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic pay tribute to Nadal’s incredible career.
“We had a great battle, and it is because of him that I became a better player,” said Federer. “An incredible player, friend and athlete.”
The five-time Laureus Award winner picked up a record 14 French Open titles during his career – 22 Grand Slams overall – and Djokovic admitted that he was often daunted when facing the King of Clay.
“Winning Roland Garros was always the most difficult – I had this guy called Rafael Nadal across the net. I was chasing him and Roger for most of my career,” said the Serbian.
‘The Big Three’ of men’s tennis has now become one – and in the latest episode of Spirit of Sport, rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic pay tribute to Nadal’s incredible career.
“We had a great battle, and it is because of him that I became a better player,” said Federer. “An incredible player, friend and athlete.”
The five-time Laureus Award winner picked up a record 14 French Open titles during his career – 22 Grand Slams overall – and Djokovic admitted that he was often daunted when facing the King of Clay.
“Winning Roland Garros was always the most difficult – I had this guy called Rafael Nadal across the net. I was chasing him and Roger for most of my career,” said the Serbian.
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Each Nadal’s off-court legacy was the reason for his latest appearance on stage at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid earlier this year, when he and his wife, director María Francisca Perelló, picked up the Laureus Sport for Good Award in recognition of the work done by Fundación Rafa Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz is now looking to carve out his own place in tennis history and the 21-year-old – who has won four Grand Slams – said of his fellow Spaniard.
“I’m the second player to defend my title at the Madrid Open. The first was Rafa. Being part of the history of the tournament with Rafa is something so, so special.”
Carlos Alcaraz is now looking to carve out his own place in tennis history and the 21-year-old – who has won four Grand Slams – said of his fellow Spaniard.
“I’m the second player to defend my title at the Madrid Open. The first was Rafa. Being part of the history of the tournament with Rafa is something so, so special.”
Just months after Spanish giants Real Madrid clinched a stunning La Liga and Champions League double, we sit down with one of the key cogs in Los Blancos’ winning machine, Jude Bellingham.
The Englishman’s debut campaign couldn’t have been scripted any better, with his ability to score big goals in season-defining games ensuring he became an instant hit with one of Europe’s most passionate fanbases.
Reflecting on the day he cemented his status at the club by notching a dramatic match-winning double in his first El Clásico appearance against fierce rivals Barcelona, the 2024 Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award winner said: “I think that was my moment where I really became bigger in Madrid.
“It was an amazing and special moment for me. In football, things are moving on really fast, and you sometimes don’t get the chance to appreciate moments like that, and I definitely made sure I did.”
The Englishman’s debut campaign couldn’t have been scripted any better, with his ability to score big goals in season-defining games ensuring he became an instant hit with one of Europe’s most passionate fanbases.
Reflecting on the day he cemented his status at the club by notching a dramatic match-winning double in his first El Clásico appearance against fierce rivals Barcelona, the 2024 Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award winner said: “I think that was my moment where I really became bigger in Madrid.
“It was an amazing and special moment for me. In football, things are moving on really fast, and you sometimes don’t get the chance to appreciate moments like that, and I definitely made sure I did.”
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We stay in the Spanish capital for the next installment of our Sport in Madrid series, as local roller skaters, cyclists and runners highlight the benefits of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life through participation in exercise in some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.
Spirit of Sport then takes a trip to the Home of Golf in St Andrews to review all the action at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, before hopping across the pond to join four-time WTA title winner Paula Badosa on her visit to a special organisation associated with the Laureus Sport for Good Cities programme.
Spirit of Sport then takes a trip to the Home of Golf in St Andrews to review all the action at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, before hopping across the pond to join four-time WTA title winner Paula Badosa on her visit to a special organisation associated with the Laureus Sport for Good Cities programme.
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The New York-born tennis star took to the court with talented young people from Brooklyn as she got involved in a coaching session, passing on her top tips and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“As a little kid I remember my role models giving me advice, and it’s something you never forget,” she said. “Maybe I inspire them, but they inspire me more.”
Find Spirit of Sport on TV, online and stay tuned to Laureus’ social and digital channels for more unique and compelling stories and insights from stellar names from the world of sport.
“As a little kid I remember my role models giving me advice, and it’s something you never forget,” she said. “Maybe I inspire them, but they inspire me more.”
Find Spirit of Sport on TV, online and stay tuned to Laureus’ social and digital channels for more unique and compelling stories and insights from stellar names from the world of sport.
