Rafael Nadal has credited Andy Murray for being “one of the great rivals” to battle with tennis greats Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and the 22-time Grand Slam champion himself. Murray will retire following the Olympic Games and Nadal has reflected on his memories of the double gold medalist. “He has been a good companion,” Nadal exclusively told Eurosport. “A beloved player for everyone.”
Rafael Nadal has labelled Andy Murray as “one of the great rivals” of his career who fought “week after week” with legendary stars Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic for major titles.
Murray is preparing to embark on his farewell tour at the Olympic Games in Paris, as he takes on the doubles competition alongside Team GB partner Dan Evans before entering retirement.
Speaking exclusively to Eurosport ahead of the tennis tournament – where Nadal is pairing up with Carlos Alcaraz as well as entering the singles competition – the 22-time Grand Slam champion spoke of his admiration for the double gold medallist.
“Andy Murray has been one of the great rivals in my career for many years,” Nadal told Eurosport. “Roger, Novak, Andy and I have fought for the biggest tournaments week after week. “He has been a good companion. I have had a good time with him, we have done many things together.
Nadal and Murray have faced each other 24 times since their first meeting in 2007, with the Spaniard holding a 17-7 overall head-to-head advantage over the Brit.
They have locked horns on nine occasions at major tournaments, most of which were won by the resilient Nadal, with Murray claiming success at the US Open in 2008 and the Australian Open in 2010 – both times he went on to lose in the final to Federer.
