How being in the same room as Rafael Nadal before final group match had an effect on rising star Joao Fonseca at Next Gen ATP Finals

Rafael Nadal met Joao Fonseca and a few other Next Gen ATP players ahead of their matches on Friday, December 20. Fonseca called the Spaniard his inspiration and credited him for his form.

Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis on October 10, 2024, by sharing an emotional video on social media. After the announcement, he competed in two tournaments — the Six Kings Slam and the Davis Cup Finals.

On November 19, he played the final match of his career, and days later he made his first tennis appearance at the Next Gen ATP Finals, which commenced on December 18 and will conclude on December 22.

The tournament is being held in Jeddah. Ahead of the players' matches, the 38-year-old met them. Following this meet, Fonseca, who had already qualified for the semifinals, squared off against Jakub Mensik in the group stage and dominated the match with a score of 3-4(4), 4-3(4), 4-3(2), 3-4(4), 4-3 (5).

After the match, the 18-year-old opened up about his win and said he met Nadal and was inspired by him.

"I met Rafa today so I am a bit of like inspired by him. Well, actually, I was with Alex and Jakub, and he said a little bit more of his experience, which is a lot and his mentality, he is a hardworker, so, it's really nice and really inspired me today," said Fonseca.

Rafael Nadal opens up about how his father inspired him in his toughest days

Davis Cup Final - Netherlands v Spain Quarter-Final - Source: Getty

Rafael Nadal recalled an incident in an interview with The Players' Tribune, where he spoke about his threatening diagnosis at the age of 17 and how his father Sebastian influenced him to stay positive. He said he used to cry all day thinking about his disease, but his father assured him that they would come up with a solution, and if not, then there are more things to explore than tennis. The Spaniard considered himself 'lucky' to have his father beside him.

"I got hurt when I was 17 and I was told I would probably never play professional tennis again. I learned that things can end in an instant. It’s not just a tiny crack in my foot, it’s a disease. There’s no cure, only management. Mueller-Weiss syndrome. What does that even mean? You go from the greatest joy to waking up the next morning not being able to walk," Rafael Nadal said.

Extending gratitude toward his father, the former player added:

"I spent many days at home crying, but it was a great lesson in humility, and I was lucky to have a father — the real influence I’ve had in my life — who was always so positive. 'We will find a solution,' he said. 'And if we don’t, there are other things in life outside of tennis.'"

Rafael Nadal won 92 singles titles in the entire course of his career, including 22 Grand Slams.