Rafael Nadal, the renowned tennis star, has been the subject of extensive admiration from the Italian Tennis Federation President Angelo Binaghi. Binaghi has singled out specific aspects of Nadal's personality that he believes set him apart from both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Nadal's remarkable career, which spanned two decades, came to an end in 2024 when he last appeared at the Davis Cup with an impressive tally of 22 Grand Slams, second only to Djokovic's 24.

Paying Tribute to Nadal's Personality

In a recent interview with La Nuova Sardegna, Binaghi lauded the gentlemanly qualities of Nadal. His politeness and kindness have endeared the Mallorcan to fans worldwide. Binaghi emphasized that even Federer, known for his sportsmanship, did not possess the same level of kindness and sympathy as Nadal. Regarding Djokovic, while Binaghi acknowledged his greatness as a tennis player, he believed Nadal excelled in sporting spirit and had a more "human depth."

On and Off the Court

Binaghi stated that Nadal is truly exceptional, not only on the court but also off it. In his 24 years in the tennis world, Binaghi has had numerous interactions with Nadal during tournaments. Nadal's status as a special tennis player and a true gentleman is widely recognized. His politeness and love from fans have made a significant impact on the sport.

Comparisons with Federer and Djokovic

In Binaghi's opinion, Nadal surpasses Federer in terms of kindness and sympathy. During his personal experiences with Federer, Binaghi noticed a difference. As for Djokovic, although he is the strongest player in the world, Nadal's sporting and human depth is unparalleled. Nadal's career record against Djokovic is 29-31, and against Federer, it is 24-16, further highlighting his dominance in these rivalries.

Impact on Nadal's Career

Speaking in an interview with AS earlier this year, Nadal revealed that his biggest rival was Federer. Despite playing more matches against Djokovic, battling Federer in his early years had a profound impact on his career. It cemented their legacies among tennis fans and contributed to the popularity of the sport worldwide. Nadal's styles and approaches to the sport were distinct from Federer's, adding to the intensity of their rivalry.