"I could listen to Rafael Nadal for a long time" - Rare insight into teaming up with Spanish legend shared by WTA's Nuria Parrizas-Diaz

Nuria Parrizas-Diaz is one of the few WTA players who got the chance to team up with Rafael Nadal. Parrizas and Nadal represented Spain at the 2023 United Cup and the former World No. 45 claimed the Spanish tennis icon "really likes to talk."

The 2023 United Cup was the first mixed-gender team competition to award both ATP and WTA points. The hardcourt event kicked off the season for both tours, running from late December 2022 into January 2023.

At the event, Spain was represented by Rafael Nadal, Nuria Parrizas-Diaz, Paula Badosa, Albert Ramos Vinolas, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and David Vega Hernandez. In an exclusive interview with CLAY on November 13 this year, Parrizas recalled the rare experience of teaming up with the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

"In the end, I got to know him more personally. I used to know him just from watching his matches, seeing him with his team, but there I was able to get to know him a bit more and see up close what a great person he is," Parrizas said.

"I could listen to him for a long time and would learn a lot. He really likes to talk," she added.

The Spaniards, however, had a disappointing outing in Sydney, losing both their ties. In the first tie, Great Britain defeated Spain 4-1 with only Paula Badosa winning her singles match. Next, Australia defeated Spain 3-2 with Parrizas and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro earning points. Nadal lost both his singles matches against Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur in three sets.

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Teaming up with Rafael Nadal at the United Cup 2023 was a "dream come true" for Nuria Parrizas-Diaz

Rafael Nadal at the 2023 United Cup in Sydney (Image: Getty)

In the aforementioned interview with CLAY, when asked about the rare experience of teaming up with Rafael Nadal at the 2023 United Cup, Nuria Parrizas-Diaz described it as a "dream." She shared:

"Honestly, it was a dream come true. I never imagined being there with him, having him on the bench, telling me what I should do. I listened to him, only to him."

"They were advising from everyone, but I was listening only to him, always thinking, 'Let’s see what Rafa says, let’s hear Rafa first.' He was incredibly impressive; he treated everyone really well. I’ll always have that wish to compete alongside him again," she added.

Currently, both Parrizas and Nadal are on duty for their nation again. The 33-year-old WTA player will represent Spain at the ongoing Billie Jean King Cup Finals. They will play against Iga Swiatek's Poland with the winner taking on the Czech Republic in the quarterfinal.

Meanwhile, Nadal is preparing for the final tournament of his illustrious career at the Davis Cup Finals. He will represent Spain against the Netherlands in the quarterfinal.