Rafael Nadal delighted tennis fans after a heartwarming video of his encounter was released. Billie Jean King went viral on social media ahead of retirement.
Footage shows King, 80, kissing fellow tennis legend Nadal, 38, on the cheek and shaking his hand before posing for pictures in Malaga.
Nadal is preparing to play in the Spanish Davis Cup final, his final professional tournament. I have officially hung up the racket.
Became a 22-time Grand Slam champion. Concerns have been raised about his fitness – but according to a fresh report – Nadal looked fit and ready at practice on Saturday.
After the practice session, Nadal met King and the women’s tennis icon could be heard telling the Spaniard: ‘You look amazing.’
King also praised Nadal’s volley and asked if he could hold the baby in one of the photos.
Nadal politely declined the request, but couldn’t hide his big smile and giggled.
Spain begins their Davis Cup final campaign against the Netherlands on Tuesday. Nadal’s last professional match.
Current Wimbledon and French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz is desperate to help his hero and fellow Spaniard win a sixth Davis Cup title in Malaga.
‘This is the last tournament of the year for me and probably one of the most special tournaments I will ever play,’ said Alcaraz. ‘Rafa’s last tournament, I will be there for him in his last moments on the tennis court.
‘The Davis Cup is a competition I definitely want to win someday. When I was young, I used to dream of winning the Davis Cup with the Spanish national team.
‘This year we have a really special opportunity to win. But I think that’s the most important thing about Rafa’s last tournament.
‘I really want him to retire with the title. It’s really, really emotional and it’s going to be a really special tournament for me.’
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