“2009 was something unexpected” – Rafael Nadal shares his favourite moments from his long career

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5 years ago

Rafael Nadal waving to the crowd during the 2020 Australian Open. (Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal was of the opinion that the 2009 Australian Open title was the most exciting moment of his career due to its unexpected occurrence and arrival

World No.2 Rafael Nadal shared some highlights from his long and illustrious tennis career during in an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca on Wednesday.

Nadal was speaking to the media at the launch of his new branch of ‘Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy’ in Kuwait and his answers have been translated to English via Google.

Rafael Nadal waving to the crowd during the recently concluded Australian Open. (Getty Images)

When asked which moments he considered as highlights in his career, Nadal, who has won 19 Grand Slams replied that it would be difficult to answer it given the fact that he had won a lot.

“It becomes difficult. For me the first Davis Cup, in Seville, against the United States, was a very important moment. Also, the first Roland Garros, in 2005, because it was the first Grand Slam,” Nadal answered.

He later added that the 2008 win at Wimbledon was a key moment in his career but the 2009 Australian Open title was the most exciting of all as it had happened and arrived unexpectedly.

“Then, for different reasons, Wimbledon 2008 is a key moment, I think, in my career. And I would say that Australia 2009 was something unexpected, by how it arrived; But it was very exciting.

Rafael Nadal poses for a photo after winning the 2009 Australian Open title. (Getty Images)

And I would also say that the 2013 US Open was very special, after returning from a very important knee injury, which kept me seven months off the track in 2012. That was another of the victories that filled me,” the 32-year old said.

95-year old Nadal fan to watch him play

95-year old Rafael Nadal fan Mama Lila was offered an opportunity to watch her favourite player feature in the “Roger Federer – Rafael Nadal Match In Africa” which will be held in Cape Town on Friday.

With tickets for the event being sold out in as quickly as just 15 minutes, many including Upington native Lila were denied an opportunity to witness the match, which is expected to have a record-breaking crowd of around 50,000.

Two tennis superstars and longtime on-court rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer engage ina conversation during last year’s Laver Cup. (Getty Images)

Knowing this, Lila’s son-in-law Riedewhan Davids reacted quickly, sending a letter to the Roger Federer Foundation asking for a wheelchair ticket. He received an answer from Computicket two days later, carrying two tickets for Mama Lila and her assistant.