When I see a picture of Rafael Nadal, it gives me an instant reminder to give a little bit more & try that little bit harder: Prakash Amritraj

Tennis commentator Prakash Amritraj heaped praise on Rafael Nadal in a recent interview, saying the Spaniard has transcended tennis to become a "symbol" of inspiration for millions around the world, including himself. Amritraj remarked with pride that even looking at a photo of Nadal was sufficient to give him an extra boost of motivation at whatever task he was occupied with.

Speaking on the Match Point Canada podcast, the Indian revealed that he was not at all surprised by the grit and perseverance the Mallorcan has displayed even at this age.

The 35-year-old is currently on a 15-0 unbeaten run in 2022, his best ever start to a season, and has won three titles including a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Amritraj revealed that the Mallorcan was amongst the few who had made their way onto his "vision board" because of their role as inspirational figures.

"No, I am not surprised [that Rafael Nadal keeps coming back and winning even at the age of 35] but I am very appreciative that we get to witness these kinds of feats. My favorite thing about Rafa is this: I have a vision board for people that inspire me, and Rafa is on there," said Amritraj.

"Not because of what he has achieved, but because he is the kind of guy that whenever I see a picture of him, it just gives me that instant reminder to give a little bit more to whatever I am doing. Just to try that little bit harder," Amritraj added.

Prakash Amritraj likened the former World No. 1 to the iconic fictional character of Batman for the sheer amount of hope and motivation he lends to his fans. The 38-year-old also compared Nadal to basketball greats Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, two players who had transcended sport.

"For me, the fact that he is like a symbol of that, of something more - you know what they say in Christopher Nolan's Batman where [Christian] Bale talks about being something more? Honestly, I think Rafa has gravitated towards that for me. Michael Jordan is like that, Kobe Bryant is like that," Amritraj said. "He is not [just] a guy who has made all these achievements, he is [also] like a symbol of giving everything of yourself. And he does that every time he steps on the court."

"Everyone said Rafael Nadal's body would break down and that he wouldn't last more than a decade. And look at what he is doing at this age" - Prakash Amritraj

Prakash Amritraj was astounded by how Rafael Nadal had proved detractors wrong about his playstyle

Prakash Amritraj further added that his second favorite thing about Rafael Nadal was the way he conducted himself with poise and grace on the tennis court. Amritraj recalled an incident from the 2019 ATP Finals when Nadal came back 5-1 down in the deciding set against Daniil Medvedev to win the match.

Amritraj recounted how the World No. 4 revealed after the match that he was conscious about not showing his anger on the tennis court even when he was almost down and out. Nadal's reason for doing so was that he did not want to become a bad role model for children. For Amritraj, that was enough to solidify the Mallorcan's status as one of his favorites.

"My second favorite thing about [Rafael Nadal] is his attitude. I remember in 2019, when I was at the 2019 ATP Tour Finals, where he beat Daniil Medvedev in the round robin stage," Amritraj said. "He was down 5-1 in the third set. And he says, "The children shouldn't be inspired by the fact that I won the match from 5-1 down. They should be inspired by the fact that when I was 5-1 down, I never threw my racquet. Or that I never got angry." And I'm like that's it."

Amritraj could not stop showering praise on the former World No. 1, as he threw one superlative after another to describe how the 21-time Grand Slam champion has managed to outdo predictions about his longevity.

The 38-year-old reminded fans about how pundits did not think Nadal's body could handle the stress of his physically demanding playstyle. But the Spaniard has proved them all wrong with his determination, cementing his status as one of the best players the game has ever seen.

"Those are the two things I like most about him. And when someone embodies those two things, nothing surprises you. The guy's had his greatest start to a season, and he has been at it for 20 years," Amritraj said. "This is the guy everyone said his body would break down and that he wouldn't last more than a decade. And look at what he is doing at this age. It is mind-blowing, it is astounding and it is inspiring."