"Your career's been about never giving up" - Days after "feeling like Rafael Nadal," Zhang Shuai honors retiring legend with a rare message

Zhang Shuai paid tribute this week to Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard announced his retirement. The 38-year-old, who has established himself as one of the greatest tennis players ever, said just a few days back that he would call quits on his career after the knockout stages of the Davis Cup, which take place in November.

A lot of people from the tennis fraternity have paid tribute to Nadal and Zhang is among the recent additions to that list. The 35-year-old shared a few images of herself with the Spaniard in an Instagram post, saying while she does not write too often due to her English, she wanted to "try" for him.

The World No. 238 heaped praise on Nadal's "tremendous career" and "fighting spirit", which she said inspired her and many others. Zhang also stated that the Spaniard's career was about "never giving up, willpower and perseverance". Zhang wrote,

"Usually I’m not writing that often especially on my poor English, but @rafaelnadal I really want try for you . It’s sooo hard to say goodbye but we have to face it. Congratulations what you have done, the tremendous career, how phenomenal achievement. Your fighting spirit inspiring me and many many people and players . Your gorgeous are not only the results , it’s many many times you beat the unbelievable comeback .Your career has been about never giving up, willpower and perseverance! We will miss you and thank you #rafa"

Zhang Shuai had an impressive run at the China Open, reaching the quarterfinals. During the WTA 1000 event, the 35-year-old likened her feeling on Beijing's Diamond Court to Nadal on the French Open's Court Philippe Chatrier during a post-match press conference.

"I said when I'm on this court, like Rafa on Philippe Chatrier, feeling so good . I have no idea. I don't know why, but every time when I play China Open, I play so good, so well. Maybe because this court and my tennis is so working, like Rafa on French Open."

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Zhang Shuai dismisses court comparisons with Rafael Nadal during China Open

Zhang Shuai in action at the China Open (Image Source: Getty)

Zhang Shuai booked her place in the quarterfinals of the China Open with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Magdalena Frech. In her post-match press conference, the 35-year-old was asked about her previously stating that she felt like Nadal on Philippe Chatrier.

Zhang said that she could not compare herself with the Spaniard, who she said was her "favorite player", clarifying that she just felt comfortable on the Diamond Court. She said,

"Hmm... I mean, I can't compare with my favorite player, I mean, just because the surface. I mean, on this surface I play so comfortable, I mean, like Rafa on French Open, Chatrier, the court. Still very far away from Rafa to me."

Nadal and Spain will start their campaign in the Davis Cup knockouts against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, with the winner facing either Germany or Canada in the semifinals.

The 38-year-old has played just 19 singles matches so far in 2024, winning 12, with his best performance coming at the Nordea Open in Bastad where he reached the final.