37 yrs old and the man is still playing well and trying hard. He can safely run Nadel academy and enjoy the next stage of his career, but there he is. Respect to the man.

@johnnytampocao7671

12 күн бұрын

Yes, he just want to entertain his fans specifically his home crowd no less, that’s why he’s still there.

@JCMontanaX

12 күн бұрын

38 in june

@vincentyou7994

12 күн бұрын

He will let the man, Nagal run it.

@airkuna

12 күн бұрын

Plus I'm sure also because he loves tennis..​@@johnnytampocao7671

Guys this world no.512 is quite good on clay… Vamos Rafa!

@user-eq7mo9st3u

12 күн бұрын

hahaha ain't he?

@donquixote...

12 күн бұрын

I heard he just leaped up to 391...

@seadkapic4768

12 күн бұрын

@@donquixote... i had to put this highlights on mute. Every single shoot he is grunting🤣🤣

@justusbeweel1109

12 күн бұрын

@@donquixote...yeah, 305 if he wins the next round. But doesn’t really matter, he’s not gonna be seeded at RG. Ranking is completely irrelevant for the rest of his career ,because number 1 and 2 is out of reach sadly.

@donquixote...

12 күн бұрын

@@seadkapic4768 I don't care about the grunting myself, I just wish he'd stop dressing like a girl...

Nobody beats the king of clay twice in a row

@bluethunder9601

12 күн бұрын

except Djokovic, he did it 2011 Madrid and Rome then three times in a row Monte Carlo Roland Garros (2015) and Rome (2016)

@Jackie-ji2sj

12 күн бұрын

​@bluethunder9601 when Nadal was suffering from intense injuries otherwise djokovic would have lost all the matches

@amerigo3000

12 күн бұрын

bla bla bla he will be destroyed by the New King Sinner

@divitmathur4400

12 күн бұрын

​@@bluethunder9601 only 2011 was notable, 2015-16 Rafa was not even half of what we know him as. That being said, 2011 Nole was as good as they come.

@johannes5779

12 күн бұрын

Fognini did it in 2015 as well

The energy he brings… no one else can do it like him. Especially in front of his home crowd, roaring with them, extended grunts, everything. This was the Rafa I grew up watching and he can make a real run here. I dont know when the last time we see Rafa pull off insane matches like this will be, but I sure as hell will be watching all of them.

@Sbudre

12 күн бұрын

Nobody can do it like him, indeed. He is an absolute joy to watch when he is playing well.

@Gilgarth

12 күн бұрын

Del Potro had the same energy was able to push the crowd, both absolute legends 🙏🏻

@4zafinc

12 күн бұрын

​@@Gilgarth I'll never not miss DelPo. One of the most wholesome gentle giants any sports has ever seen

@joeburinskas8672

12 күн бұрын

It's called blood doping...Refroid is a cheating fraud

The backhand pass at 4:20 to bring up his first match point had in me tears. It brought back all the memories of why he's so great over the last 20 years (that includes Federer and Djokovic too). I don't care what the new generation of fans tell me, players like the Big 3 and Sampras/Agassi are one in a billion and we have been blessed in our lifetimes to see the greatest tennis players of all time.

@mnztr1

12 күн бұрын

Yeah the Big 3 and for a short while the big 4 were a magical era that was just mindblowing in terms of level. The power, accuracy, endurance and consistancy has not yet been met by the next gen.

@mnztr1

12 күн бұрын

But I will give Carlito credit for his unprecedented use of the drop shot.

@ortiz5922

12 күн бұрын

Big 4 is just British propaganda ​@@mnztr1

@Blue-ik8ij

12 күн бұрын

​​@@mnztr1Federer was better and it's not even close. He's the best at drop shots on tour now though.

@HugoTaboada-vh8us

12 күн бұрын

​@@mnztr1for me only big 3

Nadal has improved rapidly after his last encounter with De Minaur👍

@Blinkncali21

12 күн бұрын

Right? I feel like it's just confidence at this point, if he had won the first set in Barcelona I think he wins that match. I know were at the end but if he can get his confidence to a point where he fires the forehand he could easily make a run at RG

@Dahblackrussian

12 күн бұрын

Feel very emotional watching Nadal. I'm a massive djok fan, but Nadal is the ultimate warrior. Tennis will miss him forever

@blucat4

12 күн бұрын

I didn't see the match but in the presser he said Alex made a lot of errors. He also obviously went for more big shots, winners, which he made. Good to see, anyway.

@J.M.-nb4gw

12 күн бұрын

​@@Dahblackrussianoh so you're a massive Jokedik? Srsly that guy Jokedik is the biggest a-hole in tennis 🙄

@AdolfoMarceloValdebenito-re4qc

12 күн бұрын

​@@blucat4 cometio mas errores porque rafa cambió su juego respecto al partido anterior y eso complicó a Alex.. rafa jugo con táctica

Im a die hard federer fan but seeing rafa back on the court winning again makes me happy. I miss the big 3 era

@lesandres23

12 күн бұрын

I’m a fan of Nadal, but I miss Federer so much…Pure elegance 🎾

@theUroshman

12 күн бұрын

I'm Novak fan, and I miss the Big 3 era, too and I'm rooting for Rafa to make this year as memorable as possible for himself and all of us who enjoy watching him play!

I will never feel the excitement in this sport again when nadal leaves, cherishing every moment. What a mannnn, oh the memories are back! 🐐❤️❤️❤️

Tennis is more interesting when Rafa is playing

@uros9412

12 күн бұрын

And Djokovic😉🔥

@juaneliasortegablasco6544

12 күн бұрын

​@@uros9412no transmite nada djokovic, es un jugador frío, pero muy efectivo

@HyperHorse

12 күн бұрын

I'm sorry but watching Nadal has always bored me to tears. Ever since 2005.

@berniesabandal8679

12 күн бұрын

He's like Mike Tyson of tennis.... everytime he plays, there's excitement and interest from the fans...(1980s mike Tyson)....

@obeydaud2059

12 күн бұрын

With roger gone, only rafa has the ability to pull huge amount of audiences

Every match he plays just makes me tear up. Whether he wins or loses, it’s emotional. Grateful for this display of greatness that we can still enjoy. Long live the king of clay!

@airkuna

12 күн бұрын

Open your legs for him!!!

@DanielBoonelight

12 күн бұрын

this totally and completely made me emotional too.

@gseric4721

12 күн бұрын

Same for me. Just the purest form of a competitor who doesn't quit until he knows he can't anymore.

@jm7804

12 күн бұрын

We have been spoiled by his brilliance. There's a reason why he leads in slam matches and finals against both Federer and Djokovic.

@airkuna

3 күн бұрын

​@@jm7804no he doesn't.. both Federer and djokovic is better

Almost 20 years watching this warrior...what an incredible man !

Nadal and Comebacks a famous love story

@jm7804

12 күн бұрын

There's still some magic left in that racquet. I was a little concerned after blowing 4 set points in the breaker, but obviously Nadal was not concerned. No matter what he's gonna go down swinging. He isn't even gone yet and I miss him already.

Brings tears to my eyes...how long will we be lucky watch you Dear Rafa

@Gersaomga

12 күн бұрын

eh emocionante mesmo e mto sorte de assistir Nadal em bela atuacao...ele eh incrivel

He may not be everyone's goat, but he's my goat. Vamos Rafa

I will never forget seeing Rafa the first time playing Davis cup against USA and Carlos Moya was world number 1 and instead of choosing hime they played an unknown guy called Rafa Nadal on a hard court against Andy Roddick; I thought the Spaniards had gone mad and playing in front of 20,000 people and Rafa won and from that moment I knew I had witnessed the beginning of an unbelievable career.He is the GOAT and a huge inspiration for all of us mere mortals

@jmtrevijano9160

12 күн бұрын

Yes, that one is also the first memorable match I remember watching Rafa Nadal.

@user-cy1up9vs5c

12 күн бұрын

Agree

@paritoshmalasavala3873

11 күн бұрын

Yes, he is the GOAT on clay courts.

4:24 Is when you know you're about to witness true greatness. That shot and the immediate extended grunt, he KNEW that was perfectly struck. It's shots like that I love about tennis, and the passion that comes along with playing like that as well!

The way he celebrated amazes me❤❤❤. He was thinking he was only 19 years old, vamos Rafa!!!

@alessandrotesta8582

12 күн бұрын

Exactly. Back in 2005 he used to celebrate almost every point cause he had the energy and "unawareness" of a 19yo kid. Now he does it cause he knows it could be his last chance to feel it.

I was in the stadium tonight and words cannot describe the feeling of cheering Rafa on with “my” people! What an incredible atmosphere!!! I saw all of his practices in Madrid and he really upped the intensity yesterday, so I knew he was ready! Every match we fans witness at this stage is a gift and DAMN, he brought it tonight!!!!

The emotion Nadal brings out of you as fan is just pure goosepumps. VAMOS RAFA..

4:22 , that roar with that backhand!!! That sound, along with the roar Djokovic makes when he hits an amazing shot like that, is the most beautiful sound a human being can make🤩 I’m swooning right now, that sound will put tears in my eyes way before Callas or Pavarotti😍

@nimra1984

12 күн бұрын

OUFFFTTTT goosebumps

@sheppard3167

12 күн бұрын

rocket backhand, what a shot

@Brandespada

12 күн бұрын

Before Pavarotti okay, but Callas, not sure!

@Tennisisreallyfun

12 күн бұрын

@@Brandespada First I thought the most beautiful sound a human could make was Callas singing the high E-Flat to end Aida in Mexico in ‘51. Then I followed the careers of Rafael and Djokovic. I know it’s sacrilege to say such a thing, but I’m a tennis player at heart, I’m sure Maria (and Luciano) will forgive me😂

@Tennisisreallyfun

12 күн бұрын

@@nimra1984 Right🤩 Hits me in the feels every time…

Nadal is truly one of the unique characters in the history of tennis! By his presence alone, he can electrify the whole arena. The greatest fighter in the history of tennis. As much as he is a nice guy off court, on court, his sole motto is to decimate you. A literal Beast incarnate on court. Whether you're a fan or not, you can't deny the fact that he will be sorely missed by all true tennis fans, once he puts down his racquet for good.

@omnamo-uf9th

12 күн бұрын

Well said!

@dielaughing73

12 күн бұрын

When Nole lets out that primal roar you know something good is about to happen

The energy, the intensity, the accuracy, the determination, the shot making. How can you not LOVE Rafa Nadal?

For those tennis fans born in the 80's and 90's Rafael Nadal is literally an emotion. Someone we grew up watching and more importantly getting inspired by.

4:22 The sliding pass backhand with that extended primal yell… I cried bro 😂😂 Actual tears 😭

Rafa's shape is steadily improving. This victory over #11 is his first match won this year that lasted over 1 1/2 hours. De Minaur is a relatively hot player. He is # 6 in the ATP Race. So Rafa's win is a highly notable one. VAMOS TORO !

@jacobschmidt2709

12 күн бұрын

Yes and no. De Minaur is a very good player this year, but clay is not his cup of tea. Demon mostly excels on hardcourts. It is still a good win for sure, but not as much as people are making it out to be.

@danbotez1307

12 күн бұрын

@@jacobschmidt2709 De Minaur did get, so far that year, to # 6 in the ATP Race before the clay season (i.e., on hardcourt). His clay play is pretty good, even if it "is not his cup of tea".

I'm not ready for him to leave tennis. All my faves left one after one another. The day he retires, I'll be crying bucket load of tears. But I'll forever be grateful to have seen guys like him and Federer in my lifetime.

2:51 that dynamite punch is strongest ever

He has improved so much knowing that Madrid has not been his fav place due to altitude but look at him so emotional seeing him play well

This feels so fucking nostalgic. I’m 24 now, but it’s like watching Nadal as an 8 year old boy again. Nadal is back!

An absolute genius. Djokovic fans may be correct when it comes to who the best ever is. But they cannot deny this man’s never die attitude is second to none. What an athlete and inspiration he is. Vamos the king of Clay!🇪🇸

Greatest of all time. No doubt. 💪🇪🇸

@valerioangelini6983

12 күн бұрын

On clay.

@user-eq7mo9st3u

12 күн бұрын

@@valerioangelini6983 GOAT in all turfs. In GS he has 11-7 record with Joker in finals. 4 US opens, 2 Aus in hard court. 6 in total. How many your hardcourter Joker has?In Grass he played the best tennis match ever, defeating the Grass all time champion Fed in 5 sets in 2008. 22 GS, 2 Olympics and 23 on the offing. And in ATP 1000 matches, he leads 408-88 while Joker is 403-88. So who is GOAT and dont forget his body with all the injuries. A fit Rafa would have won more Aus, US and Wim. The world of sports knows that he is the best ever sportsman in all the sports, let alone Tennis. Vamos Rafa, The Gladiator GOAT!

@valerioangelini6983

12 күн бұрын

@@user-eq7mo9st3u The truth is simple, Djokovic won 24 Grand Slams. Nobody like him, that's it.

@naeemulhassan3664

12 күн бұрын

What a foolish comment. He is clearly not a GOAT. GS: 24>>>22 1000s: 40>>>>36 W@1: 400>>>>209 YE NO1: 7>>>>4 ATP FINALS: 6>>>>0 How he is GOAT can you explain?

@ultramanx9568

12 күн бұрын

@@naeemulhassan3664Djokovic won most of his GS only after both Nadal and Roger get multiple injuries and getting way slower and old. During their early careers, Djokovic was Nadal and Fed biatch

Can barely serve, has two bum knees, and in only his 4th clay court match in almost 2 years he defeats the world n.11 and n. 8 in the 2024 ATP race. The indomitable spirit of Rafa Nadal will forever shine brightly for anyone who loves tennis.

@stephendiegomartin9993

12 күн бұрын

And a chronic sprain on his ankle

@Cinemadaptation

12 күн бұрын

well said

@snickaren111

12 күн бұрын

Very well said. Those three factors together shouldn't make possible. Somehow he raise above what's possible and not. Very inspiring!

@tisk21

12 күн бұрын

He has an earth angel so no more injuries and just working on his energy as well. No, he is not aware either....will divulge after Madrid or maybe not until Roland.

@stevenhartlaub4557

12 күн бұрын

I thought his serve was looking better.

It is such a joy to get to watch Rafa beat a player of Alex's level (#11) at this point in his career. The guy has barely played any matches... and yet somehow he can raise up and beat Alex - making some classic Nadal passing shots along the way. No other athlete has brought me as much joy as Rafa Nadal. So great to see him making excellent shots on the court again.

People were saying, there's no way Nadal is getting past second round. I know he's past his prime and injury prone, but my people, he's still Rafael frickin Nadal, never count him out on clay

even if he doesn't win a single match anymore! he is a brutal legend

Alex D "I'm gonna subdue Rafa back to back on Clay" Rafa " Relax kid, I'll give you hope but not that luxury again"

Quanta ammirazione. Quando si rivedrà un simile combattente!!!

thats reassuring. Really hope to see him in shape for his possible last RG. He really deserves to shine once more there !

@BonJ-zl2kp

12 күн бұрын

Imagine him winning there.. I’m gonna cry for real

@ABC-dw7pe

11 күн бұрын

It is his last he said so

Can't even thank my life enough for this moment. King roaring back For his revenge

One more time u can doit in 15French open ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.🎉what a legend in tennis history no one replace for 1000 years

What a match and what a man.

37 years young, the king of clay for many reasons congrats Rafa

No le den más vueltas, simplemente Rafa Nadal. 🙌🙌 VAMOOOOOSS!!!! 💪💪💪🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸

He practically stopped playing tennis post-USO 2022, played only 2 matches in 2023 and decided to take the year off due to injury, came back with big expectations and a high level in January just to get injured again in his 3rd match. And just when you think even the mighty Rafa may have had enough, he beats the world number #9 in straight sets at 38 years old... The mindset these giants have is unmatched, someone can match them sometimes on the court, but their mental strength... the Big3 were and still are on a level of their own. Greatness.

A great performance from the GOAT of clay. Hope he can make it to the quarterfinals

@JH-bb8in

12 күн бұрын

he's the GOAT. not just GOAT of clay

@AlanRR121

12 күн бұрын

@@JH-bb8in We all know who the GOAT is. There's a reason OP clearly stated 'of clay'.

@AnshulRajAcharya

12 күн бұрын

Rafa is the GOAT. Two slams have hardcourts on which Djokovic excels whereas only one slam on clay. Unfair advantage for Djokovic.

@naeemulhassan3664

12 күн бұрын

​@@JH-bb8in Are you fool! He is clearly not a GOAT of tennis. Do you want to debate on it?

@naeemulhassan3664

12 күн бұрын

@AnshulRajAcharya If if if doesn't exist at all. We dont make such excuses because Novak Djokovic is equally good at all surfaces. But Rafa is only good at Clay.

He's not a washed up star as what some people said! Best of luck, Champ 👍

@ilovek174

12 күн бұрын

🙌😍

@christophermeixell4978

12 күн бұрын

if he won another RG, some people would say the very next day that he's washed up. Hilarious

@daveaglasgow

12 күн бұрын

Yeah he lost playing his 3rd match in a year, and somehow everyone thought he was done. If he stays fit, the more matches the better he will get.

@Lynne.k

12 күн бұрын

Well said!

Vamos Rafa!!! You've inspired so many of us for such a long time. This farewell year will be so emotional 💪🏼🥹

Vamosss Nadal! Such perseverance, grit and determination. That never say die attitude still keeps him afloat. Go get them, king of clay!!!!!

The amount of topspin generated by Rafa is insane😂. So glad my idol is back❤

That backhand to go 15-40 in the last game. Wow ! 😮😮😮

Missed him much 👍😁, huge win for his confidence

He is world no.512 yet he gathered the largest crowd I’ve seen in a while. Go Rafa!

We don't really appreciate how lucky we are. Roger, Rafa, Novak. Thank you 🙌

Love from the Philippines Rafa! Good job 👏👏👏 Congrats.

Epico ! Quando vedi un campione dare tutto se stesso ad ogni punto è commovente per me ; commovente 😢💓❤😘🙏🙋

Wow Nadal's backhand was on fire this match!

GOD, WE'RE GONNA MISS THIS RAFAEL NADAL ❤

VAMOS RAFA. Interesting to see how far can he go in this tournament.

@danschannel169

12 күн бұрын

His next opponent just went three sets, however he's probably half his age 😮

His matches are always thriller. He is truly a superstar

Its improbable what this guy can do. He is an inspiration that has no equivalent in tennis.

Simply amazing! Rafa mixed things up so well and went for it! So happy for him.

Rafa unleashed and back in business! It is an honor to see him playing at this level again🙇🏼‍♂️. Wish him all the best for the coming matches. He is on a good way to his best. And we all know what is possible then! Vamos Rafa!💪🏻

One of the giants of tennis making his last moves. What a player 😍

I can watch those run around forehands all day long 😊

He's back!!

Rafa's back to the clay !!! The king has got a tight grip on his sword , now the sword will rain hell !!!!!!!!!

His energy , skills, passion & grunting makes tennis worth watching 🙌

I really hope he is back and healthy. Bro still got it. Even if this will be last season, im having fun watching him. What a god damn legend

Nice to see him playing and fighting like that keeeep going Rafa

The excitement and the feeling that Nadal brings to the court every time he steps up into it is just unbelievable and incomparable with any other player. So full of emotions...Nadal makes us love tennis. He the reasons why I watch tennis. Well done King..🙏❤🔥

The passion. The pride. The legacy. No one will ever come close. Tennis will never be the same without Rafa.

Goosebumps! Such a legend🙌💪

There is a reason why beating Rafael Nadal on Clay is mission impossible for most of the guys on tour. The man is in limp home mode stage of his career and still managed to beat world no 11.

One thing Rafa has earned better than Djokovic is "Audience"❤

@Lynne.k

10 күн бұрын

True that❤

@moontestsunny790

9 күн бұрын

They loveee Rafa

Rafa you got me crying happy tears ❤❤❤ congratulations you played amazing!!!

Huge improvement from the last week!! Especially on the backhand side! Very encouraging trend on the path to RG, let’s continue appreciating and wishing he stays healthy!

Vamosss Rafa!! Iconnn living 🙏🏻🙏🏻

@kavinvanichvirulh4477

12 күн бұрын

With Rafa back on tour my heart is full 🙏🏻💪💪

Watching Rafa after a year is just breath taking !!!

Been watching him since the beginning and it’s brilliant every time So going to miss him when he retires Hope he gets to win one more Roland Garroz

Just happy to see him enjoy a good match. Grateful to have seen some top tennis players in my life.

I had so many ghoosebumps during the match! Hope he keeps getting better and stays healthy.

Nadal is the crowdpuller like no one.

Rafa Magic!!! Less than a week from his last encounter with De Minaur but the progress of his game is phenome-Nadal as usual! Vamos!!! 💪🏻❤️

Seeing Rafa doing those passings made me so nostalgic that it brought tears to my eyes, I dreamed of seeing Rafa win matches like that once again, 20 years of being Nadalista, thank you so much, Vamos Rafa!

In his current state you'd think he should be eating at least one bagel or breadstick from any player in the top 30 and yet here he is straight setting the world no. 11. Rafa fighting spirit is actually just inhuman, inspirational

Good to see Nadal playing so well.

Man! This was an exceptional match. Good effort by De Minaur. Rafael was in the zone.

I've seen this man playing with broken back and still take a set from Stan Warinka in AO 2014 . Nothing surprises me when it comes to Nadal.

The King is back. 👑 Phenomenadal! This looked much more like the good old days. Keep going.

Never count him out . He will win roland Garros this year

@AlanRR121

12 күн бұрын

Just don't be so insecure to delete your comment when RG ends yeah?

@Laland_1196

12 күн бұрын

@@AlanRR121 yeah cry now

4:20 still having shivers from it. It gave me flashbacks from 2009 vs Djokovic

My GOAT roar back. What a display of talent by a 38 yr old King against a fresh blood and top 11. Hopefully his health will hold until the final at Roland Garros.👏👏👏

@user-eq7mo9st3u

12 күн бұрын

FO and Olympics.If he is winning both, then why not 2025. He cant just go away.

Vintage Rafa, let's see how far he can go in Madrid. Tsitsipas's loss has opened up his side of the draw a bit.

that's a surprise, a world number 600 hundred something upsetting a world number 11, don't see that often, watch out for this kid, got potential for sure, what's the name again? yes , nadal, gotta keep an eye on this kid

@user-eq7mo9st3u

12 күн бұрын

😄😄😀🤣 37 yrs too. We want this kid to play forever!

I’m speechless with tears …I hav nothing particular to tell but only this ❤❤❤❤❤❤

RAFA way to go congratulations I’m so delighted that you’re even the square with Alex 🎉🎉🎉🎉

VAMOS RAFA GLADIATOR OF TENNIS LEGEND OF TENNIS

Vamosss nadal my man❤❤

Un regalo de la vida verte jugar héroe. Vamos Rafa!.

2:31 - I think this is the most important point of the whole match. He had lost 4 points in a row in the tiebreak, from 6-2 to 6-6 and then he came with this incredible cross-court backhand... I missed these clutch moments so much. He was so pumped in this match, so glad and honored to watch him!